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A resource for families in Santa Cruz County | |
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Today we get to set aside our boisterous, messy democracy and the unsettling, worldwide tensions and power struggles. We gather together with family and friends and give thanks for all that is good in our lives.
I'm thankful for the families I've met and know who are raising children with values, character and talents in preparation for a good future. Our community, country, the world needs these future citizens of good will.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends! Parmalee
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Ways to Help Our Friends in Ancient Lands | |
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Temple Beth El has created a diverse list of ways to give support to those who are suffering on the ground owing to the tragedies in Israel and resulting war in these lands with ancient histories. This list includes Israeli non-governmental organizations from humanitarian aid to medical aid, search and rescue, and soldier and civilian support for those who are suffering in the Holy Land. It is a start.
To review the entire list, go to https://www.tbeaptos.org/israel.html
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Anyone from Any Heritage or Culture
Can Have an Indoor Tree with Lights
and Ornaments which Celebrate Family Heritage and Culture
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That's right! Enjoy the beauty of twinkling white or colorful lights. Celebrate with ornaments special to your cultural and family heritage.
One of my neighbors always has chili pepper lights on her tree. A treasured wool serape ribbon is wrapped around the tree.The children add homemade angels, cacti, flowers, birds, crosses, hearts, and soccer players. Large, colorful paper flowers are sprinkled around. A tin star adorns the top.
About 20 years ago on a December evening, we invited new neighbors and their children to dinner. They had recently emigrated from Iran to America and spoke proudly of their Persian heritage and sadly of family members who had "disappeared." The children, Reza (5) and Neda (7) were mesmerized by our Chistmas tree and eagerly lobbied their parents for a tree. They said "Yes!" They had brought some Persian wall ornaments with them that would begin their Persian-American tree.
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A friend who's a walking encyclopedia on movies decorates with famous movie character ornaments.
If I were new to our country, I would want to combine ornaments of the country I came from with some from my new country. If I loved cats the majority of ornaments would be cats. If I were an inveterate traveler, even an armchair traveler, I would have mementos from favorite places on my tree.
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Nowadays I prepare an outside tree for the birds! Make your tree your own! | |
Fresh Cut Christmas Trees | |
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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 TREE FARMS
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Amahl and the Night Visitors | |
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This beautiful story-opera is a free and "families-must-attend" presentation by UCSC Arts.
Gian Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors
Sunday, December 3, 1 – 2pm and 3 – 4pm
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Audiences of all ages are invited to two free matinees of Gian Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors, one of the most frequently performed operas in the repertoire. The first-ever opera written for television, it premiered live on NBC December 24, 1951.
Amahl and the Night Visitors has been performed on every continent and in many languages, and has been seen by more people than any other opera in history. The story, told in 50 minutes, tells of the night the Three Kings, following the star to Bethlehem, stop for shelter at the home of Amahl, a poor, crippled shepherd boy who lives with his widowed mother.
Menotti’s beautiful score will be played and sung by UC Santa Cruz opera students and instrumentalists with special guests Jennifer Cass (harp), Ron Miller (clarinet) and others appearing in the chamber orchestra. The shepherd’s chorus will be sung in English by the University Concert Choir.
For more information, please visit: arts.ucsc.edu.
Directions and parking: https://arts.ucsc.edu/news_events/directions
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Heritage Holiday Craft & Gift Fair & Holiday Lights Walk Thru 2023, Friday & Saturday, December 1 & 2, 12pm -9pm; Lights come on at 5:30pm, Bring your family and friends to find one-of-a-kind special holiday gifts for everyone on your list. Enjoy great food and walk-thru the Holiday Lights display, Lights come on at 5:30pm. With three big buildings to shop, you will find crafts, gifts, antiques, collectibles, toys, and much more. Details
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Ornament Making Workshops, Saturdays from 10-11am and 3-4pm, All ages are welcome! Create these beautiful pieces to adorn your packages, a bottle of wine and of course, your Christmas tree! Class includes one hour studio time with various technique instruction, clay and first bisque firing. Book your own private party of 6 or more! The Art Factory Details
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Holiday Lights Train & New Years Train, November 24-26 & December 2-3, 9-10, 16-23, AND 26-31, 2023, plus January 1-3, 2024
Departing from the Boardwalk at 5:00pm, 6:30, and 8:00 pm , Join us on the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Details
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Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade, Saturday, December 2 from 10am – 12pm, Join the fun at the annual Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade. The traditional holiday parade is the official kickoff for the winter holidays celebration and the annual tradition of highlighting Santa Cruz County schools, youth based organizations and local nonprofits. The Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade draws 1,200 participants and over 3,000 spectators. Rain or Shine! Details
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Outdoor Holiday Market, Fri & Sat, 10am - 4pm, Nov 24 & 25, Enjoy this outdoor market with unique artisans and food trucks while taking in the spectacular view of the ocean. This one of a kind holiday market will be held in two parking lots along West Cliff drive and is always a popular spot for locals and tourists as it overlooks the famous Steamers Lane surf spot. Details
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Loma Prieta Holiday Craft Fair, December 2, 11am – 5pm, December 3, 5pm, Join us for the Loma Prieta Holiday Craft Fair at Loma Prieta Elementary! Get into the festive spirit and discover a variety of unique handmade crafts and gifts made by local artisans, including Lux in Latin. Details
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Holiday Glass Gift Sale, Saturday, December 2, 11am – 5pm, Celebrate the Holiday season with Chris Johnson Glass Studios! If you have art glass lovers on your holiday gift list list or are just looking for something unique and locally made, come check out our special holiday sale. We’ve been busy all month making small vases, paperweights, ornaments, glass hearts, and other gift-worthy creations. We even have some holiday pumpkins! Details
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Yule, the Wild North, Saturday, December 2 · 4 – 6:30pm
In our first of 2 Yuletide gatherings, we’ll delve into the Wintertide of yesteryear in the wild North, then enjoy crafting and baked goods!
Join us for Yule: The Wild North at The Felton Mercantile!
Let us gather to explore how those in northern Europe marked the dark, challenging days of winter with light, festivals, and rituals leading up to the winter solstice and the return of sunlight. Who were (or are) the elves of old, and why did they require sacrifice? How did Halloween lead to Christmas? What does Odin have to do with winter merriment? Find out on this journey through the Germanic and Nordic tapestry of history, folklore, and festivals.
For centuries, cultures have celebrated the winter solstice for it heralded the rebirth of the sun and assured the promise of warmer days, more light, and a new growing season. Marking this celestial event with ritual and celebration in the northern hemisphere may be as old as humankind.
Your presenter is local “wild authoress,” Kellie (K.M.) Rice. Her talk will offer insight and context for many traditions whose echoes survive in our modern Christmas and Wintertide celebrations. Details
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December in Mexico with Senderos, Saturday, December 2, 12 – 2pm,
We are delighted to invite you to our upcoming FREE community event, where we will be celebrating December in Mexico. It promises to be a wonderful celebration filled with traditional music, dance and delicious food. We look forward to seeing you. Free show ~ Food Sale, Details
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Splash with Santa & Holiday Market, Saturday, December 2, 12 – 4pm, Get ready for a festive splash of holiday cheer at our Splash with Santa event! The highlight of the event is our annual Holiday Market! More than 20 local artists and vendors will join us, offering a splendid array of quality and handmade holiday gifts from cozy candles to luxurious soaps, unique cutting boards, dazzling jewelry, and much more! And let’s not forget about the delicious treats from our delightful food vendors. Santa will be at the pool from 2pm-3pm, ready to pose for photos and spread holiday cheer! (Psst.. keep an eye out for other surprise guests too!) Details
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Aptos Craft Fair, Saturday, December 2, 1 – 4pm, Head to the Aptos Village Green to see local craft vendors, sip coffee or hot chocolate with your cookies and have a picture with Santa. Enjoy music, performances, and of course the tree lighting ceremony! Details
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