KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When my husband and I started planning a family, we talked a lot about the kind of parents we hoped to be. Naturally, we looked back on our own childhoods. David had story after story about his parents—their quirks, what they cared about, who they were. But when I tried to do the same, I came up oddly blank. I could tell you what I loved as a kid, but not much about what made my own
parents’ hearts sing. I remembered that my dad had a garden when I was little, but I couldn’t say whether he enjoyed digging in the dirt, liked making things grow, or was just trying to save money on vegetables. That realization stuck with me. I didn’t want my kids to grow up seeing me as a blur in the background of their story; I wanted them to see me clearly: as someone who had favorite things, real interests, and a sense of enjoyment they could understand. I wanted them to
grow up expecting that adulthood could be full of that, too... all of the vivid experiences that make up the inner life of a regular person, especially the joys. I started using the phrase "live what you love" as a kind of parenting guidepost. Our kids are always watching, taking cues about what adulthood looks like. If all they ever see is grownups stressed, rushing, and tired, they’ll assume that’s the default. But if they also see us delighted by a song, energized by a
game, inspired by something we've learned, genuinely laughing with people we love... that’s powerful. It shows them that joy isn’t something you age out of, it’s something you grow into. The holidays are packed with tasks and to-do lists, but they’re also full of opportunities for joy. So tune your radar to what YOU love, and if you catch yourself smiling at paper snowflakes or belting out a corny carol, don’t downplay it. Let yourself have that moment. When your kids see the
joy you've just pushed into the room; it's a gift to their present and to their future.
—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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Portledge School in Locust Valley offers an exceptional Pre-Nursery through Grade 12 education on a stunning 62-acre campus. If you want something, you have the power to make it happen: this is the ethos at Portledge School. A robust and accessible selection of course offerings provides Portledge students with opportunities to discover and explore interests beyond the classroom. What makes Portledge unique is how far students are able to expand these opportunities into passions that impact their personal and intellectual curiosity. Discover how Portledge blends tradition with future-readiness. Visit, inquire, or apply today at www.portledge.org.
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The magic of ‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil is back for a limited run this holiday season at The Theater at MSG, December 4-28. For years, Isabella and her father have read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” together, but this year Isabella feels like she’s outgrown the family tradition. Then the magic of the poem comes to life, and Isabella and her father are unexpectedly separated by a snowstorm that sends them on a fantastical journey. In a winter wonderland inspired by the poem, they discover whimsical characters, acrobats, children and reindeer who reunite father and daughter in the holiday spirit. Children younger than 24 months may attend without the purchase of a ticket, however, they may not occupy their own separate seat and must sit on a parent or guardian’s lap.
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We continue our tradition of ringing in the holiday season with Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, The Nutcracker celebrates its tenth season in the beautiful Madison Theatre of Molloy University. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Joan MacNaughton, international ballet stars are joined by gifted young dancers from all over the metropolitan area. Performing with a LIVE orchestra, The South Shore Symphony brilliantly brings to life the composer’s extraordinary music making this magical extravaganza a must-see for everyone!
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Ring in the holiday season at Heritage Farm & Garden! Join us for our annual Christmas tree lighting and Hanukkah menorah lighting Friday, December 5th.
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Come along for an unforgettable evening of music, cheer, and holiday spirit as the OCC Concert Band presents The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. This festive concert brings together a dazzling collection of your favorite seasonal tunes performed by the talented members of the OCC Concert Band. From classic carols to contemporary arrangements, plus a visit from Santa, the concert will fill the air with warmth, joy, and celebration.
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Shell-abrate the season with us! Dive into decorating your very own sparkly, decoupaged seashell ornament using clam shells - perfect for adding a splash of ocean magic to your holiday décor!
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It's Time for Dave & Buster's Annual Breakfast with Santa! A Holly Jolly Magical Morning filled with fun & festivities for the whole family to enjoy!
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Let's slay this Sleigh 5K! Run the paved roadways of Cedar Creek Park for an unforgettable 5K! Catch up to Santa's sleigh and walk away with some jolly ol' treats from All Round Foods & Waterloo Sparkling Water!
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Decorate your own seafaring dreidel and storage pouch with nautical flair and ocean-inspired designs, then join us for a Dreidel Spin-off with gelt prizes.
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Ho-ho-ho! Join us for a jolly good time at Desmond’s Restaurant’s Brunch with Santa
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The weather is getting colder, and some of our animal friends are really happy about it! Discover the unique adaptations that make certain animals perfectly content is the coldest of temperatures.
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Sunday, Dec 7: Celebrate the season with live music, crafts, and festive shopping. Snap photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, take selfies among the beautiful evergreen displays in the Garden, and enjoy seasonal drinks from the Holiday Bar. The night concludes with a lantern walk to the tree-lighting.
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A family-friendly musical celebration on REAL ICE that is literally the "coolest" show for all ages this holiday season. On stage at The Gateway Playhouse in Bellport, NY, from November 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
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- Christmas tree lighting/ Hanukkah menorah lighting - Heritage Farm & Garden, 6050 Northern Blvd, Muttontown, NY 11732, Friday, December 5, 2025, 6pm - 7pm
- Holiday Tree Lighting with Santa at The
Shoppes - The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River, NY 11792, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 4:00pm - 8:00pm
- 2025 Port Jefferson Festival of Trees, 118 West Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY, Friday, December 5, 2025 to Sunday, December 7, 2025, All Day
- Snowflake Sock Skating - Long Island Children's Museum, Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY, Friday, December 5, 2025 to Sunday, December 7, 2025, 10
a.m.
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Long Island, Broadway, New York, NY, Friday, December 5, 2025 to
Sunday, December 7, 2025, See link for times
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Long Island 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 Long Island's online guide to everything for kids, teens, and families! he activities we've listed here are confirmed for this year, but many require reserving ahead of time, and
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Long Island 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 Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Long Island Area, as voted by thousands of parents! Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top 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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