Morethan $175in ideals nside!
Publisher’s Note
Thisyearhasbeenawhirlwindofcreativity,connection,and expansion Ourreadershiphasgrowninwayswecould haveonlydreamedof,reachingmorefamilieswhoshare ourvisionofcelebratinglocalstoriesandhelpingkids pursuetheirpassionsaswritersandyoungentrepreneurs VKZMagazineisnowVegasFamilyInsider!Aftermuch consideration,andthankstoourgroupmembers’input,we arerebrandingtoreflectourcommitmenttobringingyou evenmoreengagingstories,helpfulresources,and inspiringfeaturesthatcelebratetheincrediblefamilies, businesses,andyoungtrailblazersinourcommunity.
Myfavoritepartiswitnessingthegrowthofouryoung writersandcontributors.Fromkidstakingtheirfirststeps intojournalismtocollegestudentshoningtheircraft,their talentanddeterminationhaveinspiredusall
Oneofthemostthrillingdevelopmentsthisyearhasbeen theexpansionofourKidpreneurMarkets,nowin partnershipwiththeFantasticIndoorSwapMeet This incrediblecollaborationhasopenedupmoreopportunities thaneverforyoungentrepreneurstoshowcasetheir businesses,honetheirskills,andconnectwiththe community.
Ourexpansionhasn’tjustbeenaboutnumbers;it’sbeen aboutdepth.We’veworkedhardtofosterskills,nurture confidence,andprovideaplatformforyoungvoicesto shineandkidstoimprovetheirbusinessandlifeskills.It’s beenajoytoseetheimpactoftheirwork,notjustonpaper butinourcommunity sparkingconversations,sharing inspiration,andbringingpeopletogether
Thankyouforbeingpartofthisjourney Yoursupport meanstheworld,andtogether,we’reendingthisyearona highnotethatsetsthetoneforevengreaterthingsinthe yearahead
Kimberley
KIMBERLEY MCGEE Publisher
#15Exceptional Rodeo
KidsshineatNFR.
#16HereisWhere TheirHeartis
It’sgoodtobehomefor theholidays evenfor internationalrockstars
#18Young DrummerRocks
Behindthedrumkitisa comfortablespotforthe prodigy,whohasalready performedonstagewith otherlocalmusicians
#20ScaryGood
Up-and-comingactress AriaGoodsonhasbeenin frontofcamerassince age5andshowsnosigns ofeverstopping
#23Holidayen Pointe
Localteendancershines inaproductionofofthe classic“TheNutcracker.”
#24Holiday BucketList
Howmanyactivitiescan youcancrossoffthis seasononVegasKid Zone’s2024Holiday BucketList
#26PetSmarts
Fromtoystokibble,learn what’sbestforyourfurry friendsthisholiday season.
#36Oreo
OrnamentRecipe
Easytomakeandfunto decorate!
Out & About VEGAS KIDS ZONE
We love getting out into the community and learning about local businesses & organizations.
TEEN WRITING CLUB
Teen Writing Club is so much fun for teens ages 13-18 who have a passion for writing and want to enhance their skills. They meet every other Tuesday at Centennial Hills Library
2 1
MISS MEETS MRS.!
VKZ Magazine September cover girl
Adalyn Rose was delighted to meet Mrs. Nevada Maria Lee, celebrity judge at the VKZ Monthly Kidpreneur Market. The next market is Dec. 7 at Fantastic Indoor Swap Meet.
VKZ KIDPRENEUR WINNERS
It’s more than a market it’s a launchpad for young minds to explore entrepreneurship, build confidence, and t E h th kid t
Nominatea LocalHero
for the Vegas Kids Zone Heart of the Community Award!
Do you know a person or small business in the Las Vegas Valley that goes above and beyond to make our community a better place? Vegas Kids Zone is shining a spotlight on those whose kindness, generosity, and hard work uplift others Help us celebrate the everyday heroes who make a difference!
Individuals: Someone who consistently spreads kindness, supports others, or inspires positive change.
Small Businesses: A local business that gives back to the community through outreach, donations, or initiatives that make life brighter for Las Vegas families Award Criteria: Acts of Kindness: Demonstrated examples of generosity, compassion, or community impact. joy and generosity!
Community Focus: Positive influence on families, kids, or neighborhoods in the Las Vegas Valley
Consistency: A proven track record of making a difference over time
Rules for Winning:
Nominations are open to Las Vegas Valley residents and small businesses. Nominees must exemplify kindness through verifiable actions. Nominations should include a brief description of why the individual or business deserves recognition (100-200 words).
Let’s celebrate the kindness that exists every day across our beautiful valley Together, we can inspire others to spread joy and generosity!
Nominate a deserving hero today and let their story inspire others!
Join the VKZ Birthday Club
It’s too heartbreaking to hear: You throw a party for your child and the attendance is sparse or gulp a complete no-show. No way! We started the VKZ Birthday Club to solve that and help parents find deals to host a celebration for their child where they can meet their birthday month twins and feel special
Join us and 20 kids who share January birthdays on Jan. 4 for a special birthday bash with cake, games, entertainment, and an exciting gift for every child! It's a fun way to celebrate kids and bring families together for a memorable party experience!
*Ticketsare$30perchild,$5forsiblings,andadults arefree.Subscribers–useyourdiscountcodeat checkouttogetyourspecialdeal!
*What you’ll get:
A special gift for the birthday child
A VKZ Swag Bag Party Edition filled with treats and discounts for families
Pizza party
Birthday cake
Entertainment
Arts and crafts!
Need a treat now?! Get 15% off Simply Kimberly cookies, cakes, pops and more! Use code VKZ. Click here.
Exceptionally Fun
The NFR Exceptional Rodeo Welcomes Kids!
By Angelina Agasi
The Rodeo Spectacle
A magical moment takes place each year at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) ,when a group of local kids take to the dusty arena floor to participate in the Exceptional Rodeo This spectacular program brings children with special challenges together with pro-rodeo athletes to participate in an adaptive rodeo event. Children are partnered with athletes at the Thomas and Mack Center, where the NFR takes place. The athletes guide the children through modified events, including bull riding, barrel racing, bronc riding, and more, while cheering them on and helping them complete each challenge.
Fashion on the Fringe
Last year, 10-year-old Addysen Agasi was invited to participate and was paired with trick rider Dusti Dickerson Decked out in a pink cowgirl hat, pink cowgirl boots, and her Exceptional Rodeo T-shirt, Addysen was raring to go
Accompaniedbyhersister,NennaAgasi––a specialedteacher––andhermother,Michelle Agasi,theexperiencewasbreathtaking
“It’s really exciting to see all these kids able to experience the rodeo hands-on,” Michelle Agasi said.
“Thesecowboysandcowgirlsaresuchreal people,”NennaAgasisaid“They’resuper authentic,verykind,andpersonable.”
That they are! Bullfighter Dusty Tuckness had the privilege of teaming up with a child at last year’s Exceptional Rodeo.
Know to Go!
The 2024 National Finals Rodeo will take place December 5-14 at the Thomas and Mack Center.
“It’s great that what we do for a living can put a smile on their faces,” Tuckness said “That’s what brightens my day That’s why I do this –– for moments like these that you’ll always remember”
If you have an elementaryaged child with special challenges, you can register them for the Exceptional Rodeo taking place on December 12 by emailing adamdaurio@colostateedu Include your name, school name, and number of students participating
Imagine Dragons Home for NYE
It’s good to be home for the holidays -- even for international rockstars.
“There’s a very welcoming, warm spirit to this city, and I like to think our shows and even the overall ethos of the band still carries a little bit of that spirit wherever we go,” said Mac Reynolds, Imagine Dragons’ tour manager and a longtime local He has been an integral part of the band with his older brother, lead singer Dan Reynolds, since they played six-hour shows several nights a week at hotels on the Vegas Strip
The band returns to their hometown stage to light up New Year’s Eve at The Venetian with a killer lineup, including, “Radioactive,” “Believer,” and “Whatever It Takes.” Being back in the Las Vegas Valley means a lot to this tight-knit group.
“It never stops being incredible and humbling.”
By Sam Schierholz
“It's a hometown gig, which will automatically make it special,” the longtime local said. “Coming back to a hotel for a big show like this will always bring a different kind of energy.”
Las Vegas is a lively and bustling city of music that plays a big role in who the band is at its core
“When some of your first shows are in a casino where you’re very literally competing with the lights and noises of slot machines, you learn early on that having the attention of the audience is something earned and not given,” Reynolds said. “It never stops being incredible and humbling. There are a million artists out there who deserve success.”
Fueled by their passion for making music, the band members get to live their biggest dreams each day
“We know how lucky we are to be able to do this for a living, and if we ever forget that, it’s probably time to hang up the hat and do something else,” Reynolds said
New Year’s Eve Wow Factor
Reynolds promises that fans will be thrilled to attend this one-of-a-kind show.
“The great thing about a one-off show like New Year’s Eve is you can only expect the unexpected,” Reynolds said, “There is no playbook when it comes to celebrating a big moment.”
The energy of a live concert is a special way to end 2024 and launch 2025
“Some of the best memories are created by surprise experiences,” Reynolds said.
Finishing up their latest world tour, the rock band is planning bigger and better.
“There's a music video on the horizon, as well as a few other small surprises I can't reveal just yet,” Reynolds said
Heart of the Band
Early on, the hometown band used their quickly growing platform to make a difference in the world They partnered with the family of a young fan and friend they lost to pediatric cancer.
“The Tyler Robinson Foundation is the most important thing we've been a part of as a band and team,” Reynolds said.
Since2013, morethan$15millionhasbeenraised.
Unforeseen costs associated with a cancer diagnosis, such as special diets, longdistance travel for treatment or costs if a parent needs to quit their job to take care of their child full time, are offset by the foundation and all it provides.
"Seeing the kids that we're able to help and everything they go through it's the most meaningful thing that we've been able to do,” Reynolds has said.
“We directly help those families with grants that last up to as long as three years in some cases to help them come out the other end of their treatment stronger than ever,” Reynolds said
The Foundation provides an emotional support system and resources to create fun memories together with their kids, even during the hard times. You can, too.
“There are tons of opportunities for kids to help out the charity at their schools,” Reynolds said.
Publisher’s Note:
The story behind the scenes of this story is the “Why” behind Vegas Kids Zone
The author of this piece, Sam Schierholz, started working for VKZ over the summer as an intern to gain credit for a journalistm class at College of Southern Nevada She reached out to Imagine Dragons, unsure of what, if any, response she would receive While she had prepared to interview the lead singer, she expertly pivoted her interview questions to highlight the behind-the-scenes role of a tour manager, brother and music industry powerhouse Good job, Sam! You reached beyond your comfort zone In doing so, you created an opportunity and an inspiring article We are so glad to have you on our team and can’t wait to watch you soar
YOUNGRUMMER
By Sam Schierholz
ROCKS!
The beat of a Daft Punk song bellows through the speakers of Jeremiah Klein’s bedroom in Southeast Las Vegas. The young boy deftly plays his drums to the layered beat. In a short amount of time, the young drummer has stepped up to perform on stage with industry professionals, including Sherry St. Germaine, DJ APlus, DJ Buck Rodgers.
The shy 11-year-old has a remarkable and far-reaching talent for music.
“When I was 3 or 4, my dad played a lot of music, and I liked tapping to it,” Jeremiah said. He started with a small electric table drum set at age 5 before moving onto a full drum set. His dad inspired him by slipping a Daft Punk CD into the stereo.
He has lessons twice per week, and spends 3-5 days practicing
“I’ll do some drills, techniques, and then I’ll play some songs,” Jeremiah said Playing the drums involves agile hand and foot movement “I’m trying to get better at doing doubles on my left hand, because it’s hard for me to do that.”
On a recent afternoon, he whipped out his sticks to play. The metallic crash of the cymbals act jointly to make a beat with the booming tom drums. The prodigy isn’t quite pleased with the result.
“I’d want a fourth tom down by my low tom, a second crash cymbal next to my ride cymbal, and a trash stack cymbal,” Jeremiah said, planning his dream drum set.
Hit Maker in the Making
He moves quickly from the kit to his tidy desk to show his other passion: producing Moving his homework out of the way, he gives a sample of his latest song, “Wildest E ”
“Sometimes I’ll get my computer out and then I’ll just start messing around, making a drum beat or a melody,” Jeremiah said
Jeremiah blends his favorites with his original compositions when he is asked to DJ with local artists for big events
“It’s fun to be able to play the songs that I like,” Jeremiah said
The long days of tirelessly practicing techniques and learning rudiments is rewarding when he listens to his playbacks.
“It takes awhile to learn something, but once you get it, then it’s really fun,” Jeremiah said.
Music moves Jeremiah, and his beats inspire others He has been asked to DJ the Noon Year’s Eve Party by local powerhouse Tiny Beats He’s planning a mix of surprises along with his own sounds
“I’m really excited because I get to play in a cool, big venue,” he said “I’m also excited to play my music for people, along with a mix of house, pop and kids music remixes some people haven’t heard before.”
JEREMIAH’S VEGAS FAVES
Scary Good
Local child actress had start with horror flicks
By Alaina Sanchez
Aria Goodson, an 11-year-old actress with six years of experience, has been acting since age 5 and shows no signs of ever stopping Her dream role to play would be “a kid killer like Mckenna Grace,” which she said with a bright smile on her face This was quite the contrast to her love of all things Disney. Her love for the Magic Kingdom is only rivaled by her admiration for the King of Scare, Stephen King!
Aria stumbled upon the art of acting as a favor to a family friend. They were working on a project for AMS Pictures when an actor suddenly dropped out completely last minute They enlisted Aria to be a stand-in, just to be seen on the stage She had no lines, but she did get to play an eerie role as the younger sister of serial killer John Wayne Gacy! “They let me play with all the fake blood and stuff It was so cool,” she beamed proudly Aria knew she would never be the same after that moment, for she knew she was destined to become an actress.
Every actor faces challenges. Aria is no exception. The rejections and criticism can be harsh. Aria learned early on not to take it personally. All actors will be told “no” at some point in their careers. “I overcame that by simply learning that it was okay,” she said with quiet acceptance Aria soon learned that it is okay to be denied because there will always be other opportunities
What Aria enjoys most about acting is the experience. She loves going to new places and meeting new people. This has allowed her to make many good friends over the years.
Aria is also a singer and an ice skater! With these additional talents, Aria’s “back-up plans” are to be a professional in either one of those fields
“I always want to be on set, whether I’m in front of the camera or behind it,” she said
Belle in Disney on Ice would be her choice since “Beauty and the Beast” is her favorite Disney movie! She can also play guitar, piano, and a little bit of bass to complement her vocals. She also loves to write songs. Even if she does not become an actress, she would still be in the performance industry one way or another, even as a behind-the-scenes technician.
Her proudest achievement was a music scholarship with Inspiring Artists Las Vegas, part of the Inspiring Children Foundation Aria was ecstatic, especially knowing that she had earned that scholarship not from her musical background, but from her pure talent
Finally, I’ll leave you with this last piece of advice from Aria herself.
“I would say to start with a coach, an acting coach or anything because that’s just the best way to kind of get you introduced into what you’re doing,” she explained “I would recommend some of my personal favorites, DreamTraxx Academy, Coaching House L A , and Bright Star Acting Academy. But the main part of all this is to never give up, of course.”
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Holiday en Pointe Local teen’s turn in ‘Nutcracker’ production
By Alaina Sanchez
Being a dancer seems like it would be a daunting responsibility, right? All the choreography you would have to remember would have my head spinning. Is there such a girl who could master these skills? Yes, there is. Meet Yuna Lee, a 16-year-old ballet dancer at Nevada Ballet Theatre.
Yuna has performed in many productions, including Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz, but her all-time favorite is The Nutcracker, which she has been part of since age 10
“I really love it because of the tradition,” she said This year, she plays a doll and Mother Ginger in the production, but hopes to one day play the lead role of Clara
Yuna’s proudest achievement as a dancer occurred two years ago when she received the Nancy Houssels Scholarship. It is exclusive to one dancer and covers full tuition. The scholarship will help her to stay on her toes and continue to dance.
“My future goals are just to keep pushing and to keep exploring. I think that there’s no real stop to dance. You just … keep going, becoming better and better,” she explained.
Her advice for kids who dream of being onstage?
“You just go for it I say that you should definitely know what you’re getting yourself into Ballet is hard and is not for the weak There’s going to be a lot of discipline, and you’re going to need all the strength you can get I think, honestly, you really just got to go for it Like, ballet is also really fun If it’s something you really want to try, then just do it.”
What she is most looking forward to is tech week, which is when all the main rehearsals for The Nutcracker happen.
“It’s just so chaotic and packed, and everything’s a mess, but it’s absolutely perfect. You get to see all the costumes, the lights, and the sets for the first time all year, and it’s so exciting!” she said. For the full article, click here!
About the Authors
Lewie and Ellie Layton have shown their passion for writing and exploring their new city. The tween siblings moved to Las Vegas recently from their home state of North Carolina Look for more of their stories in upcoming issues, including an interview with a K9 unit and a local DJ!
Photos, top to bottom, Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, Glittering Lights, Downtown Summerlin Parade
Best Collar, Toys, Treats, and Food For Your Pet
By Lori Douglas
Did you rescue a dog? Did you receive a puppy as a gift? Is your older pup bored and silently judging you? Now what? Here are some recommendations to get you started on a great relationship with your furry family member.
01.
Training Collars
Nylon or leather collars are great for attaching identification tags to your dog. Walking a dog on this collar is only a good idea IF it’s trained and knows how to behave Otherwise, there’s a high risk of the dog damaging its trachea Depending on the dog ie size, breed and temperament different collars are useful for training and having control over your dog, such as a Martindale collar. Go here for my top 3 picks.
02.
Toys
Depending on the age of the dog, all toys matter! You really want to be a rockstar in Fido’s world? Puzzle toys are the way to go! They stimulate the brain, give the dog something to figure out, and encourage a better relationship between owner and dog Who wants to sit around all day with nothing to do? Here is my tip and trick: Go to YouTube and look for DIY dog enrichment toys. Make them yourself! Yes, you can buy toys, but how much fun is it to make something yourself? I’ll bet you have a paper egg carton, the end of the toilet paper roll, a muffin tin or a few empty soda bottles. There you go four toys to create. Now, go and create a toy! Keep your pup busy! Go here for more info.
03.
Food
So much to talk about with this category. The holidays are here! What can I feed my dog when the family is here celebrating? Here is my “short” list (Go here for the full list. )
Meat and chicken (cooked, deboned)
Fish (boiled, deboned/fillet)
Tuna fish (occasionally, one tablespoon)
Egg (boiled/scrambled)
Cooked ham, bacon (in small amounts)
VEGASKIDSZONE
04.
Kibble
There are good and bad choices for kibble. Learn to read the ingredients and educate yourself on the brand you are considering The bottom line is this: The first five products listed on the label have the highest percentage of that item in the food This is also true for canned food Be on the lookout for fructose corn syrup, white flour, artificial coloring or preservatives. That stuff is not good for us either. Do not feed it to your dogs. Same rule goes for treats. We, as pet parents, are hard-pressed to find healthy treats! My recommendation is to go with a raw diet There are many companies that will ship food specifically made for your dog Go here for my favorites
The Mindful Momma
Gratitude: The Secret Sauce for a Happier Life
(and a Sanity Saver for Parents)
By Antoinnette Majors
Let’s face it: Life can feel like an endless buffet of chaos, especially during the holiday season. From juggling work deadlines to navigating the stray toy obstacle course in the living room, it’s easy to lose sight of the good stuff. Enter gratitude a simple practice that’s scientifically proven to make you happier, healthier, and overall less likely to lose your cool.
Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good buzzword; it’s a game-changer Studies show that people who regularly practice gratitude sleep better, stress less, and even have lower blood pressure It’s like a multivitamin for your mental health but without the chalky aftertaste
Incorporating Gratitude Into Your Day
The beauty of gratitude is its versatility. You don’t need fancy tools or hours of spare time. Here are a few easy (and fun!) ways to sprinkle gratitude into your daily routine:
Start a Gratitude Journal (Yes, Even You Can Do This)
Before bed, jot down three things that went well that day They don’t have to be profound: “Found the match for every sock after doing laundry” absolutely counts Pro tip: If journaling feels like a chore, mentally replay your “highlight reel” as you wind down
Gratitude on the Go
Turn mundane moments into gratitude gold. Stuck in long grocery store lines? Be thankful for having the means to
buy groceries, or the fact that you’re not that person running after their shopping cart that is rolling across the parking lot.
Gratitude Post-Its
Slap a sticky note with a thank-you message on your kid’s lunchbox, your partner’s coffee mug, or even your bathroom mirror. Spreading gratitude is contagious (in a good way not like daycare germs)
Savor the Small Stuff
That first sip of chai latte (my personal favorite)? A perfectly toasted bagel? Savor it like you’re starring in a coffee commercial Gratitude is about noticing, not just the big wins, but the little joys hiding in plain sight.
Helping Kids Get on the Gratitude Train
If you’re thinking, “But my kid barely says ‘Thank you’ when I hand them their favorite snack,” don’t worry. Gratitude is a skill, not an innate talent.
About the Author
Antoinnette Majors is the owner of Momma Mindframe, a prenatal mindset coaching practice that helps expecting mothers access their innate power and intuition so that they are empowered to create the birthing experience they desire
1. Make It a Game
During dinner or bedtime, play “Three Good Things.” Each person shares three things they’re grateful for that day. Bonus points if someone says “I’m thankful for Mom/Dad’s cooking”
2. Gratitude Jar
Get a jar, some paper, and colorful markers Each week, have your kids write or draw something they’re grateful for At the end of the month, read them together it’s like opening a time capsule of joy Free gratitude jar activity kit here from VKZ
3. Model Gratitude (Even When It’s Hard)
Kids learn by example. Say thank you often to your partner, the barista, or even your dog for not eating your favorite slippers. Show them that gratitude isn’t just for big occasions but an everyday attitude.
4. Gratitude Walks
Take a stroll and challenge your kids to find five things they appreciate like the way leaves change color or how cute the neighbor’s dog is
The
Unexpected Perks of Gratitude
Here’s the kicker: Practicing gratitude doesn’t just make you feel good it can change how you see the world. When you focus on what’s going right, you’re less likely to dwell on what’s wrong (like your Wi-Fi cutting out midZoom call). It’s like putting on a pair of rose-tinted glasses without sacrificing your ability to see reality.
So, the next time your day feels like it’s been scripted by Murphy’s Law, pause and find something to appreciate Whether it’s your kid’s crooked crayon drawing or that magical moment when you finally sit down, gratitude is there, ready to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary
And, if you’re really in a pinch, be grateful for this article. You’re welcome.
A Christmas Wish Changed Everything
By Sam Schierholz
It was a cold December morning when then8-year-old Amy Crosley sat at her desk and changed her life with a handwritten heartfelt Christmas list to Santa. With the magical appearance of a shiny new drum Christmas morning, Crosley discovered her love for the drums.
“Being a drummer has been the best thing to ever happen to me,” said Crosley, who plays classical percussion, jazz, rock and salsa “Whether I am traveling around the country, playing on stage with a symphony orchestra, a production show with showgirls, playing in a jazz lounge, or playing rock on the rooftop of a bar, I love being involved in everything. It makes my life exciting!”
Music taught her life lessons, patience and confidence as she grew.
“It teaches kids how to be independent and driven, and to be successful at anything in life, you must have these things,” Crosley said
Music is usually the first medium where they learn this life lesson, she said, and can give kids a purpose and an outlet to express their thoughts or vision.
“Everyone has a creative spirit and music allows people to be themselves,” Crosley said Musicians have to work together as a team “It teaches children how to get along with other people ”
Watching classic Disney movies sparked Crosley’s interest in music, such as the jazz drummer on “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin in “Fantasia 2000 ” “I remember being so enamored by the drummer and wanting to be like him,” Crosley said.
Crosley takes pride in being the heartbeat of the band. She doesn’t try to overshadow other people, and wants to make them feel powerful, too.
“Idon'tplayloudandfastallthetime,andItryto accentotherpeopleandmakethemfeelgood,”
Crosleysaid “Beingadrummermakesmefeel fierce Mypersonalityisverycalmandmild,but whenIgetonthedrums,Ilovetotearitup”
Amy Crosley’s Vegas Faves
Favorite restaurant: Monzu Italian and Siena Italian Trattoria
Favorite thing about Vegas: “The hustle and bustle of the city! I love that there is always some fun event or show going on.”
For a full list of Crosley’s favorite local places and more, go here.
With some planning and creativity, the holidays can enhance your homeschool experience and make lasting memories.
Field Trips and Hands-On Activities
Take advantage of the festive atmosphere to enhance learning through experiences:
Visit local holiday displays, such as botanical gardens, light shows, or historical landmarks.
Volunteer as a family at a food bank or toy drive to teach the importance of giving and community service Incorporate nature walks to observe the seasonal changes and collect items for crafts.
Include Life Skills
The holidays are perfect for teaching essential life skills:
Cooking: From shopping to meal prep, cooking and serving. To practice manners, conversation, and gratitude.
Time Management: Teach how to prioritize tasks and create schedules to balance learning and festivities.
Embrace Seasonal Learning
Homeschooling provides the flexibility to tailor lessons to the season.
Math: Teach budgeting by planning holiday expenses or baking recipes using fractions. We like this budget course for small business that is ideal for kids, too!
Get $10 off with code VKZ.
Science: Explore the chemistry of baking cookies, study winter weather patterns, or investigate the biology of evergreen trees.
History: Research the origins of holidays around the world, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Diwali.
Heart of the Community
Congratulations to the Bresaw family for getting this year’s Glittering Lights season pass. See you under the lights!
Giving is not just about making a donation -- it’s about making a difference This local tween has created libraries for kids around the world, most recently in South Africa. Connect with Justyn at his Heroes and Hearts Foundation!
Oreo Truffle
Ornaments
Ingredients
Twizzlers Pull N Peel
Mini peanut butter cups
2 cups white or colored candy wafers or almond bark
1 143 oz pack of Oreos
8 oz cream cheese
Holiday sprinkles, optional Toothpicks (or wooden skewers)
Directions
Split the Twizzlers into 1-inch pieces.
Crush 10 Oreos. Add cream cheese to cookies and mix until incorporated Scoop into balls of filling Freeze 20 minutes
While the Oreo and cream cheese balls are firming up, gather toothpicks and unwrap the peanut butter cups Melt white candy melts or almond bark according to the package instructions. Stir until smooth, or add 1 tsp. of coconut or vegetable oil at a time until it’s smooth (but not runny).
Remove the Oreo balls from the freezer. Dip ONLY the ball part into the chocolate. Add sprinkles if using. Press wide holes in the BOTTOM of the peanut butter cup with toothpicks (or a skewer) and place a Twizzler piece doubled in half into the hole Nudge the Twizzler end pieces into the peanut butter cup Once they are about 1/4-inch in, push the toothpick through to connect it to the Oreo ball Place the toothpick over the center of the white chocolate-covered Oreo ball to complete the ornament. View Full Recipe Here
Maze of holiday ribbons!
Click here for the solution and a free holiday activity kit for the whole family!
Find a way through and under the ribbons to help the elf deliver a gift to Santa.
