KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
|
|
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 |
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mt. Playmore Show your little ones how much you love them by letting Mt Playmore throw them an epic birthday party! You can focus on spending time with your kids, and Mt Playmore will take care of the rest. Every party package includes 90 minutes in a reserved party room, a party host (who will serve, coordinate, clean up, and provide an unforgettable birthday party experience), pizza, soft drinks, utensils, online invitations and RSVP system, ALL DAY admission for your group, and a reserved table on the main floor after the party is over. All you have to do to ensure your child has the best birthday ever is bring the cake! https://mtplaymore.com/parties/
|
|
|
|
A title known the world over, Elf The Musical JR. is a must see holiday musical! Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list and that his half-brother doesn't even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. Show Dates: Nov 28th - Nov 30th Fri: 2:30pm & 7:30pm Sat: 2:30pm & 7:30pm Sun: 2:00pm & 6:00pm (tickets $18)
|
|
|
|
Private Schools in the Austin, TX 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.
|
|
|
|
Private schools and charter schools in the ATX area: We have dozens of options for educating kids! This is KidsOutAndAbout's education highlight page, containing specially featured schools and also our master list of local schools.
|
|
|
|
Our first Market was held in 1988. We only utilized the ballroom half of the Civic Center, but it was a rousing success. The market has grown and expanded through the years, but has maintained the special traditions of Christmas handed down from our German ancestors, while staying true to the market mission of benefitting the Sophienburg Museum & Archives.
|
|
|
|
Create a lasting Christmas memory with photos with Cowboy Kringle, Gruene’s own brand of Santa! Reserve a spot in advance for photo packages, Christmas cards and other special order items. Visit CowboyKringle.com for more information or to reserve your time slot before they fill up! For information call (830) 606-1601.
|
|
|
|
The Walkway of Lights, hosted by The Marble Falls Chamber of Commerce, returns on November 21st! Open nightly from 6PM-10PM till January 4th, The Walkway of Lights displays 2 million lights in Lakeside Park and over 350+ lighted sculptures. Experience the lights reflecting off of Lake Marble Falls and make it a family tradition.
|
|
|
|
The winter ice skating rink in Marble Falls offers a delightful experience for all ages, with smooth ice perfect for gliding and festive music adding to the seasonal charm. In addition to skating, visitors can enjoy the thrill of ice bumper cars, providing a unique and exciting twist to traditional winter fun.
|
|
|
|
This year’s tour invites guests to eight homes graciously opened to us by their owners. All properties are self-guided with docents available in each home. Your Home tour ticket includes admission to the Holiday Market featuring 20 artisanal vendors. Begin you holiday shopping here!
|
|
|
|
The beloved holiday classic comes to life on stage! A Charlie Brown Christmas follows Charlie Brown as he searches for the true meaning of Christmas, with a little help from Snoopy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang.
|
|
|
|
The Annual Austin Powwow and Native Market only happens 1 day a year. Native American drumming and dancing, Arts and Craft vendors. Be sure to save the Date. You don't want to miss this. Tickets are on sale now!!
|
|
|
|
Gobble Gobble ! Are you ready to Gobble till you Wobble? Come create your turkey here in the Wondershop, to use as Fall decoration in your home or to bless someone else with.
|
|
|
|
Our Magellan Information Sessions are in-depth presentations designed to give prospective families a comprehensive look at our school community, values, and academic approach. During the session, you'll learn about our unique International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, daily class schedules, and what sets Magellan apart. Each session includes a presentation from school leadership, insights from student leaders, a Q&A to address your specific questions, and a guided tour of our campus facilities. It's a great way to experience the heart of Magellan and envision your child’s future here.
|
|
|
|
Experience the vibrant sounds of Austin! Join us for live music by talented local musicians at Century Oaks Park, located near North Italia. Enjoy a variety of performances throughout the weekend.
|
|
|
|
Join us at Main Plaza to kick off the holiday season with the lighting of beautiful, downtown New Braunfels and Santa's arrival!
|
|
|
- Downtown Lighting & Santa's Arrival- Main Plaza Downtown New Braunfels - 500 Main Plaza, New Braunfels, TX 78130, USA, Friday, November 21, 2025, 6-9 pm
- Live Music at The Domain - The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758, United States, Friday, November 21, 2025, 6–9 pm
- Walkway of Lights
- Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce, 916 Second Street, Marble Falls, TX 78654, United States, Friday, November 21, 2025, 6-10 pm
- Blue Genie Art Bazaar - 6100 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78752, United States, Friday, November 21, 2025, 10 am – 10 pm
- Gobble Gobble! Thanksgiving for Kids (3-12 years) - Kyle Public Library, 550 Scott St, Kyle, TX 78640, United States, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10 am- 12 pm
- Native American Heritage Month Family Fun Day - 201 San Marcos Springs, San Marcos TX 78666, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- The Market at Zach - Zach Theater, South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX, USA, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 4:00pm
- Live Music at The Domain - The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758, United States, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 2-5 pm & 6–9 pm
- Walkway of
Lights - Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce, 916 Second Street, Marble Falls, TX 78654, United States, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 6-10 pm
- Blue Genie Art Bazaar - 6100 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78752, United States, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10 am – 10 pm
- H-E-B Free Fourth Sunday - Texas Science & Natural History Museum, 2400 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78712, United States, Sunday, November 23, 2025, 1-5 pm
- Live Music at The Domain - The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758, United States, Sunday, November 23, 2025, 3–6 pm
- Walkway of Lights - Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce, 916 Second Street, Marble Falls, TX 78654, United States, Sunday, November 23,
2025, 6-10 pm
- Blue Genie Art Bazaar - 6100 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78752, United States, Sunday, November 23, 2025, 10 am – 10 pm
- IST
Open House – The International School of Texas (IST), State Highway 71, Bee Cave, TX (map), Sunday, November 16, 2025, 1:30 pm
|
|
|
|
The Austin area 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
KidsOutAndAbout's 2025 holiday events list for the Austin area-101 ideas for local holiday fun. Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Planning a kids birthday party in the Austin area? Here are lots of ideas for where to have it! If there is a resource that we have missed, please email us to let us know, and we'll add it promptly.
|
|
|
Enjoy the weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
