A resource for families in Santa Cruz County
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From Turkey to Tamales
Traditions Are Living History
It's America and it's true! We choose from our family histories how we celebrate our holidays. No matter our heritage, we have a history of absorbing new ways into our unique family celebrations. The proof is in the history of Thanksgiving. here and here. If historical accuracy intrigues you search for original documents like these.

Food is one of the most popular ways we adopt new traditions: turkey on Thanksgiving Day, of course; tamales at Christmas time, introduced to us by immigrants from Mexico, first in the west, now all over our country; oranges in our stockings.

There's the beautiful lighting the candles on the menorah, commemorating a historical miracle of Jewish survival against an enemy. Who doesn't enjoy the magic of a decorated Christmas tree twinkling with lights (originally lighted candles!) ? I have friends who blend the relatively new Kwanzaa celebrations with Christmas.

Universal to all of our celebrations is setting aside time for counting our blessings, for sharing bounty with others or receiving with gratitude. As Thanksgiving draws near, we each find our own ways to thank, to share, to celebrate, to toss over our shoulders the tribulations of the life by walking among the redwoods and along the beaches

Enjoy the preparations for Thanksgiving, Parmalee
A "treeing" we shall go...
Going to a tree farm to cut our own fresh tree with its fresh aroma is a tradition many of us treasure. For some it may be convenient to go to a corner tree lot or an organization selling trees as a fundraiser. Regardless, here's an opportunity to share the history of Christmas trees with the children!

We've collected a list of nearby growers for you. Most of them open the day after Thanksgiving, a few a little earlier. Be sure to double check days and hours open, whether they accept cash, credit cards or checks and any other requirements such as leaving Fido home.
Lessons in Friendship and Teamwork
Madagascar Jr. Onstage

At New York's Central Park Zoo, Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria, the hip-hip hippo, are best of friends. When Marty escapes, the other three break free to look for him, only to find themselves reunited on a ship en route to Mother Africa in the musical adventure “Madagascar Jr.,” a crack-a-lackin’ story of friendship and teamwork as embodied onstage by Mount Madonna School’s (MMS) middle school cast.

When their vessel is hijacked, the friends, all raised in captivity, find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar and learn first-hand what life can be like in the wild.

Performances are December 10 and 11 at 2:00pm at the Hawks’ Nest Theater at MMS. Tickets are available at Adult tickets are $15; $10 for 18 and under; all seats are reserved.
Fall-Winter Camps in Santa Cruz County
Check out these fall and winter camps (downloadable) for children whose parents’ jobs require them to work or who want to try a new experience. We know there are more available. Email us if you know of one not on our list. Updates will be on our facebook page.
Find Child Care by New Maps
Child Development Resource Center Mapping Tool Identifies Child Care Locations in Santa Cruz County

The Child Development Resource Center, a program of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, is a one-stop source for Santa Cruz County families seeking child care. Recently expanded resources now include two interactive mapping tools that show the location of licensed child care centers and family child care homes. Learn more > > >
December Calendar
Free Techshop with Techgirlz, Wednesday, November 17, 4 – 5:30pm, The Santa Cruz County Office of Education invites students in 3rd - 8th grade to attend our Create Video Games TechShop. Details
Santa Cruz Baroque Honors Beethoven's 25th Birthday, November 19, 7:30pm, To trace the intertwined development of Beethoven’s music and that of the piano is our inspiration for this concert. Details
Santa Cruz Turkey Trot, Saturday, Nov. 19, Kids’ 1K: 7:45 am, 5K: 8am,  10K: 8:45am, Come celebrate Thanksgiving at the Santa Cruz Turkey Trot. Details
Holiday Tree Lighting, Watsonville, Friday 5pm, November 18, Details

German Library for All Ages, 3rd Saturdays, November 19, December 17, 10 – 11:30am, Sprechen sie DeutschWe have German books for readers of all ages, children, youth and adults! Details
Deep Roots Dance Fest, Saturday, Nov 19, 7:30pm, We're kicking November off with what is bound to be an incredible, inaugural, dance event for TWDCC featuring Artists from the African diaspora.. Details
Click on CALENDAR sections that interest you!
Santa’s Shelves Craft Faire 2022, Felton Fire Auxiliary, Saturday 9am – 4pm & Sunday 10am – 4pm, November 19 & 20, 35+ crafters & artists, breakfast &7 lunch Details
North County, Advisory Council For Teens (ACT), Third Saturdays, 2 – 4pm, Advisory Council of Teens (ACT) is the SCPL young adult advisory group. ACT is open to all young adults in Scotts Valley and the San Lorenzo Valley, Details
Triple P Stepping Stones Workshop: Coping With Stress, Thursday, November 17, 6 – 7:30pm, Details

Triple-P Workshop: Helping Your Child Deal With Fears, Thursday, November 17, 5:30pm, Details
Free NAMI class in Spanish for parents starts next week!
6-week series Wednesdays, 6 – 8:30pm, NAMI’s Basics in Spanish is a free 6-week Spanish educational program for parents, guardians and other family caregivers who provide care for youth (age 17 or younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms. Details
RC Fam Center Toddler Bilingual Sensory Play, Tuesdays, 10 - 11am, with Yesi Rocha, Details
San Francisco Union Square Ice Open, Daily, November 2 – January 16, SAFEWAY HOLIDAY ICE RINK, IN UNION SQUARE, San Francisco, Ice Skate through the holidays Details
Boardwalk Winter Wonderland, Thursday – Sunday, November 24 – 27, 12 – 5pm, Get in the holiday spirit at the Boardwalk Winter Wonderland. Celebrate the season at the beach! Details
Parenting Workshops, These parent workshops offer outstanding skills, tips and support in our parenting path. We are fortunate to have these resources. Even if everything is going well, it's good to know what's available! November
The Spongebob Musical, Saturday 2pm & 7:30pm, Sunday 1pm, November 19 & 20, The stakes are higher than ever in this dynamic musical based on the beloved animated series. SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world. Details
Library Programs for Children! Story times are open. Popular classes are often full, but there's no harm in checking to see if space has opened up. Also, check with the library around holiday times, although if you show up and there's no storytime, enjoy the visit. Libraries are welcoming places. Details
ALL Farmers Markets and farm activities! Details