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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Now through Dec 24, every day except Sunday: Santa and his three LIVE reindeer have returned to Greenwich for the 17th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa's Workshop presented by Jenny Allen & Kristen Studwell at Compass Real Estate, "The North Pole on North Street", Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North Street, Greenwich. The cherished town tradition continues for the seventeenth consecutive year at this expansive nursery where visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer and also enjoy the beautiful Santa's Workshop, which provides more space for families while they wait in line for their photo with Santa. This all takes place just minutes from downtown Greenwich. Parking is free! Click here for details.
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Cold weather, holiday cooking, and plenty of hiding spots — December is a mouse paradise. While you’re stringing up lights, they’re sneaking into basements, pantries, and walls to enjoy the season too. Droppings in drawers, chewed wires, and scratching at night are the holiday “gifts” no one asked for. And remember, one mouse means many more are nearby. Don’t let rodents crash your celebrations. Traps alone won’t stop an infestation. Keep your home merry, bright, and mouse-free. Before mice are a problem, protect your home with a Proactive Protection membership. Right now, KOAA readers receive 50% off their initial service on new Proactive Protection memberships. Ask for more details. Call Suburban Pest Control today. We’ll block their entry, clear them out, and protect your home before the New Year.
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Get ready to smile, Santa has arrived at Cross County Center! Visit his festive holiday house near the tree through December 24 and capture magical photo memories with family, friends, or even your pets. Enjoy themed sessions including Pet Photo Nights, Sensory-Friendly Visits, and the NEW Cowboy Claus experience! Reservations are recommended. Whether it’s your child’s first Santa photo or a cherished annual tradition, it’s the perfect way to capture the joy and wonder of the holiday season close to home.
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Ring in the new year in unforgettable style at Harrison Meadows Country Club! Join us for an elegant evening inspired by the glamour and excitement of the Moulin Rouge. Enjoy a cocktail reception and open bar, followed by a multi-course dinner crafted by Chef Smith. Dance the night away with our DJ, try your luck at the casino games, and countdown to midnight with a live broadcast of the Ball Drop. Date: Wednesday, December 31st Time: 8:00 PM Location: Harrison Meadows Country Club, 123 North Street, Harrison, NY 10528 Tickets: $225 per person | 21+ | Dress to impress Spots are limited — reserve your tickets today for a dazzling night at The Meadows Moulin Rouge!
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Saturday, December 6 at 8pm at the Paramount: Classic holiday tunes come to life as Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery, Tim Davis, and the Tony Guerrero Quintet take the stage in “A Swingin’ Little Christmas.” This hilarious and heartwarming holiday extravaganza promises to be a delightful blend of comedy and music, ensuring a ‘swingin’ good time.
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Get ready to light up the night at Glow Wild, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s most dazzling nighttime tradition! Back by popular demand, this illuminated lantern festival transforms the Zoo into a glowing wonderland filled with over 35 larger-than-life, hand-crafted lantern displays that celebrate wildlife, nature, and the magic of the season. Perfect for families, date nights, and evening adventures, Glow Wild offers a unique way to experience the Zoo after dark. Enjoy new experiences, tasty treats, and photo-worthy moments at every turn. Come see the Zoo in a whole new light!
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Experience the Magic of the Holidays on the Hill! Discover an all-new Holidays on the Hill Train Show, stroll the 2,500-square-foot exhibit set within the stunning Lasdon Glass House Conservatory. Multi-level tables and tracks carry trains as they chug past whimsical settings, nostalgic scenes and well-known characters all with a fresh, innovative design that brings holiday cheer to life. Celebrate the season with a memorable, family-friendly experience filled with festive sights, joyful activities, and holiday cheer. Perfect for creating lasting memories—don’t miss this enchanting holiday tradition!
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- Holiday Stroll: North Pole at Lounsbury House - Lounsbury House - 316 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877, Friday, December 5, 2025, 6 pm - 9 pm
- The Revamped Holiday Experience
is Now Open at Christmas in America in Mt. Vernon - Christmas In America - 30 Warren Place, Mount Vernon, NY, Friday 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Saturday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Sunday 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM, December 5-7, 2025
- The 914PopUps Holiday Vendor Market - Cross County Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers, NY 10704, Saturday and Sunday, December 6-7, 2025,
11:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Westchester County - Shoott - Broadway, New
York, NY, Saturday and Sunday, December 6-7, 2025, see link for times
- The Nostalgia of Christmas Is on Full Display at Down to Earth Living - Down To Earth Living - 1040 New York 45, Pomona, NY 10970, Saturday and Sunday, December 6-7, 2025, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Westchester County 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 reader survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Westchester. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories! Check out your fellow readers'
favorites, and enjoy exploring the best of the region!
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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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