ML Interest Tag: winter-solstice

30 Ways to Strengthen Your Family Bond Over the Holiday Season

by Leah R. Singer

The last month of the year is upon us, and December is the perfect time for fun family activities. From Christmas cookies to decking the halls and more, here are 30 family activities that are all about family bonding during the holidays.

Pexels via Pixabay

1. Hang your advent calendar and start the Christmas countdown. Here are a few creative Advent calendars your family will love.

2. It wouldn’t be the holiday season without baking. How about baking a pie? From razzpleberry to vegan chocolate, we’ve got your pie recipes.

3. Get creative with your Elf on the Shelf. Here are over 35 fun ways to set up your Christmas elf.

4. Start a new tradition where you play a Christmas game each day. Here are 21 games to entertain your family.

5. Giving Tuesday. Encourage your kiddos to gather spare change around the house and then decide, as a family, to give it to a local nonprofit organization.

perfectdaysphotography via Pixabay

6. Have a holiday book night. Grab seasonal books, make hot cocoa and pop popcorn for a family night in. Here are a few of our favorite holiday books for kids.

7. Get ready to cook for the holidays using everyone’s favorite kitchen appliance–the InstantPot. From appetizers to desserts, here are all the holiday recipes you’ll need.

8. Get artsy and crafty with these 11 holiday-inspired paper crafts.

9. Take a road trip or long drive exploring back roads and listen to our favorite Christmas songs and albums in the car.

10. Get out the pens and paper and write holiday greetings on Dec. 7, National Letter Writing Day. Write to Santa, grandparents or create your own holiday cards.

Leah Singer

11. Make and decorate a gingerbread house on National Gingerbread House Day on Dec. 12. Here are a few gingerbread-making tips and tricks to keep the holiday cheer simple and fun.

12. Decorate your Christmas tree with handmade ornaments. Here are 21 easy ornament crafts you can make at home.

13. Play winter games. From I Spy, Winter Edition to paper snowflakes and paint by number, here are 35 free and easy winter activities to do anytime.

14. Hanukkah begins the night of Dec. 22. Celebrate the Festival of Lights by spinning the dreidel and making potato latkes.

15. National Ugly Sweater Day is Dec. 20. Host an ugly Christmas sweater party for kids and parents in honor of the day. Need some ugly inspiration? We’ve got you covered with these hideous sweaters.

Leah Singer

16. Bake Christmas cookies and give cookie trays to friends and neighbors. Or host a cookie exchange. Here are 52 cookie recipes that will make mouths water.

17. Deck your halls for the holidays. Twinkle lights and garlands make great ways to decorate. Here are 18 holiday garlands and 20 DIY wreaths you can make with kids.

18. Take the kids to see a local production of “The Nutcracker.”

19. Visit your city’s neighborhood holiday light displays. Bundle up and bring along some hot chocolate for added spirit.

20. Get out the holiday favorites like “Frosty the Snowman,” “Home Alone” and “Elf” for family movie night.

Leah Singer

21. Celebrate Hanukkah by making your own menorah. Here are three easy menorahs you can make at home.

22. Make snack time a winter wonderland with these super cute snowman snacks.

23. Take the family outside the house for a photo session. Capture a few memories with Santa, in the snow or in a pine tree farm.

24. Adopt a family and raise money or donate toys to them.

25. Start a fancy new tradition with attending a holiday tea.

DarenMehl via Pixabay

26. Have a fire and tell a family story in honor of the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, on Dec. 21.

27. If you live in a snowy area, get outside and go sledding, build a snowman and make snow angels.

28. Make a Christmas song playlist and have a family dance party.

29. Get ready to light candles and celebrate Kwanzaa, which starts Dec. 26.

30. Host a kid-friendly New Year’s Eve party. Here are a few creative ideas for a fun bash to ring in the new year.

—Leah R. Singer

 

RELATED STORIES: 

20 Winter Wonderlands That Go Crazy for Christmas

The Most Dazzling Christmas Light Displays in America

30 Epic Gingerbread Houses You Have to See to Believe

Feature photo: Cottonbro via Pexels 

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‘Tis the Season for Science at Pacific Science Center

by Jeff Totey

If you feel like the days leading up Christmas are moving at warp speed, we can relate. But for kids, the holidays feel like they’re still five years away. If your kid crew is having a hard time controlling their excitement and cabin fever is already starting to set in, consider giving everyone a time out…of the house, with a visit to the Pacific Science Center. It may be just what everyone needs for a short-term distraction. The best part? PSC has tons of fun, festive and educational activities planned this month to keep little minds active and entertained. Read on for the deets.

photo: Pacific Science Center

Festive Décor & Holiday-Themed Activities 
This month, the Pacific Science Center has not only decked its halls, but its entire 7.1 acre campus with festive décor, including bright red poinsettias where you can learn the science behind these plants. See the power of liquid nitrogen up close at the Super Cold Live Science Stage Show or make a stop at the Tinker Tank to learn how to create your own pop-up Christmas cards. Over at the Laserium, you can groove to holiday tunes while gazing at a spectrum of laser lights during the Laser Winter Magic holiday presentation. And for curious little minds, winter-themed story times will delight tykes of all ages.

photo: Pacific Science Center

Go on a Virtual Vacation
Stop by the virtual reality micro-theater to explore other worlds without having to leave your seat. Take a trip to the stars and learn the science of the winter solstice at the Science on a Sphere and gaze at the night sky in the Planetarium. Psst…beginning on Dec. 15, you can take a trip to the Canadian Rockies via the IMAX theater to see Rocky Mountain Express.

Christmas Critters
While the weather outside might be frightful, you can warm up in the amazing and beautiful Tropical Butterfly House where the butterflies will be pretending to be ornaments and decorating various trees and plants. While you’re there, be sure to check out the iguana, box turtle and naked mole rats, because nothing says Christmas like naked mole rats. (Maybe this year someone will knit those guys some winter sweaters for Christmas.)

photo: Pacific Science Center

Candy Cane Chemistry
If you’re looking for some extra time to shop for presents for you-know-who, you might want to take advantage of PSC’s Parent’s Day Out event happening on Sat., Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Candy Cane Chemistry event will take kids through a series of “pepperminty experiments” that test which liquids dissolved candy canes the best. Kids will also learn why sugar gives them energy, watch an IMAX documentary on the subject and, of course, indulge in some sweet treats! Cost is $55/child or $45 for PSC members.

Snowball Central
To add to the fun this season, a brand new winter wonderland will be unveiled to the public beginning on Mon., Dec. 18 where a snow machine will be pumping out the fluffy stuff at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. each day through January 31. Challenge friends to a “snowball fight” where no one gets hurt or build your own igloos without freezing your hands off.

photo: Pacific Science Center

Fill Those Stockings With Science
The PSC gift shop features all kinds of science-y trinkets and toys for stocking stuffing. And many are items that you can’t really find anywhere else like MadMatter Play Doh, Insta-Snow Powder, an all-season snowman, dinosaur-shaped cookie cutters and fair trade ornaments, plus solar print kits, RC Mini Mips, science lab sets, science-themed tea infusers and so much more. Also, memberships to the PSC make great gifts and there is no worrying about getting the right size or color.

Good to Know:
‘Tis the Season for Science runs through December 31, 2017 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekends. Activities and experiences vary by day. Check the website for more info.

Pacific Science Center
200 Second Ave. N.
Seattle, Wa 98109
206-443-2001
Online: pacificsciencecenter.org

Admission: $21.95/Adults; $19.95/Seniors (65 & older); $15.95/Youth (6-15); $11.95/Child (3-5); 2 & under Free

Membership: A family membership is $139/year and covers two named adults and up to six named youth (ages 3-18). It also includes eight guest passes and 15 documentary IMAX movie passes.

Do you plan to visit the Pacific Science Center this month? What’s your family’s favorite exhibit? Tell us in the comments below. 

— Jeffrey Totey

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Today Is the Winter Solstice

by amynicosia

Daily
 
Today Is the Winter Solstice
It’s officially here!
1

Get lit with flashlight games perfect for a long winter’s night.

 
2

Be entertained and get inspired with the brand new animated movie SING, debuting in theaters today! Meet the characters and buy your tickets.
3
‘Tis the season for sweets. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a traditional yule log cake, one of our favorite things to bake when the weather outside is frightful.

{ Today’s ideas brought to you by Illumination’s SING }

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Let It Glow: Candle Traditions from Around the World

by Amber Guetebier

This time of year the days are shorter and the nights are longer so it’s no wonder that holiday celebrations around the world rely on candles to make them a little brighter. Since it’s Worldwide Candle Lighting Day, we rounded up a few different traditions from across the globe that are sure to light up your night. Scroll down to see what we learned.

photo: Partha Sarathi Sahana via flickr

Worldwide Candle Lighting

Organized by the Compassionate Friends Network, Worldwide Candle Lighting Day takes place every year on Dec. 11 and encourages people around the world to light a candle to honor a child who has passed away. Whether it’s a son or daughter, friend or stranger, grandchild or sibling, you can light a candle to honor lost loved ones. Candles are lit at 7 p.m. local time. This tradition was started in 1997 and has since become a global effort to bring compassionate and love to those who are grieving. Learn more here.

Diwali

Diwali is an ancient Hindu tradition that takes place in the late autumn in the northern hemisphere, typically in November. In 2016 it was held on Oct. 30.  Also called the Festival of Lights, it is a five day celebration of light over darkness and marks a time for making wishes for the coming year. The night before Diwali the home is cleaned and decorated. On Diwali night, people dress up and light diyas, or lamps and candles, inside and outside the home. Lamps that float are sent out on water with wishes to Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Families feast and often exchange gifts. Celebrated widely throughout India, Diwali is also celebrated among Hindus throughout the United States.

photo: hotzeplotz via flickr

Hannukah

Also called The Festival of Lights, the eight candles of the menorah represent the oil that burned for eight days instead of the one it should have. This is the miracle of light, the ability to triumph in the face of adversity and shine against darkness and evil. Each night, one candle is lit and games are played festive food is served. The celebration lasts for 8 days, and usually begins in late November to mid-December. This year it begins on Dec. 24.

photo: Miles Banbery via flickr 

Imbolc, or Brigid’s Day

The old Irish holiday of Imbolc, or St. Brigid’s Day, falls on Feb. 1. Originally named for the Goddess Brigid, also known as Brigit or Brighid, it is also celebrated by Catholics as St. Brigid’s Day and honors St. Brigid of Kildare. The day officially marks the beginning of spring and so candles are lit to represent the sun and longer days that will be ahead. It is one of the four fire festivals in Irish mythology with bonfires lit throughout the countryside. Candles and offerings are made to Brigid, including corn dollies fashioned in her likeness, both at home and in churches.

photo: Mr. TinDC via flickr 

St. Lucia Day

Nordic countries have a long tradition of celebrating the Winter Solstice. Today, on Dec. 13, many people in Sweden, Norway and parts of Finland celebrate St. Lucia Day, sometimes called St. Lucy’s Day, a traditional festival of lights. Each town and village chooses a St. Lucia who leads the town’s young girls on a procession. The Lucias are dressed in white with wreaths of lingonberry branches and candles (real candles are used for older kids, while smaller kids may use electric candles) around their heads. Boys dress as star boys, and very young girls will dress like Lucia minus the candles. Gingersnaps are the traditional treat for this day.

photo: Matt Pagel via flickr 

Kwanzaa

his week long celebration began in 1966-67. It is held over seven days, beginning on Dec. 26 and ending Jan. 1 and honors African American heritage and history. Celebrated throughout the U.S. and other parts of the Americas with music, dance and food shared throughout each of the seven days. The final night culminates in gift giving and a feast. Each day honors one of the seven principles of Kwaanza: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. The kinara is the candleholder which holds seven candles, with one being lit in honor of each of these principles. Cakes are a popular means for holding candles and become part of the feast.

What candlelit traditions do you celebrate? Share them with us in the comments below. 

—Amber Guetebier

 

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A Playground for the Senses: Tryon Creek State Park

by liz overson

While we hold onto every last vestige of autumn sunshine and the fresh air options that coincide, it’s also groovy to check out places that are delightful come rain or come shine. Exhibit A: Tryon Creek State Park. With a glorious tree canopy, flat, well-maintained trails, wooden footbridges galore and wildlife discoveries at every turn, this gem is open for nature-loving business all year and is mos-def a worthwhile adventure for you and yours whether the skies are blue or gray. A little rain never hurt anybody and neither did a good walk in the park.

Roam Around, Around, Around
Under the impressive stewardship of Friends of Tryon Creek this state park has been rocking and rolling on SW Terwilliger since the early 70s.  The FOTC team of staff, volunteers and Board of Directors work hard to keep the park all it is now known for; Trillium viewing and festivals, kid-friendly classes, camps, field trips and hikes, and an amazing (and free) outdoor, tree-laden resource for all of Portland.

On any given day you will see multigenerational families, leashed dogs, trail runners, horseback riders on designated trails, and Lewis & Clark staff and students all wandering and enjoying the amazing green space.  With trail maps explaining the many short and easy trails that can be combined for any length adventure, it is a very easy place to explore and exhale.

Hit the Trail
Our early autumn storms brought about changes to the forest and for the kidlets this means stumps to climb, forts to investigate and climbing options a-plenty.  Birds and beavers make for teachable moments for all of us and simply listening to the creek helps melt away the stresses of carpools, workweeks, and dinner dilemmas.  Four footbridges dot the trails and make for destinations and so does criss-crossing back and forth across the creek, the Maple Ridge Trail and Big Fir Trail (among many, many others).

Let’s Get Centered
Their Nature Center is ready for the mini canyoneers. Displays of deer, birds and beavers await. Super helpful volunteers will help coordinate your hike. Plus there’s a whole room dedicated to nature books, coloring and cutting, and a build-your-own-forest table. The kiddos will feel right at home checking it all out and here, too, are the only bathrooms.  Perfect pit stop all around.

For the Little Birds
Oregon State Parks run several fam-tastic guided walks each week at TCSP. On Fridays at 1:00 kiddos ages two to six (and their grown ups) are invited for a Story and Stroll that combines art, nature, music, and literature with outdoor play. Saturday morning at 10:00 boasts 90 minute guided nature walks with rotating themes for fresh air enthusiasts of any age. Kiddos welcome and parents must stick around as well. Make it a bonding moment and learn about moss, woodpeckers, lichen or the winter solstice.  Then pat yourself on the back for a superb morning.

A State Park and Then Some
Over winter break nature day camps abound. Their Annual Holiday Market is set for December 7 and 8 and classroom field trips are not only welcome, they are underwritten, with a field trip coordinator on staff.

Tryon Creek State Park is open everyday from 7:00 am. to dusk and the Nature Center is open everyday from 9:00 – 4:00 pm. Free, donations accepted. Easily accessible off of I5 at Exit 297.

11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd
Portland OR 97210
503-636-9886

What does your fam love to do at Tryon Creek State Park? Tell us in the comment section below.

— Liz Overson

Thank you for the photos Tryon Creek State Park Facebook page and Liz Overson.

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