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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Just a minute of your time could make a big impact. 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.
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KidsOutAndAbout's 2025 holiday events list for Atlanta is somewhat shorter this year than our traditional 101 ideas for local holiday fun, but there are still ways to make the holidays special in our area for 2025. Christmas concerts, lights, trees,
nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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The Atlanta area 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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Private Schools in the Atlanta, GA area: 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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Atlanta’s best staycation hotel offers a unique, delightful & magical experience for children of all ages. The magic begins with a knock-knock-knock on the door, a smile spreads from ear to ear as Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive. Imagine young ones excitedly sharing their hopes, dreams, and a bedtime snack with the jolly man in red!
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In this a-MEOW-zing musical show, Gabby unboxes a special acorn that needs the magical touch of a rainbow to grow. But when CatRat causes a color cat-astrophe and breaks the rainbow, Gabby and the Gabby Cats must find the colors again to set things right. Gabby, Pandy Paws and friends travel to the Cat-O-Sphere, Mermaid-Lantis and some favorite Dollhouse locations in search of the colors that will make rebuilding the rainbow, possible.
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Discover Atlanta’s Ultimate Holiday Tradition: IllumiNights at the Zoo! This holiday season, Atlanta’s beloved festive event returns bigger and brighter than ever, transforming the Zoo into a dazzling nighttime wonderland. Experience hundreds of brilliantly illuminated wildlife lanterns and captivating displays that celebrate the beauty and magic of nature after dark. Looking for great holiday lights in Atlanta? IllumiNights is your must-see event! Perfect for families, couples on a romantic date night, or friends looking for unforgettable fun, this one-of-a-kind holiday lights…
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Join Us for the Annual Festival of Trees — Showcase Your Business & Spread Holiday Cheer! The Museum of Aviation Foundation invites your business or organization to shine this holiday season by becoming a Festival of Trees Partner! This beloved holiday tradition draws thousands of visitors, offering you a unique opportunity to boost your brand, connect with the community, and showcase your creativity – all while supporting the Museum of Aviation Foundation.
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Immerse yourself in holiday magic at Stone Mountain Christmas. Enjoy over two million dazzling lights, festive music, and spectacular holiday shows, all adding the Christmas spirit to family-friendly park attractions, like the Scenic Railroad. Visit Atlanta’s most heartwarming celebration at Stone Mountain Park.
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A beloved Christmas tradition shines even brighter this holiday season! Enjoy a festive journey along the classic seven-mile light show in your own car. Experience the Callaway Christmas Village, where you’ll find Santa & friends, the 40-foot Tree of Traditions Pixel Pine, and a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, oversized ornaments, and more! Don’t miss this chance to explore 2,500 acres of holiday cheer during Fantasy In Lights Powered By Georgia Power!
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The Magic is Back! Magical Nights of Lights Returns Experience one of the nation’s best Christmas light shows at Lanier Islands Resort! From November 15 to January 4, drive through six miles of animated, sparkling displays that bring the season to life. Twinkling lights, festive scenes, and magical moments await every carload—perfect for creating unforgettable memories. We are thankful to our Magical Nights of Lights sponsors, Coca-Cola and Georgia Power, for helping make this holiday traditio
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Explore our vast Christmas tree field for the fun tradition of discovering that perfect tree to cut and take home. Nothing quite beats the delightful aroma and appearance of a live tree from Yule Forest. One of the best parts of the Christmas season is the unforgettable aroma of a fresh, live Christmas tree sitting in your home. Continue the annual family traditions or build new ones at Yule Forest as you enjoy the wonderful holiday atmosphere, find the perfect tree from our assortment of varieties, sip on delicious hot apple cider, and make lasting memories with your loved ones.
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- Grant Park Sunday Farmers Market - The Beacon Atlanta - 1039
Grant St SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, Sunday, November 16, 2025, 9 am to 1 pm
- Duluth Farmers & Artisan Market - River Green Pkwy,
Duluth, GA 30096, Sunday, November 16, 2025, 2 - 5 pm
- The Hudgens' 5th Annual Holiday Sale & Fundraiser - The Hudgens Center for Art & Learning, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy Building 300, Duluth, GA 30097, Sunday, November 16, 2025, 10 AM - 4 PM
- Festival of Trees - Southeastern Railway Museum - Southeastern Railway Museum, 3595 Buford Hwy, Duluth, GA 30096, Sunday, November 16, 2025, 12 pm - 5 pm
- Pregnant Meetup - Music Together of Decatur - 308 Clairemont Ave., Decatur, GA 30030, Sunday, November 16, 2025, 1:30 PM
- Cirque Du Soleil: Luzia at Atlantic Station - 1380 Atlantic Dr, Atlantic Station, Atlanta, GA 30363, Sunday, November 16, 2025, Times
vary
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by Katie Beltramo If the thought of rushing into a shopping frenzy on such a full stomach makes you feel a little sick, here are some ideas for continuing the family quality time on the Friday after
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Where to Choose Your Own Christmas Trees in the Atlanta area November & December are times of contrast: The gray days outside herald the coming of the holidays, so we make ourselves warm and cozy
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There are lots of places to have a birthday party in the Atlanta area! If there is an attraction that we have missed for our birthday party page, please email us to let us know, and we contact them
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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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