Looking at my mantle I was reminded of a tradition that I borrowed for our family. I'd written about it a few years ago but I like it so much it I have to share it again:
After Thanksgiving my friend Judy's family decides which holiday play, ballet or concert they'll attend that season. Before they put their Christmas tree in the stand they cut off the bottom of the trunk. Then she grabs a sharpie, writes the year on the front and the special event they did on the back. Her kids are now in college and she has a long row of round wood slices along her fireplace mantle representing each year's tree and special holiday memory. What a cool yule tradition!
For a sampling of upcoming family-friendly holiday events - to perhaps end up on the back of your tree slice - see below:
Downtown Minneapolis
A fun outing could include taking the light rail downtown. Go enjoy the Macy's 8th floor display "A day in the life of an elf" and then watch the Holidazzle parade. Bundle up and enjoy the lights! Thursdays-Sundays at 6:30 pm now through December 19th. More details here.
Downtown St. Paul
What's more magical and charming than the lights at Rice Park during the holidays? The Wells Fargo skate rink is open now. Lace up those skates and go! For more details click here.
Holiday stage productions
Guthrie Theater A Christmas Carol for the older set.
Stages Theatre Company Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells Batman Smells
Children's Theater -Christmas Story with Ralphie and the gang (but be careful you could shoot your eye out!)
Hear costumed carolers stroll the galleries on the weekends 2-4pm . Click here for further information and other holiday happenings at the MIA.
There are several family friendly exhibits going on at the Turnblad mansion this season, from the Santa, Coca Cola, and Swedish Design exhibit to Sankta Lucia. Click here for details.
Three Rivers Park District events
Folkways of the Holidays
At the Landing in Shakopee. Discover holiday traditions from the various cultures of settlers of the 19th century Minnesota .
For a list of several educational, nature oriented holiday events going on throughout the Three Rivers Park District click here.
This is just scratching the surface of festive holiday events going on in the metro area - do you have any favorites to add?
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