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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Private and alternative schools in New York's Hudson Valley cater to every educational need and parent philosophy. 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 and alternative schools in the Hudson Valley: 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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KidsOutAndAbout's big list of 2025 holiday events for the Hudson Valley: Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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Set to the sounds of the motion picture, passengers will relive the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical trip to the North Pole. Once on board, the Conductor will work their way through the coach and punch your golden ticket as you’re served hot chocolate and a delicious cookie by our dancing chefs! Passengers will read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg.
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Come skate at the Cross County Center Pop-up Ice Rink all holiday season! The pop-up ice rink is not real ice but is a smooth "glice" material, great for young and first-time skaters. We wear real ice skates, but glide a little slower than on real ice (plus it's not as cold!) Admission is $12 per person and includes skates and a one-hour session. Character skate nights will take place throughout the season. Debit/Credit only - no cash accepted. Must be 5 years or 42 inches tall. Reservations are not needed in advance. Located at Center Court, near the Christmas tree, the pop-up ice skating rink's hours are subject to change due to weather.
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Hudson Valley Hullabaloo brings together a carefully curated group of designers and craftspeople and the shoppers who appreciate their unique, well-crafted work to Kingston NY! Hullabaloo is a design-focused, hip-and-happening, family-friendly event whose mission is to introduce local artists, craftspeople, and designers to a community experiencing a renaissance as a center for the arts. Our aim is to offer shoppers the opportunity to purchase unique, high-quality, locally made items in a relaxed, party-like setting. Hullabaloo’s concept brings the traditional craft fair to the next level and supports the local economy and arts and cultural movement by attracting shoppers from all over the Hudson Valley and the Northeast.
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Experience holiday magic with Glimmer Nights at Fenimore Farm! This year, find a larger selection of light displays, free carousel rides, themed weekends, and more. Family-friendly ticket prices make this third season of Glimmer Nights even more appealing. Kids six and under are FREE! See the enormous Mega-Chicken light display, traverse the multi-colored lights of Rainbow Road, and walk among the larger-than-life flora of the Flower and Mushroom Garden. Stop at Todd’s General Store, Bump Tavern, and then the Crossroads Café for our famous hot chocolate! So much to see and do!
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- The Revamped Holiday Experience is Now Open at Christmas in America in Mt. Vernon - Christmas In America - 30 Warren Place, Mount Vernon, NY, Friday, November 21, 2025 to Sunday, November 23, 2025, Fridays 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Saturdays 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Sundays 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Mr. Twisty’s Super Silly Magic Show - FASNY Museum of Firefighting, Harry Howard Avenue, Hudson, NY, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- Children’s Day & Mini Thanksgiving Celebration – For Such a Time as This - 71 Mitchell Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603, Saturday,
November 22, 2025, 11:00 AM
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Hudson Valley - Shoott, Broadway, New
York, NY, Saturday, November 22, 2025, see link for times
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The Hudson Valley 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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KidsOutAndAbout is the Hudson Valley's online guide to everything for kids, teens, and families! The activities we've listed here are confirmed for this year, but many require reserving ahead of
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Hudson Valley 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 winners in KidsOutAndAbout's annual survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Hudson Valley. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Favorite Art Educator, Favorite Sport Educator,
and Favorite STEM Educator!
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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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