Sizing Down My Holidays 12/2 to 12/ 10
Hey Kids! is a weekly feature looking at what’s coming up for families and kids of all ages.
Hello Mission Families-the winter holiday season is upon us in all his glorious madness. Nary a turkey has passed me by, and I am already exhausted.
The first Monday of every January, when I can barely roll my bones out of bed to get Ernesto ready for school, I pledge that I will take the next one in stride, I will make time to relax, I will reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and blah, blah blah…
And when December peeks and I get sucked into the vortex of silliness that this season seems to engender in even the sanest of us.
But this year I have a barely imaginable ally: this awful economy. This time of transition and uncertainty, which causes me worry and anxiety on so many levels, is doing one thing for me: it is showing that when resources are scarce they must go to what matters most..
So this year, there was no elbowing on Black Friday nor browsing on Cyber Monday, and there will be no crazed dashing from cringle to cookie exchange, nor splurging on trunks and troves the lack of which I will never feel.
Rather, I will mind and nurture that without which I cannot be: my son, my husband, my faraway family, my friends and my work.
This week’s picks, mostly free or very reasonably priced, all want conversation and closeness with our little darlings.
Enjoy!
Exploring Traditions Together
Hanukkah started yesterday and Chabad SF is sponsoring a week long menorah lighting in Union Square lasting through December 8. Children will be able to light their own menorah.
Making Cards Together
I have a large mirror right in front of the entrance door which I basically purchased as a card holder. So I am thrilled that the folks at Bernal Library are determined to keep paper greetings customs alive! Children 4 and up can learn how to make holiday cards this Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Shaping Crafts and Arts Together
The Glen Park Library will offer a make and take holiday crafts program on Saturday. Lace a crepe paper flower wreath, needle felt an angel or build a tree ornament, while enjoying refreshments from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Little Lane Studios, on Ivy at Octavia in Hayes Valley, opens its doors for drop in family art making on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Every week a different project or medium will be featured during “family fun sessions (that) focus on teaching skills for printmaking, painting, environmental art with found objects, botanical collage…”. You can drop in any time and stay as long as you want and all for a very reasonable $8 per class.
Building Gingerbread Together
There are lots of gingerbread house options out there, but for Ernesto and me nothing beats the freshly baked building material at the delightful green print shop Autumn Express on Mission and 16th. The workshop is not until Friday December 10, but you should reserve early as space is limited. The cost is $30 per house.
Taking Tea Together
My mother in law is British, and with time, she has infused a love for this most civilized of afternoon rituals. This year we will introduce Ernesto to this family tradition. Local Lovejoy’s Tea Room in Noe Valley is my favorite spot and at $13.95 for kids under 10, also the best bargain.
Hopping Parties Together
Paxton Gate Curiosities for Kids will thank its little patrons with a holiday party on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
For some more hopping, this is Super Saturday for ODC’s The Velveteen Rabbit at Yerba Buena, which means that select orchestra seats can be had for $15 for the 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. performances.
Gifting for Good
If books are your favorite gift to give and receive, visit the Booksmith on Haight Street this Saturday and mention Grattan Elementary School at check out to ensure that 20% of your purchase will go to benefit its programs.
Singing Together
Starting tonight and through Sunday you can head to the Castro Theatre at 7 p.m. for the Sound of Music sing-along. Ernesto and I did Grease a couple of weeks ago and he’s still humming Summer Nights. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children.