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December 26, 2006

What're you doing New Year's Eve?

This question plagues parents who are in town for the holiday, don't have a babysitter for the night, and would like to celebrate NYE with their children.

Luckily for us, several DC-area cities have joined the International "First Night" bandwagon, hosting community-based, family-friendly, alcohol-free celebrations of arts and entertainment on the evening of December 31.

Check out these options:

First Night Alexandria, VA, where special kids' activities will be held practically at my own doorstep (yippee!), at Jefferson Houston Elementary School and A Likely Story Children's Bookstore, as well as at the Masonic Temple and the Mt. Vernon Rec Center in Del Ray. The Sunshine Children's Choir performs at 6 and 7:30 p.m. at the Alleyne AME Zion Church on King St.! FYI, for those who can stay out late, it culminates in midnight fireworks over the Masonic Temple on King St., at the top of Old Town. For the complete schedule, click here.

First Night Annapolis, MD, where face painters will be in the lobby of the Circuit Courthouse and the cafeteria of Bates Middle School - where the Chesapeake Children's Museum will have a fun setup for play. Shows by fabulous Blue Sky Puppet Theater all evening in the gym of Bates Middle School. Many other musical and dance performances start as early as 6 p.m. - Perfect for little ones with early bedtimes. For those who can stay up late, a pipes-and-drums procession will lead the "March to Midnight" at the waterfront dock, where fireworks begin at midnight. For the complete schedule, click here.

First Night Fredericksburg, VA, which features a children's parade at 8:30 p.m., followed by an early children's countdown to the New Year.

Want to start a First Night celebration in the District of Columbia, or in another local community? Click here for info.

Happy New Year to you!

Posted by Sarah at 11:22 AM

December 24, 2006

Coming soon, in & around DC

If you missed The Water-Skiing Santa on the Potomac this afternoon, and you feel as if the last of the family-friendly revels has passed you by... never fear.

Later this week, when you're off work and preschool is still closed, the packages are open and the shriveled, dried-up Christmas tree has been toted to the curb, there are still some opportunities for seasonal outings with little ones:

Classika Theatre is doing their final performances of The Nutcracker next weekend and January 6-13 in Gaithersburg, MD - Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. Also, the same performance in Arlingon December 30-31 and January 6, 28 - Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. For more info or to purchase tix, call 301.258.6396 or visit their website.

And many of the holiday displays are up through the New Year - including Bull Run in VA; the National Christmas Tree and National Menorah near the White House; the Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple in Kensington, MD; the Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens; and Symphony of Lights in Columbia, MD.

Also this week, when the weather turns cold and rainy and you're getting a little stir-crazy, be sure to check out the Our Kids listings for indoor play spaces and rainy day activities - a great resource all winter long.

From me and my DC Baby to you and yours - a very Merry Christmas!

Posted by Sarah at 2:13 PM

December 19, 2006

Just for Parents: Holiday Stress Rx

Nobody talks much about "dark side" of the holidays... but that doesn't make the reality any less real. And as for minimizing the stressful effects the season can have on young children (and their parents), I've really appreciated a couple of recent articles aimed at moms and dads. Hope you find them helpful and inspiring, too:

From Parents magazine, "10 Steps to a Less Stressful Holiday". (My husband and I have already adopted tip #s 2,3, and 6... and I'm working on #s 4, 8, and 10, making a little progress each year!)

Also, a recent article from Mayo Clinic pediatrician-columnist Dr. Jay Hoecker: "Parenting Solutions for Soaring Holiday Expectations"

One of our prescriptions for stress-relief this month: Noah and I plan to go on a much-needed "date night" while my in-laws are visiting. It's a win-win, really. The grandparents get rare alone-time with the kiddo, and we get rare alone-time as a couple. (I'm in need of suggestions for a great, romantic-leaning - but not too formal or overpriced - place to have dinner in Georgetown or Dupont Circle this Saturday night. Hopefully somewhere new-to-us. Anyone been to the tapas bar Cilantro, on M St.? Any other nominees?)

Posted by Sarah at 7:02 PM

Give me a break!: Holiday drop-in play

With preschool on holiday hiatus, time off from work, and more winter weather on the way, I dare say some of you will be in need of an outing - somewhere safe and fun for the little ones to get their ya-yas out, without wreaking further havoc on your living room and your psyche.

Parenting Playgroups in Alexandria will be open for Drop-In Play this week and next, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (Dec. 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. And as a little holiday gift to frazzled parents... your child's first hour of play is FREE.

Parenting Playgroups is located at 6161 Fuller Ct., 22310. For more info, call 703.922.0044. For more about Parenting Playgroups, visit their website.

Posted by Sarah at 9:43 AM

December 18, 2006

Shopping discount updates!

Have you noticed that several new retailers and local service providers have joined the DC Baby Holiday Shopper in the past few days/weeks?

Check out the new savings:

10% off your order from Sherri Baby (custom birth announcements and children's stationary, founded by the talented Sherri Hammerman)

15% off your purchase at Bethesda's fabulous Wiggle Room (children's and maternity consignment boutique)

FREE trial class with Parent Child University's Tracey Kretzer (offering Signing Smart, Kindermusik, and parenting classes throughout Greater DC area)

10% off selected shoe styles from Livie & Luca - OR, they are offering a special through December 27: Free 2-day shipping on your purchase (already wrapped in sweet fabric gift bag) - Just enter "shoefast" in the coupon section at checkout, and be sure to mark "2-day shipping."

10% off your purchase of $100 or more at Dawn Price Baby (lovely baby, maternity, and children's boutique on Capitol Hill, at Eastern Market)

$20 off your purchase of $100 or more at Noodles & Noggins, until December 24.

Also, don't miss the chance to take advantage of:

10% off your order from The Silken Thread (beautiful couture embroidery)
$125-value savings with child and family photographer Elizabeth Draniztke of Photopia, when you book a portrait session between January 1-March 31, 2007.
10% off one item at Apple Seed (maternity and baby boutique in Old Town)
15% off your order of the Snug & Tug (custom swaddling blankets)
$2 off your purchase of Mom Made Food items, redeemable at selected grocery stores in the DC area.
10% off your order from Camille Love Designs (custom-made letters and plaques for nurseries and children's rooms)
10% off your order from Zosimos Botanicals (all-natural products)Discounted e-book purchases of my book, DC Baby: A Handbook for Parenting In (& Around) the Capitol City, through December 31 only.

..and plenty more.

Posted by Sarah at 10:05 AM

December 14, 2006

Weekend Watch: Caroling at the National Gallery

One of my all-time favorite Washington traditions continues this weekend at the National Gallery of Art - In the (beautifully decorated) Rotunda of the museum's West Wing there will be Holiday Caroling on Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. each day.

Saturday the caroling will be led by the DC Boys Choir, and on Sunday by the Xavarian High School Chorus from Brooklyn, New York.

The caroling will also repeat at the same times the following weekend, December 23-24, featuring the National Gallery Chamber Players Brass Quintet and the Alpine Singers.

While you're there... Hit the Espresso & Gelato Bar in the East Building Concourse or the Sculpture Garden Pavilion Cafe (next to the now-open ice skating rink) for mulled cider, hot cocoa, and holiday sweets "with an international flavor," available only during the month of December.

For more about ice skating at the Sculpture Garden, click here.

p.s. The National Menorah will also be lit on the Ellipse near the White House starting this Sunday at 4 p.m.

Posted by Sarah at 8:41 PM

December 13, 2006

Winter Drop-Off Camp at Jonah's Treehouse

Jonah's Treehouse in Glover Park, NW DC, is hosting a Winter Drop-Off Camp for kids ages three to six on December 18, 19, 20, and 21st from 1 to 4 p.m. each day.

The Drop-Off Camp will be structured with:

-- play and movement classes
-- arts & crafts
-- playacting and storytelling
-- music & songs

JT founder Vicki Gersten tells me, "The cost is $240 for the 4-day session -- it is not possible to register for only one day. You can register at the website, www.jonahstreehouse.com, and we will call you to confirm your child's registration. Please be aware that there are a limited number of spaces, and they may fill up quickly.

Children should bring a smock for art projects, as well as one change of clothes for emergencies. Please feel free to Jonah's Treehouse, 202.298.6805 with any questions."

Posted by Sarah at 2:16 PM

December 12, 2006

Tuesdays with Rocknoceros

Cool kids' band Rocknoceros will start playing a regular Tuesday gig at Wee Play in NoVa, beginning next week, December 19, at 11 a.m.

Wee Play is a new parent/child play studio in Herndon, near Reston Town Center and Fairfax County Parkway.

Admission is $8 for kids. Sibling infants (under one year of age) and adults get in free. For more info, call 703.870.7400 or click here.

Rocknoceros also does weekly shows at Jammin' Java in Vienna, VA!

Posted by Sarah at 10:18 AM

December 11, 2006

Step right up for Holiday 911

Here's your chance to ask the questions that are keeping you up nights...

The Washington Post is publishing a Holiday 911 blog/advice column on its website through the end of the month. Post editors are accepting questions from DC-area readers, answering your most stress-laden queries... Ranging from the etiquette of gift-giving holiday cards to where to get professional gift-wrapping help, from where to eat out on Christmas Day if you're too exhausted to cook to where to escape with the spouse for an evening while the in-laws are in town to watch the kids.

You can submit your own question, read the archives, and share comments and tips with other readers.

Frankly, the Holiday 911 blog would benefit from more input from local parents. So don't be shy! Submit those kid-and-family-related questions to the Post editors and make your voice heard. Frazzled mamas throughout metro DC will thank you for it! Questions should be emailed to: holiday911 (at) washpost (dot) com.

Posted by Sarah at 9:57 AM

December 8, 2006

Weekend Watch: Skating with St. Nick & The Nutcracker

In addition to my recommendation of the Mr. Knick Knack Christmas Concert this weekend... If your little one is ready for an ice-skating adventure, check out this new-to-me annual event in College Park, MD:

The Herbert Wells Ice Rink (5211 Paint Branch Pkwy.), a PG County rec center, will host "Pizza and Ice Skating with Santa" this Sunday, December 10, from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Ideal for ages 3-12, with a parent or caregiver. Cost is $6, which includes admission and skate rental. Due to limited space, you need to register in advance. Call 301.277.3717.

Also this weekend, a full-length traditional performance of The Nutcracker ballet at Montgomery College's Parilla Performing Arts Center in suburban MD. Tix are $18 in advance or $20 at the door. Several performance times - both matinee and evening. Call 301.279.5301.

Now, the grinchy news:

If you wanted to register for "A Georgetown Nutcracker Christmas" at Tudor Place (1644 31st St. NW), it is FULL. No more tix available. Put it on your calendar for next year!

Also... Sorry, but the Jazz Hip-Hop Nutcracker (with a Duke Ellington score!) at the Publick Playhouse in PG County, MD is completely SOLD OUT! A few tix still available for next weekend's performances at Hobson Middle School in the District (410 E St. NE). Call 202.724.4758.

For more DC-area Nutcracker performances, concerts, and other kid-friendly holiday performances, click here.

Posted by Sarah at 10:14 AM

December 7, 2006

Chanukah storytimes in NoVa & Suburban MD

Thanks to local mama Monique Miller for sharing this announcement with us:

ShalomBaby (a program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington) is sponsoring a series of Chanukah Storytimes at Borders stores in Virginia and Maryland. Here are the times and locations:

Virginia Chanukah Storytimes:

* TONIGHT, Thursday, December 7: 7 p.m. at Borders in Arlington, Pentagon Center, 1201 Hayes St., 703.418.0166

* Sunday, December 10: 10:30 at Borders in Sterling, 21031 Triple Seven Rd., 703.430.4675

* Sunday, December 10: 1 p.m. at Borders in Manassas, 11270 Bulloch Dr., 703.368.9824

* Friday, December 15: 10:30 a.m. at Borders in Arlington

Maryland Chanukah Storytimes:

* Tuesday, December 12: 10 a.m. at Borders in White Flint Mall, 301.816.1067

* Tuesday, December 12: 11 a.m. at Borders Germantown, 20926 Frederick Rd., 301.528.0862

* Tuesday, December 12: 7 p.m. at Borders Germantown (This storytime will be ASL interpreted for individuals who are hearing-impaired.)

Posted by Sarah at 1:07 PM

December 6, 2006

Mr. Knick Knack's Christmas concert in Arlington

Heads up for a great weekend event! This Saturday, December 9, cool children's musician Mr. Knick Knack (a.k.a. Steve Rossi), who I featured in the first edition of my book, is doing a Christmas concert at 12 noon at the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (a great, family-friendly setting for this type of event).

The concert will be a high-energy show, sing-along style and with a full band backing Steve. It's the first in a series of monthly themed shows that Mr. Knick Knack will be doing at Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse. (Where, by the way, everyone can eat and drink, and the kids can get up and dance!)

To purchase tix for Saturday's Christmas concert online, go to www.arlingtondrafthouse.com.

To join the Mr. Knick Knack mailing list and keep up-to-date on Steve's performances, visit www.mrknickknack.com. The site includes Steve's regular schedule (which has changed a bit since the first edition of my book was published), as well as a calendar of special shows, charity events, etc.

Good musical fun!

Posted by Sarah at 1:40 PM

December 5, 2006

Letters from Santa's Mailbag

Thanks to the savvy mamas who do the fabulous newsletter at my daughter's preschool (you know who you are!), I have a fun tip to share with those of you whose families celebrate the holidays with Santa Claus:

The web-based "Santa's Mailbag" company has sent over 100,000 Christmas letters to young children since its launch in 2002. For $6.99 (and 30 letter styles, personalization options), your kiddo receives a fancy letter from St. Nick in the mail. There are just SIX DAYS left to order your letter for this year, so no time to lose!

To check it out, go to http://santasmailbag.us.

Of course, you could always make your own "letter from Santa" and send it to your child...But for the affordable price, the time savings, and the "officialness" of the letter, I think this is a GREAT idea!

Posted by Sarah at 10:11 AM

December 1, 2006

Weekend Watch: Kid-Friendly festivities

It's a weekend of traditional biggies on the child-friendly-holiday-event circuit!

Since it's in our own neighborhood, my family is excited about the 36th Annual Old Town Scottish Walk Christmas Parade on Saturday morning, starting at 10:30 a.m. Loads of fun! Ava loves seeing all the dogs and bagpipers in the parade - Not to mention Santa at the end.

This year's parade will be extra special because of a group of young kids who will have a booth on the parade route - in front of the Spangler home at 304 S. St. Asaph St. - for a very good cause. Their fist annual Children of Old Town/Alexandria Hot Chocolate/Cookie Stand will be selling homemade goodies and hot drinks, with 100 percent of proceeds going to the children of U.S. military service members who have been killed in action in Iraq. Not only is this effort truly from the heart, but the kids have been hard at work to make it a success. Please stop by the booth and support their goal of sharing holiday cheer with children who have lost a parent in service to the nation.

Also this weekend - The annual Family Holiday Sing-Along at Wolf Trap in NoVa, and the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, which starts in Alexandria and ends in Georgetown.

For a comprehensive calendar of holiday events this weekend and throughout the month of December, visit the Our Kids site!

Posted by Sarah at 11:44 AM