KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers,
When I was about four years old, I turned to my mother and asked, “Mommy, do you know what I’m thinking?” She said no, that no one can know what’s going on in someone else’s head unless they say it out loud. I was instantly relieved. “Good!” I said, emphatically.
This family story points to something we all figure out eventually: No one—not even those we love most—can truly know us
completely. That’s because our minds are crowded with thoughts, memories, emotions, and those little sparks of insight that are hard to pin down for ourselves, much less explain to someone else. So no matter what, we can only really share just a slice of who we are.
Some people might say that being selective about what parts of ourselves we show to different people means we're being fake, but I don't. Full transparency isn't even possible, so the goal is sincerity. As long as what we
share is true to who we are, we’re being honest. Selective, but sincere.
This is especially helpful to remember during the holidays, when we’re surrounded by lots of people, sometimes all at once. Some of them we love dearly. Others... less so. So when Aunt Viv is going on (again) about the zoning board, you don’t have to confess how bored you are. Just focus on what’s real—the part you truly mean—and say that. “So sorry that's getting in your way, Aunt Viv. But I just have to say: Your
pecan pie is amazing.”
So this holiday season, try to tune your radar to see the good stuff. Say out loud what you honestly appreciate. And take comfort, as four-year-old Deb once did, that no one can read the rest of what’s going on in your head.
—Debra Ross, publisher |
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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KidsOutAndAbout.com is conducting a short survey to better understand how families are navigating the fast-changing world of AI. We're asking all parents, grandparents, and caregivers—whether you're tech-savvy or not—to weigh in. Your input will directly shape upcoming national resources designed to help families guide kids wisely and safely. The survey closes soon, so please take 60–90 seconds to be part of this important effort.
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Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood in Elmo and Friends Say Hello live at the Palace Theatre in Albany on NOVEMBER 28! So put on your dancing shoes and make your way to where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street! Get your tickets today!
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At Parker, joy and discovery unite our community of curious learners. Attitudes about learning are established early, and Parker gives students opportunities to take action as they explore their world—helping them grow into confident, compassionate citizens who take responsibility for themselves and others. Our teachers design authentic, project-based experiences that respond to each child’s interests and needs, fostering creativity, curiosity, and deep intellectual engagement. Graduates leave Parker uniquely prepared for high school and beyond. Families with younger children can also explore our Forest Toddler Program for ages 18–30 months—where wonder and connection to nature thrive year-round on our 77-acre campus. See it in action! Open House- December 4th at 9am.
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This holiday season, experience the magic of cirque like never before with the all-new Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland! A thrilling blend of world-class circus artistry and your favorite holiday music, this spectacular production will transport you to a winter wonderland of awe and enchantment. Bring your whole family to enjoy this breathtaking performance, DECEMBER 9 at the Palace Theatre. Get your tickets today!
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Celebrate the magic of the season at the first annual A Very FAIRy Christmas Village, a festive holiday experience held over three weekends in December at the Altamont Fairgrounds from 6 PM – 8:30 PM. Holiday happy hour starts at 5 PM. We have something for everyone! This free-admission event is open to the public and features a charming holiday market with handmade craft vendors, a country store, and free holiday activities. Enjoy a variety of optional holiday activities for a small fee. Check our website for details. A Very FAIRy Christmas Village is a fun, family-friendly way to kick off your holiday season.
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New York's Capital District: Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga: Try it before you buy it... and even before you visit! This is KidsOutAndAbout.com's video sneak peek into local private school experiences. If your school should have a video on this page, please send a link to the school's video on YouTube or Vimeo to ross@kidsoutandabout.com.
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The Albany-Schenectady-Troy-Saratoga region has many private schools and alternative education options from which parents can choose. Each has its unique benefits and advantages, so it's important to investigate carefully. This is KidsOutAndAbout's education highlight page, containing specially featured schools and also our master list of local schools. If your school is not on our list but should be, please email us at ross@kidsoutandabout.com.
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There are tons of holiday events in the Capital District this year! Here's our traditional 101 ideas for local holiday fun to make the holidays special around Albany, Schenectady, and Troy for 2025. Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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Albany Voices of Pride is excited to announce their upcoming concert, 'Queer-A-Copia, Abundance in Harmony,' scheduled for November 21 and 23 at the Massry Center for the Arts on the former campus of The College of Saint Rose. This vibrant performance promises to be a celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and the rich tapestry of voices within the LGBTQIA+ community. The concert will feature Albany Voices of Pride, Albany's first and only all voices LGBTQIA+ choir, boasting nearly 100 talented singers. The theme, 'Queer-A-Copia, Abundance in Harmony,' reflects the choir's commitment to showcasing a wide array of musical styles and expressions, embracing abundance in both sound and spirit. Attendees can expect an entertaining show that highlights the importance of harmony and unity within the community. The Massry Center for the Arts will provide an intimate yet dynamic environment for the concert.
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Kick off the Holiday season in Downtown Schenectady at the 56th Schenectady County Holiday Parade, presented by MVP Health Care in partnership with the City of Schenectady. Enjoy the northeast's largest nighttime holiday parade and usher in the holiday season with this storied holiday tradition. Experience the magic of the holidays with sparkling floats, glittering fire trucks, marching bands, dance troupes, and Santa Claus - fun for the whole family!
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There are tons of holiday events in the Capital District this year! Here's our traditional 101 ideas for local holiday fun to make the holidays special around Albany, Schenectady, and Troy for 2025. Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. .
. plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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- Santa's Playland Christmas Lights at Quick Response Restore - 2077 Rt. 9, Round Lake, NY 12151, November 21, 2025 to November 23, 2025, 5 pm - 11 pm
- 56th Annual Schenectady County Holiday Parade - Downtown Schenectady, Schenectady, NY, November 22, 2025, 5 pm
- 13th Annual Holiday Lighted Tractor Parade - Main Street, Greenwich, NY, November 22, 2025, Activities begin at 2 pm, tractor parade begins at 6 pm
- BCS Open House - Bethlehem Children's School, 12 Fisher Boulevard, Slingerlands, NY 12159, November 22, 2025, 10 am - 12 pm
- Mr. Twisty’s
Super Silly Magic Show - FASNY Museum of Firefighting, Harry Howard Avenue, Hudson, NY, November 22, 2025, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- Saturday Story-time - Rensselaer Public Library, East Street, Rensselaer, NY, November 22, 2025, 11 AM
- Schenectady Greenmarket - 105 Jay St. City Hall, Schenectady, NY 12305, November 23, 2025, 10 am to 2 pm
- Sunday School - Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 85 Elm Ave, Delmar, NY 12054, November 23, 2025, 9:45 am
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The Capital Region offers a delightful selection of Christmas tree farms that bring the magic of the holiday season to life. Families can enjoy the cherished tradition of selecting the perfect tree while exploring picturesque landscapes and engaging in
festive activities.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Albany area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's best places to take kids in the Capital District as voted by New York parents! Parents vote, we do the math, and the result is the Top 20 Places to Take Kids! But there is LOTS more to do in Albany than even just this wonderful list: visit
KidsOutAndAbout.com to see our events calendar, find seasonal activities, get ideas for the perfect day trip and MORE.
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Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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