This Week's Picks: Presents and Presence, December 8 - 12

12/8/14 - By Jacqueline Stansbury

With Christmas a mere three weeks away, it is hard to keep the greed in check. My children, who tend to be fairly reasonable beings eleven months of the year, are suddenly adding to their Christmas Wish Lists on a daily basis. “Maybe” and “We’ll see” have become my stock responses. Of course, our family talks about the spirit of the season, giving as opposed to receiving and thinking about those who are hungry or otherwise in need, but after a while, even these sentiments seem trite.

Time to re-set and make parenting about presence. A perfect place to start is in the Magic Forest, at its workshop on Mindful Parenting. Now that your parenting is centered, celebrate at SoCal Moms holiday party on the Pier, or check out our Holiday Fun Guide for other ways to enjoy the season.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

1. Olga Leyman’s Nursery Tales Puppet Show – Monday
Puppeteer Olga Leyman creates her own puppets. This week her cast performs four 30 minute shows at the Silver Lake Library. This is a delightful free entertainment for kids ages 2-5. See the librarian for tickets.

2. Mindful Parenting – Tuesday
The Magic Forest Well Baby Center in Culver City offers an introductory workshop for parents to attend with young ones. Mindful Parenting focuses on bonding, child-centered play, and loving discipline. Even if this approach is not for you, the center itself is a great resource for all sorts of parental questions and needs.

3. Sleeping Beauty and her Winter Knight – Wednesday
This year's Pasadena Playhouse panto is a kid friendly take on a classic fairy tale. Disney alum Olivia Holt leads a cast of familiar faces. Spring for a $50 Golden Ticket if your child wants to sing on stage with the cast.

4. SoCal Moms Holiday Party – Thursday
Moms celebrate the holidays at the Santa Monica Pier with carousel rides, crafts, photo opportunities, yummy food, and prizes. As an added bonus, catch the best view of the sunset in town.

5. Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights – Friday
The trees are pretty much lit; now we are working on the boats and waterways. In Ventura, the parking is free, and the festivities include fireworks and a carnival. Of course, if Ventura isn't your 'hood, there are a few other boat parades making waterways glitter this week as well.

As usual, there's plenty more fun to be found on our daily events calendar. Have a wonderful week!