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13 Fun New Year’s Crafts For Kids

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To help your family ring in the New Year, check out this list of 13 Fun New Year's Crafts For Kids! All you need are a few supplies to create lasting memories together.

New Year’s Eve seems to sneak up on me every year.  It’s feels like there is this big build up to Christmas and then suddenly it’s New Year’s Eve.  Plus, December 31st is my son’s birthday.  So, for my family, New Year’s Eve is a very celebratory day!

One of the ways we like to celebrate New Year’s together is to make a New Year’s Eve craft and use it while watching the ball drop in New York City on television.  Therefore, to help your family ring in the New Year, here is a list of 13 Fun New Year’s Crafts For Kids!

Enjoy the count down!

13 Fun New Year’s Crafts For Kids

DIY Noisemaker – iHeart Naptime

Listen to the kids make some noise after the ball drops with their own customized noisemakers.

DIY New Year’s Eve Ball – Great DIYs

Have the kids make their own version of the New Year’s Eve ball.

New Years Kids Craft

Easy Party Poppers – Craftaholics Anonymous

These simple party poppers will be fun to make and even more fun to watch explode at the end of the night.

New Craft For Kids

Candy Watch – The Idea Room

The kids will love making, wearing, and of course eating this craft at the end of the night!

crafts for kids

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Visit HGTV Santa HQ at Los Cerritos Center

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This is post is sponsored by HGTV Santa HQ.

Christmas is a delightful time of year.  There are so many joyous things to do, it’s hard to choose just one.  One of my family’s favorite traditions is to visit Santa Claus.  This year was especially memorable, as we got to visit HGTV Santa HQ at the Los Cerritos Center for the third year in a row.  It’s not only fun for kids, but adults too.  Of course, we took our traditional photo-op with Santa Claus, but before we did, we explored the entire North Pole from top to bottom.

Naughty or Nice O’Meter

First, my kids jumped onto the Naughty or Nice Meter.  They stood in front of the interactive board and challenged each other to see who could make it onto Santa’s nice list this season.  Take a look at how much my son has grown from Christmas 2017 to Christmas 2019.  Crazy, huh!

Take your family to visit HGTV Santa HQ this holiday season! An amazingly unforgettable holiday experience that excites and engages the young and the young at heart alike. HGTV’s Santa HQ is taking place at 15 malls across the United States and adds a whole new dimension to the traditional family Santa Claus visit by guiding visitors through an immersive, interactive holiday extravaganza that uses of state-of- the-art digital technology.

Be different this holiday season! HGTV and Macerich Shopping Centers have teamed-up to bring you “Santa HQ” an amazingly unforgettable holiday experience that excites and engages the young and the young at heart alike. HGTV’s Santa HQ adds a whole new dimension to the traditional family Santa Claus visit by guiding visitors through an immersive, interactive holiday extravaganza that uses of state-of- the-art digital technology.

Surprisingly, both Field Trip Girl and Field Trip Boy were labeled “nice” according to the meter.  But I wonder if their dad would agree!  Field Trip Girl secretly told me that she prayed to God the night before and asked Him to be on the nice list, because she really wanted a new slime kit for Christmas.  I think Santa might just grant her that wish this year!  What do you think?!!

Be different this holiday season! HGTV and Macerich Shopping Centers have teamed-up to bring you “Santa HQ” an amazingly unforgettable holiday experience that excites and engages the young and the young at heart alike. HGTV’s Santa HQ adds a whole new dimension to the traditional family Santa Claus visit by guiding visitors through an immersive, interactive holiday extravaganza that uses of state-of- the-art digital technology.

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Save During The Adidas Kids Clothing Sale at Macy’s

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This post is sponsored by Savings.com.

With the holiday season upon us, it’s time to go shopping!  I mean lots of shopping!  One of the items my kids always need are new clothes.  And not just during the holidays, but year round.   They seem to magically outgrow them faster than I keep up!

However, as with most financial matters, learning how to budget for Christmas is key.  Once you set a Christmas budget and stick to it, you’ll be able to sleep soundly that your goals have been met.  You’ll have made selective, smart decisions for happy children and a happy checkbook.

Another holiday money saving tip is to pair a want with need.  For example, when my son tells me he wants a new jacket, I can buy him a new coat from Macy’s (one of my favorite places to shop!) and give it to him for Christmas.  Now, I’ve paired a want with a need, and saved a lot of money by shopping the holiday ads.

If you’re looking to save a few dollars this holiday season like me, check out the current Adidas kids clothing sale at Macy’s.  Right now, you can save up to 40% on select merchandise.  I plan to pick up a few items for both of my kids.

Since it’s warm in Southern California almost year round, my daughter prefers to wear capris or light weight leggings.  So, guess what she’s getting for Christmas?  This pair of trendy Adidas Little Girls Linear Fade Logo Leggings!  They are ideal for wearing underneath a long t-shirt or sweatshirt.  Plus, basic black tends to go with everything.

Adidas kids clothing at Macys

Although we live in a warm climate, it still cools down about 20 to 30 degrees at night.  So, the next time we’re caught off guard, my daughter will be prepared by wearing this Addidas Big Girls Logo-Print Cotton Hoodie.  The hoodies comes in four different colors; medium blue, medium pink, dark gray and mint (as pictured below).  The size ranges from 8-16.  There’s even a fun kangaroo pocket in the front that can hold a cell phone or keys.

Adidas Sale at Macy's

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The Best Holiday Light Displays in Southern California

Posted on | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in Orange County, Field Trips in Riverside | 1 Comment

Simplify your search for holiday lights in Southern California with these must-see light displays at historic landmarks, public gardens and community gathering spaces.  So, pile the family into the car and make your way to one of these bright spots to behold gorgeous Christmas lights in Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange County or San Diego.  We’ve found many displays that are aglow with festive twinkling lights that will make everyone’s eyes sparkle.  From seeing dazzling Chinese lanterns in the garden to walking through an enchanted forest to watching zoo animals sleep underneath sparking lights, read on for more information on where to see the best holiday light displays in Southern California.

Simplify your search for holiday lights in Southern California with these must-see light displays at historic landmarks, public gardens and community gathering spaces. We’ve found many displays that are aglow with festive twinkling lights that will make everyone’s eyes sparkle!

Enchanted Forest of Light

Enchanted Forest of Lights, Descansco Gardens, La Cañada Flintridge

Descanso Gardens, one of my all-time favorite public gardens in Southern California, is hosting Enchanted Forest of Light from November 17 – January 5.  As the sun sets, Descanso Gardens is transformed into a holiday wonderland with thousands of lights.  It is simply mesmerizing!  Some other words that come to mind to describe the light display are captivating, riveting and and amazingly beautiful.  Our favorite part is The Symphony of Oaks walk-through exhibit, which lets you manipulate lights and sounds in the garden’s historical Oak Grove.  Get Enchanted Forest of Light discount tickets starting at $20.00 per person on Goldstar.com.

How to buy enchanted forest of light discount tickets

LA Zoo Lights

LA Zoo Lights, Los Angeles

LA Zoo Lights is a great way to spend an evening at the zoo while walking around with hot cocoa in your hands!  The zoo is transformed into a magical winter jungle complete with a disco ball forest, whimsical 3-D animations, a glowing “Northern Lights” featuring animal constellations that come to life, a picturesque kaleidoscopic savanna where glowing, large-scale animals roam and the very popular Twinkle Tunnel.  New for the 2019/2020 season, guests can see the world’s largest illuminated pop-up storybook.  Get LA Zoo Lights discount tickets starting at $11.95 per person on Goldstar.com.

How to buy LA Zoo Discount Tickets

The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle

The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles

This state-of-the-art projection-mapping nighttime show, called The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, transforms Hogwarts Castle into a holiday wonderland, bringing Christmas moments inspired by the Harry Potter series to life.  The show wraps the ancient building in the sights and sounds of the season, including a majestically-large Christmas tree, the Hogwarts ghosts singing carols, a recreation of the Yule Ball, and students riding broomsticks and creating snowmen.

The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle

Capistrano Lights

Capistrano Lights, Mission San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano

Celebrate the holidays at Mission San Juan Capistrano, historic landmark and museum with 30 days of holiday fun.  Capistrano Lights brings together people of all faith traditions during the holiday season.  Join us for a nightly tree lighting in the Ruins of the Great Stone Church.  The Mission grounds will be decked out in lights and features a 10-foot wreath and community Christmas trees.  From time to time during this period, community musical groups, choirs and orchestras may join the Mission with pre-tree lighting performances.  Don’t miss out on the Mission at Night experience where history meets holiday!  The nightly celebration runs from December 8 – January 5.   Get Capistrano Lights discount tickets starting at $4.00 per person on Goldstar.com.

How to buy Capistrano Lights Discount Tickets

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Discount Tickets to Knott’s Merry Farm

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This post may contain an affiliate link.

Knott’s Berry Farm is all decked out for the holidays!  The wreaths are hung on the doors, the lights are shining bright all around the park and the tree is sitting proudly in the middle of Calico Park.  Starting November 22 through January 5, guests can enjoy Knott’s Merry Farm at their favorite Southern California park with all-new seasonal decorations. 

Here are 5 ways to celebrate the holidays at Knott’s Merry Farm with your family!

Quick Link: Discount Tickets to Knott’s Merry Farm

Knott’s Spectacular Holiday Shows

Knott’s Merry Farm offers several family-friendly Christmas-themed shows.  A brand-new show for 2019, is Home for the Holidays, where joyous merriment takes over the Calico Mine Stage with dancing and fun set to popular holiday tunes including, “There’s No Place Like Home For The Holidays,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Jingle Bells,” “Here We Come A-Caroling,” and many more. Guests will be swept into a magical scene of an old-fashioned Winter Wonderland and celebrate timeless holiday traditions.

Christmas shows at Merry Farm

Christmas shows at Merry Farm

Shows at Merry Farm

Another popular key attraction is Snoopy’s ice-skating show, Merry Christmas, Snoopy!  Snoopy and a cast of ice-skaters glide through the ice-covered stage of the Charles M. Schulz Theater in dazzling costumes to the rhythm of holidays tunes.  I was especially touched by the homage to the 1940s with Wartime lovers separated and reunited.  I was also mesmerized by the grand finale with snow falling and a flock of white doves dashing above the public to the stage.

Are you looking for a fun way to celebrate the holidays? Check out these 5 Ways To Celebrate The Holidays With Your Family at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California.

Are you looking for a fun way to celebrate the holidays? Check out these 5 Ways To Celebrate The Holidays With Your Family at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California.

Are you looking for a fun way to celebrate the holidays? Check out these 5 Ways To Celebrate The Holidays With Your Family at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California.

Be transported back in time to a Victorian Christmas by the Calico Carolers as they perform the songs of the season throughout Ghost Town.  Warm up your vocal chords and join in on the fun by singing along to both classic and contemporary Christmas music presented in a timeless way.

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