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A resource for families in Santa Cruz County | |
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We gather with family, friends, neighbors, community, share a traditional meal, tell family stories, play games, take walks. Let's reflect upon all we have to be grateful for and on how we shall give our talents, strength and time to help others.
Whatever you do, wherever you are and however you celebrate, have a memorable Thanksgiving!
History.com offers several histories of our American culture of thanks and reminds us of the thankful celebrations of ancient cultures. The editors "strive for accuracy and fairness" and invite us to share with them our knowledge of local cultures. Our beloved president, Abraham Lincoln, made Thanksgiving a national holiday. Thank you Abe!
Enjoy the corny Thanksgiving knock knock jokes. They are just plain entertaining for the little ones and may even be useful for deflecting from an awkward moment. How about some running punny repartees from the older ones. My family has some brilliant punners, not I, but I love listening to them go on and on!
Have you heard about Ziggy the mini horse who loves to have children read to him? Yes? No? Scroll down for the latest!
The calendar is FULL. Check out every post. Find what appeals to you!
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Have warm reunions, quiet moments, lots of laughter,
feelings of joy and gratitude and sweet walks. Parmalee
P.S. I always come for the stuffing and tomorrow I'm bringing stuffing balls!
Stuffing Balls ~ Turkey Soup ~ Christmas Trees 2024
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Ask Yesenia
Caring for Yourself and Embracing Peace
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At times, life can feel heavy—whether it's the weight of things happening in the world beyond our control, the stress of work and family responsibilities, or just the everyday pressures we all face. These moments can easily feel overwhelming and disrupt our peace of mind. I know I've experienced that sense of being stretched too thin. | |
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Yet, even amidst the chaos, the holiday season is a time to celebrate, connect, and embrace joy and hope. While it’s not always easy to tap into that holiday spirit when we’re feeling burnt out and stressed, it's important to remember that taking care of ourselves is one of the core principles of positive parenting. Now more than ever, nurturing our own well-being is essential for finding balance and truly enjoying the season.
Dear Yesenia,
I’m juggling a full-time job, my kids’ activities, and family obligations, and I always try to do as much as I can for everyone. I love being involved, but I often end up feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, especially around the holidays. With relatives visiting soon, I’m already starting to feel resentful of the extra demands on my time. What can I do to manage my stress and keep it from affecting my mood or ruining the holidays for my family? Paola
Yesenia's suggestions for Paola > > >
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Fresh cut Christmas trees smell wonderful. Make memories with a special outing! Always visit the sellers’ websites or their Facebook page, or call, before going. Be prepared with cash, check and/or credit card. All the farms we could find for you > > >
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Corny Thanksgiving Knock Knock Jokes
by Abi Berwager Schreier
"Perhaps you’re looking for ways to really up your dad joke game on Thanksgiving this year. Or maybe you’re also looking for a way to break the ice if your close-minded, big-mouthed Uncle John decides to go off about social issues after he’s had a few too many Bud Lights. Maybe the kids are getting hangry, or even your adults guests are. I’ve got you covered, friend. Boy have I ever — enter Thanksgiving knock knock jokes. That’s right. We’re talking the ultimate corny joke: the knock knock joke." These Thanksgiving knock knock jokes are so bad, they’re good > > >
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For upcoming ticketed holiday entertainment
skim through the next few weeks
of the calendar.
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A Year with Frog and Toad, December 6-14, Scotts Valley Performing Arts (SVPA), invites you to spend A Year with Frog and Toad. Join us for a wonderful family musical theatre experience. The cast includes 15 adults and 10 young people. See Details for date/time options.
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READ (Reading Equine Art Duo ) with Ziggy the mini horse and Lisa. One hour sessions Saturdays or Sundays available now. Ziggy is a gentle soul who loves listening to children read. Lisa is a reading specialist with 20 years experience helping children who may be struggling with reading. Lisa and Ziggy create a nurturing learning environment where students feel at ease & safe and soon begin flourishing. Learn more > > >
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Turkey Meal Sequences
1) The BIG Turkey Day with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, vegetables and pumpkin pie;
2) Hot turkey sandwiches with all the leftovers over bread and smothered with turkey gravy;
3) a turkey caserole and;
4) the best turkey soup ever (you kept all the bones and every last bit of turkey for this) with rice and one new ingredient that lifts the soup to beyond delicious.
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West Cliff Holiday Outdoor Market, Friday and Saturday, November 29 & 30, 10am – 4pm, Come enjoy our outdoor market with unique artisans and food trucks while taking in the spectacular view of the ocean. The market features hand crafted gifts and admission is FREE! Unique artists feature one of a kind products that are perfect to start the holiday shopping while you enjoy the stunning view.
We will also be giving away free tokens every hour to random shoppers. The tokens can be used towards any vendor of your choice. So come down and get your free gift! (10am – 4pm) Details
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Holiday Production: A Christmas Carol by Santa Cruz Shakespeare, November 23 through December 24, Santa Cruz Shakespeare (SCS) debuts a new holiday tradition for the whole family with its production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, starring Mike Ryan as Ebeneezer Scrooge. Audiences can expect a theatrical and music-filled adaptation of this classic play. Details
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Santa Cruz Dance Theater Presents its First Production of The Nutcracker, Saturday, December 21, 1 & 4:30pm; Sunday, December 22, 1 & 4:30pm, The newly established Santa Cruz Dance Theater is set to bring holiday magic this December with its inaugural performance of The Nutcracker. The production promises to be a stunning display of talent, featuring special guest artist Lucien Postlewaite, principal dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet. Postlewaite, a Santa Cruz native, returns to his hometown stage. Details
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A Family Fun First Friday: Dino December!, Friday, December 6, 5-8pm, Bring your whole family for a T-REXcellent night at the museum. From dinosaur-themed arts and crafts to fossil displays and interactives, audiences of all ages are in for a DINOmite evening! In addition to the hands-on festivities, local children’s book author and professional storyteller, Nancy Lenz, will be unveiling her new dinosaur book, The Rapping Rocking Dinosaur Band. There will be a storytime featuring the new book for the kiddos, as well as a book signing. This will be a RAWRsome night for dinosaur fans of all ages! Details
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Holiday Lights at the Fairgrounds, Friday, Saturday, Sundays, 5:30pm, November 29 – December 23 & 24, HOLIDAY LIGHTS, the magical nighttime Christmas Light Show returns every Friday, Saturday ad Sunday evening between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Details
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Children’s Craft Fair at MOD, Saturday, November 30, 10am – 1pm, FREE to attend, Crafts for sale by young entrepreneurs aged 6-17! Join us on Small Business Saturday, for an exciting Children’s Craft Fair at the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery. Details
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Ice Skating by the Bay, Nov 22 - Dec 31, 11am -to 10pm, Custom House Plaza, Monterey, Celebrate the holidays amidst Monterey Bay's coastline. Skaters can spend the day in a winter wonderland right by the Bay. Details
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Makers Market Felton, Saturday, November 30, 10am-5pm, It’s the 11th Annual SCM Holiday Makers Market in Felton at Felton Community Hall. Special musical guest Patti Maxine. Free admission. Shop with over 35 local artists and makers hosting a beautiful variety of handmade goods. A portion of the proceeds go to Mountain Community Resources. Details
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Holiday Wreath Making & Mimosas at MOD, December 1, 11am – 1pm, Escape the holiday chaos and create lasting memories with friends at MOD’s Festive Wreath-Making Workshop. Indulge in the delightful scents of fresh greenery, ribbons, and ornaments as you craft your perfect holiday centerpiece in our cozy Tinker Space. Let the kids explore the museum while you create, or enjoy a relaxing morning with your friends. It’s the perfect way to unwind and celebrate the season! Details
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Hallcrest Holiday Market, Sunday, December 1, 11am-5pm, Come see us at Hallcrest Holiday Market! We are so excited to have amazing food and wine and to welcome the 75+ vendors to this wonderful venue!
Take a look at our wonderful vendors!
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Holiday Gift & Wreath Sale at the UCSC Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 10am-4pm, Handmade holiday gifts and decorations unlike anything you’ve seen! Arboretum artists have been busy for months creating stunning succulent and dried flower wreaths and works of art. This collection draws from the Arboretum’s rare and extraordinary collection of amazing plants! Details
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Arboretum Free Day, Tuesday, December 3, 9am-5pm, The first Tuesday of the month is free to non-members. The UCSC Arboretum is a conservation garden of rare, endangered and extraordinary plants from around the world. We are open daily, 9am to 5pm. Details
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Winter Super Tot Sports,
Highlands County Park,
Thursdays, 3 – 3:45pm
Dance, Flip Class, Yoga,
Skills & Exercise, Basketball,
Spaces are limited so be sure
to sign up early! Details
Simpkins Swim Center
Wednesdays, 4 - 4:45pm
Dodgeball, Yoga, Basketball,
Flip Class, Skills and drills,
Spaces are limited so be sure
to sign up early! Details
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Ice Skate in Union Square! Daily, November 6 – January 25, 10am-11pm, Gather your family and friends for a beloved holiday tradition! The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink is back for its 17th magical season of outdoor skating and holiday festivities in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Details
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Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train & New Year’s Train, November 29-30 & December 7-8, 14-23, AND 26-31, Operated by Roaring Camp Railroads, Will-Call/Ticketing at the Boardwalk’s Party Room, located to the left of the Main Entrance, Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through Santa Cruz streets. Passengers lend their voices to holiday carols and sip spiced cider while Santa visits with the little ones and the young at heart! Details
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Shop local at The Art Factory and even better… Locally Made! Sat. Dec. 7, 10am-5pm, Enjoy a day with the artists and have a seat at the table to make your own ceramic or felted wool ornaments! See you soon at Art Factory Studios! Details
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Valley Churches United Holiday Gift Shop 2024, Monday-Saturday, 11am – 4m, November & December, Amazingly talented volunteers have created an exquisite display, making this year’s gift shop an exceptional holiday shopping experience.
New toys, vintage items, Christmas decorations, puzzles, household items, and much more can be found at very reasonable prices and are put out daily. All proceeds from the gift shop support Valley Churches United’s nonprofit year-round food pantry. Details
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Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz Family, Our Adopt a Family Website is LIVE! Now’s your chance to make a difference this holiday season by adopting a family in need. Provide joy and essential items to local families facing tough times. Visit our website today and help bring holiday magic to those who need it most! Details
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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! December
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