December 2021 Momaha Magazine

VOLUME 12 · ISSUE 12

KID-MADE KEEPSAKES Festive ornaments easy to make and treasure

DECEMBER

2021

KILEY CRUSE

CONTENTS

REAL MOMS + ADVICE

SEASONAL

SPONSORED FEATURES

2 Editor’s Column 4 Be Well 10 Bookshelf

8 Craft Stick Ornaments 12 Santa Bread 14 Christmas Tree Puff Pastry 16 Holiday Events

3 Early Development Network 6 YMCA of Greater Omaha

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Wife to Kevin and mom to Sam and Elliott.

Follow her on Twitter: @AshleeCoffeyOWH

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 12 DECEMBER 2021 editor in chief KILEY CRUSE cruse@owh.com 402-444-1375

consulting editor

DECEMBER A TIME TO CELEBRATE FAMILY, MAKE MEMORIES

W

hile it’s no secret that I am not really a big fan of winter, I do love December. Who can be grumpy when it’s the holiday season?

My family has a host of activities we do without fail every holiday season. We drive around and look at Christmas lights. We visit the giant Christmas tree at the Durham Museum (and visit Santa there). We turn on old Christmas music my grandparents used to play while we set up the Christmas tree.

We buy a new pair of Christmas pajamas

and a new Christmas book. We love baking a new kind of cookie.

The list could go on. (In fact, it does on page 16.)

December also holds an extra special place in my heart because it’s the month I became a mom. My oldest son, Sammy, was born on Dec. 13, and so for that reason alone, it is the best time of year.

I hope, however you spend your holiday season, that you are healthy, happy and surrounded by the people you love most.

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December 2021

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CO U R T N E Y B R U M M E R - C L A R K cbclark@owh.com 402-444-3118

assistant editor MARJIE DUCEY marjie.ducey@owh.com 402-444-1034

momaha.com editor A S H L E E CO F F E Y ashlee.coffey@owh.com 402-444-1075

designer A PR I L B U R F O R D

cover photo KILEY CRUSE

custom publishing sales coordinator N I C K C AVA L L A R O nick.cavallaro@owh.com 402-444-1202

Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 600, Omaha, NE 68102. Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2021 by the Omaha World-Herald.

All rights reserved. The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha Magazine.

SPONSORED FEATURE EARLY DEVELOPMENT NETWORK

‘I could not imagine being here without (EDN) support.

Be open and communicate. Ask questions.

Take it one day at a time’ Program helps local families through early intervention services

D

eciding which direction to take for your child’s early intervention services can be overwhelming.

Early intervention services are designed to support development in areas such as speech and language, gross motor skills and social and behavioral skills. With so much information and services available, it can be difficult to sort through it all.

The Early Development Network (EDN) through the Nebraska Department of Education works in partnership with school districts to make the navigation of services as easy as possible.

The Early Development Network provides coordinated services for Nebraska families. The program helps families to understand their child’s development and provides assistance in dealing with situations that may interfere.

Research shows that the first three years are the most important time for learning in a child’s life. Providing developmental support and services early improves a child’s ability to develop and learn. Also, it may prevent or decrease the need for special help later. The goal of early intervention in Nebraska is to open a window of opportunity for families to help their children with developmental needs to develop to their full potential.

Once a referral to the program has been made, a services coordinator will be assigned directly to your family.

From the first phone call through your child’s evaluation and services, the services coordinator is there for support, completely free of charge.

The services coordinator will help parents: • Find services to meet developmental, educational, financial, health care, child care, respite care and other needs.

• Work with multiple providers to make

GETTY IMAGES

sure services are provided as needed.

• Empower parents to become coordinators of services for their own children in the future.

Christina Didier, an Early Childhood Special Education teacher in Ralston Public Schools, conducted a study on the Early Development Network as part of her graduate research. In Didier’s study, the program was frequently described as helpful, caring and responsive. Parents explained that the process was simple, free of obstacles and allowed families to be supported in the ways they needed.

A parent participant in the study said: “I could not imagine being here without (EDN) support. Be open and

communicate. Ask questions. Take it one day at a time.”

Other parents commented that the program not only helps children develop, but it can also help the growth of the entire family.

Regardless of where your child is at, the Early Development Network can help you and your child incorporate early intervention services into your everyday activities. Families in the program agree: Getting started is easy and the Early Development Network is here to support you.

Visit omahaedn.esu3.org or call 402-597-4936 or for more information.

3

ADOBESTOCK

BE WELL MARJIE DUCEY.

‘What About Santa?’

S Moms are coming up with their own solutions for supply change shortages

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December 2021

anta Claus may not be able to deliver as in years past, so members of the Omaha Area Moms Group on Facebook are coming up with other solutions.

Supply chain problems mean some sought-after items could be in short supply or not available at all.

Some lucky moms like Christina Otto and Abby Krieger Ferry already have gifts stashed and ready to go.

Megan Hernandez said it’s the perfect time to explain that Christmas is not about gifts.

“It’s about giving, and family and the

spirit of being festive,” she wrote when The World-Herald asked moms in the group what their solutions might be this year.

Lots of moms agree and are trying to turn the focus away from presents.

“We talk about Christmas and how what matters is family, being together, doing kind things for others, celebrating Jesus, how lucky we are,” Kelli Sib said.

“Christmas isn’t supposed to be about gifts,” Joni Hunt wrote. “It’s about family, food, Jesus and just being together.”

Amanda Poulson said if she can’t give her kids gifts, she focuses on fun activities like baking cookies together, sledding and

“Christmas isn’t supposed to be about gifts.

It’s about family, food, Jesus and just being together.” driving around to see Christmas lights.

“Memories over presents,” she wrote.

Lex Tan’s family will be writing stories, reading books, building cardboard castles and staging silly photo shoots.

Gina Adams Samci said her family is also creating memories this year instead of buying gifts.

“We are going to Colorado and staying at one of our favorite resorts,” she wrote. “My kids (6-7-11) already know they aren’t getting gifts and when they start saying ‘I want X for Christmas’ I gently remind them and they light up and get excited all over again. This supports the narrative that experiences and family are more important than gifts.

AND it supports an industry that was severely impacted by the global COVID pandemic.”

Tashena BhreAn Lewellyn said her family is focusing on giving this year.

“Not buying and giving but making and giving,” she wrote. “Then the gift includes the gift of our time, attention and effort as well. We are giving of ourselves.”

Local artist Nicole Serrano said this is a good time to shop locally. That’s what Breanna Caldwell and Kirsten Larson are doing, too.

“I’ve started making a list of locally owned businesses and artists to explore,” Larson wrote. “I feel confident that I can find something wonderful for every person on my list and also support the local economy.”

Robin Shearer said in addition to shopping locally, she’ll look for experience-based gifts such as zoo memberships or concert tickets.

Chelsea Carlson said she’s a big fan of Facebook Marketplace, consignment events and garage sales.

“I’d rather give my money to a fellow parent, stimulate the local economy, and not perpetuate the environmental damage from mass-produced and cheap

MARK DAVIS, THE WORLD-HERALD

— Joni Hunt

Robin Shearer says she will be shopping for experienced-based gifts this year, such as zoo memberships or concert tickets.

products. They already have plenty so I’m not worried about toys and gifts, but rather food shortages or price hikes for people who are already marginalized,” she wrote. “We should be concentrating on the needs of the community, not the wants of kids. Donate to your local food pantry in lieu of buying gifts that might not be delivered in time for Christmas.

I think this is a great reason to reflect on what’s actually important and an educational opportunity for many, especially children.”

Jenny Wittig said if her kids want something specific and it doesn’t arrive, she’ll just print a picture of the item and let them know it’s coming. Apryl McLean said she’ll talk to her kids honestly if a present doesn’t arrive and tell them it will come when they can get it.

“If they asked why Santa didn’t get it, I would say he has a lot of gifts to give

and sometimes he doesn’t have what every child needs or what every child wants,” McLean said.

Kimberly Mueller-Malone said her kids change their minds so often and are so excited on Christmas morning they don’t notice if that “must have” isn’t there.

Annie Belle already has an answer ready if something doesn’t arrive in time.

“I would just say Santa needed extra time. Perhaps delay ‘Christmas’ since my kids are too young to know.”

Kaylin Cavalli said it’s a good opportunity to teach them about real life. Economic struggles, political divisiveness and adjusting to how things are done in life now.

Keri Evans agreed that it’s a teachable moment.

“Christmas isn’t about getting the perfect present,” she said. “It’s a good chance to help kids see that.”

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SPONSORED FEATURE YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA

ALL BURN, NO BULK Strength training boosts metabolism for women of all ages

M

STORY Amber Cornist / Armbrust YMCA Health & Wellness Director

any women still believe that lifting weights will make them “bulky.”

The truth is that we lack enough testosterone to bulk up like our male counterparts. What you will gain is a greater appreciation for what your body can do, that “toned” look we all want (visible muscle lines) and a higher metabolism.

Strength training rebuilds lost muscle tissue, repairing the metabolic damage caused by excessive dieting and cardio.

The more muscle you have, the more energy your body expends, meaning the more muscle you build, the more fat you will burn all day. This is true for women of all ages.

There is no significant difference between gaining muscle through resistance training from age 21-80. In fact, lifestyle plays just as much of a part in menopausal weight gain as we age. We can greatly decrease pounds gained with age with strength training.

My eldest personal training client is an independent, 80-year-old woman who started strength training in her late 60s, proving that it is never too late to start.

I love her weekly reports of not needing a cane to walk the zoo, realizing that she no longer depends on a handrail to go up and down stairs and getting up and down from the floor without aid.

Added health benefits with strength training including a decrease in chronic health conditions such as: • Arthritis, by supporting and protecting joints, also easing pain, stiffness and possibly swelling. Our joints do not have to work so hard with strong muscles wrapped around them.

• Back pain, by increasing core strength and correcting muscular imbalances.

• Obesity, by increasing metabolism (burning more calories daily). When you cut calories and don’t exercise, or just do cardio, you lose a substantial amount of muscle in the process.

• Diabetes, by increasing blood glucose regulation.

• Bone health, by rebuilding and

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December 2021

keeping our bones strong. We start losing muscle mass naturally as early as 30, and can start to seeing signs of osteoporosis as early as age 50. Our 50+ female clients report increases in bone density with every check up.

So, what do you need to do and how often? Studies report increases of up to 4 pounds while simultaneously losing up to 4 pounds of body fat within the first 10 weeks of adding weight training just twice per week. This also means that the scale will not reflect the amazing work happening under the surface.

Measurements will be your best gauge of success, along with better fitting clothing.

• Free weights, machines, or bands can be used, on 2-3 nonconsecutive days of the week, although if you fall in love with weights, a trainer can guide you on how to weight train on consecutive days.

• Perform 8-10 multi-joint exercises that target major muscle groups (the big ones). It only takes six of the correct exercises to work every muscle in your body!

• Perform 2-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions with good form, in a controlled manner

— 2 seconds up and down.

• The last rep should be difficult but achievable with good form — you must put sufficient stress on the muscle to stimulate muscular growth and strength.

• Remember to continue to progress the amount of weight lifted to keep the results coming. It should feel like an 8 out of 10 difficulty level for those 8-10 reps.

• Up to 15 repetitions is recommended as we get a little older, but anything beyond that is not going to get you stronger or force muscle growth.

When I began my weight loss journey, my goal was of course to see how “skinny” I could get. I was able to lose 125 pounds to meet my BMI recommended weight of 150 pounds, which left me thin and weak.

With strength training, I was able to regain 20 pounds of muscle and can now lift 125 pounds and more with some exercises. My favorite thing about strength training is truly the mental strength and body positivity it has given me, along with so many of my female clients.

Nov. 26th through Dec. 24th Visit www.ShadowLakeTowneCenter.com for workshop hours

Don’t forget to have the kiddos write a letter to SANTA & drop it in our HUGE mailbox, just for him!

The Y is committed to giving everyone the opportunity to grow. With sports, swim lessons, childcare, fitness programs and more, there’s something for every member of the family!

JOIN TODAY!

GIVE YOUR FAMILY THE GIFT OF HEALTH YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA • metroymca.org 7

KEEPSAK Festive ornaments easy to make

TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley C

T

here is nothing more precious to hang on your Christmas tree than ornaments made by the children in your life.

As my children were growing up, we had a tree that was just their size that they decorated with all of their favorite ornaments — ones they had made over the years at daycare, church, school, Girl Scouts, etc.

There are so many adorable ornaments you can make with simple supplies: craft sticks, glue and some paint. These ornaments are perfect for all ages — older children will be able to make them on their own, younger children may need help with the gluing and fine details.

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December 2021

SUPPLIES Y

• Craft sticks: • Paint: white and brown • Paintbrushe • Glue (craft g • Cotton balls • Glitter • Google eyes • Mini bells • Ribbon • Tiny black b • Colorful but • Red pompom • Orange and

KES and treasure

Cruse

YOU WILL NEED

: 4½ and 2½ inch sizes e, red, green, black

es glue, E6000 or hot glue) s

buttons ttons or sequence ms black markers

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BOOKSHELF ASHLEE COFFEY

A WONDERLAND OF BOOKS As the first day of winter approaches, learn about the joy and beauty of the season through these colorful, informative and sometimes funny children’s books.

“WINTER LULLABY”

by Dianne White As autumn fades and winter grows closer, the world gets grayer and colder. This cute story is about Mama and Small Bear as they prepare to hibernate for the winter.

Mama wants to head to the den, but Small Bear wants nothing to do with it. He doesn’t want to nap! The rhyming text flows wonderfully as Mama and Small Bear watch the other animals of the forest prepare for winter. The illustrations are fun and kids will have fun watching the season slowly change with each page.

Ages 4 to 8.

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December 2021

“WINTER IS HERE”

by Kevin Henkes The picture book describes winter and all of its many delights, as well as it’s not-so-fun parts. Sure it’s pretty, and you can go ice skating and sledding, but you also have to wear so many clothes and it lasts so long. The text, though sparse, is uncomplicated and easy to understand. Kids will have fun looking at the beautiful winter wonderland painted within each page, as well as finding all the animals. Ages 4 to 7.

“WONDERFUL WINTER: ALL KINDS OF WINTER FACTS AND FUN”

by Bruce Goldstone This book is perfect for curious readers who want to know all about the upcoming winter season. The book touches on how animals survive the cold, how snowflakes and icicles form, why breath is visible in the cold and more. There’s a special section devoted to senses — things readers can feel, hear and taste in the winter. There are also six wintry crafts to do together. The accompanying photos help readers understand the sights of winter.

The book is great for middle grade readers or as a fun read-along for younger audiences.

Ages 5 to 10.

“WINTER DANCE”

“WINTER DAYS”

by Marion Dane Bauer

by Kate Colley

Winter is coming, but fox isn’t sure how to prepare for it. So he sets off on a journey through the forest to ask a variety of creatures — like a caterpillar, a turtle and a goose — for advice.

However, none of their answers are useful for a fox. Kids will have fun learning and seeing through the beautiful, soft illustrations about how each forest animal prepare for a long winter’s sleep.

Ages 3 to 6.

This board book will help super young audiences to discover the joys of the seasons.

The first half of the book focuses on winter, while the second half focuses on spring. The illustrations are simple but bright and the rhymes are fun and will be pleasing for smaller children who can’t yet read. Ages 6 months to 2 years.

EACH

“WINTER SLEEP: A HIBERNATION STORY”

by Sean Taylor In this story, a boy visits his grandmother during the summer and she takes him to a secret glade teeming with biodiversity. When they repeat their adventure in the winter, the boy complains about how nothing is alive. But his grandma, who “knows lots of things,” tells him about the animals and insects hibernating in the earth until spring.

A second section offers a more comprehensive explanation of hibernation for each animal. Ages 5 to 7.

“FOX VERSUS WINTER”

by Corey R. Tabor In this funny book, Fox doesn’t like winter. Why? Because none of his friends are around to play with him, so he’s bored and lonely. Then Fox has an idea. If he can’t get away from winter, he’ll fight it. The story, part of the “I Can Read!” book series, is full of colorful illustrations.

Ages 0-8.

This Holiday Season,

GIVE THE GIFT OF READING Through Dec. 15 these locally made books are

OMAHA ABCs Autographed by the author, Momaha.com editor Ashlee Coffey

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Go to owhstore.com to place an order.

OFFER GOOD WHILE SUPPLIES L AST.

“WHEN WINTER COMES: DISCOVERING WILDLIFE IN OUR SNOWY WOODS”

by Aimee M. Bissonette Come join this family as they head into the woods to play on a snowy day. Through the illustrations, readers will be able to see all the ingenious and hidden shelters that animals create during the winter months. They’ll see tree frogs sheltering within a fallen log, intricate tunnels deep in the ground made by mice and a “slushy slumber party of sleepily swimming rainbow trout” in the frozen lake. It might seem like the woods are empty and lonely, but they’re really not. Ages 4 to 8.

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The ho-ho-holidays are cheerier with Santa on your table TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse

S

anta’s cheerful face is sure to usher in smiles at the holidays. This lightly sweetened bread shaped like Jolly Old St. Nick will be the perfect addition to your Christmas breakfast or dinner.

SANTA BREAD • ¾ cup whole milk • Two 2¼-ounce packages active dry yeast • 1/3 cup granulated sugar • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus more for greasing and serving • 3 large eggs, at room temperature • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt • 1 tablespoon whole milk • 10 drops red gel food coloring • 2 large chocolate chips • Powdered sugar, for dusting 1. Heat the milk in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer, then remove from the heat and let cool to 115F. Stir in the yeast and let stand until the mixture is foamy, about 10 minutes.

2. Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl of stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add the sugar, butter and 2 of the eggs and stir until smooth. Add the flour and salt and mix on medium-low speed until the dough comes together.

Increase the speed to medium high and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased large bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let stand until the dough doubles in size, about 1 hour.

3. Preheat the oven to 350F and line a rimless baking sheet with parchment.

4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface.

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December 2021

Pinch off 1 golf ball-size piece of dough and roll it into a ball for the pompom of Santa’s hat. Pinch off 1 ping pong ball-size piece of dough and roll it into a ball for Santa’s nose. Cut off a 1-inch-wide, 9-inchlong, ¼-inch-thick strip and roll it into a smooth log for the brim of Santa’s hat. Cut another piece of dough into a roughly 2-inch-wide, 5-inch-long, ¼-inch-thick strip of dough. Snip evenly from the bottom (but not all the way up) and spread the strips out slightly to form a mustache.

5. Roll out the remaining dough into an elongated diamond with the top triangle of the diamond double the length of the bottom triangle.

Position the diamond on the prepared baking sheet with the top of the longer triangle hanging over the edge. Working on the shorter triangle, use scissors or a knife to cut ½-inch-wide strips of dough up toward the middle, stopping at the imaginary line where the top and bottom triangles meet. Pick up each strip of the beard and twist so they look like a beard.

6. Fold over the overhanging corner of dough so that it fits back within the edge of the baking sheet and position it slightly to the right to form the tip of Santa’s hat. Position the dough log across the top triangle where the tip of Santa’s hat ends and tuck the ends under the sides of the triangle; this is the brim of Santa’s hat. Position the golf ball-size ball of dough over the tip and against the brim and press lightly to adhere for the pompom of Santa’s hat. Arrange the mustache at the top of the beard, then position the ping pong ball-size ball of dough above the mustache to make Santa’s nose.

7. Beat the remaining egg with the cream in a bowl to make an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, brush the entire surface of the dough, including the pompom and brim of the hat but not the body of the hat, with the plain egg wash, making sure to get into all the crevices of the shapes. Add the food coloring to the egg wash, stir to combine, then carefully brush the body of the hat with the red egg wash, being careful not to let it stain the pompom or brim.

8. Bake until the bread is golden brown and cooked through, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and immediately set the chocolate chips proportionally on either side and slightly above Santa’s nose to form his eyes. Let the bread cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet, and then transfer to a wire rack. Use pieces of aluminum foil to shield Santa’s nose, face and the body of his hat, dust the beard, brim and pompom with powdered sugar. Remove the paper and serve the bread while still warm with butter.

Note: When baking, our bread puffed up leaving white areas on the body of the hat. We melted a tablespoon of butter, added a bit of red food coloring and brushed it over the hat area. The red butter perfectly matched the red egg wash.

Source: foodnetwork.com

Santa bread: When dough is ready, pull off pieces for the nose, pompom, hat brim and mustache.

Roll bread into elongated triangle with one point double the others.

Cut 1½-inch strips for the beard and twist

Fold top point down. Add larger ball for pompom. Lay brim piece across and tuck ends under.

Cut ½-inch strips for the mustache careful not to cut all the way through the top. Place smaller ball for the nose and put mustache piece underneath.

Apply an egg wash over everything but the body of the Santa hat.

Add red coloring to the egg wash and carefully paint over the body of the Santa hat.

As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, add two large chocolate chips for the eyes.

The finished product. Optional: add powdered sugar for Santa’s beard and hat trim.

Far left: Use aluminum foil pieces to cover the face and body of the hat.

Left: Sprinkle powdered sugar over beard, mustache, pompom and brim of hat.

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TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse

Foods around the holidays can trend toward the heavy side.

If you are looking for a lighter option, this appetizer, made with puff pastry, is a delicate, savory dish to add to your table.

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December 2021

Indoor Swimming Lessons Year Round!

A great gift and great fun!

Swim Lessons CHRISTMAS TREE PUFF PASTRY • 1 standard box puff pastr y sheet (2 sheets) • 5 tablespoons basil pesto • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese • 8-10 cherr y tomatoes, sliced in half • 5 tablespoons whipped ricotta cheese • 1 egg (for egg wash) 1. Preheat oven to 400F. 2. Roll out 2 sheets of puff pastry.

3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay one sheet of puff pastry on top.

4. Spread basil pesto on the first pastry sheet.

Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top.

5. Place the second layer of puff pastry on top of the first.

6. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into the shape of a Christmas tree.

7. Make horizontal tree branch slices about ¾ inches wide. Don’t cut all the way through the tree, leaving about a 1-inch “trunk”.

Stop about 2 inches from the top of the tree.

8. Using a small star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out a star from the pastry cut away from the tree.

9. Brush entire tree with egg wash (egg with water).

10. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown.

11. Decorate the tree with sliced cherry tomatoes and whipped ricotta cheese.

Optional tree topper: Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, make a cheddar cheese star and set on top of the tree.

Adapted from www.food.com For scraps: www.mylittleitaliankitchen.com/ puff-pastry-christmas-trees-ideal-for-parties

REGISTER NOW FOR ONCE-A-WEEK SWIM LESSONS

AGES 6 MOS. & OLDER. MORNING, AFTERNOON, EVENING & SAT. MORNING

402-932-2030 LittleWavesFamilySwimSchool.com 15

Experience the season with holiday events STORY Ashlee Coffey

T

here’s nothing better than spending time together with loved ones during the holidays. Let these fun events around Omaha get you into the spirit this festive season.

For our most up-to-date list of holiday events, visit bit.ly/3mZauAg.

Meet Santa and his reindeer. On Dec. 4, come to Bel Air Plaza parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for an up-close visit with Santa and his reindeer. On Dec. 11, Santa and his elves will stop by for a visit.

Don’t forget your camera. There will also be free giveaways, cookies and hot cocoa, and a station for kids to make their holiday wish lists and drop them off in Santa’s mailbox. Both events are free and open to the public. Bel Air Plaza is located at 12100 West Center Road.

Check out a holiday family festival.

The KETV drive-through family festival, part of Omaha’s Holiday Lights Festival, will take place Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Omaha Police Mounted Patrol Barn, 615 Leavenworth St. The event will include to-go craft kits, holiday characters, Santa, police officers on their horses and holiday entertainment. The first 500 vehicles will receive a complimentary Paddington Bear

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December 2021

Z LONG/THE WORLD-HERALD

Check out the Holiday Lights Festival. Celebrate the holidays with the 22nd annual Holiday Lights Festival, runs through Jan. 3. There will be lighting displays in the Old Market, North Omaha and South Omaha. The Old Market display will take place from 10th to 13th Streets and from Harney to Jackson Streets. The North Omaha display will cover a sixblock area around 24th and Lake Streets.

In South Omaha, the display will light up 24th Street between L and Q Streets. www. holidaylightsfestival.org Fireworks light up the downtown skyline on New Year’s Eve in Omaha.

book, courtesy of the Omaha Public Library. www.holidaylightsfestival.org Check out a bubbly New Year’s Eve party. The Omaha Children’s Museum will host a Bubbly New Year’s Eve party Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The event will feature a bubble wrap stomp, a goody bag to take home and other bubble-themed activities. The museum will host multiple bubble drops throughout the day so every family can take part in a festive countdown.

All activities are included with museum admission. The Omaha Children’s Museum is located at 500 S. 20th St. www.ocm.org Celebrate Noon Year’s Eve. The Durham Museum will once again host its Noon Year’s Eve at Union State event on Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event

will include live music from Dino O’Dell and the T-Rex All-Stars, special crafts and activities. Kids can make their own party hat and enjoy a celebratory bubble wrap stomp and balloon drop at noon in the Suzanne and Walter Scott Great Hall. Masks will be required and advance tickets will also be required. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Dec. 17 to museum members and, if available, to the general public on Dec. 20.

The Durham Museum is located at 801 S. 10th St. www.durhammuseum.org Watch some New Year’s Eve fireworks. The New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular, part of Omaha’s Holiday Lights Festival, will take place Dec. 31 at 7 p.m.

The show is free. The fireworks will be launched from Parking Lot D of the CHI Health Center. www.holidaylightsfestival.org

When children are your everything, Anything can be.

At Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, science and heart lead us to even greater pediatric breakthroughs. We provide the very best in pediatric specialty care, advance pediatric research, educate tomorrow’s experts and advocate for children, families and entire communities – to improve the future of medicine, and the life of every child.

To find a physician for your child, call 1.800.833.3100 or visit ChildrensOmaha.org.

Care

•

Advocacy

•

Research

•

Education

T H E

R O S E

T H E A T E R

2 0 2 1 - 2 0 2 2

l u f er d on W It’s a

LIFE

Rediscover the Magic!

Based On The Lux Radio Theater Script.

Adapted by Sarah Lynn Brown.

Witness this beautiful homage to a cinematic classic, made specifically for our time. Meet George Bailey, whose teenage guardian angel has to descend on Christmas Eve to save him from despair. Sometimes it takes seeing things from the perspective of a young person to realize that it is a wonderful life. Featuring live music from the era and a virtuosic cast playing multiple roles, this production is the perfect homage to the power of community.

RUN DATES Dec. 3 - 19, 2021

APPROPRIATE AGES All Audiences

DURATION 75 minutes

Rediscover the magic of live theater the entire family will love during the 2021-22 season at The Rose!

Dec 3 -19, 2021

Give your family a healthy dose of holiday cheer with The Rose’s adaptation of It’s a Wonderful Life.

CARMELA

FULL OF W SHES

Jan 28 - Feb 13, 2022

iRaFfEs G cA C N 'T

DA N

Apr 18 - May 1, 2022

June 3-19, 2022

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Share an empowering message about being yourself with Giraffes Can’t Dance or the power of dreams with the world premiere of Carmela Full of Wishes.

And, of course, get set for an entertaining evening for the entire family at the world’s most beloved musical, The Sound of Music!

Set the stage for an experience your entire family will enjoy – at Omaha’s beautiful Rose Theater!

Tickets start at just $20.

Memberships available.

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ROS S ’ A H MA

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Tick Tickets Tickets Tick k & &memberships memberships bershi available availableatatwww.rosetheater.org www.rosetheater.org