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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Step into a world of twinkling lights, cozy moments, and holiday magic at Holiday Wonders at the Garden, presented by Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW). From November 28 through December 30, the Memphis Botanic Garden transforms into a winter wonderland with glowing trails, themed evenings, and plenty of festive fun for all ages. Whether you’re here with family, friends, or on a date, every visit promises merry memories waiting around every corner. This year, the wonder expands deeper with the debut of Polar Passage, an immersive new experience in The Woodland. Plus, extra interactive play opportunities and a mobile web app with an interactive GPS map, FAQs, and more festive surprises.
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Celebrate the season at Cooper Young Holiday Night Out! Stroll the neighborhood, shop local for unique gifts, enjoy festive carols from the Peabody Elementary choir at the gazebo, and catch a cheerful visit from Santa Claus himself. A perfect night to support community, connect with neighbors, and soak in the holiday magic!
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Clara & the Nutcracker presented by the Tennessee Ballet Theater is Saturday December 6th at 5:30pm and Sunday December 7th at 2pm at the U of M Rose Theater. This is a charming rendition of the classic holiday tale about young Clara and her adventures. Audiences delight with the exquisitely classically trained youth of the troupe who fill many of the principal roles including Clara, alongside professionals of the Tennessee Ballet Theater. This Memphis treasure transports the audience to Clara's world in the late 1700s and includes a magnificent Toy Shop, a Christmas party, a battle with the Prince and Mouse King, a land of snow and the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Kingdom of Sweets.
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Back for Christmas by popular demand, ANNIE JR. the Musical returns to the GCT stage under the direction of Rose Blakeman with a whole new team and cast of talented student actors! Based on the popular comic strip and adapted from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, with a beloved book and score by Tony winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, Annie JR. features everyone’s favorite little redhead in her very first adventure.
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Lace up your sneakers and bring the whole family for a night that’s all about fitness, fun, and community! Wear your brightest gear and we’ll provide the glow sticks! This 2-mile course is perfect for all ages—run, walk, or dance with glowing lights and Hanukkah spirit. Perfect for all ages and fitness levels! Strollers welcome!
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Santa and Mrs. Claus are sharing their favorite holiday stories every Tuesday in Santa's Wonderland. **A free 4x6 photo with Santa is included following Christmas Tales. No separate photo reservation is needed. Make your reservation today!
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The Memphis 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.
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KidsOutAndAbout is Memphis'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 time, and
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- Free Pictures with Santa Claus! - Beale Street Management, 203 Beale Street Suite 300, Memphis, TN 38103, Friday, December 5, 2025, 5 PM - 7 PM
- Collierville Christmas Parade - Collierville Town Hall, 500 Poplar View Parkway, Collierville, TN 38017, Friday, December 5, 2025, 7-9pm
- Christmas on the Square - Town of
Arlington - 5854 Airline Road, Arlington, TN, Friday, December 5, 2025, 5pm-8pm
- Children's Story Hour
at Officer Geoffrey Redd Library - Officer Geoffrey Redd Library - Memphis Public Libraries, 5094 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38117, Friday, December 5, 2025, 11am - 12pm
- Story Time at Morton Museum of Collierville History - Morton Museum of Collierville History, 196 N Main St,
Collierville, TN 38017, Friday, December 5, 2025, 10:30 am
- Christmas in Collierville Saturdays - Collierville Town Square, 120 W Mulberry St, Collierville, TN 38017, Saturday, December 6, 2025, See website for details.
- Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market - Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market, 1000 S Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 9am to 1pm
- Every Saturday, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is
FREE from 10am - 12pm! - Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, 1934 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10am - 12pm
- Project Pop-up - Dixon Gallery and Gardens, 4339 Park Avenue, Memphis, TN 38117, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 1 PM - 3 PM
- Overton Square Tree Lighting 2025 - Overton Square, 2101 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 5:00 PM
- Free Santa Photos - The Shops of Saddle Creek - Saddle Creek, West Farmington Boulevard, Germantown, TN, Saturday, December 6, 2025, See
website for details.
- Sundaes with Santa! - Evergreen Presbyterian Church, 1567 Overton
Park Avenue, Memphis, TN 38112, Sunday, December 7, 2025, 2-4 PM
- Festival of Carols - 4055 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111, Sunday,
December 7, 2025, 6:00pm
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Memphis 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 Memphis, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. Check out our most recent winners list, then check out our calendar and resource lists for lots more to do in Memphis!
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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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