Festive December 2017

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Holiday Guide

Safely through the season PAGE 4

Peace and calm PAGE 6

Holiday calendar PAGE 8

Visit Santa PAGE 14

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Gifts, trips and safety tips

Enjoy the season and keep you and your family safe

H

olidays are a whirlwind of friends, family and joyous festivities. Although winter is not exactly ‘trauma season’ we should never take a vacation from safety. Take time to slow down and enjoy the season while keeping you and your family safe.

Here are a few tips to get you safely through the holiday season:

GIFTS

Is there a bike, scooter or skateboard under the tree? If so, your gift is not complete without the appropriate safety gear. Follow gift-opening with a hands-on lesson on how to use the safety equipment.

Give age-appropriate gifts. Many toys have the recommended age right on the box. Do not give toys with small pieces to children under 3 years of age.

Do not give gifts with button batteries to young children. If swallowed, they can cause severe burns in as little as two hours.

Stay up-to-date about harmful products by signing up for email alerts on recalled children’s products at www.recalls.gov.

TRIPS

The safest way for a child to fly, if they still use a 5-point harness car seat (rear or forward facing), is in a FAA approved car seat. Holding a child on an adult’s lap is not the safest option as turbulence can occur at any time during the flight, jostling the child from your arms.

Boosters should not be used on an aircraft. Any car seats not being used on the aircraft should be gate checked so if luggage is lost, you still have the much-needed car seat.

If you are driving, get your car seat checked at an inspection station to make sure it is installed properly for your long road trips. You can find inspection stations by visiting our website at www.sklarimer.org.

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Take children out of the car seat once every 2 hours during long trips.

DO NOT use car seats, swings or bouncers for a child’s nap. Once out of the vehicle, they should nap in a crib or pack and play.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

Provide your children with snowboarding or skiing lessons before they head to the slopes to provide necessary skills to not only reduce their frustration but also their risk of injury.

When family gets together, there is always more commotion. Do not let children play in the kitchen and always be alert when you are cooking.

Keep medications up and away, not in purses, on counters or on bedside tables where children can reach.

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Lower expectations and promote peace and calm

Kim Sharpe

‘Tis the season… O to keep it sane

vereating. Overdrinking. Overscheduling. Overspending. Over the top!

If this sounds like how the holidays play out in your world, try implementing a holiday makeover to infuse some sanity—and moderation— into the season.

EAT, DRINK AND BE MODERATE

Some of the best parts of the holidays are the traditional foods and drinks that go along with them. But enjoying too many of those special holiday treats can add up to a lot of extra, unhealthy holiday pounds. An

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• Eat and drink slowly. Nibble and sip like a gourmet foodie.

SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

One of the best strategies for keeping the holidays in check is to set realistic expectations. Just say no to the pressure to make every holiday gathering picture perfect like those portrayed by painter Norman Rockwell. When most families are a bit dysfunctional at best, expecting everyone to be on their best behavior during holiday gatherings is probably unrealistic. And that endless list of preparatory “to do’s” in many cases is just unnecessary.

Give yourself a break by bucking the traditions that keep you trapped in a maze of holiday tension. If you keep up with friends and family on social media, perhaps mailing hundreds of personally signed holiday cards isn’t necessary any longer. Maybe that big holiday meal can be enjoyed at one of the restaurants that remain open for just such occasions. And it’s okay to ask for help. Don’t feel you have to be a super hero and meet everyone else’s expectations at the high cost of your own sanity and health. Give yourself permission to lower your own expectations to allow space for a bit of peace and calm to reside within yourself and your home.

MAKE MEMORIES

easy way to cut back is to be mindful when eating and drinking. Some other tips to keep from overindulging are: • Use a small plate.

• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.

• Only take food you really think you’ll enjoy. Don’t waste calories on food you really don’t want to eat.

• Bring your own healthy dish to share.

• Choose a small-size holiday flavored coffee drink with sugar-free syrups.

Materialism seems to have hijacked the reasons for the season, regardless of the religion one may associate with winter holidays.

Tim Kasser, a specialist in materialism and well-being, says a study he and a colleague conducted showed that, “… to the extent people focused their holiday season around materialistic aims like spending and receiving, the less they were focused on spiritual aims. We also found that people reported ‘merrier’ Christmases when spirituality was a large part of their holiday, but reported lower Christmas well-being to the extent

that the holiday was dominated by materialistic aspects.”

Materialism also hijacks budgets when people overspend to buy gifts for friends and loved ones. While it’s nice to show others we care by showering them with presents, decades of psychological research conclude that people appreciate experiences more than possessions. So rather than spend a lot of money on material items, take your family out to dinner and then to a movie. Enjoy some wintery fun together, like sledding, ice skating or skiing. Enjoy an afternoon of cookie baking and decorating or a family game night. Children (and adults) will remember quality time spent together much longer than receiving the latest and greatest toy. And even if your experiences don’t pan out exactly as planned, they’ll still make for good stories down the road.

GIVE TIME

Another thing you can give rather than a material item is some of your time.

Perhaps you have a family member, friend or neighbor who needs help with a project. Maybe they need to get out of the house, away from their kids and household obligations to refocus. Or maybe they just need someone to talk to over a cup of tea.

In our fast-paced, technologydriven world, it’s too easy to use the excuse of business not to take time to meet people face to face or have an inperson conversation. The holiday season is the perfect season to reconnect with those around us.

Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, explains, “Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it. You can make more money, but you can’t make more time. When you give someone your time, you are giving him or her a portion of your life that you’ll never get back. Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time.”

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Holiday event

Calendar

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Ongoing Events

THROUGH DECEMBER 31 A Christmas Story The whole family will love the take on this classic holiday movie. Ticket prices and showtimes vary. Midtown Arts Center, 3750 S. Mason St., FC. 970-2252555, www.midtownartscenter.com.

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS, THROUGH JANUARY 7 Winter Wonderlights Loveland’s Winter Wonderlights is a new walkable holiday lighting attraction for the entire family. Chapungu Sculpture Park, Sky Pond Dr., LV. 5-9pm. 970667-3882, www.visitlovelandco.org.

DECEMBER 1 AND 3 Winter SOAP Show Get into the holiday spirit this season with the annual Winter SOAP Show filled with comedy skits by SOAP Troupe and music performed by the SOAPTones. $5. Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr., FC. 1:30-3pm. & 7-8:30pm. 970-221-6644.

DECEMBER 1, 4, 5, 7 AND 8 Meals on Wheels Santa for Seniors Program Suggested donations: new blankets, couch throws, anything with a Bronco logo, diabetic socks and more. Meals on Wheels, 437 Garfield Ave., LV. 9am-4pm. 970-667-0311, www. lovelandmealsonwheels.org.

DECEMBER 1 THROUGH 23 Christmas Chaos Spice up your holidays with a fast and furious mashup of yuletide pandemonium. Regular-$20; Teens (16 & under)-$12. ArtLab Fort Collins, 239 Linden St., FC. 7:30pm. www. openstage.com.

DECEMBER 1 THROUGH JANUARY 4 Holiday Village Enjoy the sights and sounds of a miniature village come to life – complete with holiday tree and working train.

Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr., FC. 6am-9pm. 970-221-6644, www.fcgov. com/recreator.

DECEMBER 1 THROUGH JANUARY 7 Garden of Lights Thousands of twinkling LED lights in holiday splendor; visits with Santa, music and crafts on weekends. Suggested donation of $5. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 5-9pm. 970-4162486, www.fcgov.com/gardens.

DECEMBER 3, 10, 17 AND 24 Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Step back in time as you enjoy a complimentary, old-fashioned horsedrawn carriage ride down Main Street. Promenade Shops at Centerra, Ice Rink, 5971 Sky Pond Dr., LV. Times vary. 970-461-1285, www.

ThePromenadeShopsatCenterra.com.

DECEMBER 8 THROUGH 10 The Nutcracker This iconic holiday story is sure to please audiences of all ages with mystery, battles and beautiful ballerinas in sparkling tutus. $18-$35. Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia, FC. Showtimes vary.

970-472-4156, www.lctix.com.

DECEMBER 8 THROUGH 17 The Stampede Troupe Presents It’s A Wonderful Life An angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman.

Ticket prices and showtimes vary. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 970-356-5000, www.ucstars.com.

DECEMBER 9 AND 10 Makers Migration a Holiday Pop-up Market Meet local makers and shop their handcrafted wares at this holiday market.

Council Tree at Front Range Village, 2720 Council Tree Ave., FC, 10am-4pm. www.fortifiedcollaborations.com.

DECEMBER 15 THROUGH 17 The Many Moods of Christmas The festive LCS voices and sonorous Christmas Orchestra join forces to paint a beautiful and inspirational portrait of the nativity in The Many Moods of Christmas. $18. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. Showtimes vary. 970-962-2120, www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

DECEMBER 22 AND 23 Turkish Pop-Up Market Items all handcrafted in Turkey, include carpets, towels, soap, handbags, tribal jewelry, knitted vests and scarves. Global Village Museum of Arts & Cultures, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 12/22-12noon-6pm; 12/23-11am-5pm. 970-221-4600, www. globalvillagemuseum.org.

Events by Date

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 Timnath Holiday Lighting Festival Celebrate in Timnath with Santa Claus, festive activities, treats, music and more!

Old Town, Main Street, Timnath. 5:307:30pm. 970-658-8830, www.timnath.org.

20th Annual NightLights Tree Lighting Celebration A Realities For Children event with free hot soup, cocoa, cookies, live music and a visit by Santa. First Presbyterian Church, 531 S. College Ave., FC. 6-7pm. 970-484-9090 x100, www.

GiveaNightLight.com.

Gingerbread House Decorating – Date Night Decorate a gingerbread house for the holidays with the loved ones in your life.

Gingerbread house, decorating materials and a cash bar will be available. $41.

Northside Aztlan Community Center, 112 E. Willow St., FC. 7-9pm. 970-2216655, www.fcgov.com/recreator.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 Market with a Mission Connect with over 15 artisans from around the globe to shop for gifts starting at $5. Everyday Joe’s Coffee House, 144 S. Mason St., FC. 9am-3pm. www.Marketwithamission.wordpress.com.

Santa Cops Families can apply to have gifts delivered to their children by a Larimer County law enforcement officer. Visit website to see rules for participation. Villages on Redwood, 1331 Redwood St., FC, & Loveland Police Department, 810 E. 10th St., front conference room.

9am-4pm. 970-632-1444 www.santacopslarimercounty.org.

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Gingerbread House Decorating – Families Start a new family tradition by creating your very own old-fashioned gingerbread house with the family. $41. Northside Aztlan Community Center, 112 E. Willow St., FC. 10am-12noon. 970-221-6655, www.fcgov.com/recreator.

Crafty Tales: Here Comes Santa The theme for this month’s Crafty Tales is “Here Comes Santa” and will feature stories, songs and a special craft. Ages 3-6. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 10:30-11:30am. 970-686-5603, www.clearviewlibrary.org.

We Need a Little Christmas Concert The Estes Park Chorale presents their annual Christmas concert, featuring carols and songs of the season.

Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies, 1700 Brodie Ave., EP. 2-4pm.

970-586-9130, www.visitestespark.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 Big Band Holiday with Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra Back by popular demand after a sellout last year, the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra swings in the holidays! $26 & $20. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm. 970-962-2120, www. rialtotheatercenter.org.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6 Mini Gingerbread Houses Celebrate the season by creating a mini gingerbread house! Ages 9-12.

Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 6-7:30pm. 970-686-5603, www. clearviewlibrary.org.

Fort Collins Wind Symphony Holiday Concert The performance will include holiday and non-holiday selections. Colorado State University Center for the Arts, 1400 Remington St., FC. 7:30-9pm. www. fcwindsymphony.org.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 An Evening on the Polar Express Come in your pajamas for a Polar Express family storytime. Snacks will be served as you “ride” the Riverside train and listen to this timeless class. First come, first served. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 5:30pm. 888-8617323, www.MyLibrary.us.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 Holiday Miniature Gardening Class Create your very own miniature winter wonderland with plants, accessories and some imagination. $40. Fort Collins Nursery, 2121 E. Mulberry, FC. 11am-12:30pm. 970-482-1984 www.FortCollinsNursery.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 Sweaty Sweater 4 Mile Run/Walk 2017 Calling all Ugly Sweaters! Show off your most hideous, outrageous, bulky and unforgettable UGLY sweater running the Sweaty Sweater Race. Ticket prices vary. Budweiser Brewery Experience, 2351 Busch Dr., FC. 9am. www. frontrangefreeze.com.

Santa’s Workshop Drop by to visit Santa’s secret workshop and create homemade gifts for your loved ones. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 10am-12noon. 970686-5603, www.clearviewlibrary.org.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11 Holiday Sing-a-long for Tweens: Crafts and Cocoa Holiday sing-a-long, crafts and peppermint hot cocoa. Grades 4-7.

Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 6:30pm www.poudrelibraries.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 Handmade Holiday Hoopla Shop from 20 local makers, come early to get a free handmade gift. Seasonal snacks and beverages will also be available. Wolverine Farm Letterpress & Publick House, 316 Willow St., FC. 10am-4pm. www.wolverinefarm.org.

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prices vary. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7pm. 970-356-5000, www.ucstars.com.

Scrooged In this modern take on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Frank Cross is a successful television executive whose curmudgeonly nature has driven away the love of his life. $6. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., FC. 7pm. 970-962-2120, www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22 A Charlie Brown Christmas This award-winning story by Charles M. Schulz has warmed the hearts of millions of fans since it first aired on television over fifty years ago. Ticket prices vary. Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 2pm & 7:30pm. www.lctix.com.

Winter Festival Enjoy a fun-filled day of ice activities including ice skating, speed skating and curling demonstrations. EPIC, 1801 Riverside Ave., FC. 8:15am-2:15pm.

970-221-6655, www.fcgov.com/ recreator.

Teen DIY Holiday Gifts Drop-in to create your own personalized holiday gift for a friend or family member. Registration required. Grades 6-12. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 9am. 888-861-7323, www.

MyLibrary.us.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 Colorado Makers Holiday Market Small batch and one-of-a-kind goods meticulously crafted or found with thoughtfulness and care are available for purchase. Northside Aztlan Community Center, 112 Willow St., FC. noon-5pm. www.coloradomakersmarket.com.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19 White Christmas Singers Bob Wallace and Phil Davis join sister act Betty and Judy Haynes to perform a Christmas show in rural Vermont to help their former commander dealing with financial difficulties. $6. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm. 970-962-2120, www. rialtotheatercenter.org.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20 Handmade Holiday Get into the holiday spirit and craft some handmade gifts for your friends and family. Supplies provided.

Registration required. Grades K-5.

Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 2pm. 888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Christmas With the Celts A perfect combination of lively Irish carols, modern Christmas hits, hilarious spontaneous humor and more. Ticket

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 A Season of Dance This open house performance features students of The MacKinnon Royal Dance Institute program and competition dance teams. Advance-$13; Doors-$16. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 6:30pm. 970-962-2120, www. rialtotheatercenter.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 New Year’s Family Glow Stick Party Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the family at the New Year’s Glow Stick Party! Admission includes entrance to the celebration and two glow sticks for each member of the family. Ticket prices vary. Estes Park Aquatic Center, 660 Community Dr., EP. 4-7pm.

970-586-2340.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 First Night Fort Collins This family-oriented, arts-based celebration attracts an all-ages audience to 30+ performances at 7 venues throughout Downtown. Downtown, FC. 5:30-10pm. www.downtownfortcollins.com.

visit rmparent magazine online for: community news school lunch menus family activities events calendar

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VISIT SANTA ONGOING EVENTS

WEEKENDS, THROUGH JANUARY 7 Visit Santa in the Garden of Lights Have fun visiting Santa surrounded by hundreds of twinkling lights. Enjoy crafts, entertainment and holiday treats, too. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 6-8pm. www.fcgov. com/gardens.

THROUGH DECEMBER 24 Santa’s Arrival Downtown Santa’s Workshop is open to children of all ages and their families and is completely free to the public! Old Town Square, FC. 12noon-6pm. 970-4842020, www.downtownfortcollins.com.

Santa’s Home for the Holidays Bring your camera to capture the magical moments when your child visits with Santa! Promenade Shops at Centerra, near Best Buy, 5971 Sky Pond Dr., LV. Times vary. 970-461-1285, www.

ThePromenadeShopsatCenterra.com.

Visit Santa Catch up with Santa while you finish your holiday shopping. Foothills Mall, 215 E. Foothills Pkwy, FC. Times vary. www.shopfoothills.com.

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DECEMBER 5, 6, 12, 13 AND 19 THROUGH 22 Visits with Santa Claus See Santa and enjoy a free picture with him. Outlets at Loveland, 5661 McWhinney Blvd., LV. 12noon-4pm. www.outletsofloveland.com.

DECEMBER 12 THROUGH 15, AND 21 Santa Claus Visit Join in for a special story, holiday craft and Santa visit. Don’t forget your camera! Locations and times vary. 888861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

DECEMBER 17 THROUGH 23 Santa Claus Get your chance to see Santa and take your family holiday photos! Ticket prices vary. Colorado Model Railroad Museum, 680 10th St. GR. 10am-1pm. 970-3922934, www.cmrm.org.

EVENTS BY DATE

DECEMBER 2 Windsor Wonderland Santa arrives from the North Pole by train. Pictures, wagon rides, a petting zoo, dancing and treats are also part of the event. Boardwalk Park, 100 N. 5th St., WS. 12noon-5pm. www. windsorchamber.net.

DECEMBER 4 Timnath’s Holiday Lighting Festival Santa will light up the night and then be available for pictures. Also enjoy food, drinks, sleigh rides and shopping. Old Town Timnath, 4100 Main St., Timnath.

5:30-7:30pm. 970-980-4501.

DECEMBER 15 Night Trains with Santa Santa will be walking around to run the trains during the evening hours. Ticket prices vary. Colorado Model Railroad Museum, 680 10th St., GR. 5-8pm. 970392-2934, www.cmrm.org.

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‘Tis the season to be jolly!

Join us for Story Time with Santa Thursdays & Fridays at 11:30 Beginning November 30th

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(970) 224-2866 • 111 N. College Ave. 16 | FESTIVE

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