Holiday Gifts and Giving
By Molly
​
I don’t know about you but my kids have plenty of toys, clothes and stuff. Each year in the fall I encourage my kids now 4 and 6 to go through their belongs and find items they no longer want or need. We then donate or give these items to others in need. During this process each year I realize how many things we have (although my kids have much less than some of their friends). And yes both of my kids want lots of toys they don’t have and they will get some Legos, Magna Tiles, Usborne books and maybe a few other things for the holidays but the rest of the gifts will be memberships and experiences. Plus being thankful for how lucky we are not to need anything and have time to spend with family and friends. Below I have compiled a list of the suggestions I have given to family and friends when they ask about what my kids want for gifts.

Memberships:

• The Children’s Museum closes to you
• Mass Audubon
• Legoland
• New England Aquarium
• Museum of Science
• Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
• Heritage Gardens
• Local Gyms with kid classes (YMCA’s for example)

Passes/Gift certificates:

• Willy’s Rock Wall Climbing
• Whydah Pirate Museum
• Cape Cod Inflatable Park
• The Cape Codder Water Park
• Edaville
• Favorite mini golf place (I loved Pirates Cove as a kid)
• Movie theater
• Local bowling place or arcade
• Storyland
• Canobie Lake Park
• Dot to Dot Art Workshop
• The Local Scoop
• Swim Lessons

What else would you add to the list?

Molly Hubner
Usborne Books & More Independent Educational Consultant
I am always looking for people to join my Usborne team, host parties (Facebook or home), or just share these wonderful books! For more information visit my website or contact me at mollyhubner@gmail.com.
Plus follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/mollyhubnersusbornebooks/
​

Cape Cod Moms is once again excited to bring you our annual Holiday Festivus Giveaway honoring families and moms! As always our Festivus giveaway features ONLY LOCAL CAPE COD businesses.  Our heartfelt thanks to all the Cape Cod businesses who offered to participate this year in our holiday giveaway!

Each entry is eligible for all prizes if received prior to Dec 1, 2016.  So if you win once, your name goes back in and you could win again! Entries can be purchased until Dec. 31, 2016. Any entries after 12/1/16  are only eligible for those that remain after purchase.
We charge an entry fee for this giveaway to fundraise in order to offset
​the costs of hosting this blog each year.
Entries for the Holiday Festivus Calendar will cost:

Since the giveaway is halfway over we are now offering a discount on your entry.
​There is still time to get in and win!

Make sure you take some time to support these local businesses as they support us by helping support this blog as a resource.  Many of our donations below come from family businesses owned by local parents so let's show them some love!  This year we have some fantastic prizes including the GRAND PRIZE:  ​

Plus there are 31 additional amazing prizes!   Be sure to purchase a Festivus calendar for your chance to win today! Check out all the amazing prizes below and be sure to click through to these amazing local businesses who are supporting us! But only entries received and confirmed by us will count towards the drawing for each giveaway.  Check out all the prizes below plus the rules, then head on over to purchase your calendar!

Goodluck!

Pixie Vacations With Jessica Hayes
Festivus Prize: $200 Gift Certificate to be used towards your next vacation booked via Jessica At Pixie Vacations! (We personally have booked with her and she is amazing!!!)
Value: $200
Awarded on: January 1, 2017 

• To enter, simply purchase a chance or multiple chances to win the prizes via our website. Ensure your name and email address are correct upon entry.
• Each entrant who submits an email will be emailed a PDF copy of the calendar and is entered to win ALL 32 prizes, so just because you win once, you can still win again!
• Calendars will be available to purchase until December 31, 2016, but entrants will only be entered into drawings for prizes after they have paid. 
• Calendars are available for purchase here on our website but a Paypal convenience fee will be applied. If you purchase via our website, you will need to make sure that you put down a correct contact name and email so we can throw your name in the giveaway.  If you purchase more than one calendar and you want them in someone else's name, please be sure to include that in the box of instructions to the seller.  
• Calendars will also be available for purchase in person from Cape Cod Moms across the Cape from our representatives. Just email us to make arrangements.  
• Grand Prize note: photo session GC can NOT be used in NH must be used locally for session.
• Contest Drawings will begin on December 1, 2016 and continue daily until January 1, 2017.
• Contest is open to US residents who are 18+ years of age.
• Winners will be contacted by the email provided. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.  Winners will be posted and shared on social media upon confirmation.
• All prize information in regards to delivery and/or pickup will be shared upon winner confirmation.
• This contest is in no way affiliated with Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, Google +, You Tube, Pinterest, Instagram or any other form of social media.
• This contest is hosted by Cape Cod Moms and sponsored by the participating businesses per giveaway.

With the holidays fast approaching and your calendar filling up, it can be very difficult to keep track of all the amazing Christmas and Holiday events taking place across the Cape Cod community for your family!  This time of year is already hectic enough with everything you Moms have to do that we wanted to make your life simpler!  

We have compiled our annual list of all family friendly Christmas and Holiday Events taking place on Cape Cod as well as Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, Plymouth, Carver and Surrounding Areas.  Our listings include parades, cookie strolls, train rides, Santa, and so much more!

Last year's Cape Cod Family Holiday Calendar Event Guide was such a success again that we once again compiled it all in one place. We chose to put the list in date order but broken down by daily events, town wide weekend events and month long events this year!  If you know of any events we have missed please let us know by commenting below or emailing us! 

 KDC – JFK Hyannis Museum ARTISM exhibit reception.  
11/17/16 5-7pm
This event is for free JFK Museum Admission for Thursday, November 17th from 5pm-7pm. There will be art, food, music and holiday shopping!  Open to everyone! Please help spread the joy!

Waldorf School of Cape Cod's 26th Annual Holiday Faire
11/19/16 10-4pm
Waldorf School of Cape Cod, 140 Old Oyster Rd., Cotuit, MA
Waldorf School of Cape Cod's annual Holiday Faire is a family event not to be missed. This widely known event is attended by alumni, students, and the Cape Cod community. Enjoy a visit in our Angel room, fish for a prize in the fish pond, choose a treasure from the pocket lady, and lots more. Stay for a delicious lunch served in the Luncheon Tavern and shop Artisan’s Hall where talented, local artisan crafters will sell a wide variety of their handmade wares.
 
Holiday Card Making for the Troops
11/20/16  1-4pm
Orleans, Eastham Elks
Orleans/Eastham Elks #2572 will once again host our annual holiday card making for our troops on Sunday, November 20th from 1-4pm. Children and adults of all ages are welcome. Refreshments will be served.
​
Nonni’s Workshop
11/25/16-11/26/16
11am-2pm
Cape Cod Children’s Museum
Children will choose from a selection of crafts to make/wrap and give for a heart felt handmade surprise. Tickets are $1 each.  More info here.
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Breakfast with Mrs. Claus
11/26/16 8-10am
Orleans Yacht Club, 39 Cove Rd, Orleans
Enjoy a pancake breakfast with Mrs. Claus while awaiting the arrival of Santa by boat at 10am!  Breakfast spread by the Hole-In-One Restaurant.  $7 adults, $5 children.  Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Lower Cape Outreach Council.  Santa will meet with the children at Snow’s Home and Garden, 22 Main St., Orleans 10am-Noon.

10th Annual Holiday Shopping Fair
11/26/16 9am-2pm
Chatham Community Ctr
This Holiday Vendor Fair features a large and varied selections of itmes from our local artists, crafters and area vendors. The PARK (Postitive Afterschool Recreation for Kids) will be offeing baked goods, hot chocolate, coffee & tea. The Boy Scout will be selling decorative wreaths. Fee $25

Lighting of the Lobster Pot Tree 
11/26/16 5-6pm
Lopes Square, Provincetown
The Lobster Pot Christmas Tree is an annual holiday tradition in Provincetown! A unique lobster pot tree is built each holiday season the heart of the town's Lopes Square, stacked with over 100 real lobster pots borrowed from local lobstermen. Lighting at 5:30 pm.
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Hyannis Christmas Stroll & Harbor Lighting
12/2/16
Hyannis Village
Hyannis Main Street All along Main Street there's a full day of family fun with breakfast with Santa,  strolling carolers, arts & crafts, trolley and horse-drawn carriage rides, a petting zoo, and much more.
As daylight turns to dark, Hyannis Harbor comes to life with the annual Harbor Lighting & Boat Parade. It's an evening of music, food, and colorfully lit boats cruising the Harbor.
 
Illumination Ceremony
12/2/16 4-5pm
Drummer Boy Park Brewster
Illumination Ceremony at Drummer Boy Park includes carol sing-a-long, tours of the Windmill Village, cocoa and treats and a visit from the jolliest old elf himself

Tree Lighting & Family Carol Sing
12/2/16 5:30-6:30pm
Done Park, Harwich

Photos with Santa - Santa Arrives by Fire Truck
12/2/16 6:15-8pm
Harwich Chamber of Commerce 
Photos and Visit with Santa 6:15-8:00 pm Your Photo with Santa - ($5.00 donation to Harwich Chamber of Commerce)

Christmas in Cotuit
12/3/16
Cotuit Federated Church and more
Most activities begin at 10 am at local places including the Federated Church and library.  Santa arrives at the town dock 3:45pm

Gingerbread Boy Puppet Show & Cookie Decorating
12/3/16 10:30am
Sandwich Public Library
Gingerbread Boy Puppet Show & Cookie Decorating, Sandwich Public Library 
Run, run as fast you can to attend our annual holiday treat with our Library Children’s Room Friends. Free but you must register to reserve your seat (and cookie!), beginning 11/17 at www.sandwichpubliclibrary.com event calendar

Decorate Gingerbread Houses
12/3/16
10am and 12:30pm Seatings
Shoreway Acres Inn, Falmouth
Come decorate gingerbread houses and enjoy a festive activity! 508-540-3000 space is limited.
 
"Where's the Snowman?" Contest
12/3/16 8:30am-5pm
Brewster Businesses
Just for children 12 and under! Visit participating Brewster businesses, find the snowman and enter to win a $10 'kid friendly' gift certificate. Sponsored by Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank.

Breakfast with Santa 
12/3/16 8:30-10:30am
Harwich Elementary School 263 South St

Decorate Gingerbread Houses
12/3/16
11am-12pm
Cape Cod Children’s Museum
$10 per house includes admission for 1 child and adult. Preregistration required. More info here.

Eastham Holiday Festival
12/3/16 10-1pm
 Two locations. Orleans-Eastham Elks Lodge and The Gift Barn, Eastham
Free, toy donation appreciated
Eastham Holiday Festival Take the trolley running between the Elks Lodge and The Gift Barn for lots of fun family activities like arts and crafts, entertainment, prizes, and plenty of refreshments for all. Santa will be at The Gift Barn to meet the children.

5TH ANNUAL JINGLE JOG 5K AND KIDS ELF RUN
12/3/16 9-10am
Wear your wildest holiday “jingle bells” festive outfit to run the course starting at Marina Park at the Falmouth Harbor and finishing the New Balance Falmouth Road Race course then winding back through Falmouth Heights. The Elf Run will consist of a half mile run for children 12 and under. Stayed tuned for more details and registration information. www.falmouthchamber.com

HOLIDAY STROLL IN THE VILLAGE
12/3/16 5-8pm
Main St Falmouth
Stroll down Main Street, past the beautifully lit Village Green and through Queens Buyway. Enjoy the trolley ride through the festively lit street to Santa’s Workshop. Visit with Santa and Parade Characters at the Buyway Shops. Enjoy holiday festivities, movie, music refreshments, and caroling while you get a head start on your holiday shopping! Extended shopping hours. 
 
LIGHTING OF THE FALMOUTH VILLAGE GREEN
12/3/16 7-8pm
Falmouth Village Green
The Falmouth Brass Choir will lead the caroling before a special visit from Santa as we light up the green. People are encouraged to bring flashlights. Dress warmly. Be sure to enjoy the Main Street to Queens Buyway Stroll before and after the Lighting of the Green at 7 pm 
 
Santa's Workshop and Holiday Fair
12/3/16 from 10-3 hosted by Bourne PTA.
at Bourne Middle School
 We'll have a shopping area for children and a separate shopping area for adults. Along with face painting, crafts, cookie decorating, a bake table, photos with Santa and more.
 
Santa Stampede 5k 
12/3/16 9am-1pm
Barley Neck Inn, 5 Beach Rd, Orleans
Join the Stampede! The Santa Stampede 5K & Family Fun Run is held throughout scenic East Orleans. Kick off your holidays at our festival fun run! This year registrants will receive a long-sleeve t-shirt, as well as the same top-notch timing, a gift bag with goodies from our sponsors, and finish line expo with vendors and food. Features: Join our famous Holiday Costume Contest for runners! Win one of our fabulous prize packages! .

Harwich PTO Holiday Bazaar
12/3/16 9am-12pm
Harwich Elementary School

Holiday Arts & Crafts Show
12/3/16 10am-4pm
Eddy Elementary School
50 exciting vendors and plenty of free parking. Free admission!

Eastham Holiday Festival
12/3/16 10am-1pm
Elks Lodge, 10 McKoy Road, Eastham
http://www.easthamchamber.com
Hundreds of children anticipate this wonderful community event! Activities include hands-on holiday crafts, face painting, balloon twisters, raffles, kids performance demonstration, free pizza from Red Barn Pizza & Santa at the Gift Barn! 10 am. to 1 p.m.  Free trolley ride runs from the locations.

Taylor-Bray Farm Holiday Festival
December 3 & 4, 2016, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Taylor-Bray Farm, 108 Bray Farm Road, Yarmouthport
Free. $5 parking donation requested.
Taylor-Bray Farm Bring the kids or the grandkids to historic Taylor-Bray Farm for this back-in-time Holiday Festival. Take a hay wagon ride with Farmer Don. Visit with the donkeys, sheep, chickens, and other farm animals. There'll be delicious homemade baked goods and handmade wreaths, swags, centerpieces and crafts for sale in the barn. Complementary refreshments will be served. 

Breakfast with Santa 
December 3, 2016
Two Seating Options:
8:30am-10:00am 
10:30am - Noon 
Ocean Edge Resort BALLROOM

*Seating/Tickets for this event is limited. This event may sell out and admission at the door may not be available. Tickets can be purchased at the Rec Office at the Eddy Elem. School.
Ages 3-9 - $6 
Ages 10+ - $12  
Kids 2 and under Free. 

Your ticket includes a full buffet breakfast and each child ticket will receive a voucher for arts & crafts. (Additional crafts for sale). Bring your camera for pictures with Santa (for a donation, please!).  All proceeds will benefit local children & families as part of our Brewster Holiday Hope fundraising drive.

Gala Family Party
12/4/2016 2:00-4:00pm
Cape Cod Museum Of Natural History, 869 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631
 Music, crafts, home-made sweets buffet and photos with Santa! FREE admission for everyone! Sponsored by the Cape Cod Museum  of Natural History and Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, with Eat Cake 4 Breakfast and Hopkins House Bakery & Gift shop
 
Santa Arrives at the Chatham Fish Pier
12/4/16 1:30-2:30pm
Chatham Fishing Pier
 43rd Annual Santa Claus arrival at the Chatham Fish Pier on the Coast Guard Vessel at 1:30 PM on December 4 followed by a fire truck ride to the Community Center for a 2:00pm visit with Santa and a small gift.

53RD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE 
12/4/16 12-2pm
Falmouth
Theme: “Dreams Come True”
Parade steps off at noontime from Dillingham Avenue and proceeds down Main Street to the Village Green. Known as Southeastern Massachusetts’ largest holiday parade, featuring theme decorated floats, marching bands, live animals, costumed characters and Santa Claus!
 
Santa Comes to the Fish Pier
12/4/16
Chatham Fish Pier, Barcliff Avenue, Chatham
Chatham Merchants Association When Santa makes his pre-Christmas journey to Chatham, it's big doings! No less than the United States Coast Guard provides his escort - delivering Jolly Old Saint Nick safely to the Chatham Fish Pier via Coast Guard cutter. It's all part of Chatham's festive Christmas by the Sea!
 
Yarmouthport Christmas Stroll
12/7/16 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Rt. 6A, Yarmouthport
Yarmouthport Christmas Stroll The village of Yarmouthport rings in the Holiday season with its annual Christmas Stroll on December 7th. As is the tradition, the Village's businesses, restaurants, B&Bs, and museums welcome all with holiday decorations, food, and seasonal music.  
 
Annual Tree Lighting Parade & Ceremony 
12/9/16 5:45pm-7pm
Sears Park, Chatham
Meet at the Chatham Community Center for the parade that begins at 5:45pm and proceeds down Main Street to Sears Park. Tree lighting ceremony follows at 6:00pm.

Santa's Workshop
12/9/16 6:30-8pm
Chatham Chamber of Commerce
Meet Santa and tell him what you want for Christmas!

Santa Breakfast & Holiday Splash Open House
12/10/2016 8:30-11:30am
National Marine Life Center, 120 Main Street, Buzzards Bay, MA, 02532
Join us for a continental Breakfast with Santa and our Holiday Splash Open House! Featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus from 9-11 am. Also featuring breakfast goodies, holiday arts and crafts, and tours of our marine animal hospital! Admission: $5/person; Members FREE Admissions proceeds help care for sick turtles and seals.

Breakfast with Santa
12/10/16 9-11am
Chatham Wayside Inn 512 Main St
Santa and Mrs. Claus invite you to join them for a very special breakfast at the Chatham Wayside Inn.
More information to follow regarding ticket purchase.

Santa's Workshop
12/9/16 611am-3pm
Chatham Chamber of Commerce
Meet Santa and tell him what you want for Christmas!

Mashpee Christmas Parade
12/10/16, 5:30 p.m. 
Parade begins at Mashpee Commons
Mashpee Christmas Parade Among all the festive events on Cape Cod in December, the Annual Mashpee Christmas Parade is one you won't want to miss!
Each year the parade seems to get bigger and better. Stay tuned for details on the 2016 parade theme and special, featured performers ... 

Historic Bass River Holiday Cookie Stroll
12/10/16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Old Main Street, South Yarmouth
$15 (advance purchase required)
Yarmouth Libraries Tour grand homes in the historic village of Bass River, see the sights, and pick up home-baked cookies along the way. What could be better??
When you purchase a ticket for the Cookie Stroll, your ticket is actually a cookbook with recipes for cookies served at the sites along this two-mile walking tour. 
Tickets to this popular event are limited and sell out quickly.

Holiday Sing A Long
Tones in Motion, Dec 16, 2016 10:30-11:15am
Atria Woodbriar, Gifford St Falmouth
Join Tones in Motion Music Therapy for our annual holiday sing along as we share our holiday cheer with our grand-friends of Atria Woodbriar. We will move and groove holiday style! 

Christmas in Harwich
When: Dec 2-4, 2016
Where: Various locations in Harwich
Christmas in Harwich   Many activities and events are free. This weekend in Harwich begins with the Harwich Port Stroll where locals and visitors join together for the tree lighting ceremony and caroling. Also on Friday evening, have your photo taken with Santa (he arrives by fire truck), and take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Harwich Port.
The rest of the weekend includes merchant open houses, village stroll, music, refreshments, and plenty more.

Holly Folly Weekend
December 2 - 4, 2016 
Around town in Provincetown
Holly Folly Weekend the Provincetown Business Guild's Gay and Lesbian Holiday Festival, kicks off on Friday with the "Holly Folly Shop Hop", a great time to peruse Provincetown's amazing variety of shops and galleries for unique gifts that'll "Wow" everyone on your list - pets included!
Throughout the weekend there'll be events all over town. Open houses, dance parties, drag bingo, a Jingle Bell Bathing Suit Run down the center of town ... that's just a little sampling of the fun and frivolity in P'town this Holly Folly Weekend.  

Falmouth Holidays By The Sea Weekend
December 2-4, 2016
Town Green, Falmouth Harbor, Main Street, and other locations in Falmouth
Falmouth Holidays By The Sea in Falmouth is jam-packed with fun for everyone! 
This festive weekend includes the arrival of Santa sailing into Falmouth Harbor, the Annual Lighting of the Falmouth Village Green with caroling and a special visit from Santa, and the downtown Holiday Stroll. Noon on Sunday is kick-off time for the annual Falmouth Christmas Parade. Renowned for being southeast Massachusetts’ largest Christmas parade, highlights include decorated floats, marching bands, live animals, costumed characters and Santa Claus, too. It's one of the premier Cape Cod events in December - definitely not to be missed!
 
Brewster for the Holidays
December 2 - 4, 2016
Brewster for the Holidays This town-wide celebration is a long-standing tradition in the historic "Sea Captains Town" of Brewster.
Festivities begin on Friday morning when local shops, galleries and inns open their doors for a weekend of family-friendly events, activities and promotions.
Highlights of Brewster for the Holidays include the Tree Lighting and the Lighting of the Windmill at Drummer Boy Park, blacksmith demonstration and windmill tours, a Holiday band concert, Arts & Crafts Show, and the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History's Gala Family Party.
 
Chatham Christmas Stroll Weekend
December 9-10, 2016 
Throughout the town of Chatham
Chatham Christmas Stroll Christmas in Chatham will bring you back to days gone by. This weekend is part of a month-long celebration of the Holidays that includes a town light parade, caroling,  visits with Santa, music and theater performances, sweet treats, Christmas fairs, open houses and shopping throughout the town. 

Seaside Christmas in Orleans
Beginning in late November and continuing through December
Various locations in Orleans
Seaside Christmas in Orleans For a host of family friendly Cape Cod events in December, come to Orleans! During the month-long Seaside Christmas celebration, shopkeepers, gallery owners and restaurateurs welcome visitors with special events and tasty treats - and some nice discounts and promotions to help preserve your shopping budget. Getting out and about around town, there's a jam-packed roster of things to see and do including Christmas tree lightings, caroling, Nauset Model Railroad Club's Open House, and tons more.

"Gardens Aglow"
Weekends (Fri., Sat., & Sun.) November 25 to December 18, 2016 from 4:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Heritage Museums and Gardens, 67 Grove Street, Sandwich
Adults $18; children $7, 2 and under free
(508) 888-3300, ext. 175; Heritage Museums & Gardens
Heritage Museums & Gardens is putting on the glitz again this Holiday Season with it's treasured annual event - Gardens Aglow! At this extra-special time of year, the good folks at Heritage adorn their acres of beautiful gardens and woodlands with more than 10 miles of twinkling, sparkling lights. It's truly an awesome thing to see! Come stroll throughout the grounds and buildings and enjoy festive holiday displays, family-friendly activities, marshmallow-roasting, music and special performances, visits with Santa Claus, displays of model trains - and even a visit by some baby animals.

Edaville Express: Where's Santa?
Info: Join Mrs. Claus & Santa’s elves at the Edaville boarding station as they embark on a 45 minute interactive train ride adventure to find Santa; while enjoying chocolate milk, Hood® Eggnog & cookies. Fueled by Christmas cheer including: sing along to your favorite Christmas songs, dancing elves that give out shiny bells, & lots of bright lights that twinkle in the night! Each guest receives a special present! Reservations Required. Admission includes access to Edaville USA Theme Park, including Christmas Festival of Lights. 
This is recurring on dates listed 
Dates: 11/23, 12/1,12/7,12/8,12/14,12/15,12/ 21,12/ 22,12/ 28 &12/29
There are two time  Times: 5 PM & 6 PM
Pricing: $18 - $47
Visit website.

The Polar Express Train
Multiple departure times
Buzzards Bay Depot, 70 Main Street, Buzzards Bay
Ticket prices vary  
 (888) 797-7245; Cape Cod Central Railroad
Bourne, Massachusetts
The delightful children's story, The Polar Express, comes alive as you board the railroad's festively decorated train cars for a ride to visit Santa and his elves.
 As the train chugs along the tracks, everyone gets into the Holiday spirit with merry music, a reading of the Polar Express story, sweet treats and mugs of hot cocoa.  Of course, the Jolly Old Gentleman himself will be there when the train stops just outside the North Pole, meeting and greeting everyone with a rousing "Ho, Ho, Ho!". What a fun way for the whole family to celebrate the Holiday Season!

Annual Glassblowers' Christmas
November 14 - December 30, 2016 during daily Museum hours (9:30 am - 5 pm)
Sandwich Glass Museum, Main Street, Sandwich Village
Adults $9; Ages 6-14 $2; 6 and under free; Members free
(508) 888-0251 / Sandwich Glass Museum
The Sandwich Glass Museum is all dressed up for the Holidays. In addition to the spectacular glass exhibits the Museum is known for worldwide, this time of year features special trees decorated with hundreds of unique glass ornaments created by some of the region's foremost glass artists.

Spectacle of Trees
December 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10, 2016 
John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, Main Street, Hyannis
"Tree Bucks" (raffle tickets) $10 each
Spectacle of Trees While you're on your Christmas stroll in Hyannis, be sure to stop by the JFK Museum on Main Street. Throughout the Museum you'll see rooms filled with Christmas trees  - all festooned with lights and ornaments, and surrounded with decorations and gifts. They're all waiting for lucky raffle winners to take them home. (Yes, if you have the winning ticket for your favorite tree, it'll be yours to keep - decorations, gifts and all!).

"The Enchanted Village"
December 2 - 23, 2016
Cape Codder Resort & Spa, Rt. 132, Hyannis
Free; donations of new, unwrapped gifts and/or gift cards are appreciated. Enchanted Village
At the Enchanted Village, visitors are immersed in a fantasy world, dazzling with tens of thousands of sparkly lights, colorful animated displays, and a fantastic Santa's Village. The over-the-top display put on each year at the Cape Codder Resort draws families from near and far!
Santa comes to visit on weekend evenings, gaily costumed carolers spread the holiday spirit, and (weather permitting) there's a crackling bonfire with marshmallow roasting and a sing-along.
Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped gift or a gift card to place under the Giving Tree as a donation to the Independence House in Hyannis. Note: This event is open to the public as well as to guests of the Resort.

Country Christmas Open House
December 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18, 2016
Green Briar Nature Center & Jam Kitchen, 6 Discovery Hill Road, East Sandwich
Thornton Burgess Society Step back in time, into Ida Putnam's 1903 jam kitchen, for a glimpse of Christmas on Cape Cod over a century ago. The scent of jams and jellies cooking on the stove will have your mouth watering! Try a sampling of the delicious Jam Kitchen products and a cup of mulled cider. Browse the variety of holiday gift ideas in the Green Briar shop offering jams, jellies, relishes, books and many nature-related items.

By: Rebekah Thomson, Pediatric Sleep Coach

For those of you who are planning to travel over the holidays, here are suggestions to make your family adventure as smooth as possible, sleep-wise.
 
Prepare a sleep-friendly environment. Whether you’re staying in a hotel, rental house, or with family, try to create a sleep-friendly environment for your little ones. Bring along unwashed crib sheets (the familiar scent will be soothing), favorite loveys and blankets, white noise machine, and night light. If you’re not sure the window shades will be dark enough, pack black trash bags and masking tape or thumbtacks for makeshift blackout shades. The Phil & Teds “Traveller” cot is a great alternative to traditional pack n plays; it is small and light enough to fit inside your suitcase, has no uncomfortable crossbars, and has the added advantage of an optional top in case you’ve got a climber on your hands.
 
Respect your child’s need to sleep – even on vacation. Yes, your child may miss a few naps due to travel and bedtime may be a little later due to older cousins. But try to not abandon your child’s schedule altogether, particularly if you are away for more than a few days. If normal crib naps are not possible, plan to drive during nap times, squeeze in catnaps to take the edge off, and opt out of a late dinner if your little one is showing signs of fatigue. You’ll be glad you made the sacrifice – over-tired children usually don’t make the best travel companions anyhow.
 
Maintain the rituals. Try to maintain your family’s pre-sleep routine, or at least an abridged version of it. The familiar books, songs, and other positive sleep associations will be especially comforting to them as they adjust to their new environment.
 
Talk to your children. Even one year olds often understand a lot more than we think. Let your little ones know that you are doing things differently than usual because you are traveling. “Today we are going to take our naps in the car because we have a long drive to grandma’s house. You can rest in your car seat, and we will wake you up as soon as we get there!”
 
Avoid using the same crutch you just broke. Sure, some sleep regressions may happen during travel. However, if you have recently worked hard to stop nursing your baby to sleep, try rocking her or patting her down instead. It’s less confusing and less intermittent reinforcement, which means ultimately it will be easier to undo.
 
Nip bad habits in the bud. Let your little ones know that once you are back home, it’s back to business as usual. So if you had a co-sleeping nurse-athon in order to keep her quiet at your in-law’s house, the “open bar” officially closes when she kisses grandma goodbye. It’s much easier (i.e. less crying) to tackle new sleep issues before they are fully engrained.
 
 
Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season!
 
Rebekah
 www.countingsheepmv.com

By: Suzanne Golden, M.S., CCC-SLP
​
Holiday Meal Time
 
The holidays are a time to get together with family, to celebrate and to eat a lot of delicious food!  But, if your child is a picky/problem eater, it can also be a time of anxiety and stress about what your child will eat for at family parties.  Instead of panicking, consider some of these tips to help you and your child survive the holiday season!

• Have your child help you prepare the food:
  • Sometimes just touching, smelling and being near different kinds of food, without the pressure to eat them, is enough of a task for a picky/problem eater.  Have your child help you with as much of the preparation as possible.  If he is reluctant to touch the food, allow him to pour ingredients in from a bowl or scoop with a spoon. These are all small steps that can be taken towards eating!
• Serve food “family-style”
  • Place serving dishes and serving spoons on the table so everyone may help themselves and pass the dishes to one another.  Encourage your child to pass and scoop the foods too.  This will help increase his exposure to new foods.
• Encourage your child to put small servings of new foods on his plate.
  • Even if he doesn't eat them, tolerating them on his plate can be a big step! 
• Be prepared with a food your child will eat.
  • Encourage your child to smell, touch and taste some new foods. But, be prepared with something you know your child will eat so he can enjoy his meal with the family.

We hope these tips help make the holiday season a little easier for you and your picky/problem eater!
Happy Holidays to you and your family!
 
If you are concerned about your child's eating and think he or she may have a problem, contact Golden Speech Therapy to discuss the feeding therapy services we offer!

To schedule a screening or assessment please contact Golden Speech Therapy today. 
www.goldenspeechtherapy.com
Golden Speech Therapy
Suzanne Golden, M.S., CCC-SLP
Contact Info:
781-603-8529
www.goldenspeechtherapy.com
www.facebook.com/goldenspeechtherapy

Ornament Workshop
Friday Nov 27, 2015
10am-1pm
​Cape Cod Children's Museum

Cape Cod Moms & the Cape Cod Children's Museum will be hosting an ornament decorating workshop the day after Thanksgiving.  We have teamed up this year to participate in both the Falmouth and Mashpee Christmas Parades.  As part of our float, we will have 5 Christmas trees (split between the 2 floats) that will be donated after the parades to 5 local families in our community in the following areas:

Veterans - Heroes in Transition
Falmouth Service Center
A Senior
A Family with young children
Cape Cod Center for Women

Children who participate in the Ornament Workshop on Friday Nov 27, 2015 from 10am-1pm at Cape Cod Children's Museum will have the option to decide which tree they wish for their ornament to adorn.  We are hoping to include the kids in our season of giving and helping those less fortunate.  We would love for you all to join us and help spread some cheer!

After the huge success with our Thanksgiving Event Post we wanted to do even better this time!

With the holidays fast approaching and your calendar filling up, we decided to bestow an early gift to our Cape Cod community and your family!  We have compiled a list of all Family friendly Christmas, Holiday and Hanukkah Events taking place on Cape Cod as well as Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, Plymouth and Surrounding Areas. 

We know how hectic this time of year can be with everything you Moms have to do that we wanted to make your life just a tad bit simpler! To further make your life easier, we even broke it down by the following categories in this order:

Jogs/Runs; Lightings/Tree Displays/Strolls; Month Long Events; Parades; Santa; Other Events; and Hanukkah

The sub categories then go in order of the date of the event.  We tried to provide links whenever possible.  We will be updating this event blog as the season goes, but you should always verify with the event venue before you venture out.  If we have missed anything, our sincerest apologies. Please email any changes or new events to info@ccmommies.com

Thank you for your continued support of our local community and Cape Cod Mommies blog!  We love you all and wish you and your family the best this holiday season!

2nd Annual Jingle Jog 5K Run & Elf Run 
Falmouth, December 7, 2013 12:30 p.m. 
 
Starts from The Flying Bridge Restaurant, around Falmouth Heights (follows some of the Falmouth Road Race route) and back to The Flying Bridge.  (Elf Run precedes 5k, is shorter and for children 12 and under.)

Santa Stampede 5k and Family Fun Run 
Orleans, from 12/07/13 
For More Info: http://orleanscapecod.org/santa-stampede-5k-and-family-fun-run/ 
 
Get your Santa suit, elf costume, antlers, stockings and lights – and join this 5k race! Walkers welcome! Kids Only Run Too. Create a festive costume and enter our Holiday Costume Contest. Race starts at 11 a.m. After
Party Celebration and Award Ceremony held at Joe’s Beach Road Bar and Grille at The Barley Neck Inn.

Lighting of Pilgrim Monument
November 27, 2013 5-7pm

The annual lighting of the Pilgrim Monument, which celebrates the Pilgrims' First Landing in America at Provincetown. The spectacular 252-foot tall Pilgrim Monument dazzles the night sky with thousands of white lights, celebrating the Pilgrims’ First Landing in Provincetown in November 1620. Traditionally, the illumination of the Monument occurs precisely at 6 p.m., and the lights continue to shine through the first week of January.

Lighting of the Lobster Pot Tree
November 30, 2013, 5:30 pm (rain or shine) Lopes Square in Provincetown

Made from 100+ lobster pots stacked over 2 stories high and decorated with ribbons, garland and thousands of festive lights, artist Julian Popko's lobster pot Christmas tree will put you in the Holiday mood for sure!

Barnstable Village Holiday Stroll
December 4, 2013, 6-8 pm
Rt. 6A, Barnstable Village
More Info: Barnstable Village Civic Association

The Barnstable Village Civic Association hosts its traditional Holiday Stroll in the historic village center. The event features family friendly activities, open houses at local businesses, a visit from Santa, and an all-around good time.

Oak Bluffs Holiday Tree Lighting & Caroling  Party
December  4, 2013 6:30pm
 
The Oak Bluffs Association will once again sponsor the Annual Holiday Tree  Lighting at 6:30 pm in Post Office Square. Join the Vineyard Haven Band for  caroling, then take a short stroll up to Dreamland for hot chocolate and a  meeting with Santa. Post Office Square, Oak Bluffs  Admission Fee: Free/donations for Food Pantry accepted 

Spectacle of Trees
JFK Hyannis Museums, Main Street, Hyannis, from 12/05/13 to  12/14/13 
For More Info: https://capecodcharitablefunraisers.com/funraiser/spectacle_JFK 

Local non-profits put together Christmas trees adorned not just with tinsel and ornaments, but a host of fabulous gifts! When you arrive at the Spectacle of Trees, you will be able to donate “Tree Bucks”. Each tree buck that is put in an organization's box earns that non-profit $10. The more Tree Bucks you donate to a box, or order online, the better your chances of being awarded the tree and the more money that non-profit will earn!

 Nantucket Christmas Stroll
Nantucket Island, from 12/06/13 to 12/08/13 
For More Info: www.nantucketchamber.org 
 
A holiday tradition on Nantucket Island, now in its 39th year! Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on Saturday via Coast Guard vessel and are escorted up Straight Wharf for a festive parade, while carolers in period costume, bell ringers and student choirs perform on Main Street. Holiday craft shows, exhibitions and performances throughout the weekend — including the popular annual Christmas House tour on Friday evening — add to the joyful festivities.

Christmas in Old Bourne Village
December 6-8, 2013
Briggs McDermott House, Carriage House and Forge, 22 Sandwich Road, and other locations in Old Bourne VillageMost events are free of charge.
More Info: (508) 759-8167 / Bourne Society for Historic Preservation

As part of the Canal region's celebration of the Holidays, Old Bourne Village businesses, civic organizations and historic spots are all trimmed out and welcoming visitors to shop, dine and get in the Christmas Spirit. 
One stop not to miss is the Briggs-McDermott House, an historic Greek Revival Style home that's been 
restored, preserved and furnished as it was during the 1840-1910 era. Seeing the home, carriage house and forge all done up in Colonial-style holiday finery is a real treat!

Dennis Christmas Stroll
Dennis Village, from 12/08/13 
For More Info: www.dennischamber.com
Dennis Village GreenCorner of Old Bass River Road & Roue 6A Dennis Village. Enjoy hayrides & trolley rides, Christmas tree lighting, face painting, village stroll (visit all the shops), silent auctions, petty zoo, food sampler on Village Green, toys and food donations, Santa & Mrs. Claus, FREE gifts, ornaments and so much more. Music at the Village Green Bandstand and many special events.

Yarmouthport Christmas Stroll 
Route 6A, Yarmouthport, from 12/08/13 
For More Info: 508-362-3021 http://www.hsoy.org/events.htm 

Visit the museums, bed and breakfasts, inns and businesses along the Old Kings Highway as they welcome you with holiday decorations, tasty treats, and music of the season. Carolyn Ray’s Miniature Room Boxes will again  be on display at the Bangs Hallet House. Children can have a FREE photo taken with Santa Claus on
the porch of the Bangs Hallet house (courtesy of Walgreens). Festivities end with the tree-lighting on the Village Common at 4:15 p.m.

Centerville Christmas Stroll
Main Street, Centerville
Sun, December 8, 4pm – 7pm
More Info: http://centervillecivic.org
Enjoy, holiday crafts, food, songs and more!

Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll Open House
December 8, 2013 
 
Visit the museums, bed and breakfasts, inns, and businesses along the Old Kings Highway as they welcome you with decorations, tasty treats, and music of the season. Festivities end with caroling and the tree-lighting on the Village Common at 4:15 PM.  note: Edward Gorey House open 12 noon to 4pm.

Christmas in Edgartown 
Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, from 12/13/13 to 12/14/13 
For More Info: www.MVY.com

Enjoy a very merry Vineyard Christmas experience in Edgartown! The festivities include the lighting of the Edgartown lighthouse, a renowned chowder contest, open house of  the historic inns, holiday concerts by the Minnesingers, caroling, crafts, fabulous shopping and a Sunday Breakfast with Santa. Also enjoy wine, hot
drinks and tasty treats, as traditional carols and family concerts help keep you in that holiday spirit!

Wellfleet Holiday Stroll
Wellfleet, from 12/14/13 to 12/15/13  For More Info: www.DiscoverWellfleet.com

Several local restaurants and stores will be participating throughout the weekend! Preservation Hall is hosting a Holiday Bazaar on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day - 30 vendors will be offering locally made items, from leather works, pottery, jewelry, knit ware,  baby gear, artwork and prepared foods. The Wellfleet Historical Society will host a Holiday House Tour on Saturday. Also on Saturday at 4 p.m., there will be a tree-lighting ceremony and carol singing by local musician Denya Levine on the Wellfleet Town
Lawn!
 
8th Annual Holiday Cookie Stroll 
Bass River, South Yarmouth, from 12/14/13 10:00am - 3:00pm 
For More Info: (508) 394-2983 
 
The "ticket" is actually a cookbook with the recipes of all cookies served on this two-mile walking tour to eleven sites. The tour also includes an Open House at the South Yarmouth Library.. Free trolley transport
will be available between groups of houses. All of the proceeds go to support the South Yarmouth Library. Cider and cranberry bread will be served at the library, where visitors will see a display about the Attles. Tickets are $15.00. Children under 12 are free, but only ticket holders receive cookies. Tickets are limited.

Train to Christmas Town-Click here to read more about this from Cape Cod Mommies!
Buzzards Bay/ Hyannis, from 11/15/13 to 12/30/13 
For More Info: www.capetrain.com

Get the first, and best, view of Santa and his special helper friends as your train rolls into the North Pole. Travel in our premium Upper Dome seating and enjoy the view from large glass-dome windows. Elevated to 16 feet above track level, guests in our Upper Dome seats not only get the first views while experiencing the ultimate in train travel comfort. Trains will depart from the Buzzards Bay station.

Read our Review of the Cape Cod Central Railroad's Polar Express Train!

Holidays at Highfield Hall 
Highfield Hall & Gardens, from 11/29/13 to 12/08/13 12:00pm - 4:00pm daily
For More Info: 508-495-1878 www.highfieldhall.org 
 
Falmouth Top decorators and designers showcase their talents in the elegant rooms of Highfield Hall. The event features a Gift Gallery with items ranging from fine crafts to hostess gifts, an international crèche collection, a tea shoppe, Santa and activities for families. $5 admission, children free. Visit www.highfieldhall.org for a complete schedule.

International Crèche Display
Highfield Hall & Gardens, from 11/29/13 to 12/08/13 12:00pm 
 For More Info: 508-495-1878 x2 http://www.highfieldhall.org 

A display of over 60 miniature crèches from the collection of Bill Hendel has been a popular tradition at Highfield Hall’s annual Holiday celebration. This diverse and beautiful collection of nativity scenes from countries all around the globe includes works in wide variety of media ranging from clay, porcelain, wax, fiber, straw, metal and many different types of wood. The Holidays at Highfield Hall also includes elaborate décor, a gift gallery, Any Soldier® project, Santa, a tea shoppe, models trains (trains from Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 only) and more. $5.00 adults, children free. More at highfieldhall.org.

South Shore Hi-Railers Model Trains
Highfield Hall & Gardens, from 11/29/13 to 12/01/13 12:00pm - 4:00pm 
For More Info: 508-495-1878 x2 http://www.highfieldhall.org 

The South Shore Hi-Railers Club brings their O gauge model trains to be on display and chugging around the tracks during the first weekend of the Holidays at Highfield Hall. The set-up by the Club will feature Lionel, MTH, K-Line electric freight and diesel trains. A crowd favorite for young and old alike! The Holidays at Highfield Hall also includes elaborate décor, a gift  gallery, crèche exhibition, tea shoppe, Santa, Any Soldier® project and more. $5.00 adults, children free. More at highfieldhall.org.

 "A Seussified Christmas Carol"
Falmouth Theatre Guild presents "A Seussified Christmas Carol" Highfield Theater, Falmouth, from 12/06/13 to 12/15/13 
 For More Info: www.falmouththeatreguild.org

Performances on Friday-Sunday (December 6-8 and 13-15). A whimsical reinvention of Dickens' most beloved Christmas story in wacky rhymed couplets. With zoot fruited juices and binka bird geese, from Bed-Headed Fred to Timmy Loo Hoo, this tale of glorious holiday cheer is similar to something Dr. Seuss might have come up with -- if he ever had his way with the story!

Country Christmas Open House
December 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 2013; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, 1 - 4 p.m. on Sunday
Green Briar Nature Center & Jam Kitchen, 6 Discovery Hill Road, East Sandwich
More Info: (508) 888-6870 / Thornton Burgess Society Free Admission

Step back in time, into Ida Putnam's 1903 jam kitchen, for a glimpse of Christmas on Cape Cod over a century ago. The scent of jams and jellies cooking on the stove will have your mouth watering! Try a sampling of the delicious Jam Kitchen products and a cup of mulled cider. Browse the variety of holiday gift ideas in the Green Briar shop offering jams, jellies, relishes, books and many nature-related items.
 
Gardens Aglow Annual Celebration of Lights
Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich, from 11/29/13 to 12/22/13 
For More Info: www.heritagemuseumsandgardens.org 

Stroll the gardens and grounds glowing with holiday lights, watch musical performances, ride the holiday carousel, visit Santa in the Model T, enjoy drop-in crafts, and shop the Museum Store! Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5 to 9 p.m.

Holidays in Mashpee Commons
Mashpee Commons is your one stop shop for holiday fun, shopping, and dining this season! In addition to our unique Cape Cod shops and restaurants, we have free family friendly activities taking place every weekend between November 29th and December 23rd. Take a complementary Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride, listen to our Holiday Carolers as they stroll the Commons, visit Santa in his village, and enjoy a live Holiday Brass Band or Steel Drum Reggae  Performance. All of our holiday activities are free and open to the public.
Check out our detailed holiday events schedule below and mark your calendars for some of our fun holiday events! Planning to attend? Join our event on Facebook.

Sandwich Glass Museum’s 4th Annual Glassblowers’ Christmas 
Sandwich Glass Museum, Sandwich, from 11/19/13 to 12/30/13
For More Info: 508-888-0251 www.sandwichglassmuseum.org This festive season hundreds of unique glass ornaments will adorn trees made by some of the region’s finest glass artists. This display is free with general admission of $6 for adults and $1.25 for children 6-14.

Sandwich Holly Days
Sandwich, from 12/01/13 to 12/31/13 For More Info: 508-833-9755
www.sandwichchamber.com/SandwichHollyDays.php 
 
Enjoy magical events that capture the spirit of a New England holiday season. Holiday Home Tours, Stores and Doors Holiday Contest and more!

A Canal Christmas: Christmas in Sandwich
Sandwich, from 12/02/13 to 12/11/13 
For More Info: www.capecodcanalchamber.org

Craft fairs, Open Houses, Sing-Alongs, Tree Lightings, Concerts, Exhibits, Holiday Shopping, Golf Scrambles, Santa Visits and much more!

Brewster For the Holidays
Brewster, from 12/06/13 to 12/08/13
For More Info: www.brewsterfortheholidays.com 

A traditional Cape Cod holiday celebration recreated from years past and sponsored by Brewster businesses for all of Brewster to enjoy! Look for "Brewster For the Holidays" flags at participating businesses. Shops,
restaurants, inns, museums and galleries will be glowing to welcome shoppers to experience their unique holiday spirit.

Christmas in Harwich
Harwich, from 12/06/13 to 12/08/13 
For More Info: www.harwichcc.com 

Entertainment, open houses, Christmas stroll, tree lighting and carol singing.

A Seaside Christmas in Orleans
Orleans, Cape Cod, from 11/30/13 to 12/31/13 
For More Info: http://orleanscapecod.org/a-seaside-christmas-in-orleans/ 

Visit shops and galleries meet visitors from the North Pole while enjoying live music, holiday refreshments, demonstrations, amazing sales, personal service and gifts from around the world. Highlights also include Annual Christmas Stroll and Tree Lighting on the Village Green and Pancake Breakfast with Mrs. Claus

Holly Folly Weekend in Provincetown
Provincetown, from 12/06/13 to 12/08/13 
For More Info: 508-487-2313 http://ptown.org/HollyFolly.asp 

Caroling, cabaret, lighting contest, Inn Stroll, and the Holly Folly Shop Hop! The 1st annual Santa Speedo Run will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, December 7th from Fanizzi's to the Crown & Anchor (proceeds go to the Cape Cod EMS & Firefighters Cancer Relief Fund). And at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, the Boston Gay Men's Chorus performs a special holiday concert at Town Hall - a great Holly Folly tradition and the perfect kick-off to the holiday season.

12th Annual Cape Cod Enchanted Village
Cape Codder Resort & Spa, Hyannis, MA

The village features a magnificent display of more than 100,000 lights, a Santa’s Village, a bonfire (weather permitting) and more, every night through January 2, 2014. The Cape Cod Surftone Carolers and Santa will entertain visitors Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:30 - 8:30 and Sunday evenings from 5-7 through December 22. Please bring a gift card or new toy for Independence House

8th Annual Mashpee Christmas Parade
December 7, 2013, 5:30 p.m.
Starts at Mashpee Commons, Mashpee
More Info: (508) 477-0792 / Mashpee Christmas Parade

Among all the festive events on Cape Cod in December, the Annual Mashpee Christmas Parade is one you won't want to miss! Each year the parade seems to get bigger and better. Prior parade headliners include the Avalon String Band, a renowned troupe of mummers who've delighted audiences the world over
with their vivid costumes and incredible musical talents in performances at the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, the Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans, and even a U.S. Presidential Inaugural Parade. Can't wait to see who will headline the parade this year!

Hyannis Main Street Stroll and Harbor Lighting/Boat Parade 
 Hyannis Village, from 12/07/13 
For More Info: www.hyannis.com 
9-10 am, Breakfast with Santa at The British Beer Company; 
11 am -3 p.m.Main Street village stroll with music and holiday activities.
At 4 p.m., everyone will gather at the Ocean Street Docks to enjoy the beautifully decorated boat parade. 
At 5:40, Santa makes an appearance to meet with the children and is surrounded by a selection of lively activities!

50th Annual Falmouth Christmas Parade
12:00 PM 
Presented by the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce 
Theme: 50 Years of Cape Cod Christmas 
The biggest Christmas Parade in South Eastern Massachusetts steps off at noontime at the Falmouth Mall and proceeds down Main Street to the Village Green. Known as Southeastern Massachusetts’ largest holiday parade featuring theme decorated floats, marching bands, live animals, costumed characters and Santa Claus!

Story With Santa
Cape Cod Mall Nov 15pm 6pm
Join us in your favorite pair of pajamas on Friday, November 15 to welcome Santa back to the Mall! Meet us at Regal Entrance, where Santa will be arriving on a FIRE TRUCK! Everyone will then parade with Santa to Macy’s Men Court to hear Santa read some of his favorite storiesGuests will receive a small snack to enjoy and will be able to visit with Santa, make crafts, and
more. Photos will be available as well. Package prices vary.

Santa in Plymouth
Plymouth Sat, November 16, 10-11am 3pm – 4pm
Red Entrance Independence Mall101 Independence Mall Way Kingston, MA 02364

Welcome Santa to the mall and explore the fire truck!

Santa Arrives at Colony Place - Plymouth
November 24, 2013 12-3pm
Head to Colony Place for a hayride with Santa, face painting, hot cocoa and more!

BRUNCH WITH SANTA
Chatham Bars Inn
11/30/13 11:30AM - 2PM 
More Info: http://www.chathambarsinn.com/events.php
In conjunction with the Giving Tree we will be hosting Brunch with Santa in the STARS Dining Room! Children under 12 eat free with a donation to the Giving Tree to Benefit Lower Cape Outreach Council. Santa will be making the rounds to all tables during each seating.

Santa Comes to Luke’s Love
December 1, 2913 12-2pm
Santa's 3rd annual visit to benefit a Baby Center in Hyannis. Refreshments will be provided by Chapins Restaurant in Dennis. Please bring diapers and wipes to donate to the Baby Center! 
 
Christmas in Cotuit
December 7, 2013 approx 3pm
Santa arrives by boat and then walks up the Village Green. Hot cocoa and cookies are given out by church.

Seafaring Santa Sails into Falmouth
December 7, 2013 11:00 AM 
Immediately following breakfast, head to the docks at Falmouth Harbor (behind the Flying Bridge Restaurant) to welcome Seafaring Santa!

Santa Comes to the Fish Pier
December 8, 2013, 1:30 p.m.
Chatham Fish Pier, Barcliff Avenue, Chatham
More Info: (508) 945-5199
When Santa makes his pre-Christmas journey to Chatham, it's big doings! No less than the United States Coast Guard provides his escort - delivering Jolly Old Saint Nick safely to the Chatham Fish Pier via Coast Guard cutter.

Flying Santa is coming to Truro!  

Highland Lighthouse at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.

Open to residents, non-residents, visitors, etc.All children up to and including sixth grade are invited to welcome Santa as he arrives by helicopter at Highland Lighthouse at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Pre-registration is required by Dec. 3; sign up online at www.activityreg.com. There is a fee of $5. The event is organized by the Truro Recreation Dept. For more information visit www.truro-ma.gov/recreation or call (508) 487-1632, ext. 22 or 23.

Old Mother West Wind's Christmas Fair
When: November 23, 2013
Where: Green Briar Nature Center & Jam Kitchen, 6 Discovery Hill Road, East
Sandwich Admission: Free. Donations appreciated.
More Info: (508) 888-6870 / Thornton Burgess Society

 Find something special for the holidays among quality handmade wreaths, gifts and decorations. Enjoy some home-baked treats, mulled cider and a cup of home-made clam chowder or chili. All proceeds benefit the educational programs of the Thornton W. Burgess Society.

CINDERELLA AND FRIENDS’ ENCHANTED WONDERLAND
Chatham Bars Inn
11/30/13 10am &1pm
Be transported into a winter wonderland while enjoying a holiday story and sing-a-long with Cinderella, Prince Charming and a special visit from Santa! Children of all ages will delight in this magical interactive holiday story with Cinderella and her Prince in our Enchanted Wonderland. Festive crafts, caroling, photo opportunities, cookies and cocoa and a visit from Santa will make this event a treasured holiday memory for the whole family. Reservations required, call 508.945.0096 to reserve your ticket to this wonderful family event. Featuring performers from the Academy of Performing Arts. Parents are encouraged to bring their own camera for photo opportunities. Tickets are $18

Eastham Holiday Festival
December 3, 2013, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Two locations. Orleans-Eastham Elks Lodge and The Gift Barn, Eastham
Admission: Free, toy donation appreciated
More Info: (508) 255-7000 or (508) 240-7211 / Eastham Holiday Festival

Take the trolley running between the Elks Lodge and the Gift barn for lots of fun family activities like arts and crafts, face painting, pony rides, and plenty of refreshments for all. Santa will be around all day to meet the children. All the sponsors ask is that you bring a new, unwrapped toy of any value to the Elks Lodge to support the Elks' contribution to Toys for Tots. Your donation will go a long way to help less fortunate kids
can enjoy the Holidays, too!


Join in a community of adults and children having musical fun before the holidays!
Treats and juice will be provided at the end for the kids (we try but we cannot guarantee an allergen free snack tray so please bring your own if your child has a food allergy or special dietary needs)!
These are not drop in classes. You must register and pay in full in advance. Space is limited, so please register early.


Meryl's Music Holiday Singing
 NORTH FALMOUTH – Meryl’s Studio
75 County Rd
Monday, December 16 at 5:00 pm
Tuesday, December 17 at 10:00 am
Wednesday, December 18 at 10:30 am

SANDWICH – Sandwich Mini Mall
152 Route 6A
Tuesday, December 17 at 10:00 am
Tuesday, December 17 at 5:45 pm
Wednesday, December 18 at 10:00 am
Thursday, December 19 at 10:00 am

HARWICH – Meryl’s Studio
19 Speak Way
Tuesday, December 17 at 10:00 am
Tuesday, December 17 at 5:00 pm
Wednesday, December 18 at 10:00 am
Wednesday, December 18 at 3:45 pm
Friday, December 20 at 10:00 am
Saturday. December 21 at 10:00 am


Olde World Christmas at Plimoth Grist Mill
Friday, December 6  through Saturday, December 7   
Travel back in time to where the simple joys of the season abound. It’s Christmas at the Mill! The miller and his wife have decked the halls with traditional greenery and twinkling lights. A charming Christmas story unfolds as you tour the mill and discover some traditions of long ago…the holly and the ivy, sugar plums, warm cider and gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, carol singing and ringing sleigh bells. Experience the magical sights and tastes and sounds of an old world Christmas at the Mill.
 Plimoth Grist Mill, 6 Spring Lane
Plymouth, MA
When: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Tours begin at 4 p.m. and start every 15 minutes with the last tour at 8 p.m.       
Cost: $8 Adult Members, $5 Child Members $10 Adult Not-Yet-Member, $7 Child Not-Yet-Members
For more info: Visit www.plimoth.org/calendar or call (508) 746-1622, ext. 8336

Holiday Tea & Fashion Show
Friday, December 6 2:30 - 5:30 pm Woods Hole Golf Club
Special first-time event to help our retailers, salons, jewelers,  and other holiday shops and boutiques showcase their holiday offerings.

Christmas Commons Fair
December 6 - 7, 2013
Federated Church of Hyannis, Main Street, Hyannis
More Info: (508) 775-0298 / Federated Church of Hyannis
The Federated Church's annual Christmas Commons Fair combines lots of my favorite things - spectacular
Christmas decorations, unique gift shopping, and a lobster roll lunch. That's Cape Cod at Christmas, through and through!

19th Annual "Last Best" Craft Fair
Saturday, December 7th from 10am - 3pm at the Henry T. Wing School on 33 Water Street in Sandwich.  Shop over 70 crafter booths through the school cafeteria, gymnasium and entrance lobbies for unique,
handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your gift list.  Lunch and Baked Goods will be available for purchase.  Event is organized by the Henry T. Wing School PTA.  The School's Scholastic Book Fair will be open as well in the Multi-Purpose Room.


Falmouth Holidays-by-the-Sea Weekend
Falmouth-all over
12/06/13 to 12/08/13 
For More Info: www.falmouthchamber.com
The crisp snap of seasonal glitter starts with the Holidays by the Sea Weekend in Falmouth. Begin the festive weekend by singing carols at Nobska Lighthouse as the winter’s sun sets over Vineyard Sound. Greet Santa as he arrives by boat at beautiful Falmouth Harbor. Join in the caroling at the lighting of the Village Green, enjoy the hospitality of merchants as you stroll down decorated Main Street before and after the lighting. Get ready for the biggest small-town Christmas parade in all of Southeast New England on Sunday!


Holiday Carol Sing at Nobska Lighthouse 
 December 7, 2013 5:30 PM Historic  Nobska Lighthouse, Nobska Road, Woods Hole.
  Join us for a festive seasonal sing along followed by hot chocolate and cookies. 

Provincetown’s Holiday Party to Benefit the Arts 
Land’s End Inn, 22 Commercial Street, Provincetown, from 12/06/13
4:00pm - 8:00pm 
For More Info: 508-487-0706 www.landsendinn.com 
The annual Holiday Party will kick off the festive Holly Folly weekend! Enjoy signature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, DJ entertainment and hundreds of guests in all sorts of finery to this historic treasure located high atop Gull Hill in Provincetown’s West End. A silent auction and raffle for  fantastic prizes, along with the $10 requested donation, will benefit the  Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM). RSVP or make accommodations reservations by calling 508-487-0706 or visit landsendinn.com.


Gingerbread Man Puppet Show & Cookie Decorating
Sandwich Public Library room 2
12/07/13 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM & 11:30 AM to 12:15 PMOnline registration for this event begins Saturday, November 23rd. Seating is limited. Join us for our annual Gingerbread Man Puppet Show followed by cookie decorating. In partnership with the Sandwich Partnership for Families.
Please call the Children's Room if you are unable to attend so that others on our wait list may attend. 508-888-0625 ext. 305.


 Station Avenue Elementary in Yarmouth Invites the Cape Cod Community to their Holiday Fair!
December 7, 2013 9am-2-pm
*Vendor and Crafter space is still available at this popular  annual event!* It features a “Kids Only” shopping room where children, along  with their personal shopper, select gifts for family and friends. This will give you the opportunity to visit the craft and vendor area  located in our gym.  We have ample parking, sell breakfast and lunch, hold multiple raffles, and have lots of kid-friendly activities.  There will also be a visit from Santa
and Mrs. Claus, musical entertainment, and a book fair.  Please join us for a wonderful day filled with holiday
fun!! Contact:Alena Reardon at sae_pto@yahoo.com for details

Family Pancake Breakfast & Parade Raffle 
December 7, 2013 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
  Morse Pond School,  Jones Road, Falmouth 
Face painting, pancake breakfast and family raffle to benefit the 50th Annual Falmouth Christmas Parade. Begin your morning with a delicious breakfast, great fun and a chance to win fabulous prizes!

Taylor-Bray Farm Holiday Festival
December 7-8, 2013 10-4pm
Taylor-Bray Farm108 Bray Farm Road N. Yarmouth Port, MA
LOTS of wonderful holiday crafts, baked goods and more to start the holiday season off right! Plus, complimentary refreshments. Christmas trees will be available too, and don't forget to visit the animals while you are on the farm!

 Holiday Cocktail  Tasting
Cape Cod Package Store Fine Wine & Spirits, from 12/11/13 4:00pm - 6:00pm 
For More Info: 508-775-2065 http://www.CapeCodPackageStore.com 
Take a break from the hustle and bustle! Join us for a Holiday primer on festive cocktails to be used for your entertaining pleasure!

CINDERELLA AND FRIENDS’ ENCHANTED WONDERLAND
Chatham Bars Inn
12/14/13 10am &1pm
Be transported into a winter wonderland while enjoying a holiday story and sing-a-long with Cinderella, Prince Charming and a special visit from Santa! Children of all ages will delight in this magical interactive holiday story with Cinderella and her Prince in our Enchanted Wonderland. Festive crafts, caroling, photo opportunities, cookies and cocoa and a visit from Santa will make this event a treasured holiday memory for the whole family. Reservations required, call 508.945.0096 to reserve your ticket to this wonderful family event. Featuring performers from the Academy of Performing Arts. Parents are encouraged to bring their own camera for photo opportunities. Tickets are $18

GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOPS
Chatham Bars Inn
12/14/13 4pm
More Info: http://www.chathambarsinn.com/events.php
Decorate your own gingerbread house! Our culinary team will provide you with a freshly baked & constructed house, along with all types of candy and colorful frosting to decorate it for the holidays! This event does sell out, please call 508-945-0096 to reserve your spot!

Holiday Pops at the Plymouth Philharmonic
December 14 & 15, 2013 3pm 
Memorial Hall83 Court Street Plymouth, MA
The perfect way to expose your children to the symphony while they hear holiday classics that they know and love! This performance will also include the South Shore Conservatory

Plymouth Rotary Polar Express
 12/14/13 11:45am, 1:45 p.m., 4:00 p.m. & 7:15 p.m
Head to Kingston for the South Shore Polar Express! There will be a fun train ride, reading of the "Polar Express", hot chocolate, a visit from elves with gifts from Santa, and a visit from the big man himself! PJs are
encouraged. This event is put on by the Rotary Club of Plymouth.
 
Chatham Historic Inn Tour
Chatham Town Wide, from 12/15/13 
 For More Info: www.chathaminfo.com
 Chatham's most beautiful historic inns are all decorated for the holidays, and they are opening their doors to the public for tours! 1 to 4 p.m.

Children’s Holiday Party
Brewster Ladies' Library 1822 Main Street, Brewster
Sat, December 21, 2pm – 3pm
You’re invited to a gingerbread man party! Listen to stories about gingerbread people, enjoy a holiday sing-along with Kathy Hatch, and decorate cookies.

Pilgrim Festival Chorus Messiah Sing
December 22, 2013 The Church of the Pilgrimage 8 Town Square Plymouth, MA
Pilgrim Festival Chorus will host a sing-through of Handel

Hanukkah Story Time with Rabbi Silverman 
November 19, 2013 5pm
Kingston Public Library6 Green Street Kingston, MA
Head to the Kingston Public Library for a special Hanukkah Story Time with Rabbi Silverman

EPOCH to host Hanukkah celebration
Wednesday, December 1, 2013 2pm
EPOCH Senior Healthcare of Brewster, 873 Harwich Road
Local  musician Denya LeVine will celebrate Hanukkah with residents and guests of EPOCH Senior Healthcare of Brewster, 873 Harwich Road, on Wednesday, Dec. 1, at  2 p.m. An accomplished fiddler, LeVine will lead EPOCH residents and guests in  prayer and song to mark the Festival of Lights. LeVine will also share stories and traditions of the holiday, including fresh latkes prepared for guests.  EPOCH’s Hanukkah celebration is free and open to the public. Please call Gail  Tarantino at 508-896-7046 for more information or to R.S.V.P. for the event. 

Tis the Season to give ~   We are coming together for a family fun day of Shopping, Festive Holiday Music and Santa !!!!  Please join us !!! 

The Toys For Tots Vendor Fair will be held on Sunday Dec 1st, 2013 at Shoreway Acres in the Dinning Room.  Santa will be joining us at 230 for Story Time and Pictures.  Katrina Vidal Photography will be set up to take pictures of your children/family with Santa !!!  Please bring an unwrapped toy to donate .. for all unwrapped toys donated you will receive 5 raffle tickets.  Plus come is your festive attire and receive 5 more tickets !! 

Vendors ~
(1) CapeCakes by Kristen
(2) Swift Designs
(3) Thirty One
(4) Stampin Up
(5)South Hill Designs 
(6) Colorful Creation by Kristin
(7) Katrina Vidal Photography & Goddess Spa Collection
(8) Mary Kay 
(9) Cape Shell-Brites
(10) Bzzyfingers
(11) Chic Dezigns
(12) Drumming Beetle
(13) Tiny Tie Dyes
(14) Anomilies
(15) Pampered Chef
(16) Tupperware
(17) Usborne Books
(18) Tina's Handmade
 (19) Partylite
(20) Insominac Soaps
(21) It Works
(22) Paparazzi
$5 Jewelry by Danielle
(23) Tastefully Simple
(24) Pink Zebra
(25) Cape Cod Clutches 

DJ Steve will be filling the room with festive holiday jingles

We have compiled a list below of all the upcoming Thanksgiving Events that are taking place across Cape Cod, Plymouth and the Islands.  We hope you have a great time!

Also Holiday, Christmas and Hanukkah Events start very soon!  Click here for our Cape Cod Holidays Event Post for a Ultimate Listing of Events!

Thanksgiving Events

Candy Corn Cob Event
Sat, November 16, 11am – 12pm
Carver Public Library
2 Meadowbrook WayCarver, MA

Head to the Carver Public Library for a fun candy corn cob activity

The Coalition for Children Pre-Thanksgiving Pie & Bake Sale  Presenting: The Toe Jam Puppet Band 
$2.00/ticket * $10.00 family max 
Saturday, November 23th, 2013 
Mullen Hall School 
130 Katherine Lee Bates Road 
Falmouth, MA 
 
9:00 Doors Open 
9:30 Toe Jam Performs! 
 
Call 508 548 0151 x 172
 
Kids Tent at Plymouth Thanksgiving
November 23-24, 2013
11-4pm
Head to Plymouth, America's Hometown, for a tent full of crafts and activities.

Turkathon at Carver Public Library
November 23, 2013
11-12pm
Head to the Carver Public Library for a fun Thankgiving decathalon!

Annual Chatham Turkey Trot
November 28, 2013, 7 - 8 a.m. registration
Main Street & Stage Harbor Road, Chatham
Entry Fee: Ages 16+ $15 plus a bag of non-perishable
grocery items; ages 5-16 $5; under 5 free with one grocery item
More Info: Turkey Trot
Work up an appetite for Thanksgiving dinner on a fun, family friendly walk/run along 3.1 miles of Chatham's scenic roads. This ever-popular annual event benefits the Lower Cape Outreach Council's emergency
programs.

2013 Plymouth Turkey Trot Run and Walk   
Nov 28th, 2013 http://www.runplymouth.com
Start Time: 7:45am
Price: $27.00 Race Fee + $2.50 SignUp    

When discussing the American tradition called "The Turkey Trot", no race can compare to the historical relevance of the 2013 PLYMOUTH TURKEY TROT. Runners will be taken back in time to the days and the place where Thanksgiving first started. Don't miss this special opportunity to run or walk where the Pilgrims
walked in times of old. See Plymouth Rock, where the race starts. Take a picture at Forefathers Monument or in front of the Mayflower. Run hard.. Have fun.. Make History!

Thanksgiving Day 5K 'Turkey Trot' Road Race
Oak Bluffs, Nov 28th               
 
Start your Thanksgiving by getting your appetite in shape while raising funds for fuel assistance for the Island's elderly.  Sign up at 7:30 am at the Oak Bluffs Police Station, run begins at 8:30 am.  $10 registration.
Benefit for Island Elderly, Admission Fee: $10 

17th Annual Thanksgiving Day Festival
West Tisbury, Nov 29th - Nov 30th 10 am-4 pm Friday, November 29th, 2013 –  10:00am – 4:00pm Saturday, November 30th, 2013 – 10:00am – 4:00pm

Thanksgiving Weekend – Nov. 29th & 30th Agricultural Hall, West Tisbury 10am – 4pm each day, largest holiday art  show by Islanders, featuring many holiday gifts such as one of a kind  winter hand-made sweaters, hand-made soaps, Island lavender, and fine  crafts including leather and vintage material  bags, wood butcher block  cutting boards, and so much more. The best part of coming to the  Vineyard Artisan Festivals is meeting the artists and listening to how  they love there art and enjoy making these beautiful gifts. A $2.00  parking fee for Scholarship fund benefits students at MVHS. Free  admission, and catered by Debra and Peter Koines of Little Rock Farm.

Benefit for MVRHA Admission Fee: $2/parking

Fall Festival
Edgartown, Nov 29th10:30 am am-11:30am               

Come celebrate fall at Felix Neck at our annual day-after-Thanksgiving festival! Activities include: live birds of prey presentations, hay rides, face painting, nature crafts, food, music by The Flying Elbows and more! (rain date Saturday, November 30th) Members: $4; Non-members: $7. 10:30-11:30 am.

Benefit for Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary Admission Fee: Members: $4; Non-members: $7

America's Thanksgiving Dinner
November 28-29, 2013 Plimoth Plantation
http://www.plimoth.org/dining-functions/thanksgiving-dining-special-events/thanksgiving-dining
Once again this autumn, Plimoth Plantation will offer its immensely popular Thanksgiving dining programs. Fresh ingredients, mouthwatering flavors, festive surroundings, and a sense of history that can be found nowhere else in the world. Join us for an unforgettable holiday dining experience.

Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
Sat, November 30, 9:30am – 5:00pm 
WhereChildren's Program Room Falmouth Public Library300 Main Street Falmouth
Find all the clues hidden around the Children's Room, solve the riddle, and get a prize.

Parades

Plymouth Thanksgiving Parade
November 23, 2013 10:30-11:30am
Head to Plymouth Ctr, America's Hometown, for their annual Thanksgiving parade!  It is Ranked as one of the best parades in the country! Do NOT miss this event!

Annual Thanksgiving Parade and Pep Rally
 Wednesday, November 27st, 2013
 1pm
 Hyannis Main Street – Village Green
Barnstable High School Football Parade and Pep Rally!

By: Joan Walsh

The season of  love, friendship, and family is dawning. Parents of young children have every  opportunity to receive as much as give to their children in a calm, gentle, and  loving manner once all electronic devices have been put to bed. Embrace the  world of author, Nancy Tillman, and experience the power of the following picture books.

1. I’d Know You Anywhere, MY LOVE


2. On the Night You Were Born


3. The Crown on Your Head


4. It’s Time to Sleep My Love


5. Wherever You Are my love will find you

6. The Spirit of Christmas


 
Shop local and feel its simplicity.

*Vendor and Crafter space is still available at this popular annual event!* It features a “Kids Only” shopping room where children, along with their personal shopper, select gifts for family and friends. This will give you the opportunity to visit the craft and vendor area  located in our gym.  We have ample parking, sell breakfast and lunch, hold multiple raffles, and have lots of  kid-friendly activities.  There will also be a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, musical entertainment, and a book fair.  Please join us for a wonderful day filled with holiday fun!!
 
Contact:Alena Reardon at sae_pto@yahoo.com for details

You may remember how much we loved Lydia Leclair Photography from our prior post and giveaway she did with us this summer (Click here to read our review).  She is back again and holding Holiday Mini Sessions just in time for the holidays and your annual holiday cards!

Lydia has been gracious enough to offer all our local fans and readers $10 off!  Simply use the code CCMOM
Lydia is very talented so this is a great opportunity not to be missed!  Visit her website at: www.eyelydphoto.com or her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lydialeclairphotography

By: Meghan

Well it’s official; I heard a Christmas song at the store the other day. We are officially in the crazy, wonderful, maddening, holiday season. I love this time of year. The magic, the anticipation, the music, the movies, and the helping one another out community feeling this season brings.
 
I feel a little behind because I completely missed Halloween. My
youngest and I were both sick, sick, sick that week and missed all the festivities. Have you mamas ever had Pneumonia?! It was insanity. I could not get up out of bed. It’s been almost two weeks and I’m still not feeling 100%. The little one also had a respiratory infection, and the poor thing was so sick
she didn’t even care she was missing out on trick or treating. My big girl still got to go out that night and very kindly collected treats for her sister as well. So because I was so out of it that week, I feel like I’m just jumping straight to Thanksgiving. Which is fine, because if there’s one thing being sick made me feel, was gratitude. Weird, right?!
 
Grateful that I was only dealing with a short term sickness.  Grateful that my family is mostly healthy. Grateful that my friends brought me soup (and wine) until I was feeling better. Grateful that we have a roof over our heads, warm beds to sleep in, and love and friendship. I am so grateful, mamas. For you, for my family, for my friends, for health, and happiness. When = times are tough, I want to remember this feeling. Keep it stored in my heart like a little golden pool of refreshment that I can dip into when I’m feeling beaten down, anxious, lonely, and scared. Because those times come too, don’t  they mamas? They even come during this most wonderful time of the year. So,  mamas, let’s talk about what we can do for one another during the holidays, to help our mama friends that are needing some refreshment from that golden pool of gratitude. 
 
Are you a member of the Lower Cape Moms’ Group on Facebook? If not, go over there and join (even if you’re not living on the Lower Cape)! It’s a great resource and filled with mamas helping mamas. Last year the group members helped 12 Cape Cod families in need during the holiday with toys, clothes, and presents. We’re doing it again this year and hope to help even  more. Go join the page and if you want to help details will be posted soon on this year’s effort. 
 
Now, mamas that need some help this year (don’t be embarrassed many of us have needed help and more of us will need help in the future), here are a few resources that can help you;
 
Cape Cod Children’s Place –
This organization serves as hub for families on Cape Cod. They have Thanksgiving meals to offer and are a good place to get info on anything from fuel assistance to clothing help. 
 
Lower Cape Outreach Council -
The mission of the Lower Cape Outreach Council is to provide emergency assistance of food clothing and financial support to individuals and families in Brewster, Chatham, Eastham, Harwich, Orleans, Provincetown, Truro and Wellfleet which will lead to healthy, productive and self-sustaining lives as part of the Cape Cod
community.
 
Homeless Prevention Council –
The Homeless Prevention Council works to keep people in their homes and their communities. They provide one-on-one case management, use every resource available to create individual solutions to barriers for families in need. They are located in Orleans and they are accepting families in need, and there really isn't much to signing up. So contact them and get help! 
 
Cape Cod Times Needy Fund –
Provides assistance with basic needs based on real time financial status. Serves individuals from the Mid-Cape to Upper Cape area. Those in Falmouth should contact the Falmouth Service Center and those on the Lower Cape should contact Lower Cape Outreach. 
 
Falmouth Service Center
– Their mission is to ease stress, reduce hunger and improve the quality of life for our neighbors in need. The Falmouth Service Center assists in accessing basic needs for families.

Salvation Army – Located in Hyannis and provides a number of programs, including a Christmas assistance program, for families in need. 
 
Now, if you are feeling extra grateful and feeling like you want to help, go ahead and support any of these organizations with a donation this holiday season. Mamas, I am grateful for you and for the love you show one another. Thank you for living in this crazy community with me and helping one another whenever help is needed. 

Is there an assistance group that I missed? Put it out there, so that those in need can help! What are you grateful for mamas? 

By: Suzanne Golden, M.S., CCC-SLP

Halloween is fast approaching and candy is flying off of the shelves in the stores!  As we get ready for Halloween, there are many parents out there who are worried about trick-or-treating with their child who has food allergies.  Speech-language pathologists may also provide feeding therapy and we often have children with food allergies on our caseload. 

Here are some helpful tips and ideas for making Halloween allergy-friendly for your child!   

1. Provide  your neighbors with something special to give your child when he/she comes trick-or-treating at their door.  Let them know what costume your child will be wearing and give them  a wave when you get there so they recognize your child.  Some ideas for special treats include: 
            
   ~ Allergy-friendly candy (see here for a list:
   http://www.tenderfoodie.com/blog/2011/10/18/tender-halloween-candy-list-allergen-free-vegan.html)
   
   ~  Small toys (matchbox cars, baseball cards, bubbles etc…) 
    
   ~  Stickers
   
   ~  Play-dough
   

          ~ Glow sticks
        
          ~ Temporary tattoos
        
          ~ Coloring books 

    2.   Have  your child stay home and hand out candy in a special way!  Create a haunted house or other    
Halloween theme and let your child have some fun while handing out     candy.  He/she will still get to
see  other children and show off his/her costume!   


    3.   Meet  up with other children with allergies in your town and throw an allergy-friendly Halloween party.

    4.   Let  your child go trick-or-treating but make sure he/she doesn’t eat any of  the candy he/she gets.  Instead, bring some special treats along for him/her to eat while     trick-or-treating.  When you get home, separate the candy into “safe” and “not safe” piles.  Let you child “trade-in” the unsafe candy for a special surprise like a trip to the toy store or a special trip to the movies. 


To prepare your child for Halloween, consider reading Alexander Goes Trick or Treating.  This book is available through The Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) at www.foodallergy.org.  
 
I hope these tips are helpful for  families of children with food allergies! If you do go trick-or-treating, don’t
forget to bring along your child’s medicine or EpiPen incase of an emergency! Happy Halloween!  

With Halloween fast approaching, it means the rest of the holidays are not far behind.  Usually I am not a huge fan of doing anything winter holiday related until the Thanksgiving leftovers have been finally eaten.   This year however we were given an opportunity by Christmas Eve Trees, a national company, which specializes in holidays décor, to review their table top trees before the holiday season.  We liked the idea so much we are sharing it with you now!

Usually I am old fashioned and prefer to have a real tree in my home having grown up with that tradition.... there is just something about the smell of a fresh tree that helps me get in the holiday spirit.  The last few years though we haven't had a real tree and have had the often popular fake no mess trees (very cool trees and less mess).  Upon receiving the Table Top Tree, I was talking with a fellow mom and friend of mine and she suggested that these would be great to use as a KID TREE!!!!

What a fantastic idea that was!  <Major shout out to my creative and quick thinking friend Lauren!!!>  Last year I had allowed my toddler to decorate the bottom of the tree, but how special would it be for him to have his own little tree.  It's just perfect for all those school ornaments, handmade ornaments, the beads and popcorn the kids always make and more!  It also makes for a great exercise in creative design as they can take ownership of their own idea.  And never fear-if it falls over, it's not that big of a deal!  As you can see this was a popular idea with the small people, and anything that can captivate their attention for more than 20 mins. is a winner in my book.  The kids will love this.  They can decorate, take it down and do it over again!  This year will definitely be extra special in our home as we encourage the magic and creativity of the holidays to bloom in the most imaginative of us.  If you get a chance, check out Christmas Eve Trees and get one too!

Have you tried this? How do you usually display all the kid ornaments?

By: Meghan

So….St. Patrick’s Day…how’d that go for you?  Did you wear green? Did you drink Guiness? Did your kids get a visit from “Leppy the Leprechaun” ? Who, you may ask, is Leppy the Leprechaun? Well, I learned about good ol’ Leppy a few days before St. Patrick’s Day. Thank God,  because if I’d learned about him after St. Patrick’s Day, I can imagine that  there would have been two disappointed wee girls at my house on St. Patrick’s  Day morn. Luckily, a week earlier the girls came home from school full of tales of leprechauns and how, surely, Leppy would visit them during the night and  leave them gifts. GIFTS?! ?! Yes, mom, duh! Um, gifts on St. Patrick’s Day? Is  this something you mamas knew about? Because it was news to me! 
 
Now I am a full on lover of holidays. I do it up, because it gives me joy to have magic in my house and I
try to bring it in whenever I can. But this is something I do because it’s fun for me. In the end I am pleasing myself by doing my holiday celebration craziness and hoping that it also ends up bringing some joy to my little ones as well. But, even I, a holiday lover and proud member of the Irish Maguire clan, has never received gifts from a leprechaun on St. Patrick’s Day, nor have my children. 

But, here’s the thing, my kids go to school now. In school they talk to other kids (I know, so weird) and they get IDEAS. They are learning how other families celebrate holidays and when something sounds awesome to them, they decide it must be a part of our holiday too. Sure, sure I throw out the old “every family is different, and celebrates holidays in their own way” line, but sometimes I end up folding. Which is how a
certain creepy elf ended up living at our house during the holiday season. It’s also why I put together these adorable little “gifts” from Leppy for my kids.

This project was small and manageable and brought some cheer to go along with our green pancakes and green milk. And to use up the sugar, we took a nice long St. Patrick’s Day bike and hike which really was the highlight of the day for all of us. 

The rainbow treat was fun and I imagine there will be similar gifts from Leppy in the years to come. However, I worry about holidays. And my worry is this, now that Pinterest has been introduced to our lives, there is an endless supply of ideas to do more, bigger, better. And some of these mamas are doing ALL of the ideas, and they are killing it, just hitting it out of the ball park. Which is awesome for them and their families, but guess how I feel when I look at those pictures on Pinterest and Facebook? I kind of feel like leprechaun poop. I worry that as my kids get bigger, they are going to expect more, bigger, better. I know it’s my job to
teach them gratitude and avoid entitlement, but I don’t want them to ever feel like they aren’t getting the same things because they are less deserving. Does that make sense? 
 
For example, with the creepy elf, my eldest was worried that she was on the naughty list because so many others in her class had an elf come stay with them and she didn’t. Did Santa not like her? I was all “Oh no, Santa KNOWS you’re so good you don’t need monitoring” HAHAHAHA! But when those elves went on clearance after Christmas that year, I surely snapped one up. And there he was right after Thanksgiving the next year, and she was SO happy. I think it wasn’t just that it was a piece of Christmas magic, but it was also something that she could talk about with her friends at  school, it gave her a commonality that wasn’t there the year before. And now we have Leppy, which as it turns out wasn’t a class-wide phenomenon but something  my girls came up with on their own. Which, honestly, makes me like him better. 
 
So I guess what I’m exploring in this post is how do we all balance holidays and magic with entitlement and the craziness that comes with the Pinterest-ization of these special days? Do you feel influenced by the way your kids’ peers celebrate? Do you feel pressure to live up to the Pinterest ideal? Or are you zen in the face of Facebook? Am I making a mountain out of a molehill? Which, let’s face it, is one of my specialties. Until next time, I wish you many magical days with your family!

By: Meghan

Oh friends, this was not the blog I imagined writing the week before Christmas. I was working on something festive and light, happy and magical. Then December 14th occurred and we witnessed an unimaginable tragedy unfold. Since then I am having trouble holding it together, spontaneously crying when I look at my babies and needing to hold them close. I try to hide these “big emotions” from my little ones who aren’t aware of what’s occurred in the world, but I’m sure they can sense the underlying sadness I’m feeling.


                                                                                                     (Pic by my lovely friend, Lee Sutton)

 

Cape Cod Mommies contributor, Tracy Lamperti, had a wonderful post a few days ago about the response our children may be feeling and how we can help them. She used the words “vicarious trauma” and it was so helpful for me to read this term, because this is exactly what I’m feeling and what I hear so many of my friends are feeling as well. We keep telling ourselves, “this is not our pain” and yet we feel it tremendously. We are traumatized – by the unimaginable hurt these families are experiencing and a new sense of danger in our daily lives. Any parent understands that once you have a child, the most vulnerable, precious piece of yourself is running around in the world and, in the end, your ability to protect that treasure is limited. This tragedy was a very, clear reminder of our loved ones’ vulnerability and our powerlessness in certain situations.

But here’s the thing, my children don’t know about their fragility, they only know their strength. They feel the power in their bodies
as they jump and run and twirl. They feel the unending love streaming from their family and they have no idea of the fears their parents harbor as they watch their babies leap over boundary after boundary. This is what I’m focusing on right now, as I work to push past the vicarious trauma we’ve all experienced from this horrific act. Provide my babies with that safe harbor I spoke about in my last post, a place that’s calm, loving, and supports their exploration. I am working to let go of my increasing anxiety about the world so I’m not passing that fear onto these growing girls.

And here’s the other thing, it’s still Christmas. A magical, beautiful, loving time of year. I don’t want to lose that magic. Nobody wants to lose the magic. So we are seeing people bring light and love to one of the darkest holiday seasons many of us have ever witnessed. So many are making efforts to help, to comfort, to provide, to love the people in Connecticut. Right now people all over the country are making paper snowflakes and decorations to send to the Sandy Hook School’s new location, so that those traumatized children will have magic return to their lives. On Friday, the Yarmouth Police Department is going to Newtown to bring decorations, home baked goods, and items of comfort to the children, families, and first responders to assist in their healing. We are seeing the best in people during the worst of times. This, mamas, is bringing magic back for me. 

I know there will be a time when Christmas music doesn’t make me cry, and when the magic of this season will occur naturally, and I will be able to write blog posts about the wonder I feel watching my children decorate cookies and make Christmas crafts. Right now, I’m going to hug my babies. I’m going to let their imaginations run wild with the idea of Santa, the North Pole, and Rudolph. I’m going to have dance parties after dinner to the tunes of Jingle Bells and We Wish You A Merry Christmas. And I’m going to make snowflakes, lots and lots of snowflakes. My Christmas wish is for all of us to have a peaceful, calm, loving holiday season. 

The Polar Express has always been my absolute favorite Christmas book.  When I was younger, my siblings and I would snuggle up to our father as he would read us the story year after year.  Now everyone has a different take on the book (even the movie version).  But for me personally, the meaning of the story is about FAITH.  It's about having faith in something even if others do not believe, no matter what it is. 

We recently had the amazing opportunity to ride on the Polar Express with a group of friends all the way from Cape Cod to the North Pole!  Our experience was filled with music, laughter and  many new memories.

On the Cape Cod Central Railway there are two different points to leave from: Buzzards Bay and Hyannis. 
We opted for the latter and for the 6pm train on a weeknight.  I was not as familiar with the Hyannis station so I did have a small difficulty in finding the parking lot.  Once there I picked up the tickets at will call where there was a very small hiccup, which Christina fixed for us right away! Thank you Christina and staff!
 
We were given our tickets and sent on our way to board.  We ran into gasp… a Hobo outside the station looking for tickets. I grew up on the story without the Hobo, but I have seen the movie so we were ready for
him!  We boarded the train and found our seats.  The table car is setup with tables and 4 chairs per table. We were seated in the front of the train car with other kids. The middle of the car was empty and then at the other end was approximately another 4 tables of adults and kids.

The chefs came around and passed out coloring books with crayons for the kids which I believe were only a few dollars.  Then the conductor came around checking everyone’s tickets.  All the children are given golden Polar Express tickets as a souvenir. It's a nice touch that the conductor tries to write the names of the children on the tickets.

The Hobo, who must have snuck on the train, came into our train car.  He was great for entertainment, especially the parents.  He teased the kids about taking their tickets and showed us the silverware he had pilfered from the train.  Some kids were a little afraid but tightly gripped their tickets.  He wandered the train the whole ride and Santa allowed him to stay on at the end despite the conductor's misgivings..

The chefs then got the Polar Express books and the story was read aloud over the loud speakers.   It was difficult to hear the story and the kids in our section were mostly 3 and under so they weren’t really paying attention.  They were more focused with being on a train and their snacks!  Perhaps children this age would have gotten more out of the experience if we had seen the movie instead of just reading the book.  Or perhaps even a video version of Santa reading the story?

As we approached the North Pole, the chefs had us on the lookout for the North Pole and we pulled into a lit up village.  The North Pole, although well-lit with Christmas lights, might have used a tad more fanfare for such an epic destination.  Santa was flanked outside the train by two excited elves. We stopped for a bit and Santa boarded the train.  The chefs said goodbye and magically elves reappeared on our train!

The Santa experience was great.  It was nice to spend so much time with St. Nick himself, especially the one-on-one opportunity, and not feel rushed.  He spent a lot of time talking to the kids, taking pictures and passing out a gift for them.  Every child received a silver bell with a red ribbon.  The children adored the well-made bell.  It is a great addition to hang on the Christmas tree or bring out year after year.  Santa was definitely the highlight of the trip.  The kids will probably never spend so much time with such an official-looking Santa again in their young lives.  At the mall, etc. it's a 30-second deal.  Here, you could relax and converse at length with Santa and little ones could get a few minutes to warm up to him, if needed.

The experience was definitely memorable and the kids still talk about the Polar Express, Santa and Hobo stealing their tickets to anyone who will listen.  I am so grateful we were given an opportunity to attend this event and see the magic and innocence in the kid’s eyes.  I hope that magic never goes away and I hope they always believe.

Thank you to our friends and family who joined us for this unforgettable journey!  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of our readers and bloggers!  I hope you enjoy each and every moment with your loved ones and keep the "magic" and faith alive!

By: Sung Bin

With the winter solstice approaching next Friday, I thought I  would come up with some activities with poems and songs to inspire our family  and to usher in the start of winter. Everyone who celebrates does so differently  and I wanted to create a ritual and tradition around the solar return and the  shortest day of the year. It is also an opportunity to remind ourselves of the  power of the natural world that surrounds us. For me, it is a peaceful respite  during the holiday season to be able to think more in the dark as I reflect on  how much time has passed. I think back with such awe over the last year and how  much has changed but also remained the same. 

We plan to watch the first sunset of the solstice and pause  to remember how human we really are.  For my toddler, I found an easy recipe to  make at home salt dough ornaments for holiday gifting and decorating as  Christmas is a few days after.

Salt Dough for Ornaments

Ingredients: 
1 Cup Salt
2 Cups Flour
3/4 Cups Water

Combine salt and flour in large bowl. Make a well in the mix  and add water. Knead the mix until smooth and use cookie cutters or any shape  makers to make your ornaments with the dough. Don’t forget to poke a hole
on the  top of your dough ornaments to add the string or yarn. Bake for 20 minutes at  200 degrees in the oven. Paint and decorate when the dough ornaments are cool.  (I am going to use rubber stamps on mine such as alphabet stampers to form words  like “peace” and “love” before baking). I’m excited to get started
on these with  my toddler. 

Another tradition we started last year is planting new paper  white bulbs in recycled glass jars so we plan to give those out to family and  friends to grow in the winter. 

Finally, we normally have our dinner by candlelight but for the solstice will add a few additional candles to symbolize the light entering the world and to revel in the stillness of the dark night.

What are your traditions?  We'd love to hear from you, comment below!