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Find out What's Up! Click on the icons below to check out our Events Calendar.
December 8, 7 to 8:30pm; Family Skate Night, Village Square Leisure Centre. Free event. Enjoy skating with your family. Bring your own skates/helmets or free loaner skates/helmets available on a first come, first serve basis. 311; Web.
December 15; Fitness Frolic, Southland Leisure Centre. Drop in to a fun, festive class for adults. Goodies and door prizes! Free with a food bank donation. Water classes: 8 to 9am and 9:15 to 10:15am. Dry land class: 9:15 to 10:15am. Social: 9:15 to 11:45am.
Thursdays, until December 18, 10am to 12Noon; Drop-In Programs, Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. Join for interactive nature programming for families. Explore the nature, history and hidden secrets of the site.
December 18, 8pm MDT; Free Live Webinar, "Tricky Holiday Family Situations Q & A." Brought to you by Professional Parenting Canada and Calgary's Child Magazine. Register today.
Tuesdays, until December 23, 10am to 12Noon; Drop-In Programs, Devonian Gardens. Bring your budding botanist and come play in the Devonian Gardens! Participate in a fun-filled, hands-on drop-in activity.
December 27, 10am to 3pm; Meet an Innovator, TELUS Spark. The Meet an Innovator series connects guests with innovators in our community. Dive in and meet the remarkable Susan Eaton. When Susan leads a 100-day snorkel relay of the Northwest Passage, her 10-women team of scientists and explorers will face formidable challenges as they snorkel 3,000 kilometres from Pond Inlet to Inuvik. Web.
December 27 to 31; Winter CARnival, Heritage Park Historical Village. Enjoy this fun-filled indoor event that has everyone in the family playing along! Winter-themed games and activities take place throughout Gasoline Alley Museum. Web.
CALGARY'S CHILD MAGAZINE & GLOBAL MORNING NEWS - WHAT'S COMING UP?
Monday, December 1
Guest: Cammie Kaulback, Deaf and Hear Alberta
Topic: Estimates are that 1 in 5 kids between 12 and 18 have some level of hearing loss. One of the causes may be repeated or extended exposure to loud noise - including noise from toys. Parents need to realize that every time a child holds a loud toy to their ear, they may be permanently damaging the delicate hair cells in their inner ear. The good news is there are common-sense steps that parents, grandparents and caregivers can take to help protect a child's hearing. Tune in for important safety tips.
Saturday, December 6
Guest: Andrea Sereda, Birth Etc.
Topic: Interested in teaching your baby American Sign Language so they can communicate their thoughts, needs and observations? Tune in to find out the many benefits of teaching your little one to Sign.
Monday, December 8
Guest: Michelle Paradis, Trico Centre for Family Wellness
Topic: Join Trico Centre for Family Wellness on December 13 for their Annual Skate with Santa! There will be a seasonal craft session, leisure skate to festive music, hot chocolate and cookies too! Register one member for the whole family to attend. Come skate from 1 to 2:15pm and join in other activities from 2:15 to 4pm. To ramp up the fun, tune in for a fun holiday craft you can do with the kids at home!
Saturday, December 13
Guest: Nadine Gariepy-Fisk, Hospice Calgary
Topic: The holidays are around the corner, and it's a time that can be tough for parents and children grieving the loss of someone close to them. The holidays become pressure points for parents struggling to help their children while trying to manage their own grief. Nadine will share some expert tips for parents to make it easier - on themselves and their children.
Monday, December 15
Guest: Diane Gibson, Registered Provincial Psychologist
Topic: If you are a step-parent, tune in for this important segment on step-family life over the holidays. Diane will provide expert advice on scheduling and over-scheduling, gift-giving and how to preserve long-time family rituals and start new ones with your step-family.
Saturday, December 20
Guest: Representative, Role Mothers
Topic: Role Mothers is a program empowered by Market Mall designed to celebrate and encourage Calgary moms who find the time to give back to the communities in which they live while teaching their kids the importance of giving along the way. Tune in for the importance of role modeling volunteering to our kids and exciting upcoming volunteer opportunities!
Monday, December 22
Guest: Carol Henke, Calgary Fire Department
Topic: Safety first! Carol will provide some great fire safety and fire prevention tips for your home to ensure your holidays are merry!
Saturday, December 27
Guest: Sheri Bruneau, Get It Together - Fall In Love With Your Home
Topic: Post-Christmas Organization Tips: Sheri will provide her top 5 solutions for 'un-decking' the halls and storing all that holiday stuff so you can find it next year!
Monday, December 29
Guest: Rep, The City of Calgary Recreation
Topic: Celebrate New Year's Eve with The City's Family Dance Party and Outdoor Winter Celebration! Tune in for details about their fun, free, family-friendly New Year's Eve 2015 celebrations. Ring in the new year with the whole family at the Family Dance Party taking place at the Municipal Building from 7 to 9pm, featuring music, dancing and a kid's countdown at 9pm. Wear neon or white and anything that glows! Follow up the Dance Party with an Outdoor Celebration at Olympic Plaza from 9pm to 12am. Bring your skates and enjoy hot chocolate, music, fire performances and a spectacular countdown to midnight!
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Welcome!
 It's finally here - thank goodness! The holiday season is in full swing, and not a moment too soon! In this newsletter, you'll find all of our top picks for things to do with your family this December. We've got some tips to make the most of your celebrations. Plus, we've included loads of great contests to help Santa check off your little one's list this year.
No matter what you celebrate - or how you celebrate it! - we wish you a very, very happy holiday season and a joyous new year.
Merry Christmas!
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On Stands Now
Calgary's Child Magazine's Nov-Dec 2014 Issue
 This issue is packed full of fabulous content to banish the 'brrrs' and keep Calgary families smiling all winter long! Our November/December issue features our Healthy Living Guide, our *New Winter Fun & Getaway Guide and our fabulous Home School 101 Guide! It also includes great local events for the whole family, our Annual 'Wish List' Holiday Gift Guide and suggestions to celebrate the season in style. Don't miss your chance to vote for your favorites in our annual Parents' Choice Awards! Click here to read our 2014 Calgary's Child Magazine November-December digital e-Edition. |
Who DOESN'T Want an Elsa Doll for Christmas? Win Your Own!
Tollytots� Frozen Snow Glow Elsa - With a touch of her snowflake necklace, hear Elsa talk to her Frozen friends and watch the magic as her dress lights up in a flurry of lights. Raise her arm and watch her snowflake necklace light up while it plays the hit song "Let it Go" and her dress magically shines! Purchase in-store at Toys "R" Us or toysrus.ca
For your chance to win the Tollytots� Frozen Snow Glow Elsa doll, enter here (contest code: Elsa). Entry deadline is Wednesday, December 10.
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Win Four Tickets to Experience the Magic of Zoolights!
Head down to the Calgary Zoo with your kids, family and friends to see over 1.5 million lights twisting around trees, tracing animal and dinosaur shapes and flashing to music. Along the way, stop to warm up by the fire pits and have some fun in the Kids Zone. Dress warmly. We'll make the hot chocolate.
There are more than 1.5 million reasons to come to Calgary's favourite Holiday tradition:
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NEW** Ice Skating Presented by Mahogany Lakeside Living!
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NEW** Santa's Oasis Presented by REMAX in the ENMAX Conservatory.
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NEW** The Singing Tree - a 16-foot voice activated tree of lights.
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Visit the newly revamped Wishing Tree Presented by Chinook Centre.
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Join in the fun for kids of all ages in the newly located and rejuvenated Kids Zone.
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We will be collecting non-perishable food and cash donations for the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank. Families that make a donation will receive one 2 for 1 coupon to use for a future visit at the zoo.
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Every Friday night visit Candy Land presented by Cococo Chocolatiers to receive a complimentary Cococo organic chocolate bar.
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Fire pits available throughout the grounds to warm up by.
For more information, visit the website. For your chance to win four tickets, enter here (contest code: Zoolights.) Contest closes December 7th, 2014.
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 Check out our best bets for holiday fun this December!
December 1 to 31, 6 to 9pm; Airdrie Festival of Lights. A fabulous event that offers good fun without breaking the bank. No charge for parking; admission by cash donation. Hot chocolate sold for $2 per cup and train rides are $2 per person (cash only). Kids 2 and under ride free with adult purchase. airdriefestivaloflights.com
December 6, 7:30pm; Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Presents, A Merry Little Pops. Start your Christmas with the holly jolly family holiday special brimming with uplifting seasonal favorites and carols. The Orchestra is joined by an impressive massed choir and a special VIP guest from the North Pole. Tickets: 403-571-0849; cpo-live.com
December 6 and 13, 9:30am to 12Noon; Drop and Shop, Trico Centre for Family Wellness. Need some time to get your shopping done? Trico Centre will keep your 3- to 6-year-old busy with holiday-themed crafts, games and stories. Register by 11am on Friday; there are limited spaces. tricocentre.ca
December 12, 7pm and December 13, 2 & 7pm; Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Presents, A Traditional Christmas. The beautiful Grace Presbyterian Church provides the backdrop. Celebrate the spirit of the season with a selection of sacred and secular holiday favorites performed by the Calgary Men's Chorus and Cum Vino Cantus. Tickets: 403-571-0849; cpo-live.com
December 13, 2pm (Junior Choirs) and December 14, 3pm (Senior Choirs); The Calgary Girls Choir Presents the Annual Festive Concerts. Takes place at Knox United Church - 506, 4 Street SW. Tickets: calgarygirlschoir.com
December 13, 1 to 4pm; Skate with Santa, Trico Centre for Family Wellness. Join Santa for a seasonal craft session, leisure skate to festive music, hot chocolate and cookies. Skate from 1 to 2:15pm; crafts and Santa from 2 to 4pm. tricocentre.ca
See more great events here!
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Vote for Your Favorites to Win! Calgary's Child Magazine 2015 Parents' Choice Awards
Who has the best ice cream?
Who has the best swimming pool?
Where can you find the best kids' clothes?
Calgary's Child Magazine wants to know who your favorites are in these and other family-friendly categories.
 Please take a moment to vote so together we can recognize those businesses that truly make Calgary a wonderful place to live. Vote online now for your favorites, and you could WIN a one-night stay in a newly renovated Mode Club Loft at the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis! Renovated in 2013, the Mode Club rooms, lofts and suites feature access to the Club Floor Lounge, continental breakfast, evening appetizers, SmartDesk connectivity docks, Philosophy amenities and more.
Results will be published in our Mar-April 2015 Issue.
The deadline to cast your ballot is December 31st, 2014.
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Get Your Motor Runnin' With Little Tikes� Contest!
 Little Tikes� Big Dog Truck™: Each of the 3 interactive modes (push walker wagon, ride-on and dump truck) let your little one choose their favorite way to play.
Dog-themed sound effects keep kids entertained as they use the truck to pick up and dump boulders. The ride-on mode is perfect for developing your little one's motor skills. Available to purchase at major retailers.
For your chance to win the Little Tikes� Big Dog Truck™, enter here (contest code: Little Tikes). Entry deadline is Wednesday, December 10.
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Provided by Calgary EMS
Alberta Health Services EMS responds to many cold weather related emergencies every winter. Simple actions, such as dressing appropriately and anticipating sudden weather changes, may help keep you warm and safe this season.
Frostnip
- Frostnip occurs when skin is extremely cold, but not frozen. It commonly affects the ears, nose, cheeks, fingers and toes;
- Skin appears red, but also turns white when pressed. It may also feel numb to the touch;
- When treated promptly, frost-nipped skin will heal without complication;
- Gently rewarming the affected area in a warm environment is advised.
Frostbite
- Frostbite occurs when skin becomes so cold that the skin and underlying tissue freeze;
- It may look white and waxy and will feel hard to the touch;
- Treatment begins with removal from the cold environment and placing the affected area in warm, not hot, water until rewarmed;
- Seek further medical attention as required.
Hypothermia
- Hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature - less than 34�C (as compared to normal body temperature of about 37�C);
- People suffering hypothermia may act inappropriately with uncharacteristic stumbling, mumbling and fumbling, as their body temperature continues to lower;
- Early recognition and prompt medical attention is crucial. Left untreated, hypothermia may progress to coma and/or death;
- Call 9-1-1. Don't forget to protect yourself from the factors that originally lead to the patient's situation;
- Gentle rewarming should start as quickly as possible, including: removal of wet, or constrictive clothing; covering with blankets, or sleeping bags; and protecting the person from further heat loss (wind, moisture and contact with cold surfaces);
- Dress in layers - it's easier to remove layers, when warm, rather than not having enough layers, when cold.
Having access to a survival/first-aid kit within your vehicle is also advised.
Have a fun and safe winter!
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Mow, Mow, Mow Your Way to Fun Contest!
Fisher-Price� Laugh & Learn� Smart Stages™ Mower: Mow that lawn with the push along mower that engages with baby through creative role-play and features a number slider, a turn gas cap, a pull lever and a light-up face to interact with baby. Purchase at Toys "R" Us, Walmart, Target, Sears, the Real Canadian Superstore and amazon.ca.
For your chance to win the Fisher-Price� Laugh & Learn� Smart Stages™ Mower, enter here (contest code: Fisher Price). Entry deadline is
Wednesday, January 14, 2015.
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Tricky Holiday Situations? Have No Fear! Judy Arnall with Professional Parenting Canada is Here!
December 18, 8pm MDT; Free Live Webinar, "Tricky Holiday Family Situations Q & A."
Brought to you by Professional Parenting Canada and Calgary's Child Magazine. Register today!
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Build Your Way Through the Holidays with LEGO� Contest!
 Visit the LEGO� Friends Heartlake City Mall!
First, build the elaborate mall with the detailed instructions, then play to your heart's content with shops, spa, food court, lobby with revolving door, fashion catwalk and four mini-doll figures. For more information, visit mastermindtoys.com.
Purchase in-store at Mastermind Toys or mastermindtoys.com.
For your chance to win the LEGO� Friends Heartlake City Mall, enter here! (contest code: Lego.) Entry deadline is Monday, December 8.
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 Calgary has fabulous Christmas light displays every December - don't miss these beautiful displays!
Zoolights at the Calgary Zoo to Jan. 3, 6 to 9pm - gates close at 8:30pm (closed Christmas Day and excludes Zoo Year's Eve); Every year, people of all ages head to the Calgary Zoo to enjoy hot chocolate, fire pits, fun games and the display of 1.5 million twinkling lights. The Zoo Lights are open every day from 6pm to 9pm (gates close at 8:30pm), finishing on Sunday, January 3 (excluding Christmas day and New Year's Eve). Admission for adults is $15 and admission for children is $11.
Lions' Festival of Lights - Confederation Park - 14 Street - 24 Avenue NW; For many Calgary families, the annual visit to the Lions' annual light display marks the beginning of the Christmas Season. Located on the east side of the Confederation Golf Course, you'll find thousands of glowing lights displayed in beautiful Christmas themes. See Merry Christmas written in 17 languages at the 25th Annual Lions Festival of Lights located at Confederation Park. The display is illuminated daily from 7pm to Midnight until January 8. This is a free event.
McDougall Centre - 455 - 6 Street SW; The Christmas Lights on these beautifully kept grounds are a joy to behold.
Olympic Plaza - 228 - 8 Avenue SE; Originally built for medal presentations during the 1988 Winter Olympics, Olympic Plaza is a great place to bring the family to enjoy a day of skating. The rink is open to the public daily from 10am to 9pm until the middle of March, depending on the weather. Grab your ice-skates and glide amongst the lights.
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A Teachable Moment: Be an Alcohol Role Model This December
By Dr. Susan Bartell
 It's time to get into the holiday spirit - parties, gifts and, of course, eggnog and other alcoholic beverages.
Therefore, this season offers an excellent opportunity to consider whether we are communicating the very best, healthiest messages to our children about drinking alcohol. After all, research continues to support the idea that kids and teens are more influenced by their parents than by anyone else - even peers.
Alcohol typically flows freely at holiday gatherings, and whether or not you realize it, your child, beginning at about five years old and continuing well into their 20s, is watching how you behave around alcohol. Their observations and experiences with you will influence their own relationship with alcohol. Therefore, your behavior can have either a positive or negative impact on your child's alcohol consumption.
There are several important ways in which you can have a powerful and positive impact on your child's behavior around alcohol. Consider the following:
Read more...
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Enter to Win a Winter Play Day with The City of Calgary Recreation Contest!
 With winter winds blowing, it's hard to get out and stay active with your family. Have a winter play day on Calgary Recreation! Enter to win four Family Passes: Two passes for Aquatic and Fitness facilities, and two passes for the Leisure Centres. Calgary Recreation supports active, creative and healthy lifestyles. To find out about the facilities, visit calgary.ca.
For your chance to win 4 Family Passes to The City of Calgary Recreation, enter here (contest code: Play Day). Entry deadline is Monday, December 8.
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By Lisa Kothari
 It's the most wonderful time of the year, the holidays are here! You have presents to buy and wrap, decorations to don, parties to attend, and kids to keep happy and entertained this season. From invitations to decorations to games and beyond, there are many easy ideas to capture the holiday spirit for your kids, and are easy on your wallet and time.
Invitations
A candy cane invitation, jingle necklace or a Let It Snow invitation are budget-friendly and creative ways of getting your guests into the Christmas spirit.
Decorations
Cover tables with a red, green or ice blue plastic tablecloth, scatter some confetti, and add some festive candies and metallic gossamer down the centre of the table.
SnowflakesAdd a touch of winter to your party by attaching snowflakes to the walls and ceiling of the party area. Use any holiday decorations that you own to decorate the room. Hang candy canes around the party area and lighting fixtures.
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Calgary's Child Online Coupons - Enough Fun to Last all Year-Long!
 Have you seen all the fantastic new online coupons at calgaryschild.com? Our coupons include discounts for Baby & Childcare; Birthday Parties; Programs & Camps; Education & Preschools; Family Fun; Attractions & Events; Family Health & Wellness; Food & Travel; Shopping; Services & Photographers and more - enough fun to last all year long! Check back often, new ones published every day. |
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Our Facebook and Twitter followers look to us for details on upcoming events, information about the latest issue, see what's new & notable; they connect with parents around Calgary and even get help with dinner! Check out our "Enter to Win" Facebook Tab and our wall posts and tweets every day for new contests and giveaways.