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."

Just hear those wallets jingling...the good, the bad, and the "oh" of shopping online

First off, Happy Thanksgiving.

You're stuffed to the brim with turkey, potatoes, and oh-so-much pie, so I'm sure the last thing you want to think about is that persnickety holiday shopping. But whether you plan to burn off those calories in Black Friday mayhem (read my post on shopping retail) or score the best deals from your desk chair while shopping online, here are some important questions to ask.

Is shopping online more convenient? Um, duh. Anytime you can shop in pink bunny pajamas (where can I get those?), it's a win, win. Oh, and not battling it out for the last space in the parking lot? Extra bonus. Next question.

Do I get the best deals online? Well, first let's ask this: is price the real reason we shop online? "Not exactly. It depends on the category," says Susan Lee, a partner at Simon-Kucher, who examines trends in consumer retail practices. Consumers do flock to online outlets for electronics and toys in hopes of better prices (although the number one reason people shop for toys was better variety). But unless you do an actual price comparison, you won't know for sure, although price comparison may be something you can also achieve quickly online. Another benefit of online shopping? You can look up coupon codes at the same time and use them. But don't assume it's lower priced just because it's not in a store! It all comes down to research - especially for big ticket items.

Do I get better variety online? As mentioned, one of the number one reasons people shop for toys online is they believe they will get better variety there (also, sometimes if a toy is sold out in the store, I figure I'll be able to get it at the shopping mecca of Amazon). The question sometimes comes down to strategy. A few months ago, I was in search of a soft Elsa doll (Disney Store specific). The online Disney Store was sold out, but our local Disney Store told me when to come looking for shipments of them. Long story short, I did miss the doll, but only because the toddler had to go to the doctor the day they came in. Sometimes, talking to a salesperson (What? Talk to a stranger?) can be the payoff for getting a hard-to-find item. Make them your co-conspirator!

Can I return things online? Usually, I really want to touch and feel something before that credit card gets its workout. And that's been one of my biggest issues with online shopping - at least for some toys, clothing, and accessories. What does it really look like? Books, movies, music, many electronics - you know what you're getting. Many online sites do offer free returns, but be on the lookout for the ones that don't and keep that cash from washing down the drain!

What are the hidden costs of shopping online? When it comes to shopping online, the biggest additional price is shipping. Some stores, like B&N.com, provide free shipping on any order of any price with their $25 membership card (which also gives a 10 percent discount). But without a membership, most online stores will charge you shipping, especially under a certain price point. However, once you get the membership or reach that specific price point, happily shop on, knowing that the retailer is picking up the cost of getting your stuff to you (FYI, online shopping is helping delivery services, such as the U.S. Post Office, survive for the moment!).

So there it is! At the end of the day, money can be saved online, but those fingers are going to get a workout. Then again, if you are a die-hard shopper who craves atmosphere, just get out there!

There are no wrong choices for Christmas shopping.

Well, that wraps up our holiday shopping series (hah!). Stay tuned next month for suggestions for starting some great holiday traditions.

Just hear those wallets jingling...3 thoughts on shopping retail

Oh yeah, we are in it now. We are up to our kneecaps in Christmas shopping lists that must be executed with efficiency and affordability, all before a non-negotiable deadline of December 25.

Cue the screaming.

Okay, okay. Count to 10 with me, take calm breaths, and chant, "I can do this."



If you take on Black Friday, just know what you're getting into....

This month, we've been taking on holiday shopping, discussing the pros and cons of buying at local stores or online. Last week I gave some reasons you might want to give those locally-owned businesses your business, but let's face it - many of us will head to a major retailer for at least some of our shopping.

So what do you need to be able to take on the big boy retailers and make the most of that money? Well, here's a few thoughts to contemplate as you drive to your shopping mecca of choice...

Consider the store credit card (but don't jump too quickly). When you reach the checkout line and you get asked that question, "Would you like to save (insert amount here) percent on your purchases today?" we all know the checker is going to promote the store credit card. While the discount can be a huge savings (such as, the Target REDcard offers 5 percent off every purchase thereafter), think about the pros and cons. The pros are that store credit cards do often give you more savings and promotions once you are on their mailing list as a cardholder, and having these cards and paying them off is also good for your credit score (see this article at bankrate.com)! However, those cards do carry high interest rates and offer more temptation, so be wary. Perhaps select to open ones only at stores you use frequently, and check to see if a debit option is available.

Do your research. No, seriously. We are a rush, rush society, but we also have more information than ever before at our fingertips through the web. Take fifteen minutes to compare big ticket items, call the retailer or check online to make sure they have the item in stock (many will do a same-day hold), and ask about price matching. This extra few minutes can save you big bucks and hours of store-hopping, so reap the rewards of the Girl (or Boy) Scout motto: Be prepared.

Be an Appy shopper. Bricks and mortar stores are getting tech savvy to keep you coming in the doors, so take advantage of that. A quick search in your phone's app store may provide you with free apps that will save big money. Apps such as the Walmart Savings Catcher does price matching for you (up to 7 days later!) and Target's Cartwheel allows you to quickly organize your offers and utilize them at checkout. Just another way your phone is taking over your life - and saving you money.


Finally, as for Black Friday (just about a week away, people!), shopping incredibly late or early, waiting in lines, or running over people with your shopping cart to get the last Olaf - well, it's really a personal thing whether it's worth it. Me? I'll spend a few extra dollars and enjoy my bed, but for others, this can be one of the exciting points in the season. Just remember it's not about all the stuff you buy - it really is about giving, and whether that means you get the perfect toy or simply give the best gift you can, your generosity will not go unappreciated.

Stay tuned next week as we take on the pros/cons of online shopping in anticipation of Black Monday!

Just hear those wallets jingling - Five reasons to shop local this Christmas

It's that time of year - time to get your wallet ready and your credit card warmed up. Time to find all the gifts for all the right people.

I've got to sit down. This is overwhelming already.

This November, Mom Around Town is taking on the topic of where to spend those holiday dollars in the effort to do Christmas shopping right. In future posts, I'll be talking about the pros/cons of shopping at major retailers and online outlets, but for now, I want to talk about keeping that shopping money local.

Local businesses are in quite the fight for life in most cities. With major retailers and online giants competing by sheer economy of scale, the little guys have to offer what the giants can't, and that means they often do something pretty cool - they take special care of the other little guys. That's right - you and me, the shoppers.

As I explored the crazy world of Christmas shopping, I came across five reasons I might shop local this holiday season:

1. Personalized attention. Have you ever walked into a large retail store, needed some help, and were met by the sound of crickets? Yep, I've been there. You feel kind of goofy, walking through a place calling, "Hello? Hello?" But this isn't true at most small shops. "If you need help or don't have a clue what to get someone, we have someone to help you," says Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of the Learning Tree in Oklahoma City and Edmond.

2. Ready, wrap, go! Available help isn't the only thing a store like The Learning Tree has to offer. They will also wrap a gift, getting it ready for you before you even leave the store. And they're not the only ones. Many local businesses are especially helpful at Christmas, willing to go the extra mile by getting a present boxed up or putting in a special order and calling you personally when it arrives.

3. Expertise. Another aspect of shopping at locally-owned business goes hand in hand with reason #1. Not only will someone usually be available to help, but often personnel have expertise in what's being sold. "I can choose something that is best for a certain age of child," promises Learning Tree's Patti. She also says a local store may be more willing to demonstrate how items work, happy to spend time and build solid relationships with their customers.

4. Good prices! No, really! If you think you'll pay through the nose by shopping local, that's not necessarily true. Programs like the "Keep it Local OK" card and the "Allied Arts OKC" card apply to many local stores, and when you put those businesses' personalized attention with the lower prices, the value of utilizing  these small stores goes way, way up.

5. And finally, put your money where your home is. "Keep sales tax money in your city and state!" urges Patti. If you shop here, the city and state benefit directly, because businesses pay taxes too, in addition to sales tax. And who wouldn't want to get money back?

So there you have it. As you and your credit card do warm-up calf stretches together, just keep all that in mind. Then go forth and buy presents.

And stay tuned next week as we talk about the pros/cons of major retail shopping!

Just hear those wallets jingling, ring-ting-tingling too - Taking on holiday shopping

Recently, my toddler's childcare program said they'd be giving parents a rebate. "Just choose the month you want it," the director said. "I'm guessing most people will choose December because of Christmas."

"Hah!" I replied. "Put me down for January, because that's when the credit card bill for Christmas is due."

And she laughed. "Right."

Really, we're both right, because most of us will start gearing up this month - November - for fulfilling those Christmas lists. We've got to figure out who's getting what as well as what the big item for those kiddos will be, because we all know there won't be any Olaf's from Frozen left sitting on the shelves that last week before Christmas.

But here's the thing. Shopping in general has changed over the past ten years. A lot. Now, aided by online outlets, we have more choices than ever for spending those holiday bucks, so how do you decide where to spend your shopping efforts?

Enter our topic for the month: Eeenie, meanie, miney, mo - if I'm Christmas shopping, where do I go?

Local Stores - On November 13, we will be discussing the benefits of shopping local, with wise words from one of our own local vendors, as well as a rundown of the deals a parent can take advantage of if they put their money back into small, locally-owned businesses.

Local Retailers - On November 20, we'll discuss the pros and cons of heading to your local chain retailer, the deals you can sometimes score through discount programs, and their holiday specials. We'll also review whether you should have a parka and tent ready in preparation for the morning of Black Friday.

Online Retailers - And finally, on November 27 (Happy Thanksgiving!), just a few days before "Black Monday," we will discuss the pros and cons of spending those holiday dollars online. Many of us believe things are cheaper/more available on line. Is that true? What are the benefits of shopping in pink bunny pajamas (besides being able to wear pink bunny pajamas)? What are the drawbacks? An expert in online purchasing will weigh in on the matter!

So stay tuned! And get those wallets ready to go. Because something is going to slim down by Christmas, and I'm afraid to say, it's probably not your waistline.

But that's part of the fun, right?

Fall into FUN! - But be a safe trick or treater too

I have to say, having two small children who can be bended to my creative will is pretty fun. First year with two kids, we did Cinderella and a pumpkin. Second year? Ariel and Sebastian. This year? Elsa and Olaf. Can you see a trend here? Well, I know time is short. Eventually, my son will assert his own will, and the Disney princess theme will be out for him.

But for now...it's all good. And super, super cute.

However, as we get ready to take to the neighborhood streets on tomorrow's night of fright (man, that sounds so much grittier than it actually is in a neighborhood like mine!), one thing this OCD mama isn't going to do is get too comfortable and relaxed about safety. No matter how docile your neighborhood is, here are five tips, poached from various sources and my own experience, that will keep everyone a little safer on this spooky night.

1. Light the night. You don't have to go all crazy with reflective material. There are definitely better, more fun ways to keep those kids bright and shiny in the dark. Not only do stores sell cute, battery-operated lanterns now, but an even easier, cooler, and cheaper way to light those kids up is with glow necklaces, bracelets, wands, etc. You can buy a ton for a low price, and I bet the kids won't complain at all!

2. Know where you're going. Sometimes, certain neighborhoods are heralded as "the place to trick or treat." And there's nothing wrong with that. But it helps if you know someone in the neighborhood you are planning to visit, and if not, think twice about visiting strange doors. Well-lighted streets with sidewalks are a huge bonus, and it's always better when you can go with a bigger group.

3. Stay close. If your children are small, this is a no brainer. You will be walking hand in hand with them (remember, if there are no sidewalks, walk against traffic and keep the little ones on the inside!). However, if your kids are older and expect more independence, sticking close can be a bit of a challenge. Don't fret. Learn to compromise, whether that means you'll be following them in the car, parking on the corner, or checking in with them at various times.

4. You know the drill. No unwrapped candy! Hate to be a party pooper here, but I'm suspicious of anything that doesn't come in a store bought wrapper. Maybe homemade pumpkin cookies are super, super cute, but if something's not sealed, you take your chances! And that's a scary thought.

5. Finally, double check the costume. Is it highly flammable? Something your child can trip in? What about shoes? Will your little one be complaining of barking feet before you make it one street? Make sure your child is warm and comfortable for an evening trek.

Well, I hope this helps! I'm certainly ready for tomorrow. In addition to my little Elsa and Olaf, the hubby agreed to don reindeer antlers (to be Sven), and I have a snowflake necklace and white hairspray to go as "Winter." And if we get bored with trick or treating, maybe the four of us will simply go build a snowman.

You know, if this were a snowy place and all.

That's all for October! Stay tuned next month when we take on holiday shopping!