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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Join us on the first Friday of every month for an exciting adventure in the world of Dungeons & Dragons! Led by Dungeon Master Peter, these campaigns are designed especially for young heroes ages 7-12.
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Join us on a whimsical ride around Christmas Nights at 123 Farm featuring festive food and drinks, tractor wagon rides, s'mores pits and Santa with a display of over one million lights.
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Get ready for the Annual Indio International Tamale Festival! Indio International Tamale Festival is a two-day festival that will take place at Miles Avenue Park, 82524 Miles Ave. Indio, CA 92201.
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City residents and visitors can enjoy play in the snow right here in Moreno Valley. Enjoy snow play, food vendors, and a carnival featuring free jumpers, games, and crafts.
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Saturday, Dec 6: Kick off the holiday season with our enchanting Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pretend City! Join us as we welcome winter with festive cheer, cookies, and hot cocoa, served alongside a special visit from Santa! Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to create cherished memories with family and friends as we celebrate the magic of the holidays in the city! Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa: 11am. There will also be special performances by the Philharmonic Society!
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A Faery Hunt shows are interactive, immersive performances designed for young audiences & families to inspire creativity, imagination & fun. Nickelodeon named A Faery Hunt "Best Children's Theater in Los Angeles". You’re invited to join us on this magical musical adventure!
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Celebrate with Bowers Museum during our free family festivals held every first Sunday of the month in the Museum’s beautiful Key Courtyard. Enjoy live performances, art making, face painting and complimentary treats at every festival.
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- Santa’s Electric Light Parade in Old Town Temecula - Old Town Temecula, 42051 Main St, Temecula, CA 92590, Friday, December 5, 2025, 7 pm
- Indio International Tamale Festival - Chiriaco Summit, CA 92201,
Chiriaco Summit, CA 92201, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10:00AM
- Los Cerritos Wetlands Habitat Restoration in Long
Beach - Corner of Pacific Coast Hwy and 1st Street, Pacific Coast Hwy and 1st Street, Seal Beach, CA 90740, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10:30 am–12:30 pm PT
- Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Moreno Valley - Moreno Valley City Hall, 14177 Frederick St., Moreno Valley, CA 92552,
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 5:45 pm
- Holiday Snow Day in Moreno Valley - Moreno Valley Civic Center Amphitheater, 14075 Frederick Street, Moreno Valley, CA 92553, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10 am - 5 pm
- Indio International Tamale Festival - Chiriaco Summit, CA 92201, Chiriaco Summit, CA 92201, Sunday, December 7, 2025, 10:00AM
- Free First Sunday at RAM - Riverside Art Museum, 17072 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92504, Sunday, December 7, 2025, 12 pm - 5 pm
- International Winter Holidays at Bowers
Museum - Bowers Museum, 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706, Sunday, December 7, 2025, 11 am - 3 pm
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The Inland Empire 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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2025 holiday events in the Inland Empire, CA: Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, and New Year's Eve. The activities we've listed here are
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Inland Empire 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 the Inland Empire? Each May-June, thousands of parents vote in KidsOutAndAbout's survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Was the winner an indoor play center, museum, farm, nature center, sports team? Click through to
find out!
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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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