KC Parent December 2023

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DECEMBER 2023

IN EVERY ISSUE

HOLIDAY FUN GUIDE, PGS. 38-51

10

Date Night

14

Dear Teacher

16

Healthy Kids

17

Word from Dad

18

5 Things

25

Tasty Treats

39

Craft Corner

SPECIAL SECTIONS FEATURES

30

34

44

Problem Solving

Parent Not Referee

Gift of Presence

Imparting a skill that lasts

Navigating hardship with

Time together is of

a lifetime.

children.

immeasurable value.

22

Party Guide

38

Holiday Fun Guide

52

Calendar of Events

Our cover features Cameran and Cohan from Overland Park.

Photo by Melissa Rieke Photography.

MelissaRiekePhotography.com FREE | December 2023 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

A JOLLY HOLIDAY PRESENCE

ON THE COVER

OVER PRESENTS

A Jolly Holiday 38

KC STOCKING

KC Stocking Stuffers 42 Presence Over Presents 44 Iconic Local Traditions 48

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kcparent.com december 2023

ICONIC LOCAL TRADITIONS

STUFFERS

EDITOR’SLETTER DECEMBER 2023

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

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Lauri Clapper, Editor

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LOCAL CONTENT

Local Contributing Writers Bill Bartlett (Kansas City), Hannah Berry (Kansas City), Julie Collett (Overland Park), Janelle Cumro-Sultzer (Manhattan), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Elizabeth Hammond (Overland Park), Christa Hines (Olathe), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Sarah Lyons (Olathe), Joleen Sams (Shawnee) Mailing Address 11937 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS FREE | December 2023 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

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hope & help for

AMAZING ATTRACTIONS

IDEAS TO

BLESS

ICONIC LOCAL TRADITIONS

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JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER

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C

learly I enjoy all the flair and festivity of the holidays!

This season centers on a particularly famous baby. Whether you’ve evaluated Him or not, His story is simple, profound, fascinating and potentially life-changing. It behooves you to understand this story if only to hold it in historical context. As such, I encourage you to check out a living Nativity or pageant this season. You can find great resources for this online at KCParent.com/Christmas-in-KC. We celebrate another December baby at our house: my firstborn, Rachel. We marvel and giggle now at that first Christmas holding a baby of our own. It wasn’t nearly as quaint as it sounds. I was very sick on Christmas Eve, but thanks to an exceptional lactation consultant, I sidestepped spending Christmas in the hospital. We were starstuck, exhausted and bursting with pride and joy— truly the best Christmas gift!

That first year when Rachel sprang on the scene, I simply couldn’t imagine anything other than surviving. As our family took shape, though, and we leaned into figuring out how to celebrate the season, we added many layers … moments and memories with family and friends, flavors we make and share (see Easy Peanut Clusters on pg. 25), events that honor and celebrate our faith.

We decorate our space with things that hold sentimental value and give many traditions their annual homage.

December provides a swirl of activities.

And as the pace quickens toward the big day and all that we do to celebrate the season, I always say, “Be sure to write it down and show up!” In an effort to truly enjoy this “hap-happiest” time of the year, glean some tips from our Holiday Fun Guide (pg. 38) and put a bow on 2023 with some great New Year’s celebration ideas from Elizabeth Hammond (pg. 50).

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Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect KC Parent’s opinions.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. Kansas City Parent Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All photography and letters sent to KC Parent will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. KC Parent often includes websites that may be helpful to our readers. We verify each site prior to publication. However, content changes frequently. We encourage you to use caution and discretion when visiting a website.

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KCPARENT.COM Even More Local Parenting Information, Articles, Events and Surprises

SEARCH KCPARENT.COM FOR MORE AFFORDABLE FUN IDEAS: 1. Ultimate Christmas Fun Guide 2. FREE Holiday Fun 3. Santa Sightings

4. Best Christmas Lights in KC 5. Winter Sports: Ice Rinks and Skiing

SPOTLIGHT

KC’S LIVING NATIVITY GUIDE Whether it’s a piece of history or a part of your faith, celebrate the birth of Christ at a local living Nativity.

6. Living Nativity Guide 7. Live Shows and Holiday Performances

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DATES GOING LOCAL

DATENIGHT

10 december 2023 kcparent.com

SWEET KISS BRIGADEIRO Located on the Country Club Plaza is a little dessert shop called Sweet Kiss Brigadeiro. What’s a brigadeiro, you say? Well, it’s a type of truffle that is made from chocolate and sweetened condensed milk. It differs from a traditional truffle in that it is soft on the inside AND on the outside.

Launched by a mother-daughter team in 2015, Sweet Kiss brings Brazil’s signature sweet treat to KC. With flavors like coffee, dolce de leche and crunchy strawberry, the shop offers a brigadeiro to fit all tastes. We sampled eight of their flavors and enjoyed them all, but our favorites were cookies and cream and dark chocolate with roasted almonds. Sweet Kiss also has other yummy baked goods like tarts and brownies.

CHRISTOPHER ELBOW CHOCOLATES Do you need a gift for a special someone? A gift to impress? Or maybe just a special treat for yourself? If so, head to Christopher Elbow Chocolates in the Crossroads. The shop is small, but the chocolates are mighty! Really, they are works of art. A custom box of four is $13, which is a little on the pricey side. But for a special occasion, it is totally warranted.

And they are very tasty as well! We like to go on First Fridays when they offer select pieces for $1 each from 4:00 to 6:00. They usually sell out by 5:30, though, so get there early!

ANDRE’S Since 1955, Andre’s has been churning out delicious Swiss chocolate. And of all the chocolate places in KC, it is our favorite. When you walk in the front doors of their flagship store on the Plaza, you find yourself in the chocolate shop. The cases beckon to you with their pastries, cakes, quiches and chocolates. Then, the shelves and shelves of packaged goodies call to you.

It’s hard to know where to look first. They also have a separate tea room beyond the store, where they serve breakfast and lunch. We recommend having the prix fixe lunch, which includes a drink, entree, two sides and dessert. Their chicken salad sandwich and quiche Lorraine are solid choices.

And you absolutely must try the chocolate raspberry pastry and the leckerli cookies, made from a centuries-old recipe from Basel, Switzerland.

ANNEDORE’S FINE CHOCOLATES Annedore’s Fine Chocolates, located in the Westwood Hills Historic District, is a must-stop for chocolate lovers … and has been for more than 30 years. They specialize in handcrafted European-style truffles. They also offer caramels, toffee and bark, among other things. We sampled several truffles. Whatever else you decide on, be sure to get the Peanut Butter Dream, one of their most popular items, that’s truly just that. Dreamy. While you are there, be sure to look around the shop, as they have some great gift items.

Hannah Berry is a freelance writer who lives in the Northland with her husband. They love to explore Kansas City and try new restaurants and activities. Check out her Facebook page, Out & About in KC.

FOR MORE GREAT DATE NIGHT IDEAS, GO TO KCPARENT.COM!

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Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered in KC Parent magazine. Animal expert, Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA, is the Senior Director of Animal Behavior and Training at Great Plains SPCA. Ashley has more than 16 years of experience in animal training and behavior.

12 december 2023 kcparent.com

5424 Antioch Drive Merriam, KS 66202 (913) 831-7722 | www.greatplainsspca.org

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kcparent.com december 2023

13

Q&A DEARTEACHERS

BY PEGGY GISLER AND MARGE EBERTS

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY— AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY FOR CHILDREN

PARENTS: The benefits of physical activity are well-known.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that physical activity helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints. And according to the AAP, it helps keep a healthy body mass and reduces the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease later in life. Plus, studies show that when children exercise sufficiently, benefits include such things as better school performance, higher self-esteem as well as better attention and behavior.

Are Your Children as Physically Active as They Should Be? The older children get, the less physically active they are likely to be. Only one in four high school students will exercise for an hour a day. Furthermore, all the research shows that few children meet the well-researched standards set by the AAP and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Compare how active your children are to these standards: Infants: Supervised daily tummy time and other interactive play, spread throughout the day.

Children ages 3-5 years: At least 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity per day, and they should not be sedentary for more than 60 minutes at a time except when sleeping. Activities should be light, moderate and vigorous.

playing on a jungle gym, climbing trees or simply walking, running and jumping outside. Older children ages 6-17 should be doing aerobic activities that make their hearts beat faster. They should also be strengthening their muscles through activities like climbing or doing push-ups. They also need to be doing bone-strengthening activities like jumping or running. When children become adolescents, they can start structured weight-lifting programs, which may be part of sports team practices.

Many children enjoy participating in team sports. When they first start a sport, around age 5, the main idea is to find one that focuses on fun, has few rules and does not stress competition. Up until kids reach age 9, fun remains important as well as the need to avoid having to learn complex rules.

By age 10, children are ready to learn rules, strategy and teamwork and are ready for some competition.

Getting Physical Activities into Your School Children’s Days Days are full and busy for most families. If your children are not getting sufficient time for physical activities at school, you should make time for them at home. Here are some suggestions: Before school – walking the dog, walking or biking to school, emptying wastebaskets, taking out the garbage

Children 5-17: Should have 60 minutes of physical activity daily with its being vigorous activity at least three days a week.

After school – walking or biking home, participating in an activity like karate, gymnastics, dancing or swimming, playing a team sport or simply playing outside with friends

Appropriate Types of Activities

Weekends – family hikes, doing chores, dancing together, swimming, playing a sport together

Not all physical activity is appropriate for every age group. Infants need to be in settings that promote skill development in movement. Parents and caregivers can give them spontaneous opportunities when diapering, bathing and dressing them and through games like pat-a-cake and peekaboo. Children ages 3-5 should be encouraged to play.

They do not need formal muscle strengthening programs, such as lifting weights. They will strengthen their muscles by

Ways to Encourage Children to Be Active Nothing is likely to encourage children more to be physically active than having parents who savor physical activity. And the second thing is finding activities that are fun for them to do. Introduce them to a variety of activities, so they can find ones that are appealing to them. © Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2023

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kcparent.com december 2023

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Warm a loved one’s heart this holiday season by adopting one of the Zoo’s beloved animal residents, including a llama, donkey, capybara, red panda, hippo, and sea turtle!

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HEALTHYKIDS Natural Remedies for Cold Symptoms Now that you know general comfort measures, let’s discuss remedies for more specific symptoms.

Runny nose: Babies and young children with colds are snot machines. Snot removal is up to you until your child learns how to blow into a tissue. Several devices are on the market, but nasal saline rinse and a bulb syringe work well too.

Cough and congestion: Cough is a protective mechanism.

It helps your child clear his throat of mucous, germs and irritants, decreasing the chance of pneumonia development. Cough medication should never be given to kids under 4 years old, and only in rare cases above that.

Honey is the best natural cough remedy for children over 1 year old. You can give 1/2-1 teaspoon of honey, either all at once or diluted in a bit of warm water. It soothes the throat and decreases inflammation.

Home Remedies for Cough and Cold Season

C

ough and cold season is here, and having a sick kiddo in the house is no fun. If your little one is starting to feel under the weather, you have several options to make them more comfortable.

General Comfort Measures The majority of childhood infections are caused by viruses, so antibiotics aren’t necessary or helpful. Most home remedies are simple and have been used for centuries.

Hydration: Encourage frequent sips of water. Your child should have a sippy cup or water bottle close at all times. Avoid large amounts of fruit juice or sugary beverages. Provide both comfort and hydration with warm options such as milk, non-caffeinated teas or water with honey and lemon Chicken noodle soup: It’s a standard cold and flu comfort food for a reason. Though the research is mixed on direct cold-fighting benefits, chicken noodle soup does help you stay hydrated and may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Rest: Allow plenty of time for rest. Your immune system is hard at work during illness, leaving less energy for play. When your child starts feeling better, you’ll know it because her energy will bounce back.

Sore throat: Popsicles and saltwater gargles are great options for soothing a sore throat. Babies and toddlers may enjoy a mesh teether frozen with fruit if they aren’t ready for Popsicles.

Saltwater gargles are easy to make. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Have your child take a mouthful, swish and gargle for about 15 seconds, then spit it out. You may have to encourage kids because they find the taste yucky, but it’s an excellent remedy to ease pain and inflammation.

Fever: You can naturally reduce fever by giving children a lukewarm bath or placing a cool compress on their forehead.

Avoid natural supplements without speaking to your pediatrician first. Remember that fever itself is not bad; it’s just a sign your immune system is working.

Preventing Illness in Young Children You won’t prevent every cold or cough, but there are several ways to protect your family this winter.

• Teach how and when to wash hands with soap and water.

• Teach how to cover a cough.

• Keep hand sanitizer available when handwashing is not an option.

• Keep your children home from school and activities when they are sick.

Until there’s a cure for the common cold, these home remedies should help you manage all the uncomfortable symptoms. Snuggle up with a good book or movie, and your little one will feel better soon.

Joleen Sams lives with her family in Shawnee. She’s a family nurse practitioner who has always loved taking care of kids and their families.

Heads up: Add an extra pillow to boost a child’s head up during sleep (over age 1). This makes it easier to breathe and decreases nighttime coughing.

Sources:

Humidify the air: A cool-mist humidifier helps thin mucous, making it easier to cough out. Without a humidifier, all that gunk can dry out, get crusty and make it harder to breathe overnight.

VeryWellHealth.com, “Natural Cold Treatments for Kids”

16 december 2023 kcparent.com

HealthyChildren.org, “Coughs and Colds: Medicines or Home Remedies?”

WORDFROMDAD

THE DAY I DIDN’T THINK I’D SEE “Dad, what should I get Ian for Christmas?”

I’d been going through my social media when James interrupted me with a question I didn’t think I’d ever hear. “Did you ask him?”

“No. I didn’t want to spoil the surprise.”

“You two have been fighting like cats and dogs since you were little. Normally, we have to force you two to buy a present for each other. Why do you want to know now?”

“Sometimes, he helps me when I ask and does it without any drama.”

“Is that all?”

James sat next to me. “No. When he went to visit Aunt Debbie in Texas, it was too quiet while he was gone. I felt like something was missing and didn’t like it.”

Some cases of sibling rivalry can last a lifetime. Maybe theirs wouldn’t.

“So, what could I get Ian for Christmas?”

“What do you think he’d want?”

James rose and paced around the room.

“Maybe a video game?”

“What kind of video game?” I had some pretty strict rules about those time thieves and would not let some in under my roof, no matter how old the boys were. “Would you two be able to play together?”

“He doesn’t like what appeals to me.”

James gave a big sigh. “He likes horror and I don’t.”

“I’d rather Ian moved away from that stuff anyway. Do you have any other ideas?”

After a moment, James brightened. “I know! Some equipment for his living history impression!”

“That’s a great idea, James. Let me think.”

I ran my fingers through my beard. “How about a candle lantern, a wool blanket and an antique knife and fork set?”

“Yeah! Thanks, Dad. I can hardly wait to see his face on Christmas!”

I’d waited over 20 years for this moment.

“Me too, James.”

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William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family. kcparent.com december 2023

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FIVETHINGS Across the Board Horseracing Game Easy to learn, engaging and fun! Great for all ages and really any number of players.

This game is beautifully crafted of solid wood with metal racehorses. Gamble for real or not. It makes for a truly winsome game night! I am won over by the fact that it is family owned and operated and handmade in St. Louis. ATBGame.com

The Christ of Christmas Anyone else ever told your kids the Nativity set on display during the Christmas season is “not for touching”? Help make the manger scene come to life with this beautifully illustrated book that helps to not only breathe life into the traditional Christmas decoration, but also makes it tangibly applicable to our lives. Using the parent connection questions provided brought wonderful conversation. The baby in the manger is not simply the reason for a season—He is the reason for all of life. Enjoy this beautiful story afresh. Amazon.com

5

THINGS WE

LOVE RIGHT NOW

Compiled by Lauri Clapper

Holiday Lights I am not a fan of the days’ getting shorter … until the evenings are filled with the splendor of holiday lights.

My preference doesn’t include a color scheme; it’s simply more! One December evening we will pile everyone and the dog into the car to go oooh and aaah at light displays across Kansas City. Highly anticipated destinations this year include Winter Magic and Enchant Christmas. Find a fabulous list online at KCParent.com/Christmas-in-KC.

Advent calendar December bursts with anticipation! Weeks upon weeks of waiting ... just waiting, which is hard for everyone. This is why I love an Advent calendar.

Small surprises to enjoy every day that build to something greater. For years, our family has read a devotional and dressed a Jesse Tree.

Recently, my daughter and husband enjoyed a cheese Advent calendar, others an escape room type of Advent calendar. All of them help us bide our time and anticipation. Find something fun that helps your family celebrate the season day by day!

12 Days of Winter Wonder Not only does this gift set come with impeccable presentation, it is also delicious! We recently sampled this whole 12-day spread in one afternoon. Spirited banter ensued as the boys fought over the meat sticks. The rest of us sampled the delicious nut medleys with civility and concluded with ease that their mantra “Snacks Guys Love” is incredibly fitting. DMSnacks.com

18 december 2023 kcparent.com

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19

The Best S.T.E.A.M. Resources in Kansas City Science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.) are all important areas of academic focus. For parents who want to foster a love of learning and increased interested in these topics, we are fortunate to have great resources right in our own backyard.

Dan & Cassidy Towriss IDEA Space KC is a hands-on learning center. Using science, technology, engineering, arts and math as conduits to spark children’s imaginations, IDEA Space seeks to create a bright future for Kansas City’s next generation of innovators. In the Makerspace, Technology Lab, Incubation Hub and Fabrication Workshop, students learn to use cutting-edge tools and technology.

IdeaSpaceKC.org The Linda Hall Library of Science, Engineering and Technology is an invaluable resource for the greater Kansas City area. Their slogan, “Where Science Lives,” is a fitting descriptor for the research library offering thousands of resources for those studying technology, engineering and science.

Research librarians are on-site ready to help students and adults alike as they delve into projects.

Students may consider a visit to the library to research their ideas. LindaHall.org Science City at Union Station is a favorite place to spend a day as a family. Kansas City’s largest, most interactive science museum offers something for visitors of all ages. Little ones especially love three experiential, hands-on exhibitions: Let’s Play!, Creative Corner and All Aboard. Older children love the classic exhibits that include dinosaurs, water, DNA, the human brain, energy and more.

ScienceCity.UnionStation.org Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is a 202-acre animal lover’s paradise. Home to the new Sobela Aquarium, a 650,000-gallon aquarium housing thousands of aquatic animals, this is one of our favorite places in the city. For families with a passion for conservation and science, a visit to the zoo is a must. Explore Africa where you will see giraffes, hippos, zebras, lions, chimpanzees and more. Visit Polar Bear Passage, Helzberg Penguin Plaza, the Discovery Barn, Australia, Tiger Trail and Stingray Bay. KansasCityZoo.org Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Explore this world-class museum where you can enjoy everything from ancient to modern art. The museum is home to extensive Chinese and Japanese galleries, African and Indian art, American Impressionists, European classics, Native American art and Modern art. Enjoy free festivals throughout the year or attend a class or workshop to learn more about art. Nelson-Atkins.org

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KC’s Sweet Holiday Treats Many local shops specialize in holiday treats with a rich heritage. Some favorites include: Wally’s Pastry Shop is beloved for their chocolate houses at Christmastime.

Master pastry chefs Wally Uhl and his son, Manfred, were trained in Europe, and they’ve been preparing their confections for Kansas Citians, including President Truman and other local celebrities, for decades. North Kansas City, 816.452.7535 Strawberry Hill Povitica makes handmade European sweet bread in an open kitchen where customers can watch as the bread is baked from scratch.

Merriam, 800.634.1002

Dolce Bakery’s chocolate yule log cake is one of many favorite pastries at this shop, which also specializes in cookies, cakes and baked treats. Prairie Village, 913.236.4411

Topsy’s Popcorn Serving Kansas City their famous gourmet popcorn since 1950, Topsy’s makes it seem like Christmas. At our house, their popcorn is essential to our holiday celebration, in flavors of cinnamon, cheese and caramel, presented in their fabulous Plaza tin. Multiple locations, TopsysPopcorn.com

Laura Little’s makes beautiful chocolates, and they’ll even personalize them for your loved ones—but their fudge can’t be beat. Prairie Village, 913.722.2226 Cupcake A La Mode is a boutique-style cupcake café, serving at least 21 different flavors of fresh-baked gourmet cupcakes as well as a variety of signature blended coffees and teas. Kansas City, Mo., 816.960.1911

McLain’s started in Waldo in 1945 and is one of Kansas City’s oldest bakeries. A family-owned establishment baking fresh pastries, birthday and wedding cakes, bread, cookies, and desserts! Multiple locations, McLainsKC.com

kcparent.com december 2023

21

PARTYGUIDE

BIRTHDAYS ON A BUDGET REUSE AND REPURPOSE BIRTHDAY DECOR

Where fun

TAKES FLIGHT! With attractions that cater to any level of adventurer, there’s something fun for everyone.

Both locations now open

UrbanAirLenexa.com

8554 Maurer Road • Lenexa, KS 66219 • (913) 359-5800

UrbanAirOverlandPark.com

14401 Metcalf Ave • Overland Park, KS 66223 • (913) 298-0626

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A

ll parents want their child’s birthday to be special, but the costs of throwing a party can really add up, especially if you have multiple children. Is it really possible to cut party costs without losing the fun and excitement that parents and kids alike have come to love? One way to cut down on costs is by purchasing birthday supplies that can be reused or repurposed year after year.

The easiest way to start saving on party decor is to stock up on items when they are on sale or clearance. Choose items that are not theme specific and select a variety of colors that are gender neutral.

Basic birthday signs, party lanterns and photo backdrops can be reused again and again. You even can make your own decor out of stronger materials like cardstock or cardboard or hit up the dollar store for streamers and signs that can be used repeatedly. As you collect a stash of items,

store it someplace organized and easily accessible for when the next birthday arrives.

When purchasing items for the special day, you may find it wise to spend a little extra money on birthday items you know can be used many times over several years. Purchase games that can be used every year, like bingo, bean bag toss or yard games such as badminton.

These games are fun for any party, and you’ll see a return on your investment quickly. Chalkboards for birthday signs, cake stands and punch bowls also can be purchased once and used for many parties.

Another fun way to get mileage from your money is buying dress-up items that can be used for a photo booth year after year, such as hats, silly glasses, feather boas or masks. Kids of any age will have a great time posing in different costumes. Many of these items can be purchased at a dollar

INVITE YOUR FAVORITE PRINCESS OR SUPERHERO TO YOUR NEXT PARTY!

store, garage sales or may be lying around your house. Choose a basic birthday backdrop for your photo booth or use a plain sheet or tablecloth to keep things simple and affordable for your photo backdrop. A number of fun apps allow you to put in different backdrops if you use a green background. Photos taken in the photo booth can double as thank you cards for your guests.

Saving money on tableware is possible in a few different ways. Cloth tablecloths and plastic plates can be washed and used again. They will last for years after a onetime investment. If the thought of extra cleanup doesn’t appeal to you, try buying a giant roll of white butcher paper and unrolling it on the table as a tablecloth.

Allow kids to color right on the tablecloth during the party. When the festivities are over, simply roll up the paper and toss it.

One roll of paper will last for years, and

because of the neutral color, it can be used for many holidays and birthdays.

Another way to save on birthday expenses is to replace balloons with party lanterns. You can purchase these for about the same price as balloons, but instead of getting a one-time use, you can utilize them over and over again. By choosing a variety of neutral colors, you will save money and enjoy a very festive look.

Once the party’s over, theme-specific party decorations can be repurposed in many ways. Cards and invitations can be made into wall art, ornaments, gift tags or garland. Crepe paper and napkins can be made into confetti or garland. Old ribbons and balloons can be used to make a festive wreath. Possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Olathe mom of six Sarah Lyons loves saving money on birthdays!

Visit www.kansascityzoo.org/birthdays to plan your party today!

PARTIES INCLUDE: Story Games Music Prizes and More!

Baylee Wells

info@princessatmyparty.com

785.249.0176

www.princessatmyparty.com kcparent.com december 2023

23

Roll Out the Red Carpet for Your Next Event!

Movies2U is KC’s premier provider & facilitator of outdoor and indoor cinema events

H WINTER

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24 december 2023 kcparent.com

Outdoor Cinema • Special Events

913.424.9444 • Movies2U.com

TASTYTREATS

Compiled by Lauri Clapper

Easy Peanut Clusters Peanut clusters are a simple treat to make and to share.

You may even have these ingredients on hand and ready to go.

Total time: 35 minutes Ingredients

If sprinkling with sea salt or sprinkles, do so now.

2 c. chocolate chips—milk, semi-sweet or dark chocolate 1 c. peanuts

Place in fridge or freezer to set chocolate.

Optional Toppings Flaked sea salt Sprinkles Melted white chocolate Instructions In a large microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments. As the chocolate melts, reduce to 15-second intervals.

Stir until melted and smooth.

Add the peanuts to the chocolate. Stir to combine.

Drop spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

If adding white chocolate drizzle, do so after initial setting. Melt white chocolate until smooth. Drizzle over hardened peanut clusters.

Variations • Chocolate: Use your choice of chips or wafers. Try milk chocolate, semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, almond bark or melting chocolate. Shake things up with white chocolate, Reese’s chips, toffee pieces or butterscotch chips.

• Peanuts: Use any kind of peanut or consider an array of nuts such as cashews, almonds and walnuts. kcparent.com december 2023

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WE LOVE IT!

PRODUCT REVIEWS

By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards

LITTLELISTAS BABY DOLLS

THE NUGGET The “Original Play Couch” is part furniture and part toy—with two supportive pillows, one soft cushion and one secure base, providing endless hours of imaginative play opportunities. Features 15plus custom colors across three washable fabrics. $249, ages 12 months+, NuggetComfort.com

Full of action on every floor—down the chimney and onto the bed, then off the bed and down the slide. Enjoy a virtual visit with Grandma and Grandpa. Then take another slide down to the kitchen for a snack and swing ride. $49.99, ages 12 months+, PlayMonster.com

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Get ready to build, race, crash and smash to discover and construct your monster truck.

Features 25 smashing surprises. $24.99, ages 3+, Amazon.com

DOG-E, THE ONE IN A MILLION ROBOT DOG BY WOWWEE

NUMBERBLOCKS STEP SQUAD MISSION HEADQUARTERS

PLAYSKOOL WEEBLES MY SMART HOUSE

SMASHERS MONSTER TRUCK SURPRISE

These 14-inch dolls “inspire a lifelong love of natural coils, curls and crowns.” Lily features 3C textured hair and a deep brown complexion, and Lena features 4A textured hair and medium brown skin. $24.99, ages 2+, Amazon.com

Play out your favorite action-packed missions and embark on exciting number adventures to practice counting, sequencing and other early math skills alongside these favorite characters. $39.99, ages 3+, Hand2Mind.com

Uncrate this pup to reveal a unique combination of colorful lights, sounds and personality traits, so no two Dog-Es are ever the same. “Talks” with its tail, using persistence of vision (POV) technology to communicate with you. $79.99, ages 6+, Amazon.com

POP OUT DINOSAURS Both a book and a play set. Kids can learn about each dinosaur species and then build their own using chunky press-out pieces. $12.99, ages 4+, Read.Sourcebooks.com

VTECH STORYTIME WITH SUNNY Enjoy 300-plus activities with four disks and more than five hours of fairy tales, classic songs, guessing games, a poem creator, silly jokes, tongue twisters, daily routines and much more. Set her gentle alarm, then fall asleep to her softly glowing nightlight. $59.99, ages 3+, Amazon.com

NAPPA AWARDS HAS BEEN CELEBRATING THE BEST IN FAMILY PRODUCTS FOR 33 YEARS. FOR MORE PRODUCT REVIEWS, VISIT

NAPPAAWARDS.COM COOL MAKER POPSTYLE BRACELET MAKER No knots, clasps or cuts. Choose from 170 beads, place them on the elastics and pop the top to reveal your custom bracelet. Make and remake up to 10 bracelets. $24.99, ages 7+, Amazon.com

DESIGN YOUR OWN HOODIE Create your own unique, boutique-quality piece with this innovative video game meets fashion design platform. Features more than 500 premium patches. $49.00, sizes 2-14, SuperMixStudio.com

5 SECOND RULE RELAY

SKY VIPER VECTOR PERFORMANCE STUNT PLANE Advanced auto flight stabilization makes flying a breeze by automatically compensating for environmental changes like shifting winds. Perform amazing loop and barrel roll stunts with a press of a button. $79.99, ages 12+, Sky-Viper.com

LEAPFROG BUILD-ASLICE PIZZA CART

AMAZON’S FIRE HD 8 KIDS PRO Comes with an included subscription to Amazon Kids+ for access to thousands of ad-free books, games, apps, videos and more. Features up to 13 hours of battery life and parental controls, so adults can easily set screen time limits or adjust web browser settings. $149.99, ages 6-12, Amazon.com

It should be easy to name pizza toppings—but can you do it in under five seconds, after another player puts you on the spot? Time’s not on your side. $29.99, ages 8+, Amazon.com

CURLING ZONE INDOOR GAME

Ring the bell to hear a customer’s order and explore colors, shapes and food names. Add music to the dining experience by spinning the pizza turntable for learning songs and melodies. $59.99, ages 3+, Amazon.com

No ice, no problem.

Choose a curling stone— red or yellow—and hover it on the slick mat. The icy-not-so-icy challenging curling game is great for family game night. $129.99, ages 3+, Hearthsong.com

DISNEY JUNIOR MINNIE MOUSE BUTTERFLY BALLERINA PLUSH This interactive, dancing, twirling plush features soft sparkles and shines in a beautiful, butterflythemed ballet outfit and dazzling light-up, spinning tutu. $39.99, ages 3+, Target.com kcparent.com december 2023

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ADVERTORIAL

E

NCHANT CHRISTMAS is a North American based company that currently designs and hosts immersive attractions called Enchant—the cornerstone of these events are the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze.

The company was one of British Columbia’s fastest growing in 2019 and was America’s Fastest Growing Live Entertainment Concept in 2022. Today, it continues to expand to new markets across the United States.

Founded in 2016 by Canadian entrepreneur Kevin Johnston, the company has attracted over 4.5 million guests to their holiday market and light mazes in major cities across North America.

Enchant began as a small business for two 19-year-old friends, Cam Walker and Kevin Johnston, in 2008. They pursued a successful trial season installing Christmas lights for neighbors and eventually grew their client list to include major malls and ski resorts like Park Royal, Pacific Centre and Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, B.C. Eventually, the installations became attractions of their own and the idea for Enchant Christmas light mazes and markets was born.

The first Enchant Christmas event was held in Olympic Village in 2016 and attracted over 230,000 people. The event drew so much traffic that the team was told by the City of Vancouver they wouldn’t be able to return to the site the following year. As a solution, Enchant partnered with Globe Life Field and the Texas Rangers to use their parking lot in 2017. In 2018, Enchant was invited to move the Texas and Seattle shows into the stadium in the MLB off-season. Since then, the attraction continues to grow year over year and in 2023 will be held at seven different locations across the United States with Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas, as the newest location. Today, Enchant is a spectacular annual event produced on the playing fields of major league sports stadiums and iconic outdoor spaces with plans for seven events in 2023.

EVENTS/MILESTONES 2016 – Enchant’s inaugural event in Vancouver, B.C., which hosted approximately 230K guests.

2017 – In search of dry weather and better parking, Enchant discovered the parking lot for the Texas Rangers. This event in Dallas hosted approximately 250K guests.

2018 – Operated two shows inside Major League Baseball stadiums in Dallas and Seattle.

Collectively hosted approximately 427K guests.

2019 – Hosted over 1 million guests. A major leap forward with more magical show experiences now in three locations: Seattle, Washington D.C., and Tampa, Florida.

2020 – With public health and safety top of mind, Enchant created digital experiences including the Santa Calls app, which offered personalized calls with Santa.

2021 – As the world slowly reopened, so did Enchant with four event locations in: Dallas, Las Vegas, Tampa and Washington, D.C. These events collectively hosted 984K guests.

2022 – Much opportunity led to 9 locations in 8 cities, plus the unveiling of a third original maze adventure. 2022 event locations included: Dallas; Las Vegas; Tampa; Washington, D.C.; San Jose and Sacramento, California; Scottsdale, Arizona; and Nashville, Tennessee. Collectively hosted 1.6M guests.

In 2023, Enchant will debut its spectacular event in Kansas City, Kansas, at Legends Field, among six other markets, which will provide Christmas joy to an estimated 1.5M guests.

The World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze

LEG E N DS F I E LD K A N SA S C IT Y, KS

NOV 24 – DEC 31

TI CKETS O N SA LE N OW EnchantChristmas.com

S PROBLEM

Solving

KNOW-HOW Problem solving is an important lifelong skill that children not only need now, but will use throughout the rest of their life.

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ociety pushes for parents to navigate so many things with their kids on a daily basis: school, grades, friendships, sports, social media, the list could go on. This societal push can sometimes cause us to forget the basics. As parents, our primary responsibility is to explicitly teach skills that don’t come naturally to children, and one of those is problem solving skills and strategies. Our kids, no matter their age, face problems every single day. They may struggle to share a toy, understand math, navigate friendships and resist peer pressure, among others.

We adults find problem solving comes pretty naturally to us, and we are largely unaware of how many problems we solve on a daily basis. It’s no surprise then if you think to yourself, “How do I even teach this to my children?”

You may be wondering why it’s necessary to teach problem solving skills in the first place. Won’t they just get it?

Won’t they just pick it up? Although this is true to a certain extent, because these skills don’t come naturally, there is a greater need for specific teaching

to occur. Now, before you start thinking you’ve got to carve out more time in your day and label it “teach problem solving,” this is a type of teaching that will occur organically through day-to-day living.

Problem solving is an important lifelong skill that children not only need now, but will use throughout the rest of their life. People who struggle with problem solving may avoid the problem altogether or feel stuck, not knowing what to do, or make impulsive or inappropriate decisions when faced with a problem.

People with good problem solving skills are typically higher achievers in academic areas, are more successful, independent, resilient and able to cope with the curveballs life throws at them.

How you walk through problem solving depends on the age of your kids, but for elementary and teens, you can follow a simple five-step outline to begin teaching your kids the basics of problem solving: Step 1: Identify the problem. Simply verbalizing the problem out loud can be helpful for children. For example, I don’t have anyone to sit with at lunch.

Step 2: Brainstorm multiple solutions. Many problems require more than a one-size-fits-all approach and can have many different solutions. Encourage your children to think outside the box and find creative or unique solutions.

Step 3: Discuss pros and cons of each solution. Sometimes, writing this out can be powerful as well.

Step 4: Pick a solution and try it out. Once pros and cons have been weighed, a solution can be chosen and then carried out.

Step 5: Revisit. Chat about how it worked out and, if needed, the child can try another solution.

Now that you have simple steps for problem solving, let’s dive into a few strategies to encourage your children to work through their own problems—you may even be doing these already!

Play. I include this one first because it is so important at any age, even for teens.

Play with Legos, build and give young children opportunities for open-ended play.

Have your teens code or play chess with them. There are so many opportunities for critical and creative thinking when playing! Krissy Neff, Overland Park mom of two, says, “Introducing our children to Lego play at a young age really helped them be creative, critical problem solvers. It has fostered creativity, analysis and problem solving in our kids way more than any talking we could have done.

We started with age appropriate sets, and once they collected numerous sets, they started to reconfigure existing builds and add their own creative touches.

Sometimes, those additions broke and caused frustrated feelings. That is when we would revisit and encourage problem solving strategies to use in their next creation. Typically, they go on to create fantastic Lego builds that now get shown off to us at the end … after they took time to work out all the kinks on their own.”

Teamwork. Encourage children to work together, whether that be designing a Magna-Tiles castle, figuring out how to set up a lemonade stand or constructing a massive fort. They will learn different perspectives for problem solving from each other, as well as learn how to work with other people—bonus!

Keep trying. Let them know making mistakes is always OK. Mistakes are a wonderful learning experience and help us develop stamina to continue seeking answers to problems. However, encourage your children to step away and take a breather from tough problems, which is a healthy habit. Sometimes that is exactly what we need to bring clarity and perspective back to our brains.

Model. Model the very things you want to teach your children. When you are experiencing a problem, talk through the problem solving steps aloud and invite kids to weigh in with their thoughts as well. Their creative, outside-the-box thinking might surprise you!

Keep them curious. Encourage question asking (no matter how annoying it can become!) from your children—but don’t always give them the answers. Also, pose leading questions to them that engage their brains for higher level thinking skills.

Teaching kids to be pros at problem solving won’t happen overnight, but the time invested will be well worth developing this lifelong skill. By nurturing kids’ curiosity, teamwork and opportunities for play, we are setting our children up to tackle whatever comes their way! Let’s continue teaching, supporting and inspiring our young learners, because they are the next generation … and I’m sure we definitely need them for some future problem solving!

Julie Collett is a mom of four in Overland Park, so she has plenty of opportunities to practice problem solving!

kcparent.com december 2023

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Untangling Entitlement

E

ntitlement: a word parents and educators are very familiar with these days and many have growing concerns about.

Entitled people, specifically kids for this discussion, believe that rewards, toys, privileges—you name it—are owed to them or are expected without their having to work for them. Of course, this mentality can lead to all sorts of problems such as poor relationships, unhappiness, conflict and lack of success. But don’t panic yet! The good news is parents and caregivers can take an active approach to prevent the entitlement trap and raise grateful and responsible children with a strong work ethic. Read on for some tips on how to do just that!

SERVE OTHERS Serving others can be done at any age, from young toddler years all the way through high school. Kelsey Collins, Overland Park mom of three, says, “It is easy to find ourselves caught up in our own little bubbles, making it hard to avoid the trap of entitlement. However, I try to bring my kids back to a biblical viewpoint of who Jesus was here on earth, and that’s the ultimate servant. Serving others takes the focus off ourselves and begins to lessen the entitlement trap. When my kids can be outwardly focused and serve our community, whether that be through a local organization, our church or even helping a neighbor, I find they are much more appreciative and thankful for all of the blessings that we have been given.”

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WORK HARD Instill the value of hard work into your children, not only so they see that hard work can earn you money to buy the things you want and need, but also that it helps you become a responsible and productive member of your household and society. A 2021 Huffpost article on avoiding raising entitled kids states, “Don’t overlook the power of chores.” According to a poll, about 80% of us had chores growing up, but only approximately 30% of us make our children do them now. With all the “other” activities children are involved in, chores continue to fall lower and lower down the list. However, assigning chores is such an important part of teaching children responsibility. Do children like chores? Not necessarily. But just because you don’t like something doesn’t mean you don’t have to do it!

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN HOW TO LOSE AND NOT GET THEIR WAY I know you’ve seen it, and maybe even lived it—kids out in public, begging, whining, pleading for Mom or Dad to purchase an item … and then Mom or Dad firmly saying no. Cue meltdown.

But this isn’t a bad thing, although it feels horrible when it’s happening. There is nothing in the world wrong with kids not getting something they want every time they ask for it. Meredith Bolin, Overland Park mom of two, agrees: “When I finally do say yes to something they want, my kids are more appreciative of that item. Added bonus—their gratitude increases even more if they’ve earned it themselves!” Likewise, it is OK for kids to lose. Teaching kids to be good losers helps keep the entitlement trap at bay.

MODEL One of the most effective teachers is you! Kids do so much learning by watching people around them, so model the type of behavior and choices you’d like to see. Show or tell your children what you are grateful for, let them see

When my kids can be outwardly focused and serve our community, whether that be through a local organization, our church or even helping a neighbor, I find they are much more appreciative and thankful for all of the blessings that we have been given.

you serving a friend, tell them about the pair of shoes you really wanted to buy but decided to wait on, or invite them into your work so they see firsthand what it takes to bring home the bacon!

PRACTICE GRATITUDE Gratitude is a great remedy for entitlement. Sometimes, our culture can hyper-focus on the negative, on things not going perfectly our way or happening as lightning-fast as we would like for them to. Let’s encourage our children to practice gratitude, or the act of being grateful, by having them keep gratitude journals, having a family gratitude jar or simply using those tools as a springboard for family dinner conversations.

DELAYED GRATIFICATION Teach the concept of delayed gratification early on in the younger years, and your kids will be pros before you know it! In our house, if our kids want to spend their own chore or birthday money on an item, we usually don’t purchase or order it right away. We have our children consider the idea for a few days to see whether they are still happy with the item.

Alisha Bowser, Overland park mom of two, says, “It is important to help kids become comfortable going into a store and not getting something. It’s OK to look and make plans for things they’d like to ask for for a birthday or Christmas or to work for, but becoming comfortable with not having impulse buys and instant gratification is a muscle built over time.”

NEEDS VERSUS WANTS “We try to teach our kids the difference between needs and wants.

When we are at the store and the kids are asking for things, I help them identify if they really need what they are asking for or just want it,” shares Bolin. Paige Parker, Fairway mom of three, agrees: “In our home, when our kids are asking for something new, we try to identify why they want the item or activity, then look at what they currently have. Do we have similar items already, are we doing too many activities, etc.? Once we’ve identified those things, we generally have a good idea if it is something they still want or not. If it is, we figure out ways to get it that aren’t just us giving it to them. I feel like keeping an open line of communication about wants and needs has helped keep our kids grateful for what we do have, and open to being OK if they can’t have something.”

Raising grateful kids is a tricky job in today’s society. It’s also an ongoing one that requires a lot of consistency and patience. None of these skills happen overnight, but with a few daily, small intentions, you are sure to be on a positive road!

Julie Collett is a mom of four who, just like you, is trying her best to raise grateful, responsible children!

kcparent.com december 2023

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O

Be a Parent, Not a Referee

ne of the hardest parts of parenting is seeing your children in pain. When they are little, their pains are seemingly simple and easy to cure. Hugs and Band-Aids may suffice as good medicine for a skinned knee, for example. But then there are more complex pains a child will suffer over time from events like being excluded from a used-to-be-best-friend’s birthday party, getting in trouble with a teacher or being accused unjustly. Unlike physical pain, there’s no medicine for a broken heart or a crushed spirit. We inherently want to alleviate our kids’ burdens or even protect them from hardship altogether. But although there is a lot of responsibility in parenting, fixing our children’s problems for them is not one of them. In fact, rushing in with solutions or swooping in to fight our kids’ battles does them a big disservice.

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If we aim to make the world a comfortable place for our children where they don’t experience hardship or relationship challenges, we’re setting them up for failure in the real world where those things exist in abundance. It’s our job, then, to hold space and bear witness to our child’s experience. We need to be present so kids can communicate what’s wrong and feel heard. Oftentimes, parents struggle to do this for a couple different reasons.

First, having unhappy children can feel unbearable. There is often a cultural expectation that if our kids are happy, we’re doing something right. Conversely, this can lead us to believe that if they’re not happy, we must be doing something wrong. But this is foolishness. Are you happy all the time? Of course not! No one is because life is filled with a gamut of emotions and experiences.

If we avoid situations that allow our kids to deal with hard things or wrestle with uncomfortable feelings, our kids will grow up believing that they aren’t capable of handling challenging situations for themselves or that they need someone else to continue to fight their battles for them. Likewise, they’ll also be led to believe that uncomfortable feelings are the sign of a problem to run from instead of a challenge to work through. At the root, many parents are equally as uncomfortable with their own negative feelings when their children are unhappy. Fixing your child’s situation, then, can be as much about avoiding your own discomfort as your child’s. In either event, what’s lost in the process is your child’s growth and maturity. After all, nobody is equipped to do hard things until they actually do hard things.

Second, the desire to fix our son’s or daughter’s problems is oftentimes the result of parental insecurity. This can be due to a number of factors:

child if you treat your child like he can’t handle them,” Bean says. “It’s important that you let your child know you believe they are strong and resilient by maintaining your expectations, because you are the mirror that will impact your child more than any other. The image of them that you reflect is what you will get back.”

Emotional blackmail. And yet in other cases, emotionally manipulative children can put up such a fight, some parents feel it’s easier to sweep in and clean up their mess than deal with the aftermath of letting the child learn from his mistakes.

Regardless of the reasons, it’s imperative that children learn to take responsibility for themselves. All parental excuses made to justify taking over can become internalized by a child. This has the power to form a child’s identity and will be used as an excuse for a lack of accountability at school, in relationships and, later, in the workforce. The result is known as learned helplessness: quite literally, a child understands that if he doesn’t take responsibility for himself, someone else will eventually bail him out. Overly dependent children become overly dependent adult children, which drains parents of their time, energy, finances and emotions—and no one wants that!

Here are some ways to back off and grow your child’s independence.

Listen. Kids want to know they’re heard and their feelings matter.

Being able to vent or communicate challenges has the power to help them problem solve on their own. Resist the urge to tell kids what to do right out of the gate and first let them share their version of events.

Fear-induced decision making. The world seems increasingly

Express empathy. Show support and confidence in your child’s

unsafe, and a right desire to protect children from harm can often result in restricting opportunities to grow, take responsibility or learn from failure.

ability to solve a problem: That sounds so frustrating, but if anyone can do it, you can!

Perfectionism. For perfectionistic parents, children seldom can do things to Mom’s or Dad’s own standards, which necessitates butting in to “fix” what amounts to personal preferences. Because children learn through trial and error, they are short-changed the opportunity to troubleshoot or learn from their mistakes if they are taught that they can never mess up. A parent’s fear of personal failure can often be projected onto a child. In a desire to see the child avoid struggle, a parent can unintentionally cripple his child with anxiety instead.

Allow your child to be his own person. You know the perfect way to make your son’s Boy Scout pinewood derby car, but he has other ideas. Or maybe your daughter’s geology diorama would look better with your finishing touches, but she doesn’t want them. Leave it be. Children oftentimes develop their own tastes and preferences at an early age, and they might not be in line with ours.

Healthy kids are the best versions of themselves, not mini me’s of Mom or Dad. Brainstorm. Ask questions like, “What do you think is the best thing to do?”

Guilt or pity. Some parents find that guilt or pity is a pervasive motivation to step in. Perhaps the child has a learning disability, a special need or has experienced deep loss or trauma at a young age.

As a result, a parent feels that by shouldering the burden of the child’s responsibility, he will help the child cope more effectively. Sara Bean, a school counselor and parenting coach, argues the opposite is true.

“Children who are experiencing hardship need structure, and they need to be taught coping skills and functional skills, perhaps even more than your ‘average’ child. Hardships will only cripple your

Celebrate their victories. Kids oftentimes forget their own history. Remind them of their past successes, noting that confidence is built through baby steps. Even small wins are a step toward independence.

Lauren Greenlee is a boymom of four hailing from Olathe. A recovering perfectionist, she can be found cheering her boys on from the sidelines and freelance writing in her free time. kcparent.com december 2023

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holiday FUN GUIDE

table of contents 39 chalk lights 40 holiday cheer 42 local stocking stuffers 44 presence over presents 46 tree farms 48 kc traditions 50 new year’s eve

CRAFTCORNER

B

chalk lights

ecause it’s cold outside, bring a little of the season’s exterior festivity inside with this messy craft! Employing chalk to make some festive holiday lights, this fun project is sure to help your little ones become crafters!

SUPPLIES: • Black paper • Blank scrap paper • Marker • Scissors • Assorted chalk • Hairspray • Optional: old newspaper or tablecloth to help contain the mess!

DIRECTIONS: Step one: With the marker, freehand draw a Christmas light bulb onto the scrap paper.

Step two: Cut out the light bulb.

Step three: Trace the outside of the light bulb onto the black paper using the chalk.

Step four: Repeat with different colors.

Step five: Draw a cord to connect your lights.

Step six: Shake off extra chalk from picture.

Step seven: Lightly hairspray the chalk to allow the chalk to set.

Janelle Cumro-Sultzer lives in Manhattan, Kansas, with her husband, three children, two dogs, eight fish and a frog. Janelle is the owner of Flint Hills Mediation LLC and loves to focus on learning through play and getting messy with crafts. kcparent.com december 2023

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10

COMMANDMENTS F O R M O R E H OL I D AY C H E E R

Want to experience a more joyful Christmas season this year that doesn’t leave you depleted, miserable and broke?

Here are 10 ways to shift your perspective and take command of this “hap-happiest” time of the year.

Thou shall quit worshipping perfection. Nothing burns holes

into the fantasy Christmas like real life. Maybe the tree is a little lopsided, the dog ate your 7-year-old’s gingerbread house, or you were so focused on creating the best holiday ever that you ended up too sick to enjoy it when the big day finally arrived.

“Decide to do things differently this year. Strive for the good and be satisfied with the good. Too often the focus is on the result, and we tend to lose focus on the beautiful process of getting to the result,” says therapist Julia Flynn of Julia Flynn Counseling, Kansas City, Missouri.

Thou shall not overcommit. Decide ahead of time which

activities won’t work this year. Instead of committing to five parties and multiple gift exchanges, choose a few that you’re enthusiastic about attending.

“Be firm, decisive and assertive, always coming from a place of love for everyone and keeping the focus on the origin of the holidays,” Flynn says, who specializes in helping women manage anxiety, depression and holiday overwhelm. “Graciously decline and send a nice card or note.”

Thou shall rediscover “the why.” Take time to reevaluate your

priorities. How do you want Christmas to feel? What do you want your kids to remember most?

“Sometimes we need to take a step back and ask ourselves why Christmas is important to us because I think ‘the why’ gets lost. It just becomes an expectation of self and family—or whoever— to have it look a certain way,” says Shawnee resident Maki Moussavi, a transformational coach, speaker and author of The High Achiever’s Guide. “Take a step back to assess, from an intangible, emotional perspective, why Christmas is important.”

Thou shall rest. Self-care is essential all year long, but especially during the extra busy holidays when your stress level is more likely to skyrocket. Pare down your list to what reasonably makes sense for your health, time and emotional well-being. And practice restorative techniques that relax and re-energize you.

Simple ways to recharge include a taking a warm bath, watching a favorite TV show, going for a walk outside, curling up with a juicy novel or enjoying a nap or a massage.

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Thou shall honor thy family. Attempts to please others by

saying yes to everyone else’s holiday gatherings without taking into account your and your family’s desires can cause undue anxiety, frustration and resentment.

“The holidays are about family time, appreciating one another and caring for each other. If the focus is switched to the less important gift exchanges and gatherings, all planned at the same time, you can’t enjoy the experience and the original meaning is lost,” Flynn says.

For those events that you’d like to attend, but can’t, firmly communicate to your extended family or friends that you value time spent with them and would like to discuss alternative ideas for getting together—and don’t feel guilty about standing by your decisions.

“You have every right in the world to establish what you want your Christmas tradition to be. You are not obligated to participate in somebody else’s version of Christmas,” Moussavi says.

Thou shall invite thy partner’s participation. If you feel

overwhelmed and stressed because you’re trying to manage the bulk of holiday prep on top of working and taking care of your family, ask your spouse for help. Discuss what you’d both like Christmas to look and feel like.

“Sometimes it’s not that men don’t want to be involved. It’s that they are never invited to be, and they don’t ask,” Moussavi says.

Maybe your husband can mail the packages for out-of-town family, purchase tickets to the Christmas play your family wants to see or take charge of a few of the gifts.

Thou shall not allow others to steal thy happiness. Plan ahead for those individuals who love to bait you into an upsetting conversation at annual gatherings. Since you know how the person is likely to behave, rehearse how you will respond when they pounce.

“The only thing you can do is get better at making it clear what you will and won’t tolerate,” Moussavi says. “You have to shut it down. You standing up for yourself is normal, empowered adult behavior.”

Arm yourself with responses like: “I’m here to enjoy myself. I don’t want to talk about that right now.” Or, “Let’s agree to disagree.”

Also, physically exit from the situation by saying, “I’m going to go refresh my drink.” Or, “I have to make a call.”

holiday

Thou shall simplify. “The holiday can be manageable and simple

if we allow it to be,” Flynn says. “What makes the holiday so difficult is our own thinking about it. We make it difficult for ourselves.”

Experiment with small changes that can relieve your stress. Hire a caterer for your party. Forgo Christmas cards this year. For the relative who has everything, send flowers or make a donation in their name to an organization that is important to them.

Thou shall not compete with thy neighbors. As Theodore

Roosevelt once quipped, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Some people enjoy casting their home in a professionally-created holiday glow while others prefer to hang a festive wreath on their door and call it good. Do what brings you pleasure and makes sense for your budget.

Thou shall give from thy heart. Rather than twisting yourself

in knots seeking the perfect present for everyone on your list, take a more lighthearted approach to gift-giving. For example, give a t-shirt with a meaningful quote, a digital photo album commemorating a fun getaway, or an experience like tickets to the zoo or a concert.

Volunteering your time is also a fulfilling way to give.

“If you are intentional, you can make Christmas about the ideas of love, caring for one another, understanding, enjoying quality time together and treating each other as the precious beings each of us are,” Flynn says.

FUN GUIDE

Simple Ways to Enjoy a More Meaningful Season • Practice random acts of kindness.

• Sponsor a family in need.

• Volunteer for a charity.

• Start a new family tradition.

• Decorate cookies with your kids.

• Host a hot chocolate party, including toppings like candy canes, whipped cream and sprinkles.

• Watch Christmas movies together.

• Attend a holiday play or concert.

Christa Melnyk Hines is a freelance writer who resides in Olathe with her family, which includes her husband, two sons and a menagerie of pets. Her intention this holiday is to slow down and focus more on the magic of the season and less on lopsided Christmas trees.

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Local Stocking Stuffers This Christmas, fill stockings with a great gift from one of these local attractions or businesses.

Enter to win some fabulous options at KCParent.com!

Perfectly Plush Sea Turtle

For the History Buff

When you purchase a Premier Friends of the Zoo Family Membership (an excellent family gift) to the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, you’ll receive a free plush sea turtle representing KC’s resident reptile, Tortellini.

Gift memberships may be purchased online or in person at Guest Relations. To ensure delivery by Christmas, order by Dec. 15. KansasCityZoo.org

Find the White House 3D puzzle at The Buck Stops Here Store at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum. Other unique options include “From George to Joe, the Periodic Table of the Presidents,” an infographic including everything you need to know about America’s Commanders-in-Chief!

The piano necklace from Kinzoku is perfect for young music aficionados. The shop also sells a variety of books, apparel, models and more.

Kansas City Chiefs Fans Cheer on the Chiefs with customizable bracelets from Beaded Blondes.

Handmade bracelets are available individually or in stacks. Each 14K goldfilled bracelet is tarnish resistant, waterproof and custom created by two sisters. BeadedBlondes. com and RSVP in the Village.

Best of Kansas City on Level 1 of Crown Center sells this charming KC Chiefs ABCs and 1-2-3s board book. This is the book Patrick Mahomes reads to his daughter in the Netflix documentary Quarterback. CrownCenter.com

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Tip: Members save 10%. TrumanLibrary.gov

Sweet Scents Shop Local KC on Level 2 of Crown Center stocks Messner Bee Farm’s “A Lit’ Bit of Everything” bags that include hand and body lotion, creamed honey, lip balm and bar soap tied together with a cute mini honey dipper.

KCMOCO Candles come in scents inspired by favorite Kansas City destinations.

CrownCenter.com

Artsy Inspiration

Ultimate Gamer

For art lovers, shop the Nelson-Atkins Museum Gift Shop. Winsome options include a glass Shuttlecock ornament with Nelson-Atkins logo, a Speks Geode (magnetic fidget sphere), or an Oogi Junior (open-ended fidget toy). Perhaps a pocket-size, hand-cranked music box that features a reproduction of Irises

by Vincent van Gogh would be most loved.

Nelson-Atkins.org

Science City at Union Station is the go-to shop for budding scientists and proud nerds. Perfect for stockings, you’ll find Tetris in a Tin, Bitzee the digital pet, a game controller pillow, t-shirts, a silver fanny pack, neon signs, iron-on patches, magnets, LED lights and more. ScienceCity.UnionStation.org

Charming Toys KC Icons Made in KC sells a number of great products that are perfect for stockings, including the iconic Plaza light bulb ornament, a Sandlot Goods Yardball, locally designed stickers, socks, lip balm from Messner Bee Farm, jewelry and more. Many locations and MadeInKC.co.

The 2023 Mayor’s Christmas tree ornament is available for the 37th year at Crown Center.

The custom-made wooden Christmas ornaments benefit the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund, assisting thousands in need each holiday season.

Find yours at Crown Center Customer Service.

CrownCenter.com

The gift shop at the Johnson County Museum offers many wonderful options.

Transportation Builder Sets bring a fun and educational addition to any stocking.

Paired with a visit to the Museum’s “TRAINS” exhibit, you have a winning Christmas combination! Opt for charming retro toys including balloon animal kits, kazoos, magic springs, jumping jacks and more. JoCoMuseum. org

Home Sweet Home IKEA sells a variety of great stocking stuffers for loved ones, from kitchen utensils for Mom and Dad, to cuddly stuffed toys and art supplies for children and small speakers, blankets and pillows for teens and tweens. You’ll find something for everyone on your list! IKEA.com See their ad on pg. 57 for extra savings!

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T

Presence Over Presents

he holiday season is here again, and many parents find themselves scrambling to shop for all the important people in their lives. Shopping for the perfect gift for your kids can be stressful. Gift giving can be full of joy, but oftentimes what kids want and need is their parents’ time more than a pile of gifts. This year, try prioritizing presence over presents. This slight change in perspective can relieve this stress and give your kids the gift of memorable experiences that last longer than the thrill of a new toy.

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The gift of experience

Sharing an experience can be a great alternative to giving a physical gift. Find something your family enjoys doing together and make it into a surprise. Some ideas may include taking a trip, attending a concert, visiting a museum or a local attraction, or eating at a special restaurant.

Most importantly, you will be enjoying the activity as a family. Experience gifts promote family bonding and create memories that will last a lifetime.

“We always ask my in-laws for a zoo pass. My parents have gotten us a Union Station pass. We went to see Dude Perfect in Wichita one year, and I’m thinking about getting my theater lover a Starlight season pass for next summer,” says Emily Hilley, Olathe mom of two.

The gift of time Time spent together holds great value for kids. When you are shopping for gifts this year, look for items that promote family

holiday FUN GUIDE

Gift giving can be full of joy, but oftentimes what kids want and need is their parents’ time more than a pile of gifts. This year, try prioritizing presence over presents.

time, such as games, puzzles, a cookie baking kit, sports equipment or crafts.

Take the time to play and spend moments and hours together. You may find these activities become family traditions you return to every year.

The gift of helping others Taking time to serve those in need not only brings joy to those who receive help, but also to those who offer it. Kids who volunteer regularly have a better appreciation for the blessings they have in their own lives and are more likely to be generous and serve others as they become adults. Ask your kids what needs they see in the community and decide how your family would like to serve.

Some ideas may include a coat or food drive, serving meals at a shelter, adopting a family for Christmas, raking leaves for an elderly neighbor, sending holiday cards to veterans, baking and delivering cookies to neighbors, or picking up litter in your community. Choose what fits your family’s time and budget and make it a priority.

The gift of trying something new Has your child always wanted to try a particular activity or sport but the cost of lessons was not in the budget? Consider purchasing this gift for your kids. This will give them the opportunity to try something new and will also let them know you are considering their interests.

Families may also want to purchase a membership to a local zoo, amusement park, community center or museum. This will be something the family can enjoy together over the year ahead.

Plan a trip Many families may consider taking a trip rather than buying more gifts and toys. This could be a big trip to Disney, the beach or abroad, or it could simply mean a weekend getaway. When choosing a location, consider budget, travel time and interests. Some families may enjoy traveling out of town for a Royals game, others may find a weekend trip to Omaha to visit the zoo and other attractions is the right fit, and others may decide to take a cruise. A family trip will create memories your kids will cherish forever.

You don’t have to get rid of gift giving all together, but being intentional about buying things you can enjoy as a family and taking the time to purchase a few gifts that are really special to your children will help them see the importance of presence over presents. Your kids will likely agree that the best gift is time spent with you.

Creative Gift Ideas Membership – KC Zoo & Aquarium, Science City, Urban Air, Worlds of Fun, Sea Life Aquarium, Starlight Theatre, Union Station, Wonderscope Children’s Museum Backstage tour – animal encounter at the zoo, Chip’s Chocolate Factory tour at Crown Center, Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium tour Subscription – cooking box, crafting kit, science experiments, magazines, book box Experience – escape room, hot air balloon ride, horseback riding, rock climbing, zip lining

Class – drawing, gymnastics, dance, martial arts, sports clinics or camps, cooking, swimming, music, theater Coupon book – extra dessert, chore pass, dinner pick, extra screen time, date with a parent Tickets – concert, sports game, circus, ice show, play, musical, theater, ballet, Legoland, Sea Life Aquarium, Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City Fan experience – Comic-Con, anime, behind-the-scenes tours of favorite sport Digital item – kid-friendly apps, Kindle Unlimited, gift cards for games or music, Spotify, Disney Plus, Audible Day of fun – “yes” day, spa day, arcade trip, bowling, movies, shopping, lunch, ice cream, pizza buffet, breakfast, coffee, donuts, museum Summer camp – sports, art, horseback riding, history, drawing, theater, robotics, coding Weekend trip – indoor water park, camping, hotel downtown, amusement park, favorite sport’s away game, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Sarah Lyons is a mom of six children including 9-year-old triplets. Her family is trying to find creative and meaningful gifts this year instead of the “toy overload” of years past. She lives in Olathe with her family.

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GUIDE TO LOCAL CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS Make Christmas memories with a nostalgic trip to a Christmas tree farm.

Choose your own fresh tree at one of these area farms.

FAMILY TREE NURSERY

CHRISTMAS RANCH TREE FARM

Family Tree Nursery has three locations across the metro. The garden centers are transformed into magical winter wonderlands lined with forests of decorated trees, lights, decorations and holiday gifts. Choose a fresh Christmas tree from a beautiful selection.

FamilyTreeNursery.com

You may cut the tree, or farm staff will help.

They provide saws and carts, and they shake, bale and drill the trees. They also provide twine and assistance in tying the tree to the top of your car. Enjoy the free hot chocolate, cider and cookies.

Excelsior Springs, 816.630.5086

COLONIAL GARDENS

EVENING STAR PINES

Colonial Gardens sells fresh Fraser firs during the holiday season. The nursery is transformed into a winter wonderland where you can enjoy photos with Santa and other holiday fun. Additionally, they sell fresh wreaths, boughs and garland, decorative embellishments and an array of poinsettias.

Blue Springs, 816.229.1277

Take a complimentary tractor-pulled sleigh ride and select from Scotch or white pine, white and Black Hill spruce in the field or precut Wisconsin Fraser firs. Enjoy free hot chocolate and candy canes. Purchase fresh wreaths and arrangements, locally made jams and jellies, and holiday items. Services include shaking, netting and loading or tiedown of tree to vehicle.

Eudora, 785.542.1634

BIERMAN’S CHRISTMAS TREE FARM Christmas picture cutout and heated barn with gift shop. Choose and cut Scotch and Austrian pines 5 to 10 feet tall. Precut white pines up to 9 feet are available, as are Fraser firs, Michigan Grand firs and balsam firs up to 18 feet tall. Indoor restroom, Christmas egg hunt, fresh wreaths and garland, and hot chocolate.

Kansas City, 913.375.1317

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FORT OSAGE FARM Complimentary candy canes and coloring books for the little ones, hot spiced tea and cocoa. Trees include Scotch pine, white pine, Norway spruce and Virginia pine. The farm provides saws, shake, bagging and twine to tie the tree to your car. ​ Independence, 816.838.3707

FULK FARM

PUMPKINS AND PINES

Precut and cut-your-own-trees available.

Services provided free of charge include saws you may use to cut your tree, tree drilling, shaking and netting. On weekends, enjoy free wagon rides and coffee and hot chocolate. The gift shop offers handmade fresh pine wreaths and garland, as well as fir wreaths and roping, along with an assortment of gift items.

Platte City, 816.225.8809

Enjoy a free hayride to the field and free hot chocolate (on weekends) and select one of 14,000 homegrown, hand-pruned field Christmas trees. This farm provides bow saws to cut your tree, or if you prefer, they can cut it for you. They also offer precut fir trees from Michigan. Trees on the farm include Scotch, red, Austrian and white pines. Precut Christmas trees include Fraser fir, Canaan fir, balsam fir, concolor fir and blue spruce. They shake the tree, bale it and attach it to your car for free. Santa visits on weekends (call ahead for schedule).

Pleasant Hill, 816.540.3887

HESS ACRES You-choose, you-cut Christmas tree farm.

Find the perfect tree and enjoy the day. The farm raises varieties of Scotch pines. They shake out dead needles and debris and net the tree for ease of transportation.

Lenexa, 913.484.5024

KENNEDY’S COUNTRY FARM Trees include Douglas firs, Canaan firs, blue spruce, Fraser firs and white firs. Services include free tree shaking and wrapping. Also savor free hot chocolate and cookies. Enjoy the warm gift shop after you find the perfect tree. New this year: Children will enjoy a scavenger hunt.

Greenwood, 816.744.0386

MIDLAND HOLIDAY PINES Scotch and Austrian pines, Fraser and balsam firs, as well as white pines. Cut it down yourself, or their team will help you!

They also offer precut trees. Enjoy cocoa and make family memories at this farm. They do provide shaking and netting of trees. Also enjoy a beautiful manger Nativity scene, apple cider, hot chocolate, candy canes and hayrides (if weather and tractor permit).

Shawnee, 913.631.5095

REINDEER LANE Enjoy a complimentary hayride to the field to select Scotch pine or Eastern white pine trees. You may also choose precut Fraser fir Christmas trees. Enjoy free popcorn and hot chocolate. You may purchase fresh fir wreaths and garland and take photos with Santa on your visit.

Trimble, 816.803.5853

STRAWBERRY HILL CHRISTMAS TREE FARM Scotch pines, Fraser firs and white pines.

Enjoy complimentary cider, cookies, music and a hayride to the farm. They help load trees for customers.

Lawrence, 785.331.4422

WILDERSON TREE FARM Choose and cut a Virginia pine, or select from precut Fraser firs, Scotch pines or white pines. Please note that this farm does not accept credit/debit cards. Only cash and checks at this time.

Basehor, 913.724.1057

holiday FUN GUIDE

FOR MORE HOLIDAY EVENTS, SEE OUR KC CALENDAR.

Kristina Light writes about Christmas in Kansas City and its many wonderful traditions all season long on KCParent.com.

A Nighttime Fairyland

decades, I am always amazed and impressed at the ability of the Rep’s stars to bring the characters so accurately to life. Topping the list is Ebenezer Scrooge himself, portrayed by Gary Neal Johnson, who has pronounced, “Bah! Humbug!” for audiences in the star role for years.

Make it a tradition for your family to enjoy this annual holiday performance. KCRep.org

Starting in September, workers begin installing thousands of lights. Then, in the middle of the night before Thanksgiving, they secretly test the lights to ensure every bulb is bright. On Thanksgiving night, the magic begins as Kansas City’s “nighttime fairyland,” as it was known in the 1930s, comes to life!

Kansas City’s landmark Country Club Plaza

By Kristina Light (CountryClubPlaza. com), opened in 1922, is perhaps most famous for its Christmas lights. The tradition Kansas City’s Own Fairy Princess began on Christmas Day 1925, when Charles Pitrat, the In 1935, Kline’s Department Store of Downtown Kansas maintenance supervisor for the Nichols Company, decorated City celebrated the grand opening of their Toyland. Santa the Mill Creek Building with a single strand of lights and a came to other stores. Kline’s wanted to do something original few small trees. Every year, Pitrat added to the display, and to attract visitors, so they introduced the Fairy Princess. now the Plaza boasts more than 80 miles of lights. You can For 25 cents, children visited the princess, telling her their enjoy the Country Club Plaza Christmas lights every evening Christmas wishes. Then she waved her magic wand, making Thanksgiving through mid-January. a surprise gift appear! Over the years, gifts were presented

Three Classically KC Christmas Traditions

Bah! Humbug!

When I’m enjoying A Christmas Carol at the KC Rep, a beloved KC tradition for more than 40 years, the theater magically becomes 1843 London, and the cast become the living embodiment of the characters they portray. Having read Dickens’ book almost every Advent for more than two

48 december 2023 kcparent.com

sliding from chutes, appearing on revolving turntables, hiding in fairyland trees or in magically opening trunks. The tradition continued, at just 25 cents, until Kline’s closed in 1970. The Fairy Princess returned in 1987, when the Kansas City Museum brought her back for Christmas. You can visit the Fairy Princess Dec. 7-10 at the Kansas City Museum.

KansasCityMuseum.org

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B

Ring in the New Year

efore we settle in for our long winter’s nap, there is a finale to the year that beckons our attention. I often reminisce over photographs of my sister and me sitting by our mid-century fireplace— handcrafted cardboard noisemakers in hand, shiny party hats on our heads—and holding plastic cups full of sparkling grape juice.

Never underestimate the beauty of including your children in the celebration of New Year’s Eve. It’s not just about watching the ball drop or staying up until midnight, but rather winding down together from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, prioritizing family and setting goals together for the year ahead.

Let’s say farewell to 2023 and welcome in 2024 with some festive ways to celebrate with your family! Raise your glass to toast:

• Bucket lists • Time capsules • Mocktails • Stargazing • Family slumber parties • First-day hikes • White elephant exchanges • Outdoor slideshows • Matching jammies with cookies and milk Who doesn’t love a good bucket list?

Reflecting on the past year with kids can check things off the list for the coming year and bring a sense of accomplishment

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and motivation. Bonding as a family can happen with colored markers, paper and dream-sharing together at the table. List five or six things you can do together in the coming year to foster quality time and create a sense of fulfillment.

Creating a time capsule is a great way to preserve some memories of the past year and encourage the importance of looking forward to the future. It can even keep family traditions alive! Include family photos, artwork, an audio recording, maybe a letter to yourself in the future, tiny toys, magazine articles, a dried flower, event tickets, keepsakes or a funny family video. Use a shoebox or a small plastic tub, fill it on New Year’s Eve and decide when the open date will be! Hide it in a closet or under the bed.

Exchanging white elephant gifts while sipping mocktails in matching jammies can bring lasting New Year’s Eve memories.

Make matching jammies an essential part of the old winter’s nap regime. Shirley Temples, Pop Rocks raspberry punch, limeade mocktails with a sugar rim, frozen hot chocolate drizzled with chocolate syrup, and cherry watermelon coolers garnished with gummy bears provide a unique way to toast the new year to come.

Getting outside revives the soul, helps burn off all the sugar ingested during the holidays, boosts your mood and sparks creativity as a family. Get bundled up and head outside for a hike. It can be as easy as walking through the neighborhood to stargaze at night or heading to a local trail for an adventure in learning how to use a compass. Check out this excellent resource for local hikes on the first day of the year in all 50 states: AmericanHiking.org/first-day-hikes.

Another way to enjoy the outdoors is to channel your inner Clark Griswold and have an outdoor slideshow of the past year. Hang a sheet on the back of the house or a garage door and project your family on the big screen! Toast the night away with homemade cookies and hot chocolate.

One of the most meaningful ways to end the holiday season before we settle in for our long winter’s nap is with that cup of kindness lauded in the old song. Sharing that New Year’s Eve toast with your children, whether in matching jammies, on a hike under the stars or with Shirley Temples in hand by the fire at home, enriches your family and strengthens your bond for the coming new year. Here’s to auld lang syne—and a bright and blessed 2024!

Elizabeth Hammond is a sourdough-baking homeschooling mom of six and a “want-to-be” homesteader living in a tiny cottage in northern Overland Park.

december

CALENDAR

No part of this calendar may be reproduced in print or online format.

THE KCPARENT.COM CALENDAR FEATURES OVER 1,000 EVENTS EACH MONTH!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical at the Coterie

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watch

skate

visit

reminisce

celebrate

The holiday tradition returns with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical delighting audiences with its nostalgia at The Coterie thru Dec. 31.

TheCoterie.org

Ice-skate along a magically lit trail among thousands of lights in the world’s largest Christmas maze at Enchant Christmas.

EnchantChristmas.com

Meet Santa himself at IKEA! Begin making holiday memories as you enjoy a delicious meal in the Swedish restaurant and take a free photo on Dec. 3.

IKEA.com

Catch favorite holiday films on the Extreme Screen at Union Station all season long with Elf thru Dec. 7 and Polar Express Dec. 8-31.

UnionStation.org

Welcome the holiday season with a magnificent drive-thru light extravaganza at Winter Magic or Holiday Light and Magic.

WinterMagicKC.com HolidayLightAnd Magic.com

1 Friday Winter Wonderland, a Holiday Pop-Up Select dates thru Dec., Kauffman Center. Enjoy a craft cocktail and shareables before or after shows.

KauffmanCenter.org/the-center/dining The 13th Annual Holiday Swing: Weekend 2 Thru Sunday. Crown Center Square. Ice-skating, the mayor’s tree, plus your favorite makers, bakers and shakers. TheStrawberrySwing.com Christmas at Camp Fri. & Sat., Youthfront Camp West. Fully decked out for Christmas, the beautiful illuminated lake walk with the Nativity story makes a great holiday experience.

Youthfront.com/Christmas Jumperoo 8:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park (Overland Park). Children 5 and under and their parent/guardian can jump, bounce and crawl around safely. UrbanAirOP.com Winter Wonder Weekend 10:00, Downtown Lawrence. Get in the holiday spirit with events, markets, shopping, food, and entertainment for the season. ExploreLawrence.com Walk Through Bethlehem 4:00, Church of the Open Door. FREE live, interactive event set in the village of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth. OpenDoorInfo.org

Enchant Christmas Thru Dec. 31, Legends Field. Experience a Christmas light maze, 100-foot Christmas tree, ice-skating, Santa and more. Tickets at EnchantChristmas.com.

Christmas in the Courtyard 6:30, Merriam Community Center. Activities include time with Santa, live music, crafts, treats and more!

Merriam.org

Luminary Walk 5:00, Overland Park Arboretum.

Kick off your holiday season with a festive walk through the lights. Choose from three experiences. OPKansas.org

The Nativity 7:00, Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral. The story comes alive with largerthan-life 7-foot puppets and live musicians.

NativityPuppets.org

PJ Party with Santa and Mrs. Claus 5:30, Zona Rosa. Wear your pjs, bundle up and enjoy milk, cookies and a holiday children’s book. Tickets at ZonaRosa.com.

Holiday Light and Magic Thru Dec 31, Bonner Springs. Drive-thru holiday lights with huge displays and playful scenes including Santa and more. HolidayLightAndMagic.com Christmas on the River: Parkville 6:00, Downtown Parkville. Holiday entertainment, photos with Santa Claus, hayrides, a lighting and fireworks. ParkvilleMo.gov Sar-Ko Aglow 6:00, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park.

Mayor Boehm will flip the switch in a lighting ceremony. Park aglow thru Jan. 15.

Lenexa.com

A Christmas Carol 8:00, Spencer Theatre. Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his redemptive journey with Christmases Past, Present and Future at this KC tradition. KCRep.org

2 Saturday Breakfast with Santa 8:00, Fireflies Farm. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, photos with Santa, games, crafts and a free gift. $10/per child under 12.

FirefliesFarmKS.com Holiday Open House 8:00, Louisburg Cider Mill. Shop our Country Store for unique gift items, gift baskets and delicious specialty food and drink products. LouisburgCiderMill.com A Christmas Celebration 9:00, Missouri Town Living History Museum. Warm up by the fire, explore historic houses, watch dancers and visit Father Christmas. MakeYourDayHere.com

at LENEXA BAPTIST A KANSAS CITY CHRISTMAS

December 2 at 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM • December 3 at 5:00 PM D W E L L | Wo m e n ’ s M i n i s t r y

December 7 H O L LY J O L LY J O U R N E Y | C h i l d r e n ’ s M i n i s t r y

December 10 CHRISTMAS EVE EVE | Candlelight & Communion

December 23 • 5:00 PM & 7:00 PM CHRISTMAS EVE | Candlelight & Communion

December 24 • 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM 1 5 3 2 0 W. 8 7 T H S T P K W Y | L E N E X A , K S | L E N E X A B A P T I S T. C O M kcparent.com december 2023

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Santa from IKEA Dec. 3, IKEA Merriam. Visit IKEA for free Pictures with Santa on December 3.

See IKEA ad pg. 57 for savings on purchases. Register at IKEA.com

MTC Kids Jam: Hot Peas ’N Butter 10:00, Midwest Trust Center. The FREE MTC Kids Jam concert series is specially designed with families in mind! JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center Christmas Open House 10:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Enjoy the Heritage Center decorations, make an ornament and visit the historic Mahaffie House! Mahaffie.org Poinsettia and Christmas Cactus 10:00, Colonial Gardens. Create your very own irresistible arrangements featuring poinsettia and Christmas cactus. ColonialGardensKC.com Santa Visits 10:00, Family Tree Nursery (Liberty).

The store builds a beautifully unique backdrop that is perfect for capturing a memorable Christmas photo. FamilyTreeNusery.com Meet Santa at the Zoo 10:00, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Kids can write letters to Santa and then meet the jolly ol’ guy in person.

KansasCityZoo.org

OLATHE, KANSAS Est. 1858

Santa’s Gingerbread Station 10:00, Crown Center. Santa Claus will welcome the public throughout the holiday season for visits, wish lists and photos.

CrownCenter.com Puppet Land Christmas! 11:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. A variety showcase of festive characters, tunes and jolly fun! $5/ea.

PuppetryArtsInsitute.org Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade 11:00, Downtown Lawrence. Authentic horse-drawn carriages parade down Mass Street with Santa.

LawrenceChristmasParade.org A Kansas City Christmas 1:00 & 5:00, Lenexa Baptist. Featuring worship choir and orchestra, A Kansas City Christmas is a community favorite you don’t want to miss. LenexaBaptist.com Holiday Homes Tour: Living in a Christmas Movie 2:00, Historic Downtown Weston. Come share in the festive atmosphere and holiday decor. WestonMo.com

Ice-Skating 10:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace.

Enjoy Kansas City’s original outdoor ice skating rink with a view of the mayor’s tree and decorations. CrownCenter.com Christmas at Camp 6:00, Youthfront Camp West. Fully decked out for Christmas, the beautiful illuminated lake walk with the Nativity story makes for a great holiday experience.

Youthfront.com/Christmas

Start your holiday season with a visit to our free

Christmas Open House Saturday, December 2 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cookies with Santa November 28 & 30 and December 5 & 7

Visit our website and follow us on social media for more fun events throughout the year!

1200 Kansas City Road Olathe, KS 54 december 2023 kcparent.com

mahaffie.org 913-971-5111

The Nativity 7:00, Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral. The story comes alive with largerthan-life, 7-foot puppets and live musicians.

NativityPuppets.org

Christmas with the Liberty Community Chorus 2:00, St. James Catholic Church. Enjoy a concert and special guests the StoneLion Puppets! LibertyCommunityChorus.org

An Intimate Christmas 7:30, Park University.

Enjoy a variety of Christmas pieces at this concert. Free with reservations. ICM.park.edu/ park-icm-orchestra-presents-holiday-concert

A Kansas City Christmas 5:00, Lenexa Baptist Church. Featuring worship choir and orchestra, A Kansas City Christmas is a community favorite you don’t want to miss. LenexaBaptist.com

3 Sunday Breakfast with Santa 8:00, Ceramic Cafe. Your child gets a ticket to press hand or foot into clay to create a milestone ornament then enjoys breakfast with Santa. CeramicCafeKC.com Pictures with Santa 11:00, IKEA. Let you family visit Santa, enjoy the Swedish restaurant and take free photos. Register at IKEA.com.

Sensory-Friendly Santa Photos 11:00, Zona Rosa. Children with sensory sensitivities can visit with Santa in a calm, quiet setting.

ZonaRosa.com Olde World Christmas Noon, Strawberry Hill Museum. Seasonal activities and tours of the Victorian mansion adorned with beautiful decorations. StrawberryHillMuseum.org

Winter Magic Thru Dec. 31, Kansas City.

Experience KC’s drive-thru holiday party featuring one mile of synchronized holiday lights. WinterMagicKC.com GloWild North Pole Village Thru Dec. 30, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. The lantern festival’s North Pole Village returns this year with Santa visits. KansasCityZoo.org/GloWIld

4 Monday Playtime 8:30, Inspired Play Cafe. Enjoy an educational environment for children and a fullservice cafe with nutritious food and beverages for adults and caregivers. InspiredPlayCafe.com Sensory-Friendly Days 9:00, Johnson County Museum. This limited-occupancy session is designed for children with sensory processing differences. JCPRD.com

Play 9:00, Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter. This vibrant, safe indoor play center offers play areas for young children. KangasPlaycenter.com Pet Photo with Santa at Zona Rosa 3:00, Zona Rosa. Bring your furry friend and get a photo with Santa! ZonaRosa.com Information Meeting 7:00, Knox Classical School. Come learn about out Christ-centered, collaborative, classical education. RSVP at KnoxKC.org

5 Tuesday Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists. Plan a playdate for your children and their friends at the amazing showroom! BackyardSpecialists.com TubaChristmas Noon, Crown Center. Tuba and euphonium players come together in this fun and festive FREE holiday concert. KCSymphony.org Cookies with Santa 3:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Enjoy cookies, cocoa and, of course, a meeting with Santa himself! Register at Mahaffie.org A Charlie Brown Christmas by KC Jazz Orchestra 7:00, Kauffman Center. The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra will perform this special concert for families. KCJO.org

affordable family fun!

TICKETS JUST $5

Christmas at Camp Two festive weekends: December 1-2, 8-9 Nativity Walk | Bonfires & S’mores | Light Displays | Hayrides Themed Games | Barrel Train Rides | Festive Treats

TICKETS & MORE INFO: YOUTHFRONT.COM/CHRISTMAS kcparent.com december 2023

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6 Wednesday Sensory Sensitive Story Time 10:00, MCPL Red Bridge. Expect low lighting, softer music and fewer stories with more interactive elements.

MyMCPL.org Mrs. Claus Reads 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Join a park naturalist and Mrs. Claus for animal stories and surprises geared for preschool age children. Register at JCPRD.com.

Winter Wreath Making 5:00, Colonial Gardens. Get into the festive spirit and join our Wonderful Winter Wreath Making Workshop.

ColonialGardensKC.com Winter Solstice Torch-Lit Hike 5:00, George Owens Nature Park. Walk a forest trail lit by torches and enjoy an outdoor winter evening with family and friends.

GeorgeOwensNaturePark.org

7 Thursday The Fairy Princess Thru Sunday, Kansas City Museum. Celebrating 37 years of Fairy Princess magic, come visit an iconic KC tradition. Timed tickets required. KansasCityMuseum.org

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YaYa’s Alpaca Christmas 4:30, YaYa’s Alpaca Farm. Lights on all the trees and barns, including the Christmas barn with a 180-yearold sleigh, Nativity and the alpaca pasture.

YaYaAlpacaFarm.com Luminary Walk 5:00, Overland Park Arboretum.

Kick off your holiday season with a festive walk through the lights. Choose from three experiences. OPKansas.org Festival of Lights Thru Dec. 30, Powell Gardens. Explore more than 20 miles of lights within Kansas City’s botanical garden that’s transformed into a winter wonderland.

PowellGardens.org Holiday Light and Magic Thru Dec 31, Bonner Springs. Drive-thru holiday lights with huge displays and playful scenes including Santa and more. HolidayLightAndMagic.com A Christmas Carol 7:00, Spencer Theatre. Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his redemptive journey with Christmases Past, Present and Future at this KC tradition. KCRep.org Dwell: Holiday Edition 7:00, Lenexa Baptist Church. Celebrate the season by meeting new friends, enjoying conversation and encouragement. Childcare not provided.

Register at LenexaBaptist.com

Sing Choirs of Angels 7:30, Church of the Resurrection: Leawood. This must-see musical presentation features more than 300 actors and musicians. Tickets at COR.org.

8 Friday Christmas at Camp Fri. & Sat., Youthfront Camp West. Fully decked out for Christmas, the beautiful illuminated lake walk with the Nativity story makes for a great holiday experience.

Youthfront.com/Christmas The 13th Annual Holiday Swing: Weekend 3 Thru Sunday, Crown Center Square. Ice-skating, the mayor’s tree, plus your favorite makers, bakers and shakers. TheStrawberrySwing.com German Christmas 11:00, Ben Ferrel Museum.

Experience a festive and fun tour of the Krause Mini Mansion and learn about German customs. PCHS1882.org Polar Express 12:30, Extreme Screen Union Station. Wear your pajamas and enjoy this holiday classic on KC’s largest screen.

UnionStation.org Swedish Christmas Julbord Buffet 5:00, IKEA. Enjoy a Swedish Christmas buffet with food, entertainment and memories for the family.

Tickets at IKEA.com.

What If Puppets Animal Amigos 6:00, Midwest Trust Center. Traditional stories popular in Venezuela, Mexico and other Latin American countries. JCCC.edu

Hej, Neighbor!

Story Time with Scuba Claus 6:00, Wonders of Wildlife. Dive into the holidays with splashy lights, hot cocoa and a story.

WondersOfWildlife.org Naughty or Nice Games 6:00, Lenexa Rec Center. Enjoy an evening of holiday-themed activities featuring a special grumpy, green guest. Lenexa.com Road to Bethlehem 6:00, Red Bridge Baptist Church. A captivating walk-through experience, giving viewers a glimpse into the true meaning of Christmas. RBBCKC.ChurchCenter.com Glass Fusion Ornaments 6:30, Ceramic Cafe.

Continue a family tradition by creating one-of-a-kind glass fusion ornaments.

CeramicCafeKC.com Child of Hope 7:00, Culture House Conservatory Olathe. Störling Dance Theater tells the Nativity story with beautiful costumes, music and dance. StorlingDance.org Adore Him: A Christmas Musical 7:00, Manna Fellowship. A night of music, drama and an original retelling of the events of 2,000 years ago. MannaKC.com

That’s how we say hello in Swedish.

Come by and say hej!

Whether you are just moving in, or have been here for a while. Here is a great offer for being such great neighbors. Stop by and explore home furnishings, and get inspired to make your place a home you will love.

IKEA Family members get 15% off a single purchase* now - February 29, 2024. *Coupon is valid in-store only for IKEA Family members November 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024 at IKEA Merriam only. Good for 15% off a single purchase. Must scan IKEA Family member number and this coupon at the time of purchase in order to receive discount. Valid ONLY at IKEA Merriam. Coupon may only be used once and must be used toward a single transaction. For single item transactions, the net purchase price after application of the coupon will be reflected on the sales receipt. For multiple item transaction, discount is applied proportionately across items purchased, as shown on the receipt. If you return an item, only the net purchase price will be refunded. Offer not valid for click and collect, delivery, assembly, kitchen, planning or other services. Not valid on IKEA Kitchen Event offer, IKEA services, IKEA FAMILY individual Kitchen Planning Service, Food Offers, or in the IKEA Restaurant, Bistro, or Swedish Food Market. Not valid on previous purchase or on the purchase of IKEA Gift Cards, delivery or assembly cost, or payment of your IKEA credit card. LIMIT: one coupon per IKEA Family number. No cash value and may not be redeemed for cash, except where prohibited, in which case cash value is 1/100c. Coupon valid for one use only, regardless of format of coupon used (physical, digital, or online coupon code). Printed coupon or electronic copy must be presented at time of purchase. Physical coupon must be surrendered at time of transaction to receive discount. Void if altered, copied, transferred, resold, sold through online auction or prohibited by law. Cannot be combined with other IKEA offers or coupons. Other restrictions may apply. See store for details.

Not a member?

Scan the QR code or visit IKEA.us/lookup to join. © Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2023

Sing Choirs of Angels 7:30, Church of the Resurrection: Leawood. This must-see musical presentation features more than 300 actors, singers, dancers and instrumentalists. COR.org The Christmas Canine Select dates thru Jan 1, Martin City Melodrama. Enjoy this familyfriendly original classic ‘tail’. Reserve your tickets by calling 913.642.7576.

Elf: The Musical 8:00, the Warwick Theatre.

Based on the popular Will Ferrell movie, this live musical version is sure to be a new holiday favorite for you and your family!

WarwickKC.org

9 Saturday Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park (Overland Park). Children 5 and under and their parent/guardian get to jump, bounce and crawl around safely. UrbanAirOP.com A Very Merry Christmas 9:00, Alexander Majors Home. Come learn about how 19thcentury Kansas Citians would have celebrated the holiday. WornallMajors.org

kcparent.com december 2023

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What If Puppets Animal Amigos 10:00, Midwest Trust Center. Enjoy traditional stories popular in Venezuela, Mexico and other Latin American countries. JCCC.edu Kids Club 10:00-11:00, Colonial Gardens.

Drop your kids off while you shop at Colonial Gardens or enjoy a coffee at the Bean Counter.

ColonialGardensKC.com Visit From St. Nicholas 10:00, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Take a break from the present and experience a 19th-century Christmas.

ShoalCreekLivingHistoryMuseum.com Santa Visits 10:00, Family Tree Nursery (Overland Park). The store builds a beautifully unique backdrop that is perfect for capturing a memorable Christmas photo.

FamilyTreeNusery.com Merry Grinch-Mas 10:00, Merriam Community Center. Enjoy a morning of Grinch-y fun with snacks and crafts. Register at Merriam.org Winter Fest 10:00, Olathe Public Library (Indian Creek). Celebrate the season with crafts, games, story times, caroling, trivia contests, photo ops and movies. OlatheLibrary.org

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Christmas Train Noon, KC Northern Railroad.

Ride the rails with Santa, savor cocoa and cookies and enjoy the ride for only 75 cents each. Enjoy this festive event on the rails.

KCNRR.com Christmas Concert 1:00, Lanesfield School Historic Site. Experience a traditional 1904 old-fashioned Christmas as you write letters to Santa with pen and ink and more. JCPRD.com Christmas on Main 1:00, Downtown Blue Springs. Don’t miss out on this winter wonderland of fun, shopping and delicious treats! DowntownBlueSprings.com Sing Choirs of Angels 1:30 & 7:30, Resurrection Leawood. This must-see musical presentation features more than 300 actors, singers, dancers and instrumentalists. COR.org Child of Hope 2:00 & 7:00, Culture House Conservatory Olathe. Störling Dance Theater tells the Nativity story with beautiful costumes, music and dance. StorlingDance.org Living Nativity: A Free Community Event 2:00, Grace United Methodist. Live animals, s’mores, family Advent activities, singing and activities. GraceUMC.church

Christmas Festival with Live Nativity 2:30, Country Club Christian Church. Family photos made into an ornament, kids crafts, cocoa and a live Nativity with animals. CCCCKC.org The Gift of the Magi 4:00, Greenleaf Stage.

Learn about the importance of the gift of love in this beautiful adaption of the story by O. Henry. GreenLeafStudio.org Candlelight Tour 4:00, Fort Osage. Experience how the holidays were celebrated at the historic fort in the early 19th century. FortOsageNHS.com Enchant Christmas Thru Dec. 31, Legends Field. Experience a Christmas light maze, 100-foot Christmas tree, ice-skating, Santa and more. Tickets at EnchantChristmas.com The Great Candy Cane Hunt 5:30, Stagecoach Park. Bring your flashlights and help us find the candy canes Santa dropped on Stagecoach Park. Register at OlatheKS.gov.

Festival of Christmas 6:00, MNU Bell Theater.

A festival of best-loved Christmas carols and selections from Handel’s Messiah. MNU.edu Kearney’s Magical Night 6:00, Historic Kearney. Lighted Christmas parade with floats, cars and people dressed in their holiday best!

KearneyEnrichment.org

10 Sunday Walk to the Manger 8:00, Colonial Presbyterian Overland Park. Experience Christmas like the shepherds on a quiet dark night … until an angel appeared! ColonialKC.org/events Santa Visits 10:00, Family Tree Nursery (Shawnee). The store builds a beautifully unique backdrop that is perfect for capturing a memorable Christmas photo.

FamilyTreeNusery.com Ring In the Season: A Holiday Ball 10:00, Noon, 2:30, The Venue at Willow Creek. Come ring in the season with all your favorite princesses! KCPrincessParties.com Poinsettia and Christmas Cactus 10:00, Colonial Gardens. Create your very own irresistible arrangements featuring poinsettia and Christmas cactus. ColonialGardensKC.com

Want More in Life?

Become a foster parent to experience the joy of parenthood and help children in need.

Thousands of children in the Kansas City area are in crisis due to child abuse, neglect and other family challenges. These children need someone like you to care for them and their future.

People from all walks of life can become foster parents. Whether you’re single or married, own or rent your home, have kids or not, identify as LGBTQ+ or don’t, and work full-time or stay at home — you may qualify!

K VC will support you the whole way.

The Fairy Princess Noon, Kansas City Museum.

Celebrating 37 years of Fairy Princess magic, come visit an iconic KC tradition. Timed tickets required. KansasCityMuseum.org Sing Choirs of Angels 1:30, Church of the Resurrection: Leawood. This must-see musical presentation features more than 300 actors, singers, dancers and instrumentalists. COR.org

Contact us to learn more. (888) 655-5500 | kvc.org/foster

Child of Hope 2:00 & 7:00, Culture House Conservatory Olathe. Störling Dance Theater tells the Nativity story with beautiful costumes, music and dance. StorlingDance.org Holly Jolly Journey 3:00, Lenexa Baptist Church. Join us for family time playing games, singing songs, and telling the story of Christ’s birth! Registration required. LenexaBaptist.com Festival of Lights Thru Dec. 30, Powell Gardens. Explore more than 20 miles of lights within Kansas City’s botanical garden that’s transformed into a winter wonderland.

PowellGardens.org

11 Monday Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System 9:45, Folly Theater. Ms. Frizzle saves the day by blasting into outer space for an epic interplanetary field trip! FollyTheater.org GloWild North Pole Village Thru Dec. 30, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. The lantern festival’s North Pole Village returns this year with Santa visits. KansasCityZoo.org/GloWIld

MUSEUM HOURS Monday - Saturday 9am - 4:30pm

Museum

8788 Metcalf Ave Overland Park, KS JCPRD.com/Museum kcparent.com december 2023

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SIX-STOP TOUR: CHRISTMAS TOWNS Christmas movies often feature quaint towns with beautiful holiday decorations, strolling carolers and the magic of Christmas on every corner. We’re fortunate to have several towns with that Hallmark Christmas movie feeling less than a tank of gas away from Kansas City.

1. WESTON

2. LAWRENCE

Weston is so iconically quaint, Lifetime filmed Rebuilding a Dream Christmas in the Missouri town. On the first weekend of December, the town hosts its Holiday Homes Tour, and all season long, the shops are decorated for the holidays with Father Christmas strolling Main Street and greeting shoppers.

Plus, Snow Creek is Kansas City’s close local skiing destination, open seasonally.

On the first Saturday in December, Lawrence hosts an old-fashioned Christmas parade complete with horsedrawn carriages.

Theatre Lawrence is performing A Christmas Story: The Musical on select dates Dec. 1-17.

The shops on “Mass Street” will be decked out in holiday splendor with great deals for shoppers.

Adults enjoy holiday spirit at Snowglobe, a holiday pop-up bar at Dempsey’s Pub with live reindeer!

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3. BRANSON, MISSOURI Branson is famously decorated with millions of lights every holiday season. Silver Dollar City, the top attraction in Branson, hosts an Ozark Christmas with millions of lights, holiday shows, delicious Christmas delicacies, rides and more.

You’ll find holiday entertainment at Sight & Sound Theatre’s Esther, Dolly Parton’s Stampede and the Haygoods.

4. PELLA, IOWA Christmas is also magical in this quaint Dutch town. The town landmark, Vermeer Mill, is a working 124-foot windmill from the Netherlands used to grind wheat.

The historical museum features a Dutch village. The first weekend in December, Pella hosts Kerstmarkt, an outdoor Christmas market featuring artisan vendors.

Throughout the season, enjoy carriage rides, boutique shopping and visits with Sinterklaas.

5. ST. CHARLES, MISSOURI

6. LINDSBORG, KANSAS

St. Charles is famous for its cobblestone streets, historical architecture near the Mississippi River and the yuletide nostalgia residents share during their annual Christmas Traditions celebration.

Visitors enjoy Victorian carolers, beautiful greenery decorating the historic district, delicious holiday foods, shopping and more all month long.

Lindsborg celebrates its Swedish heritage year-round, but it is especially unique at Christmas during the Festival of St. Lucia. On the second weekend of December, the town celebrates with holiday music, a St. Lucia parade, the crowning of St. Lucia, and cookies and coffee. You may also visit the Old Mill Museum, many local shops and eateries and historic sites.

12 Tuesday Museum Visit 9:00, Truman Presidential Library.

Learn about the legacy of President Truman and our history. TrumanLibrary.gov GingerBread Lane 10:00, Arabia Steamboat Museum. See a whimsical interpretation of Kansas City in miniature cookie form, featuring familiar landmarks. TheCityMarketKC.org Luminary Walk 5:00, Overland Park Arboretum.

Kick off your holiday season with a festive walk through the lights. Choose from three experiences. OPKansas.org Story Time with Scuba Claus 6:00, Wonders of Wildlife. Dive into the holidays with splashy lights, hot cocoa and a story.

WondersOfWildlife.org

13 Wednesday Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical 10:00, Coterie Theatre. Back by popular demand, the beloved Christmas classic is a must-see show of the season. TheCoterie.org Retro Story Time 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Preschoolers love stories and crafts from long ago, read by a special guest from the 1950s All-Electric House. JCPRD.com Sea of Lights 10:00, Sea Life Kansas City.

Featuring festive underwater displays and colorful lighting experiences that create a winter wonderland. VisitSeaLife.com

14 Thursday Overland Park Civic Band Holiday Concert 7:30, Atonement Lutheran Church. Enjoy a free concert featuring holiday classics, new arrangements and familiar carols.

OPCivicBand.org Elf: The Musical 8:00, the Warwick Theatre.

Based on the popular Will Ferrell movie, this live musical version is sure to be a new holiday favorite for you and your family! WarwickKC.org

15 Friday The 13th Annual Holiday Swing: Weekend 4 Thru Sunday, Crown Center Square. Ice-skating, the mayor’s tree, plus your favorite makers, bakers and shakers. TheStrawberrySwing.com Candy Cane Hunt 9:00, Lenexa Community Center. Gather candy canes and enjoy snacks, story time and a free performance by Mr. Stinky Feet. Ages 6 & under. Lenexa.com/holidays Royal Victorian Christmas Tours 10:00, Vaile Mansion. Tour Vaile Mansion decorated in Victorian holiday splendor! VaileMansion.org

Three Wisecats on Broadway 10:00, Theatre for Young America. Holiday cheer comes to a dark alley in NYC with this musical extravaganza.

TYA.org

Live Nativity and Christmas Walk 5:30, Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church. Come see the sheep, donkeys and even a camel! RHCKC.org

Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Cafe. Read a book, then the kids get to paint a ceramic item that goes along with the story and finish with a snack. CeramicCafeKC.com

Moonlight Nativity 5:30, Moonlight Nativity. Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, and behold the most enchanting liveperson Nativity scene event of the season!

MoonlightNativity.com

Seussical the Musical 7:30, Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center. Seussical is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza!

TheatreInThePark.org/2023-seussical

Swimming in a Winter Wonderland 5:30, Olathe Community Center. Complete with holiday treats, music and wonderful views of beautiful Christmas lights. OlatheKS.gov

16 Saturday

Skate with Santa 6:00, Summit Ice. Meet and skate with Santa in a winter wonderland with twinkle lights and a beautiful holiday tree.

CityOfLS.net/parks/facilities/summit-ice

Cookies & Cocoa with Mrs. Claus 10:00, Bingham-Waggoner Estate. Enjoy treats while Mrs. Claus reads “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” BWEstate.net Santa Day 11:00, Louisburg Cider Mill. Santa Claus will visit the Louisburg Cider Mill Country Store. Come visit Jolly Ole St. Nick and tell him your Christmas wishes. LouisburgCiderMill.com Joy to the World 11:00, Ascend Church. Come see dancers perform pieces to celebrate the birth of our King! GreenleafStudio.org Puppet Land Christmas! 11:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. A variety showcase of festive characters, tunes and jolly fun! $5/ea.

PuppetryArtsInsitute.org Holiday Radio Show 3:00, John Knox Pavilion.

Celebrate the holidays with the Lee’s Summit Symphony’s annual tradition! LSSymphony.org CHRISTmas in the Barn 4:00, C Bar C. Cowboy Santa, ornaments, CHRISTmas cookies, bareback pony rides and the Jesus story!

CBarCRidingLessons.com A Night in Bethlehem 4:00, Peculiar UMC. Come and experience what Bethlehem might have been like the night that Jesus was born!

PeculiarUMC.org Luminary Walk 5:00, Overland Park Arboretum.

Kick off your holiday season with a festive walk through the lights. Choose from three experiences. OPKansas.org Winter Wonderland at the Nature Center 5:00, Prairie Park Nature Center. See the magic and pet some festive furry friends like ponies, llamas and/or goats! LPRD.org Enchant Christmas Thru Dec. 31, Legends Field. Experience a Christmas light maze, 100-foot Christmas tree, ice-skating, Santa and more. Tickets at EnchantChristmas.com.

A Fountain City Christmas 7:30, MNU Bell Theater. With the talent of the Fountain City Brass Band, this performance is sure to leave you feeling merry and bright. MNU.edu

17 Sunday Holiday Reflections Thru Jan. 1, Union Station.

Walk through an indoor winter wonderland and experience the magic of larger-than-life decorations in the Grand Hall. UnionStation.org Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical 2:00, Coterie Theatre. Back by popular demand, the beloved Christmas classic is a must-see show of the season. TheCoterie.org Festival of Lights Thru Dec. 30, Powell Gardens. Explore more than 20 miles of lights within Kansas City’s botanical garden that’s transformed into a winter wonderland.

PowellGardens.org Holiday Light and Magic Thru Dec. 31, Bonner Springs. Drive-thru holiday lights with huge displays and playful scenes including Santa and more. HolidayLightAndMagic.com

18 Monday Meet Santa at Zona Rosa 11:00, Zona Rosa. Take a photo with Santa in his winter wonderland at Zona Rosa. Walk-ins welcome.

ZonaRosa.com Winter Magic 6:00, 1800 Cliff Dr., Kansas City, Mo. KC’s drive-thru holiday party featuring one mile of synchronized holiday lights.

WinterMagicKC.com

19 Tuesday Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Merriam Community Center. Ride and slide, drive, pull or push your favorite Little Tikes vehicles.

Merriam.org kcparent.com december 2023

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Santa’s Gingerbread Station 10:00, Crown Center. Santa Claus will welcome the public throughout the holiday season for visits, wish lists and photos. CrownCenter.com

A Christmas Carol 7:00, Spencer Theatre. Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his redemptive journey with Christmases Past, Present and Future at this KC tradition. KCRep.org

Winter Wonderland, a Holiday Pop-Up 7:30, Kauffman Center. Enjoy a craft cocktail and shareables before or after shows.

KauffmanCenter.org/the-center/dining

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical Noon, Coterie Theatre. Back by popular demand, the beloved Christmas classic is a must-see show of the season. TheCoterie.org

21 Thursday

23 Saturday

Museum Visit 9:00, Truman Presidential Library.

Learn about the legacy of President Truman and U.S. history. TrumanLibrary.gov

Jumperoo Toddler Time 8:00, Urban Air (Lenexa). Jumpers 5 and under and their guardian are invited to jump, bounce and crawl around safely. UrbanAirLenexa.com

Story Time with Scuba Claus 6:00, Wonders of Wildlife. Dive into the holidays with splashy lights, hot cocoa and a story.

WondersofWildlife.org

20 Wednesday Play 9:00, Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter. This vibrant, safe indoor play center offers play areas for young children designed to help them learn through play. KangasPlaycenter.com Visit from Santa 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Meet a special animal friend and enjoy stories with Santa. Register at JCPRD.com.

Kids Eat Free at IKEA 11:00, IKEA. IKEA Family members get up to two kids entrees free when they buy any adult entree at the Swedish restaurant. IKEA.com

Free Family Fun Night 5:00, Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. Explore a special place where children can create, discover and learn through play. KansasDiscovery.org Holiday Hayride 5:00, Downtown Overland Park. Enjoy a FREE hayride in festive Downtown Overland Park! DowntownOP.org

22 Friday

Enchant Christmas Thru Dec. 31, Legends Field. Experience a Christmas light maze, 100-foot Christmas tree, ice-skating, Santa and more. Tickets at EnchantChristmas.com.

Bricktionary: The Ultimate Lego A-Z 10:00, Union Station. Consisting of more than 150 custom-built Lego models, Bricktionary is inspired by simple letters and boundless imagination. UnionStation.org

Skate with Santa 6:00, Summit Ice. Meet and skate with Santa in a winter wonderland with twinkle lights and a beautiful holiday tree.

CityOfLS.net/parks/facilities/summit-ice

Learn to play piano and have FUN doing it!

AGES 7+ | ALL SKILL LEVELS | AFFORDABLE | FLEXIBLE VOICE LESSONS | EXPERIENCED TEACHER (12 YRS)

PARTICIPATE IN BI-ANNUAL RECITALS!

Both daytime and evening lessons available!

Call Spring Terburgh at 913-636-4472 LOCATED RIGHT OFF I-35 AND 119TH ST IN OLATHE AND IN SOUTH KCMO kcparent.com

Christmas Eve Eve 5:00 & 7:00, Lenexa Baptist Church. Join us for a candlelight celebration of Christ’s birth. LenexaBaptist.com

Jewish Holidays in the All-Electric House 9:00, Johnson County Museum. This exhibit invites visitors to explore the rich tapestry of Jewish holidays. JCPRD.com

piano lessons

62 december 2023

Santa Brunch 9:30, Rye Leawood. Enjoy the best brunch around and meet Santa, who will be here all morning meeting families and taking plenty of photos. ExploreTock.com/RyeLeawood

This is where miracles happen every day.

The Birthing Center at Liberty Hospital provides the premier experience you and your growing family deserve. With family-friendly birthing suites and advanced medical care, it’s no wonder more moms across the Northland choose Liberty Hospital for a comfortable, safe and nurturing place to welcome their new babies into the world.

Together, our teams of obstetric and neonatal nurses, lactation experts, and others care for you and your baby in a state-of-the-art medical facility, including a NICU for newborns who need highly specialized care. We provide many welcoming amenities for the whole family and a complete range of classes to support a healthy start for mom and baby.

We can’t wait to meet you.

Learn more libertyhospital.org/birthingcenter.

This is where health happens.

Crown Center Ice Terrace Thru Mar. 10, 2024, Crown Center Ice Terrace. Enjoy Kansas City’s original outdoor ice skating rink as you savor the season. CrownCenter.com

24 Sunday

26 Tuesday

Christmas Eve

Kids Day Out 8:00, Johnson County Museum. Discover history through hands-on activities and exploration of KidScape and museum exhibits. Register at JCPRD.com.

Christmas Eve 9:00 & 11:30, Lenexa Baptist Church. Join us for a candlelight celebration of Christ’s birth. LenexaBaptist.com Ice-Skating 10:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace.

Enjoy Kansas City’s original outdoor iceskating rink with a view of the mayor’s tree and decorations. CrownCenter.com Winter Magic 6:00, 1800 Cliff Dr., Kansas City, Mo. KC’s drive-thru holiday party featuring one mile of synchronized holiday lights. WinterMagicKC.com

25 Monday CHRISTMAS Merry Christmas, KC Parent readers!

Thank you for 38 years of readership and support!

Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Merriam Community Center. Ride and slide, drive, pull or push your favorite Little Tikes vehicles.

Merriam.org Indoor Playground 9:30, Powell Community Center. Kids 6 years and under play with a variety of developmental toys.

MissionKS.com Holiday Light and Magic Thru Dec. 31, Bonner Springs. Drive-thru holiday lights with huge displays and playful scenes including Santa and more. HolidayLightAndMagic.com

27 Wednesday Playtime 8:30, Inspired Play Cafe. Enjoy an educational environment for children and a full-service cafe with nutritious food and beverages for adults and caregivers.

InspiredPlayCafe.com Museum Visit 9:00, Truman Presidential Library.

Learn about the legacy of President Truman and U.S. history. TrumanLibrary.gov

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Little smiles can have a BIG impact!

New Patient Special Offer:

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Children’s Dental Visit

Includes exam, cleaning and x-rays

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• new in kc in 2024 • resolutions with kids • a growth mindest

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www.TheSmileSpot.com The Smile Spot Waldo 8043 Wornall Road, Suite 203 Kansas City, MO 64114 Phone: 816-363-2900

64 december 2023 kcparent.com

The Smile Spot Independence 651 E US Hwy 24, Independence, MO 64050 Phone: 816-461-0300

Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center.

This activity provides kids a place to run, ride and play while making new friends.

Lenexa.com Kids Eat Free at IKEA 11:00, IKEA. IKEA Family members get up to two kids entrees free when they buy any adult entree at the Swedish restaurant. IKEA.com

28 Thursday Ice-Skating 10:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace.

Enjoy Kansas City’s original outdoor iceskating rink with a view of the mayor’s tree and decorations. CrownCenter.com Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists. Plan a playdate for your children and their friends at the amazing showroom! BackyardSpecialists.com Festival of Lights 5:00, Powell Gardens. Explore more than 20 miles of lights within Kansas City’s botanical garden that’s transformed into a winter wonderland. PowellGardens.org

29 Friday Play 9:00, Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter. This vibrant, safe indoor play center offers play areas for young children designed to help them learn through play. KangasPlaycenter.com

Bricktionary: The Ultimate Lego A-Z 10:00, Union Station. Consisting of more than 150 custom-built Lego models, Bricktionary is inspired by simple letters and boundless imagination. UnionStation.org Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Cafe. Read a book, then the kids get to paint a ceramic item that goes along with the story and finish with a snack. CeramicCafeKC.com New Year’s Rodeo Stampede 7:00, American Royal Hale Arena. Cowboys and cowgirls will compete in all nine URA/MRCA/ACRA events for daily prize money. CRMcKellipsRodeo.com

30 Saturday

Cedar Cove: Public Tours 11:00, Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary. See these epic animals and learn about their characteristics and behaviors! SaveOurSiberians.orgMDC.MO.gov Hands-On History Noon, National WWI Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life in this program in which guests are invited to handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org Free Weekend Fun Discover & Decorate 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Stop by the Fun Spot to pick up a DIY art kit related to art in the galleries. Nelson-Atkins.org

31 Sunday

New Year’s Eve

Sar-Ko Aglow Thru Jan. 15, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Stroll around the pond and enjoy the myriad lights. Lenexa.com Jumperoo Toddler Time 8:00, Urban Air (Lenexa). Jumpers 5 and under and their guardian are invited to jump, bounce and crawl around safely. UrbanAirLenexa.com Nature Art: Winter Reflections 10:00, Anita Gorman Discovery Center. Gather dried stems, leaves, berries, nuts and other winter treasures to create art.

Zoo Year’s Eve 10:00, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Roar in the new year at the zoo with a festive party and a countdown to noon!

KansasCityZoo.org Noon Year’s Eve Noon, Science City. Noon Year’s Eve returns for another fun-filled, end-ofyear celebration. Enjoy a festive day of science fun with the whole family. UnionStation.org New Year’s Rodeo Stampede 7:00, American Royal Hale Arena. Cowboys and cowgirls will compete in all nine URA/MRCA/ACRA events for daily prize money. CRMcKellipsRodeo.com

jccc.edu/MTCArtsEd Box Office: 913–469–4445 Mon. – Fri. / 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

@MidwestTrustCenterJCCC @MidwestTrustCenterJCCC @MTC_JCCC

Kadesh Flow and Dinosaur O’Dell SAT. JAN. 6 | 11 AM POLSKY THEATRE | FREE

FREE Saturday event specially designed with families in mind!

NO TICKETS REQUIRED

Come with Kadesh and Dino as they travel the world!

See how they deal with challenges along the way and tie it all together with music and stories.

IT’S A BIG ADVENTURE FOR EVERYONE! SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE. Join us before the performance at 10 a.m. in the MTC lobby for art activities led by StoneLion Puppet Theatre.

THANKS to the Adams Family Arts Education Endowment, BNSF Railway, Francis Family Foundation, Hudson Family Foundation, JCCC Foundation, Victor and Caroline Schutte Foundation and Yellow Freight System Inc. kcparent.com december 2023

65

T-MOBILE CENTER JAN 13 – 14

Tickets On Sale Now T-MOBILE CENTER

JAN 13 – 14

Competitors shown are subject to change. © 2023 Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

66 december 2023 kcparent.com

Push the limits of what’s possible with LEGO® Bricks!

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