Editor's Letter: December 2012

What are your holiday traditions? In the Sarver home, we have several. Each year, the girls put up a small tree in their room. They decorate the tree with 24 small bags, each one containing a trinket, piece of candy or some other small item. Beginning Dec. 1, we read a page from the book Advent Storybook, 24 Stories to Share Before Christmas. After reading the night’s story, each girl opens a gift. I have to say, it’s the tradition about which that the girls get most excited. The “Elf on the Shelf” also visits each year, and we watch parts from the movie The Nativity Story on Christmas Eve before going to bed. Traditions play an important role in family life, and Wendy Connelly takes a look at those customs in her article, “The Joy of Family Traditions.”

In addition to our old traditions, we’re looking forward to starting a few new ones this year. We’re taking the girls to see The Nutcracker and then to dinner on the Plaza. Don’t laugh, but the Sarver girls have never seen the Plaza lights. I know! It’s on my to-do list each and every Christmas season—we have just never made it down there. But this year, with tickets already in hand, we will most definitely see the world famous lights! I always turn to our resident Kansas City expert, KC Parent’s electronic media manager, Kristina Light, when doing something new (like taking our kids to the Plaza lights). She always has the best tips, and this year, she’s sharing them with you! Check out her Christmas itineraries.

And, finally, if winter break is a long two weeks in your home, I can relate! But with the KCParent.com calendar, there’s no need to be bored or stir crazy. Check it out each day for TONS of fun activities and events!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Kansas City!