Let's make a tradition...surviving Christmas vacation with a few favorite things

Merry Christmas!

I am obviously writing this a few days before that fun day, because I'm not actually going to blog on Christmas! Hope you are enjoying bright happy faces and lots of yummy turkey right now. I know I am.

Now, next up...
Christmas break!

Oh how excited I used to be at those words! As a child, it meant two weeks off from school, and even though I was desperately missing my friends by the end of it, two weeks without homework was well worth the price. Besides, I had a younger brother who would play whatever I wanted (Barbies, etc.), so yeah, it was awesome.

Then I became a grownup and went to work. Christmas break got much shorter, but it was still the time of year my husband and I would make an effort to travel to see our families.

Then I had kids. And even though I still say, "Yay! Christmas break!" suddenly, there's much more pressure to fill those long winter days.

Well, I've got just the ticket for families of all ages, because, let's face it, I am a playdate guru at this point, and I've learned what a variety of ages like. So here's a few spots to hang on a cold winter's day that do not involve shopping (besides, you already know where to take yourself shopping after a month of heavy practice).

The AMC at Quail Springs has 24 theaters!

Let's go to the movies - Don't you dare groan at me. I am a movie buff. A fanatic! Unlike many parents who give up trips to the theater when they give up their car to carseats, my husband and I still make monthly trips to the big screen (courtesy of some very awesome in-laws). This is a time of year where film studios pull out the big guns, which means inspirational, exciting, and kid-friendly stuff is in abundance. Your kid might be old enough for inspiring movies like Unbroken, but if not, the Penguins of Madagascar and the new Annie are pretty entertaining fare as well.


Arctic Edge is the perfect skating destination.

Let's skate - I will admit, as a former competitive figure skater, that ice skating is high on my list of fun, simply because I know I'm not going to spend much time on my butt (you know, until I try some of my old tricks; oh, and my back will hurt for days after doing a layback spin!). Watching my kiddos start to get their own feet under them and the amazing way my husband never seems to struggle after spending years at a time off the ice (I despise those born athletes sometimes!) is a fun gig for our family. So get brave! Or get a little Frozen inspired. Then, after you hit the ice (hopefully not literally), go get cocoa or Mexican food or whatever makes you warm and cozy inside.

Science Museum Oklahoma

Edmond Historical Society 

Let's get smart and have fun - Okay, I'm a sucker for history and science! A writer like me has to be, or we wouldn't get all inspired by the past and present and create articles and books about them (I am convinced that in my next life, I will either return as an archaeologist or geneticist--fascinating stuff!) My favorite spot in Edmond for history is obviously the Edmond Historical Society, which has the coolest mini "Old West" town for younger kids. Then, just down the way is the Science Museum of Oklahoma, with items and activities of interest for all ages (if you hurry, you can still do the Olympic display upstairs, where my husband and I have enjoyed racing our two-year-old in the 50-yard dash. BTW - no current or future track stars in this family).

So get a positive attitude, drag yourself out of the house, and have some more holiday fun. If you're inclined to get outside, remember that most of the local light displays will run through the New Year. And if it's just too darn cold and blizzardy, make a pot of chili, play a board game, and sit down for a relaxed family dinner.

At the end of the break, and even many years later, your kids will remember the family time.

Happy New Year!

Let's make a tradition...Christmas Eve candlelight services

I will admit that my favorite time of year is Christmas, despite the overall craziness of the season. However, you may be surprised to discover that Christmas is not my most favorite day.

Actually, my favorite day is Christmas Eve.

Why, you ask? Well, I could say that the anticipation of Christmas morning invigorates me, or that I love mingling with last minute shoppers. I could say that it's easier to get my kids to listen to the true story of Christmas that day, or that I enjoy serving my family's traditional, relaxed Christmas Eve buffet. And all of that would be true...but it may not be the reason.

I believe the reason is that I look forward to - all year long - the candlelight service. To me, there is nothing like a church filled with only candlelight, a congregation lifting their voices acapella, to sing "Silent Night."

I LOVE it. It reminds me of why this really is the most beautiful season, and it helps me recall many, many memories of attending similar services with my family since I can remember. Nothing says Christmas to me quite like it.

It is a tradition for sure, one that I hope my children will someday value as much as I do.

So, in the interest of perhaps getting you to start your own candlelight tradition, here's a list of local services for 2014. If you're non-religious, it's still a great way to share the beauty and wonder of Christmas with others, to perhaps take time to breathe and recall why the holidays are special to you. And, if for some reason going to a service just isn't feasible, grab a lighter and a candle (surely, you have a candle - they're not that old-fashioned!) and do your own version (safely, of course).

And have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday, or however you call it that brings meaning to you!

(All times listed are for December 24 unless otherwise specified. Also, please check sites to confirm a service is candlelight.)

Acts 2 United Methodist Church - 3:30, 5, & 7 pm

Coffee Creek Baptist Church - 7 pm (December 23 only)

Crossings Community Church - 12, 3, 4:30, 5, 6, 7, & 11 pm (check site for auditorium location) (6, 7, & 8 pm, December 23)

Edmond's First Baptist Church  - 6 pm

First Presbyterian - 8 pm

First United Methodist - 4, 7, & 11 pm

Holy Trinity - 3 & 11 pm

Life Church (Edmond) - 2:30, 4, 5:30, & 7 pm (6 & 7:30, December 23)

Quail Springs Baptist Church - 3:30 & 5 pm

Quail Springs United Methodist Church - 6 & 11 pm

Santa Fe Presbyterian - 5 & 11 pm

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church - 4 pm

St. Monica Catholic Church - 4, 6, & 9 pm, and midnight

Please post more services in the comments section or send times and web addresses here.

Let's make a tradition - Christmas lights!

I remember the first time I walked through a park of dazzling Christmas lights. If you can believe it, that experience took place the first time I visited Oklahoma, during the week of Thanksgiving 2000.

That week, my boyfriend (now husband) had driven us from our college campuses in frosty Colorado Springs down to his hometown of Tuttle, Oklahoma. He apologized for the gray, open landscape, worried an East Coaster such as myself would take offense to the lack of towering trees and tightly packed cities. He promised the Oklahoma countryside was lush and beautiful in the spring and even prettier in the summer, but all I could think was, “Gosh this sky is big.”

Well, I did get my first taste of Oklahoma beauty that weekend, just not in the way you would think. My husband, who had helped with the Chickasha Festival of Light as a youngster and knew this was my absolutely favorite time of year, took me to the display.

It was love at first sight. A home run for him, certainly.

Now, fourteen years, several cross-country moves, and two kids later, as Edmond residents we have enjoyed several of the light displays the metro area has to offer. The Yukon and Midwest City lights make my children’s eyes glow, just as mine glowed that frigid evening back in 2000. Going to view a Christmas light display has become a cherished family tradition, so here are some possibilities to get your own started.

Yukon’s Christmas in the Park (about 24 miles SW of Edmond)

Yukon's Christmas in the Park

What: Yukon’s Christmas in the Park, a three-mile driving tour offering 100 acres of lights spread through three interconnecting parks. Other ways to view the lights include a self-guided walking tour or the Santa Express Train from 6 to 10 pm (weather permitting). Admission is free, but donations are accepted (train tickets are $2).

When: Christmas in the Park will run from November 22 through New Year’s Eve. It is open 6 to 11 p.m. every night. 

Where: Christmas in the Park is located between Holly and Cornwell Street in Yukon. To alleviate traffic, visitors are encouraged to take exit 138 off of Interstate 40 to enter the attraction.

Why: “You can’t leave Christmas in the Park without a smile on your face,” says Dana Deckard, Executive Administrative Assistant of the City of Yukon. Find out more at www.cityofyukonok.gov .

Midwest City’s Holiday Lights Spectacular (about 22 miles SE of Edmond)

What: Midwest City’s Holiday Lights Spectacular offers a 1.5 mile tour with many animated light displays. Admission is free, and carriage rides are available at $7 per person.

When: The Holiday Lights Spectacular runs from November 20 through December 30. It will be open from 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Where: In Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, located in the heart of Midwest City. From I-40 or I -240, exit Douglas Boulevard North and follow the snowflakes heading west on S.E 15th to the entrance at Century Blvd.

Why: “Midwest City hosts the largest animated Holiday Lights Spectacular in the West,” says Leisa Haynes, special events and recreation assistant for Midwest City. “Elves are busy baking in the candy machine while fancy ponies dance around the carousel, poinsettias light up a holiday greeting, and Santa kicks a soccer ball.” In addition, the event has a 118-foot twirling Christmas tree. Find out more at www.midwestcityok.org.

Chickasha Festival of Light (about 55 miles SE of Edmond)

What: The Chickasha Festival of Light has been awing metro residents for 17 years, and its 43 acres of lights offers drive through or walk through touring with free admission. The event includes a bus tour ($3), carriage rides ($6 per person), and photos with Santa available for purchase. Food trucks will also be on site.

When: The Festival of Light will run from November 22 through December 31. It will be open 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Where: Located in Shannon Springs Park in Chickasha.

Why: “It’s gorgeous, fun, and always memorable, and you leave ready to come back for more,” says Festival of Light Board Member Jen Jantzen. Find out more at www.chickashafestivaloflight.com.

And that’s not all. If you want to stay a little closer to home, the lights downtown may not be quite as spectacular as the acres at these designated light displays, but they will no doubt dazzle your family too, so take a stroll through Bricktown or the Myriad Gardens and enjoy. Also, please note that the Kingfisher light display is closed this year due to bridge construction.

This is the season for light and joy, so make the most of it. There are many events to choose from, and the gift will be making a lasting and bright memory with those you love.

Let's make a tradition - Christmas memories that stick like snowflakes

I have plenty of fond childhood memories of Christmas. Plen-ty.

In Los Angeles and later in Atlanta, my family of five (I was the middle child, so take that as you will) would pile in the minivan and carol out to some Christmas tree farm to pick a winner. It was usually an all-day event, with my mom feeling sorry for the scrawniest of trees and telling my dad we should pick it, and he and my older sister in turn telling her she was crazy - the trees don't actually care. Meanwhile, I'd be chasing my little brother and several of our Australian shepherds around, trying to keep the dogs from christening other unsuspecting people's trees.

Like I said - tradition.

Every Christmas Eve we'd attend a candlelight service, eat a Christmas Eve buffet with guests, and open our presents from my grandma and aunt in Pennsylvania. My mom ruined the Santa thing early, so then we'd go to bed, knowing my parents would frantically be wrapping presents for the next hour or two. (One year, they decided to wait until morning, leaving my mom to corral three eager children in their bedrooms while Dad frantically wrapped. I remember a lot of garbage bag gift wrap that year.)

Awkward family photo? Nah! The McAndrew family
was super cute in the early nineties!

Anyway, as a mom of little ones of my own, I want them to have fond memories of this season that they may continue for their children. Also as a mom, I get to pick my favorite traditions, which is ah-some! Here are a few we're going to discuss this month in the series - "Let's make a tradition."

Christmas Lights (December 11) - I will tell you this: the OKC metro has some dazzling light displays nearby, and if your kiddos get as wide-eyed as mine do with those colorful twinkling displays, then you might want to consider making Christmas lights a yearly tradition.

Candlelight Services (December 18) - One of the beautiful things about the season is having the opportunity - churchgoer or not - to attend a service where you light candles and sing Christmas carols. If you're not religious, it's a time to focus on the peace and beauty of the season, and if you are a person of faith, it is a time to remember what it's all about.

Christmas Vacation (December 25) - No! I don't mean the silly movie with the squirrel in the Christmas tree. I'm talking about the week following Christmas, when we're all on sugar overload and worrying about New Year's resolutions and credit card bills. Let's talk about some ways we can keep that Christmas spirit going into the new year, by making some post-Christmas family traditions that put the "memory" in "memorable."

So stay tuned! We have a fun, dazzling month ahead, and it's always good, when you're getting stressed, to repeat this: "Christmas only comes once a year."