Creating Christmas Memories

These days, it can be difficult amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life to enjoy the Christmas season, especially when it seems to start just after Halloween.

Some of my favorite Christmas memories involve nothing more than Christmas carols on the stereo and a couple of foam balls. Of course I was only about five years old at the time but that memory of my oldest sister teaching her younger siblings how to make ornaments of our own has stuck with me. In my mind, the house was warm and cozy and we were so excited counting the days til Christmas morning.

To help you and your loved ones enjoy all that this season of giving has to offer, I’ve rounded up a number of fun events (most are free and one half-off) to help you slow down and enjoy this magical time of year.

Memories of Christmas Past

When I came across an article in last year’s Boston Globe that included links to the Sear's Wish Book I was beyond thrilled. Viewing the pages of that catalog brought back a flood of memories of being together with all of my siblings in my parent’s home back in Dorchester.  We would take turns flipping through the catalog and make a note of the items we wanted. I laughed when I saw the reversible Flip Wilson/Geraldine Doll, the Weebles Wobble But They Don’t Fall Down toys, Mrs. Beasley, the Art-A-Matic, the portable record players, Cinderella watches, and the brand-new Christmas PJs I always seemed to want.

The Wishbook site contains links to Christmas catalogs from Sears, Spiegel, JC Penney, and others dating as far back as 1933. If you’re trying to find your Christmas spirit, I guarantee that a look through these catalogs will have you feeling the warm and fuzzies in no time.

Revisit the Enchanted Village

As kids, we always made the obligatory trek to Jordan Marsh in downtown Boston to sit on Santa’s lap and admire the whimsy of the Enchanted Village. Thanks to the generosity of the folks at Jordan’s Furniture, a brand new generation of kids get to enjoy those same sights and sounds.

The Enchanted Village is housed at the Avon location of Jordan’s Furniture and is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Enchanted Village is free of charge. 

Christmas Shows on the Cheap

I’ve been fortunate enough to have seen many of the traditional Christmas Shows at one time or another. I took my oldest niece to see The Nutcracker ballet many, many years ago; went to the see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall in New York thanks to the generosity of my in-laws; and enjoyed hearing Edward M. Kennedy read Twas the Night Before Christmas alongside some good friends at the Boston Pops Christmas Show long before I had a family of my own.

Now that I’d like to bring my own kids to these shows, I’m shocked at how much it would cost. Tickets to The Nutcracker range anywhere from $50 to $179 a piece and the Radio City Extravaganza at the Wang Center is equally, if not more, expensive.

Fortunately, the City of Boston is sponsoring the 8^th Annual Mayor’s Holiday Special. A number of half-price tickets are available for a large selection of Holiday shows currently in session at Boston area theaters. For instance, you can score tickets to a matinee showing of the Rockettes starting at $31.50. Ticket availability changes on a daily basis so may want to check back often to find the best seats. You can also download a restaurant voucher that will save you $10 when you spend $40 or more at participating Boston restaurants.

Here We Go A Caroling

The holiday season is in full swing at the Derby Street Shoppes in Hingham. Enjoy the festive decorations of the holiday trees and sparkly lights, take a ride on a sleigh pulled by Clydesdale Horses, or sing along with Victorian Christmas Carolers. The activities continue throughout the month.

Visit Santa’s Wonderland

When the weather gets a little chilly for outside events, you’ll do well to pay a visit to the Bass Pro Shops at Patriot Place. In addition to the large collection of animal displays that always fascinate the kids, you can pay a visit to Santa’s Wonderland. You can have a free photo taken with Santa, enjoy arts and crafts, play games, and wander through the Christmas displays. Santa’s Wonderland is open daily. Santa is available for photo sessions Monday through Friday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Free Holiday Fun

Just as they did for Halloween, Oriental Trading Company is offering free and fun items on their website for Christmas. Kiddies can write letters to Santa (or even get one in return) using the fill-in-the-blank templates. You can print out a number of Christmas coloring pages to keep the little ones busy and help you decorate. Finally, there are a number of fun and easy recipes for making up delicious treats for the Christmas crowds. 

Another great online resource is Family Fun magazine’s Homade Christmas collection. You’ll find loads of ideas for Christmas crafts, cookie recipes, printable decorations and coloring pages, and great party ideas. At MarthaStewart.com, the stakes get a little higher in terms of what Martha considers a simple craft and recipes but take what you can and have fun with it.

Holiday Lights

Of course some nights, the easiest thing to do is to load the family in the car and drive around Braintree looking at all the Christmas displays. Some favorites include Messina Woods Drive and Andrea Drive off Middle Street.