Our Kids Magazine December 2016

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The Go-To Resource for San Antonio Families Since 1985

December 2016

Magazine

A GIFT FOR A

LIFETIME TEACHING EARLY AGE LITERACY

Magazine

HOLIDAYÂ 911 REKINDLE YOUR SPIRIT IN TEN MINUTES FLAT

HOLIDAY IDEAS

10

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table of

CONTENTS

December 2016

6

volume 32 • number 12

6 9 14 17

THE TOP 10 BEST CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO GET THEM

19

HOW TO STAY COLD-FREE THIS WINTER

20

GIFT IDEAS FOR KIDS

A GIFT FOR A LIFETIME

TEACHING EARLY AGE LITERACY

14

GET IN ON THE GIVING HOLIDAY 911 FOR PARENTS

REKINDLE YOUR SPIRIT IN TEN MINUTES FLAT

SENSORY KIDS:

22 CALENDAR

23 OUR KIDS

30 FAMILY THEATRE

34 EXHIBITS

• Luby’s • Acadiana Cafe

• ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas • Charlie Brown Christmas • Home Alone

• Stages of Struggle and Celebration • Foreign by Land

EAT FREE

• La Gran Tamalada • VIVA Holiday Service • Santa’s Railroad

17

On the Cover

MISS ANASTASIA’S TWIGLET STORYTIME PHOTO BY: ALHBA PHOTO & VIDEO HTTP://ALHBAPHOTOVIDEO.WIXSITE.COM/ALHBA-PHOTO-Y-VIDEO

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Our Kids Magazine | December 2015

Next month

Happy New Years Education Guide

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azine

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Editor’s NOTE

What to Give This Season?

P.O. Box 1809 Castroville, TX 78009 210-305-4181 Toll Free 866-465-6936 PUBLISHER Rudy Riojas, Ext. 104

Magazine

During this month’s photo shoot, I had the opportunity to meet Miss Anatasia at her monthly story time reading for children at the Twig Book Store.

We discussed how the Our Kids Magazine December issue’s focus was “Getting in on the Give” and what families can do to give back, as well as gift ideas. She mentioned a phrase I never heard before “something they want, something they need and something to read.” This was really a good reminder to mix in a book or two when getting the newest gadgets and trendy toys for the kids.

Our new contributor Margarita McAuliffe, a local San Antonio mom, talks with the San Antonio Youth Literacy program and explains the importance of early age literacy in her article “A Gift for a Lifetime.”

Still don’t have any idea what to get for your kids this Christmas? Check out our Gift Guide on page 20. While most children will love their new action figure or dollhouse, sensory kids may not find interest in these types of toys.

In this month’s special needs section, Meagan Ruffing has made this shopping task simple by making a list of the “Top 10 Best Christmas Gifts” for kids with Sensory Processing Disorder.

With this cold weather blowing in, so does the blowing of the noses begin as well. If you’re like me and want to avoid the more than 200 cold viruses that can get you sick, read Lara Krupicka’s tips on “How to Stay Cold-Free This Winter.“ The winter break can sometimes feel like an extra job with gift shopping to do, a family dinner to plan, kids off from school and you still need to go to work. One can easily experience a holiday frantic. This season, don’t get stressed out and grumpy just read “Holiday 911 For Parents”

by Christina Katz on how to rekindle your spirit in ten minutes flat.

CALENDAR Kelley Ramotowski, Ext. 105

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OUR KIDS MAGAZINE LLC is a locally owned magazine published monthly. Advertisements in this magazine are paid for by the advertisers, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer. Limit of one free copy per reader. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products or services are endorsed by the publisher. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising are available on an equal opportunity basis. OUR KIDS MAGAZINE LLC copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

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Feature

A GIFT FOR A

LIFETIME TEACHING EARLY AGE LITERACY

By Margarita McAuliffe

Some families have a tradition of celebrating three-gift Christmases. In Miss Anastasia’s household, instead of frankincense, myrrh, and gold or a pile of toys, everyone gets 1) something they want, 2) something they need, and most importantly to Miss Anastasia, 3) something to read.

In our technology-driven information age, children need more than ever to be strong readers and writers. Studies show that children with strong literacy skills have a better chance at success in formal education. As adults, they will have better jobs, earn more money and be more mentally and physically healthy than they would be with weak literacy skills.

Are you helping your child become literate, or are you leaving it up to her and her school? If you’re leaving it up to her and her school, you could be placing her at a lifelong disadvantage.

You may never have given a single thought to teaching as a career, but if you’re a parent, you’re a teacher. Your child’s first. Studies show that a child’s immediate family has more influence on her development than her extended family, community, or society. The way you interact with your child has more impact on her development than your income, occupation, education, or migration history.

Fortunately, you don’t have to prepare lectures 6

Our Kids Magazine | December 2016

or lesson plans to be a good pre-reading/reading teacher. Simply talking to your child is teaching him literacy skills. It’s a pre-reading activity, one that lays the groundwork for later literacy. Miss Anastasia, a strong proponent of the Thirty Million Words Initiative, notes, “The first 3 years of life is the most critical stage in brain development. By age 3, children need to have heard thirty million words from a human. Not from a TV, not from a computer, not from a record, but from a human.” According to the Thirty Million Words Initiative, children who hear fewer than thirty million words by the time they’re three have a language deficit. The greater the gap, the greater the deficit.

Miss Anastasia tells parents, “When you’re on the phone instead of talking to your child, you’re not contributing toward those 30 million words. Put the phone away and interact with them.”

Kelly Daus, Program Manager at San Antonio Youth Literacy agrees. Parent-talk is critical to children’s vocabulary development. “When you’re at the grocery store or in the car, point things out to them and name those things. Instead of saying to a child, ‘Can you get me that?’, use the actual word for the object to help develop vocabulary.” Say, “Can you get me that red plastic cup?”

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Miss Anastasia explains, “Something as simple as reading the signs on the produce and packages in the grocery store and talking about products and prices is a pre-reading activity.”

Your home environment impacts your child’s literacy development too. A child who is surrounded by books and works of art has an advantage over a child who has none or just a few. A tight budget is no reason not to have these valuable items in your home. Terri Sinclair, a professor of Early Childhood Studies, suggests taking your children to the library and borrowing books. “You can also buy inexpensive books at garage sales, thrift stores, library sales, and even online,” she says. You can find inexpensive posters that are replicas of great works of art at those places as well.

In addition to owning books and magazines, your reading behavior can affect your child’s. A house full of books teaches one lesson. A house with books and parents who are regular readers teaches another.

Mary Flannigan, Director of Partnerships and Communication at San Antonio Youth Literacy says that if you’re reading something on your phone or tablet, tell your child, “I’m reading.”

You can do many other things that develop literacy skills. But, Flannigan, says, “Make it a fun, enjoyable experience.”

Sinclair advises, “Do not make learning how to

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read too structured – no drilling with flash cards.

Find fun ways for children to learn the alphabet – play hide and go seek with magnetic letters, write letters in the mud with a stick or form letters with them using Playdough.”

However, the absolute best way to help your child learn about language, reading and writing is to read to her. Miss Anastasia, Daus, Flannigan and Sinclair all urge parents to read to their children. And to start early. In a study titled “The Sooner, the Better: Early Reading to Children” published in October, 2016, the authors reported that their findings indicate that reading to an infant before six months of age helps with language development.

Other studies show that language learning begins in the womb. Miss Anastasia wholeheartedly agrees.

Expectant mothers have brought their young children to her story time, and when the new baby is born, he comes to story time, too. Miss Anastasia stated emphatically, “They know me. They turn to me when I start talking. They know my voice.”

Sinclair says about reading to babies, “Of course you need to have infant- appropriate books and know many times you will just talk about the pictures.” She recommends following the baby’s lead. “Sometimes it will be a really quick run-through and at others the child will want to read it over and over again.”

Reading to children helps develop their

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Our Kids Magazine | December 2016

Miss Anastasia’s wonderful and wacky Twiglet Storytime at the Pearl.

vocabularies because the words in books are higher level than everyday vocabulary. In addition, Sinclair explains that when kids are read to they learn about story structure and that we read from left to right and top to bottom, that we read words and look at pictures, and that sentences are made up of words. “They also gather alphabet knowledge, phonological awareness skills (the ability to rhyme, the ability to distinguish between sounds) and most importantly, they see that reading is an enjoyable activity.”

But don’t limit yourself to books. You can read any- and everything to your child. Miss Anastasia suggests the recipe you’re preparing. Daus mentioned cereal boxes and signs.

Miss Anastasia encourages parents who aren’t used to reading aloud to just do it. “Like anything, the more you do it, the more comfortable you are. Children are not critics. Even if you’re stumbling over words, even if English isn’t your first language, it’s the connection that’s important. When they grow up they’re not going to say, ‘You know, the way you read Where the Wild Things Are was really lame.’ ” “Even if parents lack strong reading skills, they can be good models for reading,” Daus says.

Whether your children’s Christmas shopping list has three items on it or 300, Flannigan says, “Absolutely give books as gifts.”

Daus adds, “By giving books, you’re sending the message that books are valuable and something to get excited about.”

Turning your kids on to reading at a very early age may be the best gift you could ever give them. It is one that will last a lifetime.

Margarita McAuliffe is a mother, educator, and writer. Her articles have appeared in a variety of San Antonio publications.

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Here are 24 more ways to get in on the giving this holiday season: Any Baby Can provides support services to families with children and youth from birth through 17 years of age who have a chronic illness, disability or developmental delay. The organization needs financial contributions, volunteers, diapers and formula. You can also help if you shop online at AmazonSmile.

The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate a small percentage of the purchase price to your selected charitable organization. For more information about Any Baby Can, visit www.AnyBabyCanSA.org or call 210-227-0170.

The Arc of San Antonio for more than 60 years has served children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc needs financial contributions and volunteers year round. Family, friends or co-workers can also host an event as a fundraiser. Visit www.Arc-SA.org or call 210-490-4300 for how-to information about hosting a holiday fundraiser.

Assistance League of San Antonio, an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, had a positive impact on the lives of 76,461 children and adults in fiscal year 2015-16. Through financial gifts to Assistance League of San Antonio and donations to its Thrift Store, families can help support the organization’s eight philanthropic programs. Shopping at Assistance League of San Antonio Thrift Store, a major source of funding for the organization, also contributes to its programs. For more information, visit the website at www.assistanceleague.org/san-antonio or call 210-732-1200.

Avance has been helping San Antonio families for more than 43 years. The organization provides parenting classes and early education programs for children 0 – 4 years old. Because Avance serves everyone in a family, winter jackets, sweaters, socks, and shoes in all sizes are needed. Families or an organization can help fill a single wish list for an Avance family. For more information, please contact Beth Walthall at 210-2201788 ext. 252 or bwalthall@avancesa.org. http://www. avancesa.org/ Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas matches volunteers with children ages 5 to 21 in 1-to-1 mentoring relationships. The group needs financial contributions and volunteers, particularly men. Big Brothers Big Sisters also has a new office and welcomes everyone for a tour of the Harvey E. Najim South Texas Mentoring Resource Center. Get started today by visiting www.BigMentor.org or call 210-225-6322.

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VIVA culture connects you with museums, parks, theaters, art galleries and the zoo.

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Boysville is a nationally accredited home for children from birth through age 23 who need a place to stay because of abuse, neglect or another family crisis. When you visit the website, you can sign up for a one-time, weekly or monthly donation. This year’s non-cash wish list includes: winter coats, clothes, board games, pajamas, children’s movies, remotecontrol toys, and dolls. See the full wish list at www.

BoysvilleTexas.org or please call us 210-659-1901.

Guardian House helps children and parents in divorce situations redefine and restructure their families. The center needs cash donations or DVDs for kids, toys, p​ aint and painting supplies, dress up costumes, musical instruments, board games, puzzles and sports equipment to stock the children’s playroom at the center. Visit http://guardianhouse.org/ or call 210-733-3349 for more information.

The Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP) provides recreational camping in the Texas Hill Country, along with school year programming, for individuals with special needs.

Want to get involved? You can Donate Your Birthday to CAMP, giving friends and family the opportunity to make gifts to CAMP in honor of you and your

At Sunshine Cottage, children with hearing loss and normal hearing grow and learn together in a nurturing and fun environment.

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Our Kids Magazine | December 2016

special day! A Wish List of items, can be found on the organization’s website. Kids can band together to raise $37 for a Lego Serious Play Starter Kit or $15 to buy children’s books. For more information, or to create your Donate Your Birthday fundraising page, visit www.campcamp.org or call 210-671-5411 and ask for Lauren Weiss.

The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas provides grief support groups at no cost to children, ages 3-24, and their families. In addition to the peer support groups, the Center also offers individual and family counseling, grief camps and anticipatory services. Individuals looking to support the Center’s mission can purchase items off of their Wish List or by becoming a Friends Member. The Friends of the CBC is a membership-based alliance of caring individuals committed to increasing community awareness about the Center and its services, as well as providing joyful activities and events for our children, teens and families. For more information about the Center and how to support the mission, visit www.

CBCST.org or call 210-736-4847.

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and extended care services that restore the mental and emotional health of abused and neglected children and their families. The organization’s wish list includes: Christmas toys, diapers, new stuffed animals, children’s books, children’s shoes in all sizes, and $25 gift cards. They encourage you to engage your family, friends, and neighbors in fundraising efforts to sponsor a child or the entire family for the year. For more information, please visit www.ChildSafe-sa.org or call 210-675-9000 or 210-801-7700 Communities In Schools of San Antonio (CIS-SA) is part of the largest dropout prevention organization in America. Working inside schools (or alongside teachers), CIS-SA serves thousands of students each year within 90+ schools (K-12th) across 11 school districts. They mobilize the community to help struggling kids – often low-income - get whatever they need to stay in school, graduate and go on to college and careers. Some of the supports for these students include academic help, fulfilling basic needs and care for students stressed from family crisis. This way, children can focus in the classroom and teachers can focus on teaching. CIS-SA is currently seeking donations to help continue their mission of empowering students to stay in school and achieve in life.

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The Elf Louise Christmas Project collects gifts for thousands of needy San Antonio area families each year. The organization needs cash contributions, volunteers and new, unwrapped toys for infants and children through age 18. This year, kids and families can team up to raise $149 to help purchase a new Santa Claus suit. The organization needs several. For more information, visit www.Elf Louise.org or call 210-224-1843.

Family Service Association is San Antonio’s oldest human service agency, serving people from 28 counties at five neighborhood centers and more than 50 schools. Play Santa this year by signing up for the association’s Adopt-A-Family program. A donation of any amount can help a family in need pay rent or utility bills, buy needed sheets and blankets, or purchase clothes and toiletries. Visit www.Family-Service.org or call 210-299-2400 for more information.

Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries in Boerne helps more than 2,000 low-income Texas Hill Country residents each year with food, clothing, mentoring services, Christmas food and gift programs, a children’s literacy program and other

December 2016 | OurKidsMagazine.com

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services. The nonprofit needs volunteers, financial contributions, baby diapers, personal hygiene products and canned foods. Kids and families can pitch in by raising funds for food purchases this holiday season. For more information, visit www.HillCountryDailyBread.com or call 830-755-5200.

financial contributions and volunteers. Families can go shopping on their website’s Wish List page at Amazon.com to buy coats, socks, crafts supplies and other items that begin at less than $5. Visit www.

MissionRoadMinistries.org, or call 210-334-2417 for more information.

Inner City Development provides food and clothing for area families in crisis. The emergency food pantry serves about 180 people a month. The organization needs financial contributions of any amount to help pay for meals, its emergency food program and youth programs. For more information, visit www.

InnerCityDevelopment.org or call 210-224-7239.

Morgan’s Wonderland is an ultra-accessible, nonprofit theme park in Northeast San Antonio designed for special-needs children and adults and built for everyone’s enjoyment. Parents are needed as volunteers to staff the rides and attractions at the 25-acre park.

Financial help is needed to defray the costs of hosting special-needs children attending park events, including the annual A Wonderland Christmas celebrations held on selected evenings leading up to Christmas. Kids can collect donations adding up to just $25 to cover the cost of a child’s one-day visit to the theme park. For more information, visit www.MorgansWonderland.com or call 210-495-5888.

Madonna Neighborhood Center helps low-income families in need with child care services, summer programs for kids, food distribution programs and assistance with clothes and even pet food. Kids can team up for a neighborhood canned food drive to help the center. They can raise any amount to donate to the center for kids’ programs. For more information, visit www.MadonnaCenterSA.org or call 210-435-1391.

Mission Road Ministries serves more than 800 children and adults with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities, or IDD, each year. The nonprofit needs

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Our Kids Magazine | December 2016

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Ronald McDonald House provides temporary housing in San Antonio for critically ill and injured children and the families of children with serious illnesses who are being treated at local hospitals. Older kids can help by organizing aluminum can tab drives. Instead of collecting cash, collect the pop-top tabs on cans, and drop

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the tabs off at any Ronald McDonald House. Money from recycling the aluminum tabs helps support the operation. Mini-fundraiser ideas are welcome, too. For more information, visit www.RMHCSanAntonio.org or call 210-614-2554.

Roy Maas’ Youth Alternatives needs financial contributions and donated items to support the housing of as many as 120 children a day who have been affected by abuse, parental desertion, family strain or emotional turmoil. Visit www.RMYA.org or call 210-340-8077 for more information about donating household items or cash.

The Salvation Army serves children, adults and seniors in Bexar County and surrounding communities.

The organization needs canned food, bus passes, sheets and towels. Families and kids can help by arranging a holiday shopping expedition to a Salvation Army Family Store. It’s an eco-friendly way to participate in the “reduce, recycle, reuse” movement. Reduce unneeded clothes and goods, and recycle by donating to the stores. You can then purchase and “reuse” other people’s donated items. The money you spend on in-store bargains supports Salvation Army programs for families in need. For more information about store locations, visit www.SalvationArmySATX.org or call 210-352-2000.

San Antonio Food Bank collects and distributes more than 60 million pounds of food in 16 Texas counties every year. The food bank needs financial donations, food and volunteers. Kids, families and organizations can organize a neighborhood food drive this winter. Find “how-to food drive” information at www.SAFoodBank.org, or call 210-337-3663.

San Antonio Youth Literacy provides one-on-one reading assistance and other literacy programs to more than 900 students in schools throughout San Antonio each year. Teenagers can donate their time to become a Reading Buddy. A family or children’s holiday fundraising drive that collects $100 will help the nonprofit buy 10 books for kids. A donation of $250 will support literacy programs for an at-risk child for one year.

For more information, visit www.SAYL.org or call 210-299-1533.

Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children serves children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The school needs financial contributions of any amount for the school and community outreach programs, as well as for classroom supplies and seasonal gardening supplies.

Families can also pitch in by purchasing cute, colorful holiday cards with designs created by the kids. The cost is only $10 for 20 cards with envelopes. For more

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Feature

Holiday 911 For Parents Rekindle Your Spirit In Ten Minutes Flat

By Christina Katz

Here come the holidays barreling down the calendar track. Are you frozen like a snowman in the headlights? Or are you frantic, checking an endless litany of musts off your overloaded holiday to-do list each day?

Even if you feel great about the approaching holidays, and are mostly on top of all of the extra tasks that come with them, you can still hit your limit now and then. Once your holly-jollies start running on fumes, these steps will remind you how to hit the reset button so you can make a quick comeback.

Stop it.

The frenetic pace is undeniable at this time of year: planning, shopping, parties, travel. However, all day, every day, you get to choose whether to act, react, respond, or detach. If you are often not feeling like you can invoke your power of choice, and if you find yourself reacting to situations you would prefer to detach from, then maybe you need a break.

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Our Kids Magazine | December 2016

You’ll know you need a break if you feel consistently grumpy and stressed out. When this happens, take ten minutes to re-evaluate your day. No matter how much you still have to do, anyone can spare a few minutes.

Drop it.

You may be attempting to accomplish too much most days because of holiday pressure coming from inside and out. But your holidays are more likely to be imperfect rather than perfect. Ironically, the more we try to jam into our waking hours, the less we feel like we are in the flow. If we are pushing all day, using will to power through a series of tasks, it may feel as though each task grows larger and more daunting than the last. The key is to stop pushing. Striving is tiring and constant striving turns quickly into exhaustion. So drop the willpower and try to relax yourself back into a more natural flow of tasks instead.

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Sit down.

Find a chair or sit on the floor against a wall. Breathe in and breathe out. Just sit for a few moments, relax, and do nothing except breathe. What you are doing is using breath to slow down time. Of course, you can›t really control the clock, but you can change how time feels to you by getting back in touch with your senses. Breathing slowly and deeply is a shortcut back to sanity when you feel stressed. If something of tragic proportions happens, like forgetting to put the turkey out to thaw or neglecting to mail a package early enough to arrive on time, just keep breathing. When you panic and start berating yourself, it’s game-over for your holiday spirit. So, when inevitable stresses strike and mistakes happen: simply sit, breathe, and take a few moments to collect yourself.

Tune In.

Once you can maintain a feeling of calm, pay attention to what is going on inside you. There may be a swirl of Black Friday competitive shopping going on all around you, but you can transcend any amount of external static by getting a grip on what›s happening within. What you are looking for is your inner compass.

Some folks call their intuition the still, small voice, others may rely on their inner Jiminy Cricket. Some people have a spiritual attitude towards their intuition whereas others may prefer a more religious approach.

It really doesn’t matter what you call your intuition, as long as you can tune in to it. Practice staying tuned in whether in calm or busy environments. If you can stay tuned in and trust your gut no matter what else is going on, you’ll be the happiest person around.

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Now that you are calm, cool, and collected, take a moment to appreciate one thing. Consider something simple: notice a pretty wreath, feel the magic of watching falling snow, or the warmth of your coat on a brisk day. Once you get a grip on one thing you can enjoy thinking about, why not go ahead and think about it as long as you appreciatively can. When you feel done, move on to the next natural thing to appreciate. You may feel grateful for something right in front of you or for something more abstract. Whatever you genuinely feel positive about counts. Take a couple of moments to appreciate little things until you feel a smile spread across your face.

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all over again? I’m sure you don’t. And don’t feel badly about wanting to milk feeling good as long as possible.

It’s good for you. So keep it up. Don’t revert right back into a stress monster. If nagging worry keeps dogging you, just acknowledge the concern and gently wave it to the side as though clearing a butterfly from your path.

Ease back into your day, moving forward mindfully.

Drop the list for now. What is the single next most important thing to do next? Intersperse actions with self-care. Do a task then put on some cheerful tunes. Do another then light a wood wick candle. Do another then put the water on for tea. Take short breaks after completing a series of tasks. Have small snacks throughout the day so you don›t overeat at mealtime. Maybe put your list away for a little while. Later, pull your list back out, and check a few more things off of it. But don’t become a slave to your to-dos. Remember, you set the tone for your holiday. And you can stay in charge by taking excellent care of yourself.

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Our Kids Magazine | December 2016

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Special Needs

Sensory Kids: The Top 10 Best Christmas Gifts to Get Them

By Meagan Ruffing

Gifts can be tricky for kids with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) like my son Dylan. Sure, they like all the same things that other kids do but when their world already seems overwhelming, a calming sensory-activity based toy is really what they crave. Think simple. Check out these top 10 gifts for your sensory seeking child.

1. Water Beads.

These things are amazing. They start out as tiny little beads (about the size of a tip of a pen) but when you soak them in water for 4-6 hours, they expand to marble-looking bubbles. This will probably be one of your child’s favorite gifts because it is so unique.

2. Rice bucket with small toys.

Just go to the dollar store and pick up a cheap shoe box container. Grab a (big) bag of rice and a few trinketlike toys. Dump the bag of rice in the shoebox container and hide the toys in the rice. This activity will keep your child busy for a long time.

3. Lego lunchbox.

This one is awesome. Do you have any old-school lunch boxes lying around? The tin ones that your kids like to play with? Take a Lego base, score it to fit the inside lid of the lunchbox. Superglue this down. Add a few Lego pieces inside the box. Voila! Your child now has their very own Lego lunchbox to play with at home or on-the-go.

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4. Moon Sand.

Hands-down one of the best sensory-based activities you will ever come across. Moon sand can be bought pretty much anywhere. All major retailers carry it so plan on spending around $10-20 for a nice sized kit.

Moon sand is similar to playdough but it feels like sand.

When you pick it up with your hand, it falls through your fingers just like sand does but without the mess.

This is also great for hiding toys in.

5. Playdough.

A family favorite. Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) like the way playdough feels because it is relaxing. The feeling of squishing something and molding something into whatever your imagination will come up with is such a soothing activity for really anyone but, especially those who have a hard time processing things around them.

6. Stress ball.

A simple stress ball is great for children with anxiety.

This is also an ideal ‘tool’ to have in your child’s classroom. His teacher can store it in her desk and when she sees that your child is starting to feel overwhelmed, stressed or fidgety, she can give him the stress ball. This is a great way to get the child to refocus their attention without making a big deal about it in front of the rest of the class.

December 2016 | OurKidsMagazine.com

17

7. Balloons.

This was one I had never thought of before but my son’s occupational therapist used it in one of his sessions. Buy a bag of regular old balloons. Blow them up. Let your child toss it in the air, swat it around and watch his face light up with a smile. Better yet, join in on the fun and take turns hitting it back and forth with each other.

8. Gum, lollipops and Tic-Tacs.

These would make great stocking stuffers. They are small, practical pieces of candy that help with oral stimulation. I use these all the time with my son when he is having a hard time focusing. Whether it be him being hyper, moody or a little bit of both, he knows he can go to the pantry in our home and take one of these items whenever he needs to.

9. Electric toothbrush.

There are so many cool toothbrushes out there for kids now. Chances are, your child has already showed you (and begged) for that new Barbie or Superman toothbrush. Use this as an opportunity to teach them about the right way to brush their teeth and invest in a quality, electric toothbrush. These are great for making sure your child is brushing their teeth for the suggested two minutes and the vibrating of the toothbrush head helps children actually feel the process of what they are doing.

10. Seamless socks and tag-less shirts and pants.

Clothes can feel like the end-all be-all for children with SPD and most families steer clear of asking friends and family to buy clothes for their child for Christmas because what feels good one day for your child, doesn’t always feel good the next day. But, chances are, your child’s wardrobe consists of primarily seamless and tag-less items. Under Armor is a great brand because there are no tags on their clothes. Seamless socks can be found online and look for elastic-free pants so that your child doesn’t have to worry about getting their pants to ‘feel right’.

Christmas is on its way and this top 10 list can get you squared away for the holiday season. You and your child’s daily lives are probably stressful enough. Make things as easy as possible on yourself this year and use this article as your go-to Christmas shopping checklist.

Meagan Ruffing is a freelance parenting writer. She always has an arsenal of sensory-based activities and toys tucked away in her pantry. Follow her on social media to find out the latest information and tips and tricks on how to make your life easier with a child who has special needs. Visit her at www. meaganruffing.com.

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How to Stay Cold-Free This Winter

The person before you at the grocery checkout coughs, then sneezes before swiping their credit card. You pay cash to avoid touching a contaminated card reader. You have no desire to catch what they have.

With more than 200 viruses known to cause it, the common cold can seem unavoidable, especially if you have kids. But there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of being infected.

Hand washing. The most effective method for preventing infection by a cold virus is to scrub your hands with soap and water frequently - especially when you have been out in public, or in proximity to another person suffering from symptoms. In a pinch use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Don’t touch. Avoid touching areas of your body that absorb the virus into your system - your eyes, nose and mouth. It can be difficult to remember, especially if you are seized with a sudden itchy eye. Which underscores the importance of hand washing.

Wipe down. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases notes that “rhinoviruses can survive up to three hours outside the nasal passages on inanimate objects and skin.” They suggest cleaning surfaces in your home or office space with a disinfectant when someone is sick with a cold to prevent the spread of infection.

Sleep well. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that those who slept more than 7 hours each night were less likely to succumb to colds. Their sleepy counterparts saw a three-fold increase in colds over those who got enough z’s. Give your body the immunity boost of a good night’s rest.

Exercise regularly. Studies show exercise does more than make you strong. It can also reduce the occurrence (and intensity) of colds. Dr. David Nieman, a professor of health and exercise science at Appalachian State University, says that his study recorded a 43% reduction in sick days due to colds and a reported 40% drop in symptoms experienced among those who walked briskly for 35-45 minutes, 5 days a week.

Cold season is here. But there are ways to keep viruses at bay.

Lara Krupicka is a parenting journalist and a mother of three.

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December 2016 | OurKidsMagazine.com

19

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Our Kids Magazine | December 2016

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Children’s Books

Gorilla Loves Vanilla

by Chae Strathie

One More Tickle!: A Puppet Book

by Sam McBratney

Dream Big by Kat Kronenberg

When the animals visit Little Sam Sundae’s ice cream shop he whips up blue cheese sundae for Mouse and a worm cornet for Hen, but all gorilla wants is plain old vanilla.

Kat Kronenberg introduces the idea of believing in your dreams by introducing a caterpillar who wants to fly, a tadpole who wants to dance, and a flamingo who wants to be brightly-colored.

Kid Crazy and the Kilowatt King

by Claudio Sanchez

Little Nutbrown Hare wants to know if Big Nutbrown Hare is ticklish. “Can I tickle your ears? Is your nose tickly, too?” Tickle, tickle, tickle! Little ones can join in too, tickling the soft and snuggly puppet that pops through each page, or — just maybe — being tickled themselves

by Little Nutbrown Hare!

Kid Crazy Carlson thirsts for adventure. One day a robot warns him of the grumpy Kilowatt King that who forces people to sing for him. Kid decides to make the voyage to the city in a car made of bread through candy bar men, robot travelers, and dancing elephants to reach their destination.

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21

calendar

OF EVENTS

DECEMBER December 10 La Gran Tamalada This annual community event honoring the San Antonio tradition of making tamales blends storytelling and history of the tamalada tradition and promotes cultural pride and lifelong learning.

Participants take home the knowledge and appreciation of this tradition and are provided with a basic tamal-making recipe to share and keep.

Free. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St. 210-271-3151. http://www.guadalupeculturalarts.org/event/la-gran-tamalada/

VIA’s New VIVA Service Hits Holiday Highlights VIVA, a new service line from VIA, is an easy and affordable way to take in the sites, sounds and flavors of the holiday season in the heart of San Antonio. Experience VIVA’s three distinct routes to connect with some of the city’s most visited holiday events and attractions, including the San Antonio Missions World Heritage Site, the Alamo, the King William Historic District, Southtown, Downtown, Market Square, the River Walk, Pearl, and the South Broadway corridor. Get the best deal with a VIA Day Pass. For just $2.75, you can ride all day.

Passes are available on the bus and can be used with any regular VIA bus service.For more information, go to http://viainfo.net/ BusService/VivaMain.aspx.

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Our Kids Magazine | December 2016

December 3-4, 10-11, 17-18

Santa’s Railroad Wonderland Santa’s Railroad Wonderland: An extravaganza of Christmas activities, Santa’s Railroad Wonderland offers night-time train and hay rides. The 40 forty acre site is decorated for the holidays and includes the historic depot, the trains, the garden railroad, three other scale model railroad layouts and much more. Choo Choo Claus will be on hand for photo ops so bring a camera. Adults $12, Children aged 4-12 $10, Children under 4 free. Free for annual pass holders. 6 to 9 p.m. with no admittance after 8 p.m. Texas Transportation Museum, 11731 Wetmore Road. 210-490-3554. http://www.txtransportationmuseum.org/event-santas-railroad-wonderland.php

To Advertise Call 305-4181

What’s Inside 30 Family Theatre 34 Ongoing Exhibits

36 Looking Ahead

1 Thursday

Ford Caroling Nights with Santa: Enjoy a magical evening on the River Walk with luminarias, holiday lights and carolers singing to everyone. Santa will pose for pictures on a decorated river barge and live entertainment and concessions will be available around the bend at the Arneson River Theatre, La Villita. Viewing is free to the public. 6:15 to 8 p.m. Mon through Thurs.

6:15 to 9:30 p.m. Fri through Sun. River Walk, 600 blk Commerce. 210-227-4262. https://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events/ ford-holiday-boat-caroling Sights & Sounds of Christmas: Join thousands of others for four full nights at the Sights & Sounds of Christmas in San Marcos. Ice Skating, Laser Lights Show, Full Carnival, and great live entertainment throughout the festival.

Hot Cocoa, Kettle Biscuits, Santa’s Workshop (Arts & Crafts), and the ancient town of Bethlehem can also be enjoyed. $5 Adults/ Kids under 12 free. 5 to 11 p.m.

San Marcos Plaza Park, 401 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos.

512-710-9627. http://sights-nsounds.org/ Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: Open nightly, Zoo Lights is a nighttime holiday tradition for the whole family! Stroll under hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights while you sip hot cocoa, roast s’mores and enjoy an all-new light show.

Plus, visit Santa and tell him what’s on your Christmas wish list. Also, new this year is the ice skating rink and camel rides. $14.99. 6 to 10 p.m.

San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. http:// Camp Fair 2016 | www.OurKids.camp

sazoo.org/zoo_lights/ Las Nuevas Tamaleras: Over the years this charming Christmas play has become as much a tradition with the San Antonio community as the “Nutcracker”, “A Christmas Carol”, and “It’s a Wonderful Life”. The play captures three Latinas in an uproariously comical attempt at making tamales for the first time. Things become even more entertaining when the spirits of two seasoned tamaleras appear to help the novices make the perfect tamal. $12-$25 cash or check only. Showtimes vary by date.

Guadalupe Theatre, 1301 Guadalupe St. 210-223-2009. http://www.guadalupeculturalarts.org/events/2016-12/

2 Friday

5th Annual Wonderland Christmas: A “dressed up for Christmas” Morgan’s Wonderland features the Wonderland Express Train, carolers, a petting zoo, interactive puppet show, a musical variety show and more. Santa will be on hand for photographs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. $17 for Adults; $11 Children; Free for Children with Special Needs and kids under 3. 5 to 9 p.m. 5223 David Edwards Drive. 210-495-5888. www. morganswonderland.com City of Helotes Lighting of the Lights: The annual Christmas tree lighting event will include a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Helotes Area Community Band will perform music throughout the event. Free.

6 to 9 p.m. Helotes City Hall, 12951 Bandera Road, Helotes. 210-695-8877. http:// www.helotes-tx.gov/events/ lighting-of-the-lights/

EVERYDAY

WEDNESDAY

Kids eat free with every adult entree purchased 1289 S.W. Loop 410 www.acadianacafe.com

Kids eat free after 4 pm with every adult entree purchase* All Locations *Excludes 5307 Walzem Road, San Antonio 78218 www.lubys.com

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SATURDAY

Garlic Jim’s

Free 9” Kid’s Pizza with the purchase of any large pizza All Locations 8802 Potranco, Suite 111 www.garlicjims.com/location/ garlic-jims-pizza-richland-hills/ 7664 Tezel Road, Suite 105 www.garlicjims.com/location/ garlic-jims-pizza-tezel-road/

Kids eat free 11-close with adult purchase* All Locations *Excludes 5307 Walzem Road, San Antonio 78218 www.lubys.com

Marie Callender’s Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase

MONDAY Earl Abels

Mon - Thurs from 5pm - 8pm kids eat free with every adult entree purchase 1201 Austin Hwy #175 www.earlabelssa.com

TUESDAY

Marie Callender’s

Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase 4788 NW Interstate 410 Loop www.mariecallenders.com

SUNDAY Free Kid’s Combo with the purchase of one adult meal.

Includes kid-sized sub, dessert, kid’s drink, and fire hat. Valid only at “THE COLONNADE III”. Dine-in only. 9961 IH-10 W San Antonio TX, 78230 www.firehousesubs.com

Visit Our Kids Magazine online for more restaurants December 2016 | OurKidsMagazine.com

23

3 Saturday

Santa’s Railroad Wonderland: see leadoff pg 22 SAMA’s River of Lights Night: See the San Antonio River Authority’s Museum Reach River Lighting with holiday jazz music barges plus the Museum is open with free general admission from 4 to 9 p.m. Museum River Reach Lighting is from 6 to 8 p.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. https://www.samuseum.org/calendar/ event-detail?eid=7839

San Antonio Museum of Art’s River of Lights Night takes place December 3 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Hecho A Mano: A three-day holiday shopping event offering the community and visitors a unique experience just in time for the holidays, this unique arts and crafts event features an array of handcrafted specialty items that encompass both traditional and contemporary styles by local, regional and international artists. Admission is $2 or 2 cans of food.

Opening reception is Fri from 6 to 9 p.m.; Regular event hours are Sat from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sun from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St. 210-351-2171. http://www.guadalupeculturalarts.org/hecho-a-mano/ Light the Night Christmas Parade: A laser light show will precede a parade including more than one hundred lighted entries. $16 for bleacher seating. Free general admission. 6:30 p.m. Main St., Fredericksburg. 830-997-6523. http:// www.lightthenightchristmasparade.com/ index.html

210-805-1768. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-824-5368. https://www.mcnayart.org/events/event/ artstrolls-winter-tales/ Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: Miss Anastasia combines story time and a delightful craft each Friday. Free. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Twig Book Shop in the Can Plant Building, 306 Pearl Parkway Ste. 106. 210-826-6411. http://www.thetwig. com/miss-anastasia Sights & Sounds of Christmas: see December 1 Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1 Ford Caroling Nights with Santa: see December 1 Las Nuevas Tamaleras: see December 1

Kids ROCK San Antonio: This non-timed, non-competitive event for children is the Rock’n’Roll Marathon’s companion run for kids grades K – 7. Kids can become marathon finishers on race day by completing a cumulative marathon training program in the weeks leading up to the race or just to run the 1-mile course on race day. Early registration $25/ Race Day registration $30. 9:30 a.m. Brackenridge Park http://www.runrocknroll.com/ san-antonio/the-races/distances/ Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza Concert: The Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza was founded in 1995 with the mission of presenting outstanding mariachi artists, promoting mariachi education, and fomenting cultural pride and diversity in San Antonio. Please Note: Ages two and younger are free to sit in a lap. No cameras allowed. $30-$105. 7:30 p.m.

Lila Cockrell Theatre, 200 E. Market St., 210-207-8500. http://mariachimusic.com/ events/mariachi-vargas-extravaganza/ event-schedule/ Sea World’s Christmas Celebration: This wintery, watery wonderland features Christmas shows, holiday lights, festive

Afterglow: Family celebration including Christmas shopping, local food and beverages, interactive children’s activities and family entertainment.

Free. 3 to 10 p.m. Marktplatz, Main St., Fredericksburg. 830-997-6523. www.lightthenightchristmasparade.com Art Strolls – Winter Tales: Take your infant or toddler out for the morning to enjoy a themed tour of the museum collection and a related sensory playtime for little ones 18 months and younger.

Diapers, blankies and yoga pants are welcome. Free for members and $10 for nonmembers. Children under 12 months should arrive at 10 a.m. to tour and play from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Children 12 months to 2 years should arrive at 11 a.m. to tour and play from 11:15 a.m. to noon. Register online or call

24

Our Kids Magazine | December 2016

The annual Holiday Fair is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the San Antonio Museum of Art on December 3.

To Advertise Call 305-4181

foods, Santa Claus and more. New in 2016, the park is covered with 5 million lights, the largest Christmas light display in Texas, and guests can meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends. $68. 1 to 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on Saturdays).

Sea World, 10500 SeaWorld Drive. 800700-7786. www.seaworldparks.com/ seaworld-sanantonio

minutes. Participants are asked to bring their own portable chairs and to dress for the weather. Free; donations accepted.

6 to 8 p.m. Phil Hardberger Park East, 13203 Blanco Road, Salado Greenway Trail parking lot, 1021 Voelcker Lane.

210-492-7472. http://www.philhardbergerpark.org/ Dog Days - Happy Howlidays at the Botanical Garden: Dogs on a leash are welcome during this special weekend at the garden. Dog treats and pools of water will be available for the pups as they stroll and enjoy the seasonal décor and sights and sounds of nature in winter. $5 donation per dog benefits local animal friendly charities. Regular admission for humans. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-207-3250. http://www.sabot. org/events-listing/

Stargazing with Texas Public Radio: See the stars, hear the owls, and meet other nocturnal creatures that call the Night Sky home. Live animal presentations, night hikes, and nature crafts for all ages. In partnership with SA Astronomical Association. Bring flashlights, lawn chairs, bug spray, and dress for the weather. Snacks and drinks available for purchase. Please, no coolers. $5 Suggested Donation. 5 to 9 p.m. Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, 10750 Pleasanton Road. 210-628-1639. http://mitchelllake.audubon.org/events/ night-sky-sponsored-texas-public-radio Owl Prowl: Learn about the owls in our area and enjoy a 1/2-mile walk to listen to owls calling at night. Registration through the website is required and limited to 30 participants. Children must be at least 7 years old and must be accompanied by an adult. Listening for the owls requires sitting quietly for 30-45

7th Annual Tamales! Holiday Festival: Guests can purchase and explore a full range of tamales from more than 40 different tamale vendors, ranging from traditional San Antonio classics to South American and everything in between. While savoring the assortment of delicacies, guests can also enjoy live music and performances and activities for children. Free admission.

Noon to 6 p.m. Pearl Stable, 312 Pearl

Pkwy. 210-212-7260. http://atpearl.com/ happenings/tamales Holiday Fair: It’s artful holiday shopping featuring local artisans with art activities for children, music, and food for sale. 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210978-8100. https://www.samuseum.org/ calendar/event-detail?eid=7170 12th Annual Jingle Bell Jamboree: Judson Education Foundation hosts its 12th annual Jingle Bell Jamboree. Bring the family and enjoy a holiday shopping extravaganza that includes over 40 local vendors, performances by JISD school choirs, and concession items. Free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Judson High School 9142 FM 78, Converse. 210-945-5412. https://www.judsonisd.org/district/JEF/ JingleBellJamboree.cfm 12th Annual Drive-Thru Nativity: More than 60 actors and live animals bring the Christmas story to life in this annual outdoor production. Free. 5 to 9 p.m. 16801 Huebner Rd. 210-479-1477. http://www. concordialutheranchurch.com/ Oma’s Christmas Craft Fair: The family oriented arts & crafts fair features Santa Land offering visits and free photos with Santa. Kids can have lunch with Santa on Sunday as well as many other activities

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4114 Pond Hill Road Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78231 Locations in Shavano Park, Medical Center, New Braunfels, Westover Hills and Alamo Heights December 2016 | OurKidsMagazine.com

25

will also be available. Free. 5 to 6:30 p.m. Gruene Historic District, Gruene.

830- 629-5077. http://www.gruenetexas.com/holidays.php SAMA Tours for the Visually Impaired: Docent-led tours for the blind and visually impaired include descriptive language, touch, sound and smell to enhance the visitor’s experience with art. Guide dogs, sighted companions and others are welcome on the tours, as are wheelchairs and other walking aids. Free. 10 to 11 a.m. Call for reservations. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8183. https://www.samuseum.org/ On Friday, December 2, catch the Light the Night Christmas Parade on Main Street in Fredericksburg. on both Saturday & Sunday. A bake sale and food vendors will also be available at this annual craft event. Craftsman skilled in time-tested American folk art techniques carve, weave, string, paint, sew, cook, draw and create beautiful items all year long to get ready for this event. $5 Admission/12 and Under Free. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sat. and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sun. Kendall County Fairgrounds, 1307 River Road, Boerne. 830-2492839. http://www.kcfa.org/events/2016/ omas-christmas-fair

30th Annual Weihnachts Parade: The Weihnachts Parade is a long standing Boerne Christmas tradition featuring 100 floats with lights and music. Santa will be available after the parade. This year’s theme is “A Lonestar Christmas”.

Free. 6 to 10 p.m. Maine Street, Down Town Boerne. 830-249-9511. http://www. ci.boerne.tx.us/564/Weihnachts-Parade Gruene Town Lighting: Watch as Cowboy Kringle rides into town on horseback and lights Gruene for the Holidays. Live musical performances, food and beverages

MarketPlace at Old Town Helotes: Music, food and a good time for all as local craftsmen offer treasures from across South Texas. Jewelry, arts and crafts, fresh produce and one-of-a-kind pieces are on display. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 14391 Riggs Rd., Helotes. 210-6955964. http://www.helotesmarketplace. com/ Sights & Sounds of Christmas: see December 1 Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1 Ford Caroling Nights with Santa: see December 1

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Tour the facilities and meet the teachers 26

Our Kids Magazine | December 2016

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Las Nuevas Tamaleras: see December 1 5th Annual Wonderland Christmas: see December 2 Hecho A Mano: see December 2

4 Sunday

Caring Santa for Special Needs Kids: Caring Santa provides a subdued and welcoming environment for children with special needs and their families to visit Santa at two local malls. Free, but tickets must be reserved online. Rolling Oaks Mall, 6909 N. Loop 1604 E Access Rd. and Ingram Park Mall, 6301 NW Loop 410. https://www.autismspeaks.org/ santa-2016 The Nutcracker: Cibolo City Ballet brings to life the timeless holiday tradition of The Nutcracker. $15. 4 to 5 p.m. Jo Long Theatre, Carver Cultural Community Center, 226 N. Hackberry, 210-2077211. http://www.thecarver.org/event/ the-nutcracker/ Annual Liederkranz Christmas Concert: The San Antonio Liederkranz, an allmale chorus, founded in 1892, presents its annual Christmas Concert, sung in German, English and Latin. $12. 3 p.m.

McAllister Auditorium, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave. 210-6510573. http://www.saliederkranz.org/

Rock’n’Roll Marathon: The Rock’n’Roll Marathon starts at the intersection of Cherry St and Commerce St. and finishes at the Alamodome. Entertainment is located along the course. 7:30 a.m. http:// www.runrocknroll.com/san-antonio/ the-races/distances/ First Sundays for Families - Journey Up the Nile: Share the first Sunday of each month with the kids and explore a special multi-sensory family day that encourages integration of the senses into gallery exploration and art-making. Experience the museum and the creative process from a new point of view.

Free with museum admission/Children 12 & under free. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. https://www.samuseum.org/calendar/event-detail?eid=7607 Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1 Ford Caroling Nights with Santa: see December 1 Las Nuevas Tamaleras: see December 1 Hecho A Mano: see December 2 Santa’s Railroad Wonderland: see December 3 Sea World’s Christmas Celebration: see December 3

12th Annual Drive-Thru Nativity: see December 3 Dog Days - Happy Howlidays at the Botanical Garden: see December 3 Oma’s Christmas Craft Fair: see December 3

5 Monday CBC Kids Choir: Enjoy a free performance by the Kids Choir from Community Bible Church. Free. Noon to 7 p.m. Arneson River Theatre, 418 Villita. www.events. getcreativesanantonio.com/event/ detail/441933424/CBC_Kids_Choir FREE Pre-K Craft Time! Drop by Toy Werks for a fun pre-school craft time!

We will have an easy make and take project themed for the Holidays! Free event. Bring a friend to the mall and get crafty! 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Toy Werks, Rolling Oaks Mall (lower level, near Santa!). 210-490-7171.

Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1 Ford Caroling Nights with Santa: see December 1 Las Nuevas Tamaleras: see December 1

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Camp Fair 2016 | www.OurKids.camp

December 2016 | OurKidsMagazine.com

27

with Thomas Burritt, percussion. $20-$65. 7:30 p.m. The Tobin Center, 100 Auditorium Circle.

210-223-8624. https://www.tobincenter.org/box-office/2016-12/ conspirare-christmas Elementary - Weather & Climate Change: Students discover the effects that weather has on the environment. Climate change will be discussed. Nature walk and kid-friendly craft are included.

This class is part of the Winter Discovery Elementary School series of classes for students 7 to 10 years old. Class size is limited and registration is required. Free; donations accepted. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Phil Hardberger Park East, 13203 Blanco Road. 210-492-7472. http://www.philhardbergerpark. org/ SAMA Playdates: Toddlers can enjoy stories, gallery activities, hands-on art, movement and music during this event designed to cultivate, nurture and inspire creativity while developing an The 5th Annual Wonderland Christmas kicks off on appreciation of art and world Friday, December 2, at Morgan’s Wonderland. cultures. Participants should meet at the front desk. 10 to 11 a.m. Free with museum admission.

6 Tuesday San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Jones Ave. 210-978-8183. https://www.

Night!: see December 1 samuseum.org/calendar/event Ford Caroling Nights with Santa: see Astronomy in the Park: Join astronoDecember 1 mers and other stargazers to observe Las Nuevas Tamaleras: see December 1

7 Wednesday

Conspirare Christmas: A luxurious musical fabric of pop, folk, classical and season favorites, meticulously woven together by arranger/composer Craig Hella Johnson in collaboration with Conspirare singers and the Special Guest Artist. This year the program will feature the hugely popular West Coast singer/songwriter Matt Alber. Also

exotic invasive weeds and volunteers are needed to combat these weeds each Wednesday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

E-mail wendy.leonard@sanantonio.gov or call 210-207-3292 for directions to week’s location. Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Road (East Side). 210-207-3106. http://www.philhardbergerpark.org/ Little Explorers: Preschoolers and their caregivers can use their five senses for fun and adventure as they discover nature through stories, crafts, games, songs and outdoor exploration. The third Tuesday of each month will feature special guest Mother Nature for story time. $5 per family. 10 to 10:45 a.m. Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, 140 City Park Road, Boerne. 830-249-4616. http://www. cibolo.org/ Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1 Ford Caroling Nights with Santa: see December 1 Las Nuevas Tamaleras: see December 1

8 Thursday

the sky through large telescopes in an informational program with the San Antonio Astronomical Association.

7 to 10:30 p.m. every Wednesday, weather permitting. Free. Raymond Rimkus (Park Parking Lot), 6440 Evers Rd., Leon Valley. 210-710-4786. http:// sanantonioastronomy.org/calend ar/?yr=2016&month=9&dy=&cid= mc-044b5fab657239119577cc1f29e8652f

Music for Your Eyes - Holiday!: Guests can enjoy the Christmas version of Villa Finale’s music machine demonstration tour. Historically, guests to this home were treated to a unique visit as they toured Villa Finale’s collections while their ears were entertained by the musical delights of antique machines. This special edition of the popular Music for Your Eyes tour recreates this experience by treating today’s visitors to demonstrations of some of the rare music machines in the Mathis collections and adding a festive holiday twist. The tour ends with a fifteen-minute concert of traditional Christmas songs played on Mr. Mathis’s automated 1921 Bechstein-Welte reproducing piano, located inside one of the home’s lavish parlors.

Weed Wednesdays – Volunteer at PHP: Hardberger Park’s diversity of flora and fauna is being threatened by

$20 non-members/ $15 members. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Villa Finale Museum & Gardens, 401 King William. 210-223-9800.

MSSA Open House Saturday, January 21, 2017 Program starts promptly at 9:00 a.m.

RSVP to 210-492-3553

MSSA admits students of any race, color, religion, and national or ethnic origin.

17722 Rogers Ranch Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78258 - 210.492.3553

28

Our Kids Magazine | December 2016

www.montessorisa.org To Advertise Call 305-4181

http://www.villafinale.org/ Music_Holiday_Tour.html

www.tobincenter.org/ box-office/2016-12/elf

Middle School - Fun with Termites: Students discover the paths of live termites in a controlled classroom environment. Dress for the weather. Nature walk included. This class is part of the Winter Discovery Middle School series of classes for students 10 to 14 years old.

Class size is limited and registration is required. Free; donations accepted. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Phil Hardberger Park East, 13203 Blanco Road. 210-492-7472. http:// www.philhardbergerpark. org/

Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1

Art Crawl: Moms, dads and caregivers can put their babies in slings and take a walk through the museum galleries for a guided tour.

Talks are geared toward adults while the art selections are chosen to engage the adults and infants 0-18 months. Free with museum admission. 10 to 10:45 a.m.

San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210978-8100. https://www. samuseum.org/calendar/ event-detail?eid=7609 Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1 Ford Caroling Nights with Santa: see December 1 Las Nuevas Tamaleras: see December 1

9 Friday

H-E-B Cinema on the Plaza Screens ELF: After inadvertently wreaking havoc on the elf community due to his ungainly size, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole is sent to the U.S. in search of his true identity. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the movie on a 32 foot LED screen. No outside food or drinks are allowed, but concessions will be available for purchase. Free.

Toy donations for needy children will be accepted.

8 p.m. Tobin Center’s Will Naylor Smith River Walk Plaza, 100 Auditorium Circle. 210-223-8624. https://

Ford Caroling Nights with Santa: see December 1 Las Nuevas Tamaleras: see December 1 5th Annual Wonderland Christmas: see December 2 Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see December 2

10 Saturday

La Gran Tamalada: see leadoff pg 22 Christmas at the Caverns 2016: On select nights throughout the Christmas season, the entire park will be illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights. Within this magical wonderland, the park will feature Caroling in the Caverns, along with several aboveground Christmas attractions including the AMAZEn’ Reindeer Roundup, a Country Christmas Hayride, Canopy Challenge, and a Christmas Village. $9.99-$44.99. 5:30 to 10 p.m. Natural Bridge Caverns, 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road. 210-651-6101. http://www.naturalbridgecaverns.com A Christmas Carol: Experience this abbreviated version of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, as you’ve never before seen it: performed live with a Victorian home as its backdrop. See Scrooge look down from Villa Finale’s historic balcony as the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future remind him of the importance of being kind and loving to his fellow man. The play features performers from within the community and young talent from the two local schools. The audience will be treated to holiday refreshments both before and after the performance.

Dress warmly. $20 non-members/ $15 members/$10 Kids 12 and under. Gate opens at 4:30 p.m. Performance is

Camp Fair 2016 | www.OurKids.camp

December 2016 | OurKidsMagazine.com

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FAMILY THEATRE

Magik Theatre presents “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” through December 30.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: Not a creature was stirring... or was he? Amos the mouse stirs up plenty of excitement as he and his friend Emily attempt to save Christmas from an evil ex-elf who wants to sell the naughty and nice lists to a department store. $15 adult and $12 child admission. Show times vary by date. Runs through December 30. Magik Theatre, 420 South Alamo. 210-227-2751. http://www.magiktheatre.org/

stage in this adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale.

Featuring songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder, as well as fun new songs. December 10 & 11. Times vary by date. $5.Barshop Jewish Community Center, Holzman Auditorium, 12500 N.W. Military Hwy. 210-302-6859. http:// jccsanantonio.org/events/2016/12/10/upcoming-event-ticker/ nova-presents-roald-dahl-s-willy-wonka-kids/

Carver Youth Matinee Series – Cowboys & Indians: Unlike the children’s game, these cowboys and Indians are allies, not enemies—and the Indians come from India not the Wild West.

This unique combination of Eastern and Western music and lore is a cultural sharing experience: guitars and sitars, incense and cactus, boots and bare feet, Mahatma Gandhi and Sitting Bull meet Buddy Holly and Ravi Shankar!

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Magik Theatre presents A Charlie Brown Christmas at the Charlene McCombs Empire Theatre.

A Charlie Brown Christmas became an instant classic when it premiered on television in 1965, and has only grown in popularity since then. Now it comes to life on stage as Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the “Peanuts” gang come to understand the real meaning of Christmas. December 16 through 23. Times vary by date. $10-$30. Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, 226 N. St. Mary’s St. 226-5700. http://www. majesticempire.com/shows/charliebrown-christmas

Free; Registration required for all guests. 11 a.m. to noon.

December 2. Jo Long Theatre, Carver Cultural Community Center, 226 N. Hackberry, 210-207-7211. www.thecarver.org http://www.thecarver.org/event/ carver-youth-matinee-series-cowboys-indians/ STARZ presents Disney’s Mulan Jr.: Based on the Oscarnominated film, Disney’s Mulan JR. is a heartwarming celebration of culture, honor and the fighting spirit. With hit songs and a story packed with action, humor and heart, Disney’s Mulan JR. brings ancient China to life with a modern sensibility. December 3 & 4. Times vary by date. $7. Barshop Jewish Community Center, Sheldon Vexler Theatre,12500 N.W. Military Hwy. 210-302-6859. http://jccsanantonio.org/events/2016/12/03/ upcoming-event-ticker/starz-presents-disney-s-mulan-jr./ Nova presents Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka KIDS: The delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory light up the

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Our Kids Magazine | December 2016

Wednesdays and Thursdays only at 10 a.m. Reservations are required. Performing Arts San Antonio, 15705 San Pedro. 210-360-0004. http://www.therosetheatreco.com/ childrens_theater_schedule Home Alone: A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by the San Antonio Symphony. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. $12-$67. December 22 & 23. 7:30 p.m. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. 210-226-5700. http:// www.majesticempire.com/shows/homealone The Tobin Center, 100 Auditorium Circle. 210-223-8624.

To Advertise Call 305-4181

from 5 to 6 p.m. Villa Finale Museum & Gardens, 401 King William. 210-223-9800. http://www.villafinale.org/ Music_Holiday_Tour.html Time Travel Saturday - South Texas Holiday Traditions: How do you celebrate the holidays with your family?

Enjoy some the most popular holiday customs of South Texas, including crafting decorations, sharing stories, sipping hot chocolate and watching the annual performance of Los Pastores. This traditional play, performed annually at the Witte since the 1930s, tells part of the Christmas story and delivers a message of light and goodness in the darkest part of the year. Noon to 4 p.m. Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210-357-1910. https://www.wittemuseum. org/programs-and-events/ events/time-travel-saturdaysouth-texas-holiday-traditions-0 Battle of Bejar Re-enactment: See a re-enactment of the storming of San Antonio de Bejar by Texian and native Tejano volunteers who laid siege and drove out the Mexican garrison from the town of Bejar and the Alamo fortress in December 1835.

Event includes black powder firing demonstrations as well as presentations of skills from daily life in the 1830’s. Free.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Maverick Plaza, 418 Villita St. 210-2016653. http://www.texasarmy. org/events/battle-of-bejar Native American Storytelling: Grandmother Coyote, Emma Ortega, tells stories about the spirit animals and what they have to teach us. Kids make a Balero game to take home. This is a wonderful program for families with elementary and older children. Kid-friendly activity included. Free; donations accepted. 10 a.m. to noon.

Phil Hardberger Park East, 13203 Blanco Road. 210-4927472. http://www.philhardbergerpark.org/ Sensory-Friendly Films: Partnering with the Autism Society, AMC Theaters brings Sensory- Friendly Films to Camp Fair 2016 | www.OurKids.camp

families affected by autism in the San Antonio area. The program provides a special opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. The auditoriums dedicated to the program have their lights up, the sound turned down and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing. Today’s feature is “Moana”. Dates and films are subject to change so be sure to verify in advance. $4 per person. 10 a.m.

AMC Rivercenter 9. 849 E. Commerce St. www.autismsociety.org/get-involved/ events/sensory-friendly-films Beginners’ Bird Walk: Meet the San Antonio Audubon Society (SAAS) trip leader at the Judson Nature Trail in Alamo Heights on the second Saturday of each month.

Nonmembers are welcome and binoculars with instructions can be provided. Free.

8 a.m. 246 Viesca, Alamo Heights. 210-342-2073. http:// www.saaudubon.org/ Boerne Market Days: On the second Saturday and Sunday of each month, families can enjoy shopping in an outdoor setting with artists and craftsmen showing their creative talents and wares.

Live music, food, kids’ activities and more. Free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free.

Boerne, Main Plaza. 210-8848193. http://www.boernemarketdays.com./ Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1 Ford Caroling Nights with Santa: see December 1 Las Nuevas Tamaleras: see December 1 5th Annual Wonderland Christmas: see December 2 Santa’s Railroad Wonderland: see December 3 Sea World’s Christmas Celebration: see December 3

11 Sunday

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31

Place. 210-536-1412. http://www.sabot. org/education/childrens-education/ little-sprouts/ Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1 Ford Caroling Nights with Santa: see December 1

13 Tuesday

Hands on Chanukah: Latkes, crafts, music, Menorah lighting free and open to the community. Hands on Chanukah will feature a latke snack bar in the Café and will conclude with a community candle lighting. While this is a free event, a general headcount is needed in order to have enough supplies on hand so please RSVP online. Barshop Jewish Community Center, 12500 N.W. Military Hwy. 210302-6827. www.jccsanantonio.org

On December 4, families can enjoy a free day at SAMA and take part in the “Journey Up the Nile” program. includes student displays and ambassadors detailing a variety of cultures and their traditional observances. San Antonio’s Children’s Ballet will give two performances, with suites from their recent rendition of The Nutcracker at 1 & 3 p.m. The celebration also features the troupe from Our Lady of Guadalupe church performing a traditional Mexican Pastorela morality play at 2 p.m. The museum encourages attendees to bring non-perishable food items to support the San Antonio Food Bank in a time of increased need. Free. Noon to 4 p.m. Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd. 210-458-2300. http://www.texancultures.com/events/ winter_celebrations_2016/

Circle. 210-223-8624. https://www. tobincenter.org/box-office/2016-12/ winter-wonderland

Storyteller’s Film Series - A Christmas Story: All Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder Range 200 shot BB gun, but everyone agrees he will shoot his eye out. Directed by Bob Clark, this holiday classic features the narration of adult Ralphie, who remembers his 1940s, radio-soaked childhood. 2 to 3:30 p.m. . McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-824-5368. https://www.mcnayart.org/events/event/ storytellers-film-series-a-christmas-story/

Las Nuevas Tamaleras: see December 1

Winter Wonderland: Join the Children’s Chorus for an afternoon of music and listen to the words of great poets sung

by San Antonio’s finest young vocal artists. The Tobin will be offering free childcare for your smallest relatives, so you can take the whole family. $8-$38.

3 p.m. The Tobin Center, 100 Auditorium

Little Sprout Mondays – Turkeys!: Program for ages 3-4 includes storytelling, kids’ crafts and hands-on explorations at the child’s pace. Early registration encouraged. $12 fee includes one adult and one child. A parent or guardian must stay with the child. 10 to 11:30 a.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston

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Sunday Jazz at the Witte: Take the family and enjoy a relaxing afternoon with “The Epic Trio featuring Kara Stevens” in the Witte’s Will Smith Amphitheater; blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged.

Included with museum general admission. 3 to 6 p.m. Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210-357-1910. https://www. wittemuseum.org/programs-and-events/ events/sunday-jazz-at-the-witte Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1 Ford Caroling Nights with Santa: see December 1

Art Fit at SAMA: Runners of all levels can come to the museum on the second Tuesday of each month for a leisurely run or walk and a tour of the museum.

Enjoy a 5-10 minute talk on fitness, a yoga stretch and a run or walk with professional coaches and runners from Run Wild Sports. Free and runners also get free admission to the museum. 6 to 7 p.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. https://www. samuseum.org/calendar/events-calendar Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1 Ford Caroling Nights with Santa: see December 1 Music for Your Eyes - Holiday!: see December 8

14 Wednesday

Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1 Ford Caroling Nights with Santa: see December 1

Santa’s Railroad Wonderland: see December 3

SAMA Playdates: see December 7

Sea World’s Christmas Celebration: see December 3

Weed Wednesdays – Volunteer at PHP: see December 7

Christmas at the Caverns 2016: see December 10

Little Explorers: see December 7

Boerne Market Days: see December 10

15 Thursday

12 Monday

Astronomy in the Park: see December 7

Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1 Ford Caroling Nights with Santa: see December 1

16 Friday

2016 Fiesta de Navidad - La Pastorela Folklorica: A fun representation of the traditional Shepherds Play with a To Advertise Call 305-4181

folklorico and flamenco flair. Written by Hiedi Cabral, this version highlights the Guadalupe Dance Academy performing traditional Mexican Folklorico and Flamenco music and dance throughout the evening. Guadalupe Dance Company members play the traditional characters of Mary, Joseph, Lucifer and the archangel while the Academy’s youngest performers play the parts of townspeople and shepherds. Under the influence of Lucifer more experienced Academy performers do their best to distract the shepherds from their mission of welcoming the new born king. $10. 7 to 9 p.m.

Guadalupe Theatre, 1301 Guadalupe St. 210-223-2009. http://www.guadalupeculturalarts.org/event/2016-fiesta-denavidad-la-pastorela-folklorica/ URBAN-15’s Holiday Laser Show: URBAN-15’s Annual Holiday Laser Show is a multimedia spectacular of choreographed laser beams, animation and light effects performed to holiday music favorites and carols. This is a family-oriented show with colorful 3D animations and a stunning aerial beam display. $15 for adults; $10 for kids 12 and under. 7 p.m. Lila Cockrell Theatre, 200 E. Market St. 210-207-8500. 210-736-1500. https:// urban15.org/events/ Holiday Pops: Join Akiko Fujimoto and

the San Antonio Symphony in a magical holiday celebration complete with a sing-along, special guests and a program featuring traditional and popular music that will get you into the spirit of the season. $12.50-$100. 8 p.m. Fri & Sat at 8 p.m. and Sun at 2 p.m. The Tobin Center, 100 Auditorium Circle. 210- 223-8624. www.tobincenter.org Mejia Ballet International Performs The Nutcracker- Set to Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, The Nutcracker is, by far, the most widely attended ballet in America. Prima Ballerinas Olga Pavlova and Marina Goshko and Principal Dancers Yevgeni Anfinogenov and Andrey Prikhodko will star in ARTS San Antonio’s presentation of the beloved classic. $29-$99. Times vary by date. Lila Cockrell Theatre, 200 E. Market St. 210-226-2891. http://www. artssa.org/nutcracker-4/ Toddler Art Play - Holiday Fun: Drop in for a mini museum visit meets creative playtime for children under 5. Wear paint clothes for a messy, fun time at the McNay. Weather permitting, program may be outdoors. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-824-5368. https://www.mcnayart.org/events/event/ toddler-art-play-holiday-fun/

Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1 Ford Caroling Nights with Santa: see December 1 5th Annual Wonderland Christmas: see December 2 Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see December 2

17 Saturday

Once Upon A Time: A Christmas show for the whole family full of magic and excitement with beautiful costumes. $16.

7 p.m. Jo Long Theatre, Carver Cultural Community Center, 226 N. Hackberry, 210-207-7211. http://www.thecarver.org/ event/once-upon-a-time/ 1st Annual Nutcracker Greater San Antonio Academy of Ballet: GSAB presents The Nutcracker Suite. The Greater San Antonio academy of ballet focuses on the development of young artist ages 3-19. $15 for Adults/$10 for Students.

7 p.m. The Palo Alta College, 1400 W. Villaret Blvd. 210-516-1617. http://www. greatersanantonioacademyofballet.com/ Holiday Pet Parade: Friendly pets of all kinds (furry, feathered or scaled) parade with their humans. Costumes are encouraged. Prizes awarded for:

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Ongoing Exhibits Carver Community Cultural Center Stages of Struggle and Celebration: Black Theatre in Texas, arrives at The Carver as part of a five-city exhibit tour. The exhibit features the historical highlights of black theatre in San Antonio (The Carver Community Cultural Center, Myra Hemmings and the Wheatley Dramatic Guild Players, Hornsby Entertainment Theatre, and The Renaissance Guild), in addition to other black theatre companies representing the five major cities in Texas. The exhibit showcases Texas State University professors, Drs. Sandra M. Mayo and Elvin Holt’s groundbreaking research in their two books on Black Theatre in Texas, published by the University of Texas Press: Acting Up and Getting Down: Plays by African American Texans (2014), and Stages of Struggle and Celebration: A Production History of Black Theatre in Texas (2016).

Exhibit runs December 11.

Admission: Free. Gallery Hours: M-F, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and two hours preceding each Carver Sunday, December 11, the Institute of Texan Cultures hosts Winter Celebrations Around the World.

Season performance. Schedule subject to change. Families can also take in the Foreign by Land, Native by Heart exhibit which kicks off December 9.

Carver Community Cultural Center, located in the Jo Long Theatre lobby, 226 N. Hackberry. 210has established in the College of Architecture, Construction 207-7211. http://www.thecarver.org/gallery/ and Planning. The exhibit features a 50-foot-long model of Broadway, a street that has the potential to become San San Antonio Botanical Garden Antonio’s great urban avenue. Recent developments on Art in the Garden is a yearlong exhibition at the Garden for Broadway, such as the Museum Reach and the Pearl, and which Shotz has conceived a newly commissioned large-scale, renewed interest in the street’s future have generated much freestanding steel sculpture, Scattering Screen. It features discussion about what becoming an “urban” city actually small mirrored circles that “reflect light and scatter the visible means. In its present state, however, nearly fifty percent of surroundings into thousands of tiny pieces,” per the artist.

Broadway’s urban landscape is flanked by parking space while Exhibit runs through June 2017. nearly all spaces along the corridor are tied to businesses, leaving almost no public space for people to gather as citizens Admission: $10 adults (14-64); $8 students, seniors, military; $7 without being consumers. Petrov has conducted extensive children age 3-13; free for children under 3 and all members. research on Broadway and proposes a linear park system, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and comprised of unused interstitial spaces found along the street, New Year’s Day. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston and a skyride that connects the airport to Travis Park. Many Place. 210-207-3250. www.sabot.org residents and visitors to San Antonio remember experiencing the city from the sky between the 1960s and 1990s on the Brackenridge Park skyride. Inspired by this local history, he Institute of Texan Cultures explores possible future directions for urban development, Foreign by Land, Native by Heart tells the stories of four refupublic parks, and alternative transportation systems using the gee families coming to San Antonio. Their accounts describe Broadway corridor as a model. The interactive installation the conditions that caused them to flee their native countries, focuses on public input, while associated public events, roundand how they have adapted to their new homes. The famitable discussions, photo collection events, and educational lies profiled in the exhibit have come to Texas from Malaysia, programming will bridge the past and future of Broadway to Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. The exhibit will recount the help the community imagine its new identity. Visitors are also circumstances of the refugee process, such as minimal luggage, able to experience a nostalgic moment by taking a seat in a a plastic bag containing the family’s vital records, and samples gondola from the original Brackenridge skyride. Exhibit runs of the necessities and mementos they chose to bring with them through April 16, 2017. on the trip. Exhibit runs from December 9 through April 9, 2017.

Admission: $8 for adults (12-64); $7 for seniors (65+); $6 for children (3-11); free with membership, UTSA or Alamo Colleges “1000 Parks and a Line in the Sky: Broadway, Avenue of the identification. Regular hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday Future,” is a design vision by Antonio Petrov, UTSA assisthrough Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Institute of Texan tant professor of architecture, and the “think/do-tank” he

34

Our Kids Magazine | December 2016

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Cultures, UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd. 210-458-2300. www.TexanCultures.com

The Witte

Texas Art Of Early Days To Now: The Witte Collection has been shaped by the visionary leadership of curators such as Eleanor Onderdonk, Martha Utterback, and Cecilia Steinfeldt. Each curator helped define Texas Art for the museum, the state, and the nation. In honor of the Witte Museum’s 90th anniversary and the legacy created by Alfred Witte and the Witte Picture Fund, this exhibition explores how these remarkable women shaped the collection through strategic purchases. Learn more about the Witte Museum’s renowned Texas Art Collection as you explore works from 19th and 20th century painters, folk artists and native artists that have been purchased for the permanent collection. Together these works provide a cross-section of the Texas Art Collection and also represent the powerful choices that continue to shape the collection today. Included with general admission. Russell Hill Rogers Texas Art Gallery. Exhibit runs through May 29, 2017.

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Earth Explorers is National Geographic’s world renowned, interactive exhibition featuring six immersive environments: Base Camp, North/South Pole, Oceans, Rain Forests, Mountains and Caves, and Savannahs. Follow six National Geographic scientists on their adventures through Earth’s diverse eco-zones and discover what it takes to survive and study in some of the planet’s most extreme conditions. Through augmented reality and hands-on interactives, visitors will be surrounded by the plants and animals in each ecosystem and experience the life of a scientist or an explorer discovering the wonders of Earth. Exhibit runs through January 22, 2017.

Admission: $10 for adults (12-64); $9 for seniors (65+) and active duty military; $7 for children (4-11); and free for children ages 3 and younger and to all museum members.

Regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210-3571900. www.wittemuseum.org

McNay Art Museum

Parlour Games: Ruloff Kip’s Toy Theatre is an exhibit for kids of all ages. While vacationing at his Long Island country home in the winter of 1919, Ruloff Kip created a toy theatre for his young daughter, Elizabeth. The large, elaborate theatre features moving mechanisms, several working lighting schemes, and an array of set drops and cut-out characters, based on Kip’s house and family members. Long thought to be the work of artist Everett Shinn, recent research has uncovered interesting new perspectives on the theatre itself, as well as the fascinating background of its true creator and his family. Exhibit runs through February 5, 2017.

Admission: $10 for adults (12-64); $5 for seniors (65+), students with I.D. (13+), and active duty military; and free for children ages 12 and younger and to all museum members. Regular hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed New Year’s Day, July 4, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels. 210-824-5368. www. mcnayart.org Camp Fair 2016 | www.OurKids.camp

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Santa’s Railroad Wonderland: see December 3 Christmas at the Caverns 2016: see December 10 2016 Fiesta de Navidad - La Pastorela Folklorica: see December 16 Mejia Ballet International Performs The Nutcracker: see December 16 Holiday Pops: seed December 16

18 Sunday

Alamo Dance Company presents The Nutcracker at San Antonio College on December 17.

Best Pet Costume, Best Pet Costume (non-canine), Best Costume -Duo, Best Costume- Group (three or more), Best Pet Holiday Costume, and Cutest Critter for the most aww inspiring pet in the parade. Free; donation of $2 per person or $5 per family is suggested.

10 a.m. to noon. Phil Hardberger Park East, 13203 Blanco Road. 210-492-7472. http://www.philhardbergerpark.org/

Tubameister Christmas Tubas: 38th Annual Tubameister Christmas tubas perform in La Villita. All tuba, euphonium, and baritone horn players are invited to participate. See website for registration/rehearsal information.

Free; $5 donation requested. Noon.

La Villita, Arneson River Theatre, 418 Villita. 210-219-6861. http://thetubameisters.com/?page_id=17

Jarel’s Toy Chest: One of the largest free toy giveaways in town, this event is hosted by the International Community Development Corporation.

Thousands of toys will be given away and there will be a bike raffle for children ages 0-12. Entertainment for kids will be provided throughout the campus. 2 p.m. New Life Christian Center, 6610 Hwy 90 West. 210-6754023. http://jarelstoychest.com/

Bird Walk: Look for birds in their native habitats. An experienced guide leads this walk every third Saturday of the month. Featured birds include hummingbird, Long-billed Thrashers, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Green Heron and the Common Moorhen.

Take binoculars. For ages 10 and older. Participants should meet at the Carriage House. Walk is free with garden admission. 9 a.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place.

210-536-1400. http://www.sabot.org/ plan-your-visit/walks/

The Nutcracker at SAC: The Alamo City Dance Company’s production of The Nutcracker, now in its 24th year, boasts approximately 100 dancers in 160 roles danced by San Antonians with the exception of the guest artists. The production this year features Jennifer Goodman and Ikolo Griffin. $30 Orchestra, $25 Balcony. Times vary by date. McAllister Auditorium, 1300 San Pedro Ave. 210-495-2787. http://saspa. org/nutcracker-tickets/

Family Art Play: The McNay offers a program for families that involves looking carefully at works of art and investigating a studio or performance component afterwards. Make some noise! Explore costumes inspired by the many cultures in Orientalism: The Middle East Onstage and connect with rhythms and instruments from around the world. Free admission from noon to 5 p.m. 1 to 4 p.m.

McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-824-5368. https:// www.mcnayart.org/events/event/ family-art-play-drumming-around/ Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1 Ford Caroling Nights with Santa: see December 1 Sea World’s Christmas Celebration: see December 3 Santa’s Railroad Wonderland: see December 3 Christmas at the Caverns 2016: see December 10 Mejia Ballet International Performs The Nutcracker: see December 16 Holiday Pops: see December 16 The Nutcracker at SAC: see December 17

19 Monday

Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1

Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1

Ford Caroling Nights with Santa: see December 1

Sea World’s Christmas Celebration: see December 3Sea World’s Christmas Celebration: see December 3

5th Annual Wonderland Christmas: see December 2 Sea World’s Christmas Celebration: see December 3

Christmas at the Caverns 2016: see December 10

Looking Ahead to January 2017 Get your tickets early for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on January 7. Also, get ready for the Magik Theatre’s performance of Roxaboxen starting January 13.

36

Our Kids Magazine | December 2016

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20 Tuesday

Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1 5th Annual Wonderland Christmas: see December 2 Sea World’s Christmas Celebration: see December 3 Christmas at the Caverns 2016: see December 10

21 Wednesday

Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1 5th Annual Wonderland Christmas: see December 2 Sea World’s Christmas Celebration: see December 3 Astronomy in the Park: see December 7 Weed Wednesdays – Volunteer at PHP: see December 7 Christmas at the Caverns 2016: see December 10

22 Thursday

Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1 5th Annual Wonderland Christmas: see December 2 Sea World’s Christmas Celebration: see December 3 Christmas at the Caverns 2016: see December 10

26 Monday

Free Day at SAMA: Weary cooks, eager shoppers, art lovers and underfoot relatives will find plenty to see and do at the San Antonio Museum of Art the day after Christmas. Admission is free, but there is an additional $10 surcharge for the exhibition “In the Dust of this Planet” for those 18 and up. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. https://www.samuseum.org/calendar/ event-detail?eid=7283 Moscow Ballet Great Russian Nutcracker: The ultimate holiday tradition for the youngest to the seniors in every family, seeing Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker creates holiday memories that last a lifetime.

Moscow Ballet’s company of almost 40 dancers is the only internationally touring ballet group to perform to critical acclaim in over 75 North American cities annually. $32-$179. Showtimes vary by date. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. 210-226-5700. http://www.majesticempire.com/shows/nutcracker2016 Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1 Sea World’s Christmas Celebration: see December 3

28 Wednesday

Christmas at the Caverns 2016: see December 10

24 Saturday

Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1 Sea World’s Christmas Celebration: see December 3

31 Saturday

Celebrate San Antonio: Something for everyone including music on three stages and special entertainment areas for children and families. Live music, thousands of excited revelers, fireworks and entertainment for the entire family highlight this popular event. Free. 6 p.m. to midnight. Hemisfair Plaza, 434 South Alamo.

210-212-8423. http://saparksfoundation. org/events/celebrate-san-antonio/ Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1 Sea World’s Christmas Celebration: see December 3

Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1 Sea World’s Christmas Celebration: see December 3 Astronomy in the Park: see December 7 Weed Wednesdays – Volunteer at PHP: see December 7

Sea World’s Christmas Celebration: see December 3

29 Thursday

Camp Fair 2016 | www.OurKids.camp

Sea World’s Christmas Celebration: see December 3

Playmobil FREE Playtime! Come in to the mall and play with our huge Playmobil collection with your friends. Playmo has small pieces and is for ages 4+. Grownups can take turns playing with kids while the other shops. 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Toy Werks, Rolling Oaks Mall (lower level, near Santa!). 210-490-7171.

25 Sunday

Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1

Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see December 2

Sea World’s Christmas Celebration: see December 3

5th Annual Wonderland Christmas: see December 2

Sea World’s Christmas Celebration: see December 3

Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1

Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1

Moscow Ballet Great Russian Nutcracker: see December 26

Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see December 2

30 Friday

27 Tuesday

23 Friday

Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1

Sea World’s Christmas Celebration: see December 3

Zoo Lights - Merry & Bright and Wild at Night!: see December 1

The Greater San Antonio Academy of Ballet will offer it’s 1st Annual Nutcracker performance on December 17 at Palo Alto College.

December 2016 | OurKidsMagazine.com

37

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