3. Enjoy a candlelight dinner. Think about what everyday life was like when Jesus was born. Enjoy dinner by candlelight and feel how peaceful it can be to sit by the warm glow of a flickering flame. If you are eating by the light of a Chanukah menorah, it’s best to do it on the eighth night, when the candles burn the brightest. Or better yet, have a special menorah for each child to light. 4. Give a “Gift for the Day.” Before you think this involves reaching for your wallet, keep reading. My kids are almost always asking to use something that belongs to my husband or me. Maybe it is a lip gloss or a flashlight or tool. It could be a pretty scarf or even a special mug. Wrap up the coveted item and give it to your child with a note reading, “This is something of Mommy’s that is usually just for me. I’d like for you to use it today because you are special as can be.” 5. Bake together. The holidays usually have us mixing and baking at some point. Take some extra time and hand over the wooden spoon. Sure, it may take longer. Yes, it will be messier. But letting children help shows that you value their abilities, and that they are more important than a stress-filled to do list. And I’ve never met a child (young or old) who doesn’t like to lick the spoon! 6. Enjoy the lights. There are few things that evoke squeals like twinkling Christmas lights. Go to page 42 to see our list of the best local light displays and lighted boat parades in Southwest Florida. Maybe take a different route home from basketball one night so you can see the lights on the street you don’t usually drive on. Go a block or two out of your way to drive by the town tree. You don’t have to make a big night of searching for lights (although that’s fun too!) Just take time to enjoy the ones you see. If little ones cry, “I didn’t get to see it,” like mine sometimes do, make a quick u-turn and go back by again. You’ll only be losing minutes, but it sure adds up to them. And the squeals are worth it! 7. Designate family movie time. Christmas is filled with all kinds of movies. Whether you’re looking for something funny or heartwarming, taking an evening and watching a Christmas movie together is a memory worth making. There is a bonding that occurs when you sit together and enjoy a holiday movie. So don’t worry about addressing the Christmas cards for a night. No one will remember when they got the card anyway. A tradition of the family watching a Christmas movie together will be held dear for years to come. Whether it’s Elf, A Charlie Brown Christmas, or It’s A Wonderful Life, you’ll feel good knowing you took the time to be together. These are just a few of the ways we’ve been able to show our children love and create memorable family Christmases without spending a dime. NEAPOLITANfamily • December 2018
FREE Free LOCAL HOLIDAY FUN Local Holiday Family Fun
This time of year, it seems like we never stop spending money. To give your wallet a rest, we’ve listed the top 10 free holiday events in Southwest Florida. Also check out our directory of holiday light displays on page 42, as many of those events are free. Take the whole family and make some inexpensive memories. Community-wide Chanukah Celebration. Dec. 3, 5-6:30 p.m., Mercato. Free admission. Everyone is welcome. Menorah lighting, kids’ crafts, live music, face painting, Israeli folk dancing, children’s performances, food available for purchase, and more. Visit www.jewishnaples.org. Holiday on the Bay. Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22-24, The Village Shops on Venetian Bay. Check website for hours. Enjoy a festive snow show and holiday entertainment, including free photos with Santa, stories with Mrs. Claus, Dickens-period carolers, dance performances, and more. Visit venetianvillage.com for each day’s schedule. Let’s Paint Chanukah. Dec. 4, 5-8 p.m., Cambier Park. The entire community is invited to enjoy a giant painted menorah, rides, games, crafts, delicious Kosher food, and live performances. Call 239- 272-4474 or visit www.chabadnaples.com. Marco Island Christmas Parade. Dec. 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The parade runs along San Marco Road, starting at Balfour Drive and ending at Barfield Drive. Visit christmasislandstyle.com. Movies on the Lawn: The Polar Express. Dec. 18, 5:45-7:45 p.m., Mercato. Bring a blanket or chairs. No coolers, please. Food, beverages, and popcorn available for purchase. Visit mercatoshops.com or call 239-254-1080. Naples Christmas Parade. Dec. 11, 6-8 p.m. The parade starts at the corner of Broad Avenue South and Third Street South, and ends at City Hall. Don’t miss the special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Call 239-213-7120 or visit naplesgov.com. On Christmas Day Concert. Dec. 15, 5 p.m., and Dec. 16, 4 p.m., Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church. The church choir sings old and new holiday favorites. A carol sing-along concludes the concert. Visit trinitybythecove.com. Preserving the Holiday Spirit. Dec. 7-9, 4-6:30 p.m., The Naples Preserve. Live music, holiday lights and decorations, boardwalk tours, refreshments, special animal guests, and much more. Make food ornaments for our Wildlife Tree. Visit www.naplesgov.com. Santa Wonderland 2018. Through Dec. 24, Bass Pro Shops, Gulf Coast Town Center. Free 4x6 picture with Santa. Free crafts, Lincoln Log and Crayola blocks building area, gaming area, laser arcade, remote control trucks, foam shooting gallery, and more. For hours, call 239-461-7800 or visit www.basspro.com. Tuba Christmas. Dec. 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m. A remarkable evening of music in Sugden Plaza from more than 70 sousaphone, euphonium, tuba, and baritone players. Call 239-692-8436 or visit fifthavenuesouth.com. neafamily.com
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