Tis’ the Season for Holiday Cards and family pictures.. We all know the difficulties of trying to get everyone to smile at the camera hoping for that one good shot that will make your card shine but when the proofs come in how do you choose the card you’ll use? The ones where the kids look best? Where everyone is at least looking at the camera? Check out how Trish chooses her card.
By: Kristen Berthiaume
In case you haven’t noticed, the holidays are right around the corner. Like, really soon. Hopefully, you’ve started your various preparations. If so, you may have noticed that no matter how many items you buy from your kid’s wish list, the list grows longer by the day. What’s a parent trying to create the perfect holiday (but still hoping to feed the family come January) to do? Here are some ideas for keeping things in perspective this holiday season.
Avoid commercials. Children’s programs are chocked full. I’m really not sure why shows bother with any content around this time a year – they’re just filler between commercials. Often, your kids will see the same commercials over and over, virtually guaranteeing that those toys, which just happen to be among the most expensive and the most in need of assembly, will wind up on the wish list. If your television system gives you the option of skipping ads, do it and teach your kids to fast forward commercials, too. If not, use commercial time for potty breaks, clean up breaks, snack breaks – any kind of break you can think of that does not involve watching the ads. If your kids do end up with some cheap plastic crap on their wish lists…
Manage wish list expectations. Many parents worry that telling their kids in advance that Christmas might be a little light this year will create anxiety that the family is in financial trouble but managing wish list expectations is possible without causing panic. When your child presents his five-page, single-space wish list written in Times New Roman size 9 font, feel free to compliment his organizational skills (and, maybe his imagination if he’s asked for something crazy like a trip to the North Pole or a share in your secret chocolate stash). Then explain that he won’t be able to get everything on the list because it would cost a lot and there wouldn’t be room in your house for it all. If you do the Santa thing, you can remind him that St. Nick has a lot of children to visit and can’t fit dozens of items for each one in his sleigh. Also, talk about how hard it would be to enjoy each item if you got so much all at once. Help your child prioritize some items from his list and, if possible, take those preferences into account as you finish up your shopping. Not only is it O.K. to leave them wishing for more, it’s actually a good thing. Getting everything we want doesn’t satisfy us – it only leaves us looking for the bigger and better. Give your child something to continue hoping for (or, better yet, working or saving up for!).
Give and Get. An idea that I loved from another article was this: for every item your child lists on her wish list, have her also write one idea for how she’s willing to help others like donating gently used toys or raking leaves for a neighbor, or how she’ll contribute to the family for the holidays. She wants all eight Harry Potter books? She’ll also need a list of eight kind things she can do for others. Keep the helping list visible and check items off as your child does them. Give her gentle reminders but, as much as possible, let her be responsible for actually seeking out others to help. While you’re at it – make your own list. I know you want stuff, too, and you’ll find opportunities to help every day. Make this fun, not an obligation, and you’ll be surprised how into it your kids get!
Expand the meaning of “gift” to also mean “gifts.” Letting your child use his talents to entertain and help others allows him to really participate in the giving process and is much more meaningful than just signing his name to a tag. Think of things your child enjoys or is good at and find ways to “give” that skill to others. Arts and crafts are always a hit but also consider whether your child might write a poem or story or sing or dance to a song as a gift to someone special. Babysitting (when your child is old enough), cleaning up, assisting with a project, helping with a party, organizing an outing for younger kids, baking a treat: these are all free or low-cost gifts your child can give with a little planning and some supervision. You can also consider having your child pay for a portion (a small portion) of the gifts he is giving others using his allowance money. Younger kids often enjoy being included this way, although older ones tend to be a bit Scroogy (my gift to you is this made up word. Feel free to use it as you like) with their money so don’t force the issue.
Try to avoid the “Santa knows” trap. There are plenty of children out there who’ve done what they were supposed to most of the time – said please, cleaned up, tried their peas – but this good behavior won’t necessarily be reflected by what’s under the tree, depending on their family’s financial situation and philosophy on gift-giving. Likewise, there are lots of kids – you may know a couple – who suddenly act like angels the week before Christmas but have been holy terrors the other 359 days of the year. Many will, inevitably, be rewarded for their 168 hours of tolerable behavior with a mountain of the hottest toys. If you go the “naughty or nice” route and run into a year where you can’t afford to give as much as usual or if your child’s friends get more than she does, she may interpret the lower toy to child ration to mean she’s being punished for bad behavior. Deal with discipline issues as you do the rest of the year and let Christmas presents be about generosity – whether they come from you or the Big Guy in Red.
Take stock now – before it’s too late! Your child’s room is about to be faced with an onslaught of new toys with literally thousands of tiny parts that break off and scatter to the four corners of the earth. This is your only chance to assess what’s currently missing, broken, or unused before it’s buried under a heap of not-yet-but-soon-to-be missing, broken, or unused stuff! Taking inventory now will help remove some clutter to make room for new items and clue you in to how your child is taking care of what he already has so you’ll know what new toys he might (or might not!!) be ready for. Do the reconnaissance now – you’ll be glad you did!
Consider gifting experiences. Think of the things your child is always asking to do (mine wants to go camping. I am not a camper. At least not a happy one) and give some of those this year. Make a coupon book that your child can use during the year for various free or low-cost activities he’d enjoy. For some activities (e.g., going on a nature hunt) you may have to include specific dates that the coupon can be used, depending on your schedule. Need ideas for activities? Be sure to check out the Birmingham Mommy weekly calendar!
On my Wish List for you and your family is a fun, stress-free (Low stress? Lower-than-usual-stress?) holiday season and the knowledge that your kids will survive even if they don’t get thisonetoythateveryoneelseisgettingandIabsolutelymusthave. And you’ll survive, too. Focus on the things that are special about the holidays to you and, eventually, your kids will find that stuff important, too. When you think back on your favorite holiday memories, they probably have little to do with the size of your toy pile or whether every item on your wish list was checked off, and more to do with being together with loved ones and having fun experiences. The holidays don’t have to be cost a lot in order to be memorable and, in fact, often it’s the free, unplanned moments that end up meaning the most.
About this column: Send your parenting- and kid-related questions my way and I’ll tell you what I can: parentingwithaphd@gmail.com Please be aware that email is not a secure method of transmitting personal information so it’s best to keep your questions general. If your question is featured, your name and email will not be published. Submitting a question does not constitute a professional relationship in any way and this column is not meant to substitute for face-to-face therapy. If you feel you’re doing the best you can and still need help, it may be time to bring in a professional. Start by talking with your child’s pediatrician to get a referral.
Kristen Berthiaume, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist with Grayson and Associates (www.graysonmentalhealth.com). She obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Kentucky. She completed a predoctoral internship in clinical psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a post- doctoral fellowship in the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) Program at Duke University Medical Center. She specializes in providing assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and families dealing with the following issues: ADHD, learning disorders, social skill deficits, organizational problems, behavioral difficulties, anxiety, and depression. She generally focuses on behavioral and cognitive- behavioral techniques, but maintains a flexible approach to therapy. Her other day job is as mom to her five-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son.
Nothing’s worse than showing up to a party with identical appetizers- that won’t happen with this unique spin on a bacon and swiss dip!
10 slices bacon
1 pkg cream cheese, softened
1/2 c mayo
2 tsp dijon mustard
1 1/2 c swiss cheese, shredded
4 green onions
1/2 c smoked almonds, chopped
Fry and drain the bacon, then crumble.
Mix everything else with the bacon and put it in a 13×9 pan, bake for 15 minutes.
Throw a few crushed almonds on top for appearance.
Serve with crackers.
This cute little book would make a great gift for your children. It is an illustrated guide to manners for young kids, and it’s written in a way that they will understand. It covers topics ranging from the “Magic Words” all the way to how to introduce people and eat in restaurants.
To learn more about the author or the Mom’s Choice Award book, visit her site.
To win this adorable read:
1. Leave a Comment here on this post.
2. Head to the author’s Facebook page and comment there, thanking her for the giveaway.
Contest ends at Tuesday, December 18th at 6pm. Winner will be notified via email and Facebook. Book will be mailed directly to the winner.
Editors Note: We ran a very similar article on our site after the shootings in Colorado. We don’t think there is a single parent that has heard the news about the Elementary School in Connecticut, that hasn’t felt the impact if this tragedy today. We’ve asked Kristen Berthiaume, our Parenting with a PhD Contributor to re-address this article to help guide you through having a conversation with your child, if you feel that they are able to handle the information.
Helping your child deal with a Tragedy
You may have had the urge to check your kids out of school a bit early today – a feeling I totally share with you. The horrible tragedy that occurred this morning in Newton, Connecticut, has had a huge impact on people across the nation. My FB feed is filled with parents vowing to hug their babies close tonight and debates about how something like this could have happened.
Among the many concerns going through your mind right now may be how to address this topic with your kids should it come up at the dinner table tonight or some time over the next few days. This article is an update on the one I wrote in July following the Aurora, Colorado, shootings. It seems like this is a topic that needs to be explored pretty frequently, huh? Here are some ideas for managing this most recent tragedy, which probably hits even closer to home for many of us since it occurred in an elementary school.
Younger Kids: With kids under 7, it’s better to limit exposure to information about this kind of tragic event as much as possible. Give your child something to do in a different room while you watch or listen to the news stories and avoid discussing it in front of him. If you suspect he has already heard about the incident or if he brings it up, tell what happened in very simple language. Try giving only the main facts like, “A man brought a gun to a school in Connecticut and hurt some people.” Reiterate that this event did not happen locally as it is common for young children to get confused about that kind of thing. Ensure that your child knows this did not happen at his or her school. Answer questions but don’t give details. It isn’t necessary to lie but you don’t need to give your child more information than he can handle. Let him express the feelings he’s having and then reassure him that he can trust you and the other adults who care for him to look out for his safety. Then, get him involved in something else so he doesn’t dwell on the issue
Older Kids: Kids 7 and older are often quite aware of what’s being said on the news and by adults, and may be eager for information. Before you talk about a tragedy like what occurred in Connecticut, know your child and her comfort zone. Most kids will need you to give only a few details at a time along with the opportunity to digest and ask questions. Continue giving only enough information to satisfy curiosity and to help your child deal with the feelings she’s having. Make sure you’re supportive of your child’s feelings, even if they make you uncomfortable or you don’t understand why she feels that way. Talking about your own emotions using age appropriate language will provide comfort, especially when you also tell your child how you’re dealing with those feelings. Don’t tell your child that you can prevent bad things from happening to her – most will know that’s a lie. Do talk about how unlikely it is that she will be hurt or killed at school. Remind her of all the days she’s gone to school (or the movies or the park or the mall) without incident. Provide information about safety measures that are in place in your home, your child’s school, and in public places that you frequent. If you’re not sure about emergency procedures at your child’s school, ask an administrator or teacher. You’ll appreciate the peace of mind and can give better information to your child. Watch for signs that your child is becoming upset over the conversation and encourage her to take breaks when that happens. Consider using some of the following strategies to help her calm down:
• Take deep breaths
• Flex and relax each muscle group in the body one at a time, starting with the face and going all the way to the toes
• Listen to music
• Visualize something relaxing and enjoyable, like going to the beach. Think about the sights, sounds, smells, and textures you’d encounter.
• Shoot hoops, play catch, hit tennis balls, hula hoop, run, or cartwheel. Be active!
• Come up with some positive self-talk statements your child can use when she needs reassurance. Write them down and keep them somewhere she can find them easily. Some suggestions: “I need to relax,” “I can handle this,” “I am safe,” or “I can get help if I need it.”
Teenagers: Teenagers are generally able to handle most details of a tragedy like the shooting in Connecticut; however, it’s better not to force them to talk about it if they don’t seem interested. Let them know that you’re open to discussing it and check-in on how they’re handling things. You might try sharing your own feelings on the matter and see if the discussion takes off from there. Don’t think you must have an answer to the question, “Why would someone do that?” should it arise. Teens are able to accept that there are no simple answers to complicated issues. One thing to be prepared for is the different kinds of reactions your teen might have. He may be sad for the loss of life or express anxiety about going to school (or other places) for fear that he will be hurt. Many teens will be angry at the injustice of innocent people being hurt and killed. For these reactions, the techniques presented in the “Older Children” section for managing strong emotions should be helpful.
Be aware that some teens will appear apathetic about the occurrence and may even make statements like, “People die all the time.” Remember that this attitude may not reflect how your child truly feels. It’s possible that he’s having a hard time expressing himself, is embarrassed by his feelings, or just wants to state an opposing viewpoint to yours. Whichever explanation is true, letting the discussion happen naturally instead of forcing it will have the best results. Most concerning will be those teens who seem to identify with the shooter or blame the victims. If your teen responds in one of these ways, try not to freak out. In most cases, he is probably testing to see how you’ll take what he says. Teenagers are at a stage of cognitive development when they’re exploring the different ways to look at a situation and, particularly, the ways that their viewpoints might differ from those of their parents. Try to see this reaction as a mental exercise and not as evidence that your child doesn’t care about others. If he seems open to it, gently push him to go further with the discussion. Ask how he might feel if someone he cared about had gotten hurt or killed. Talk about how you would feel. Discuss how the people who witnessed or were injured or whose family members were killed might feel and how their lives might change as a result. Relate this tragedy to significant events your child has experienced, even though they probably will not be as traumatic. Help him remember how he felt at those times. Don’t expect an “Aha!” moment – it might take time for your child to gain perspective.
Certainly, if your teen seems to strongly identify with the shooter or expresses pleasure that the man “got revenge,” it is important that he talk with a therapist as soon as possible. Although he may be making such statements for attention, it is also possible that he has had thoughts of hurting himself or others, is feeling like an outsider, or wants to get revenge against someone. A mental health professional can assist in determining whether your child is at risk for dangerous or destructive behavior.
Kids who have heard about the shooting may be uneasy about going to school on Monday, which is completely understandable. You may be feeling uneasy about sending them. Validate the feelings your child is having and allow her to express them without criticism. Keep in mind that allowing your child to avoid school due to fear may send the message that school is an unsafe place and that she will be in danger if she goes. Also, the longer she stays out, the more difficult it will be to go back. Do your best to send her on Monday and each day afterwards will get easier. Remind her about safety procedures in place and that there are adults who care about her and will help take care of her at school. Try to rely on the rational versus the emotional part of your brain during this discussion, which will help her to do the same.
Regardless of your child’s age, keep in mind that news shows are geared towards adults and may not be appropriate for kids or teens. If possible, filter the information your child gets by limiting his exposure to media coverage of the tragedy. Be especially mindful about turning off the news if your child seems to become obsessed with learning details about the tragic event. Get him outside, active, and involved in something else to remind him that life is still going on around him.
One positive that can come from this kind of tragedy is the opportunity to talk with your child about gun safety. This is a conversation every parent should have regardless of your feelings on gun laws or whether there are guns in your house. The website www.kidsandguns.org has several tips for talking with your kids about guns, as well as information for parents on keeping kids safe from gun-related injuries.
If your child is having a great deal of difficulty dealing with a tragedy or is limiting her activities as a result, it would be a good idea to seek counseling. In the case of something like the school shooting in Connecticut, your child might need only short-term treatment but he will probably feel better faster with some outside assistance. Also, therapy can teach your child coping skills for being resilient in the face of future tragic events. And, remember, if you’re trying to help your child navigate the rough waters of tragedy and loss but find that you’re having a tough time yourself, consider seeking your own help. You can’t coach your child if you’re barely treading water.
Kristen Berthiaume, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist with Grayson and Associates (www.graysonmentalhealth.com). She obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Kentucky. She completed a predoctoral internship in clinical psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a post- doctoral fellowship in the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) Program at Duke University Medical Center. She specializes in providing assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and families dealing with the following issues: ADHD, learning disorders, social skill deficits, organizational problems, behavioral difficulties, anxiety, and depression. She generally focuses on behavioral and cognitive- behavioral techniques, but maintains a flexible approach to therapy. Her other day job is as mom to her five-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son.
We’ve all tasted the dreaded Oreo Truffle. Let’s be honest, we’ve shoved handfuls in our mouths when we thought no one was looking. They’re very easy and are a great crowd pleaser. This would be a fun treat to make with your kids, and leave some for Santa too!
OREO TRUFFLES (from food.com)
By Harmony Hobbs:
Our oldest child is 4 years old and is fully aware that Santa Claus is a make-believe character who we pull out once a year, just for fun.
This was my doing. Last year, I flat out told him that Santa was imaginary. We were walking into a Kohl’s store when I said it. Husband was mad at me, but I’m sorry, I simply cannot keep up that kind of charade.
I’m really, really terrible at a lot of things, and one of them is creating childhood magic. It’s not something I’m proud of.
The thing is, my kid isn’t the kind of kid you want to lie to. He would never trust us again — as it is, he already questions everything we say. I can’t imagine the hell he would put us through, should he have GOOD REASON to think we’ve fibbed. In addition, I don’t want my kid to be the one whose world crumbles when he learns from another kid at school that Santa isn’t real. I don’t want him to put the pieces together and figure out his parents have been lying to him all these years. Just thinking about that makes me so sad.
Until last year, it was a non-issue. But then he started asking direct questions (at the tender age of three) like, “How can he fit into our chimney? Isn’t the chimney dirty? Our roof is so tiny! Where will reindeer stand while they wait? Wait … what about the houses that don’t have chimneys?! Do those kids not get presents?!”
I just couldn’t look into his big hazel eyes and lie. I tried, but I think I’m missing that mommy gene that makes it easy to create enchantment. I just feel like they are better off knowing the truth from the beginning … and so … my kids know. But don’t worry, we aren’t entirely lacking holiday cheer! We will still set out cookies on Christmas Eve — someone will mysteriously eat them. Sparkly gifts will appear under the tree overnight. Christmas will be as magical as it can possibly be with a mother who was born with a heart three sizes too small.
Now, if only we could make sure our kids don’t spoil the magic for YOUR kids. Thinking about that possibility makes me and my too-small heart want to crawl under a table and hide.
About Harmony:
Harmony is a stay-at-home mom to two boys (with a third child arriving in June!). Her sanity is in question. That’s putting it mildly. Visit her blog at Modern Mommy Madness.
The annual Holiday film series has kicked off at the Alabama Theatre and they have a great lineup this year! We are happy to offer up 4 tickets to see Elf.. Always a Holiday favorite!
After inadvertently wreaking havoc on the elf community due to his ungainly size, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole is sent to the U.S. in search of his true identity.
The tickets we have up for grabs are for the 7:00pm show on December 20th. Please do not enter if you know you can’t make it that night.
To Enter:
1. Leave a comment here letting us know you want them.
2. Extra entry if you can name just one other movie in the Alabama Theatre Holiday Series.
Giveaway will end Thursday, December 13th at 6pm. Winner will be notified via email and tickets will be mailed.
These are super simple and super cute.. My kids absolutely loved making them and arranging the
ir beads.
What you’ll need:
Various shapes of metal cookie cutters – Must be metal and not coated
Plastic beads. Opaque or translucent. We used pony beads and they worked great.
Thin wire to make hooks. We used ornament hooks that we had on hand.
Cookie Sheet
What you’ll do:
Preheat over to 425 degrees
Place your cookie cutter on the cookie sheet ON TOP of your wire/hook and fill the inside of the cutter with your beads. Single layered and get them as compact as you can but don’t worry if there are a few little gaps around the edges, when they melt they will fill in. They can be flat or on their side. Does not matter, as long as they are single layer.
Place your cookie sheet in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Ours were perfect after 22 minutes.
Once they come out of the oven. Let them cool COMPLETELY before removing from the cookie sheet or the cutter. Trust me on this one. Don’t get impatient. Once they are COMPLETELY cooled, they will pop right out.
Hang on tree, enjoy!
* Open a window if you can. Melty beads stink…
It’s so hard to believe the we are closing out another year’s worth of weekly calendars. As things are picking up for you in your preparation for the upcoming holidays, parties, and family gatherings, things are winding down for us here at BirminghamMommy. This will be our last full calendar of 2012. Make sure to follow us on Facebook. We’ll be posting various events there between now and the end of the year.
Thank you so much for coming back here each week and making us a part of your routine! We look forward to seeing you in the New Year!
Winter Scavenger Hunt – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Enjoy a short walk outside and search for answers to the clues from Ruffner’s Winter Scavenger Hunt. Once you have found all the answers, return your paper to the front desk and claim your prize! Perfect for children of all ages. Scavenger sheets will be at the front desk. The scavenger hunt will be on-going, from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.
Elf Magic Party – Wrapsody Hoover
Santa, Jingle & Jangle will join us for the afternoon, 1pm ’til 4pm for Complimentary Photos, Face Painting, Snacks, Door prizes & Merry Fun!
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Character Kids – Gardendale Public Library
A fun interactive program for kids K5, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. Ms. Molly uses character development through games, stories, science, and more.
3:30pm
Toddler Tales – North Shelby Library
A story program for children and a caregiver. Stories, songs, finger plays and crafts make up a lively program designed especially for short attention spans. Best suited for ages 19 months to 3 years. Must Register
9:30am and 10:30am
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Jingle Bell Rock Variety Show – Hoover Public Library
Our talented staff stars in an evening of holiday hilarity. Stick around after the show for Season’s Eatings and Greetings with Santa.
6:30pm
Elf – Alabama Theatre
Part of the 2012 Holiday Film series, see Elf. After inadvertently wreaking havoc on the elf community due to his ungainly size, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole is sent to the U.S. in search of his true identity.
Tickets are $8.00 at the door, $8.25 in advance
7pm
Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us for the best part of your week with stories that make you laugh and songs that make you dance! Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome. For large groups, a call to 332-6619 is nice.
10:30am
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Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Once upon a time, there were three hungry dinosaurs: Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur and a dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway. This new take on a fairytale classic is so funny and so original it could only come from Mo Willems!
11am
Family Story Time with Mr Mac – North Shelby Library
Storyteller Extraordinaire – Come join Mr Mac and his musical storytime complete with puppets! All Ages, no registration required.
10:45am
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Home Alone – Alabama Theatre
Part of the 2012 Holiday Film series, see Home Alone. An 8-year-old boy, who is accidentally left behind while his family flies to France for Christmas, has to defend his home against idiotic burglars.
Tickets are $8.00 at the door, $8.25 in advance
7pm
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Storytime with NeNe – Whole Foods
NeNe is back and better than ever! Join Whole Foods most Fridays’ for storyday! There will be storyboards, songs and snacks!
10am
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Bart’s Books – Birmingham Museum of Art
Willie was different. Bart’s Books is a storytelling program for families with children ages 4-7. Bart selects a new book and related work of art each month for kids to enjoy.
11am
Polar Express Pajama Party – McWane Science Center
The Polar Express Pajama Parties have become a holiday tradition for the entire family. Put on your pajamas and treat yourself to hot-chocolate, cookies and a visit with Santa. Make sure to bring your camera for pictures! Special treats will be given to all kids who wear their pajamas!
Advanced reservations are required. Call (205) 714-8414 or click HERE for tickets.
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm (Movie Time: 3:00 pm)
Cost: $11 Adults, $10 Kids (Members get $1 OFF)
Happy Holidays – Railroad Park
Come out and enjoy Railroad Park this holiday season! We will have karaoke, games, holiday photos and gingerbread house displays by the Culinard, the Culinary Institute of Virginia College in Birmingham, Alabama! Plus, we will have live improv comedy from the Extemporaneous Theatre Company, live music from The Haulers, and 103.7 The Q will be on-site all day long!
Food will be available for purchase at George’s Boxcar Café plus we will have free give-a-ways.
Special thanks to The Birmingham Business Resource Center, 1037 The Q, Culinard, the Culinary Institute of Virginia College in Birmingham, Alabama, Holt AV/Video, Bud’s Best Cookies, Fun Source, Lynsey Weatherspoon Photography, Gary Woods and Tan Crowder Photography.
Cereal and Cartoons – Homewood Public Library
Join us for a morning of watching our favorite cartoons and munching on some delicious cereal. Dry cereal only, no milk will be served.
9am – 12pm
Saturday Market – Pepper Place
Pepper Place Saturday Market brings the best local growers, food producers and artisans to you each Saturday morning. Rain or shine! Thru December 15th
7am – Noon
Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.
Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
One day, Lily saw something wonderful in her garden. It had four legs, a tail and a big, wet nose — and Lily had always wanted one!
11am
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Briarwood Annual Community Fall Festival
Briarwood presents the 24th Annual Community Christmas Festival. The 100+ voice Adult Choir will be joined by the Briarwood Ballet and the Alabama Philharmonic Orchestra in a musical celebration of the Christmas story. This year’s program, entitled How Great Our Joy!, will include favorites such as “Carol to the King,” “How Far Is It To Bethlehem?” “Love Came Down at Christmas,” the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah and much more.
There is no admission charge. The public is invited.
6:30pm
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McWane Science Center:
IMAX
McWane Science Center’s IMAX® Dome Theater puts you in the center of the action by projecting breathtaking quality images onto the 5-story-tall dome screen and delivering intense surround sound through almost 3 tons of speakers and subwoofers.
Now Showing: The Last Reef, Santa and the Snowman, Rocky Mountain Express
The Tornadoes of April 27th – Looking Back — Moving Forward, a new exhibit at McWane Science Center, reflects on the experiences of the April 27th, 2011 storms. The exhibit shares personal stories from those who experienced the devastation of the storms firsthand, while emphasizing the importance of tornado preparedness and explaining the science behind tornadoes.
Photos and stories from The Birmingham News help tell the story of the storms and the affect they had on survivors, volunteers, and the community as a whole. Students from Daniel Payne Middle School also help tell the story of their school and community through photos and artifacts from the storm for the exhibit. UAB students worked with the children from Daniel Payne Middle School to create short documentaries that can be seen in the exhibit as well.
In addition to sharing the personal stories from that day, the goal of this exhibit is to inform the community about how to prepare for extreme weather conditions, explaining the science of tornadoes and stressing awareness.
With vivid displays, the exhibit allows visitors the opportunity to learn about the scientific side of tornadoes. Graphics within the exhibit illustrate tornado formation and anatomy, educating visitors on how such extreme weather conditions develop. Additionally, the exhibit displays statistics and disputes common myths concerning the destructive storms.
Guests can watch live video from the storms that rolled across our state on April 27th, 2011, including the
weather forecasts from that day and actual images of the tornado as it made its way through our area provided by FOX6 WBRC. The exhibit is located in the City Gallery on Level 2 of the museum this summer.
Be Ready Alabama Exhibit Presented by:
The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
www.readyalabama.org
Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog
Join Clifford, Emily Elizabeth, and all their friends in the Adventures with Clifford The Big Red Dog™ exhibit! Featuring the people and places of the beloved children’s book and PBS Kids television series, this new interactive exhibit brings Clifford’s home on Birdwell Island to life with playful activities and enchanting environments for early learners to explore.
Winter Wonderland
Snow is in the forecast at McWane Science Center this year with the return of the Winter Wonderland exhbit. This magical holiday experience gives families a chance to learn about the science of the season together as they play in the snow, go ice fishing, and watch toy trains zip around the tracks.
Winter Wonderland offers something for everyone in the family to enjoy together. Inside the snow room, children can make snow angels, build snow castles and more. Children can catch fish through the ice in the ice fishing area.
Guests can even sled down the giant slide between the third and second floors in the museum or try the zip line.
Families also have a chance to see toy trains of every shape and size zipping around the tracks in the Magic of Model Trains area. This year children will be able to become conductors at one of the new stations and also see several new additions to the train sets.
Winter Wonderland Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday 10 AM – 5 PM
Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 6 PM
Birmingham Zoo:
Lorikeet Aviary – Our Lorikeet Aviary has more birds than ever! Zoo guests can feed these exotic birds every day. You and your family will see these birds’ behavior as they eat nectar out of your hand.
Weekends 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.
RHINO ENCOUNTER – Embark on an African adventure and experience one of the world’s most extraordinary animals, the Southern White Rhino. Watch from only feet away as our zookeepers engage in hands-on interaction with the animals inside their African-themed exhibit. Don’t miss this exciting encounter with one of the largest mammals on the planet!
Weekdays: 3pm – 3:30pm
Weekends: 11:30am – Noon & 3pm – 3:30 pm
GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am & 2pm – 3pm
Vulcan Park and Museum:
Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue; made of 100,000 pounds of iron and 56 feet tall, he stands at the top of Red Mountain overlooking the city of Birmingham. But, Vulcan is more than a statue. Vulcan Park and Museum features spectacular views of Birmingham, an interactive history museum that examines Vulcan and Birmingham’s story, and a beautiful public park for visitors and locals to enjoy. With an official information center that is operated by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Vulcan Park and Museum serves as the first stop for visitors to the Birmingham area!
Railroad Park:
Railroad Park is a 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city. Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, the park is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. Hailed as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family activities, concerts, and cultural events, while connecting Birmingham’s downtown area with Southside and UAB’s campus.
Southern Museum of Flight:
Earn Your Wings – Bring your little pilot and soar above the clouds in our little pilots room. Kids enjoy building aircrafts, flying kites, and more.
Museum Open Tuesday – Thursday
9:30am – 4:30pm
Do you have or know of an event you would like to have added to our weekly calendar? Please email us at contact@birminghammommy.com, subject line “Events Calendar” – We would love to hear from you!
** All information listed on our calendar is subject to change without notice to us or you… We do our best to keep the information accurate and will always update as soon as we learn that something has changed. It’s always best to double check with the event via their website or a quick call, especially when weather can impact the event.
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