heather's blog

[UPDATED: NOVEMBER 11, 2012]

The holiday season is a great time to expose our kids to what it means when we say, "It takes all kinds." From a traditional Mexican celebration to boombox Christmas caroling, you know you're in New York City when your family's holiday traditions include some of these fun, multicultural, artsy or just plain wacky events. Enjoy!
 

It’s holiday picture time. You’re bundling up the crew and heading out to take the annual shot to be sent ‘round the world (or at least to your cousin Courtney in San Antonio). Sure, you could trek to Rockefeller Center and pose in front of the most famous Christmas tree in the world, or line the kids up in front of Macy's gorgeous windows. But why not do something a little different this year? We rounded up a few places you may not have thought of (yet), as well as some off-the-beaten-path locales where you can say, “Fruitcake!”

So it begins: the season of giving. Whether giving thanks or giving presents, many of us are lucky to be able to do both. Sure, video games and gadgets are on the top of their lists, but why not give your kids the gift of giving? It’s hard to take your four-year-old to a soup kitchen, but here are a few easy and fun ideas to remind them (and you) how good it feels to do something for others.

And if your kids are ready to volunteer out in the world, check out our round up of kid-appropriate places to help out during the holidays.

Well, needless to say, we have had quite a week here in NYC. First, we were all shaken up (literally) with that earthquake and then Hurricane Irene made some of us leave our homes, many of us buy things (hello, $30 flashlight) and all of us stop and watch the skies. NYCers, NJers, LIers, and CTers are still recovering, figuring out the damage, and, of course, talking about it. We hope you and yours are safe and sound.

While it was storming outside, it was rather calm online, except for all of the Mother Nature-related news. But, never fear, we found a few fun bits during the hours as we hunkered down–if you want to chat about something other than Irene’s awe-inspiring fury.

Everyone else is screaming, "back to school!" But here we are, still in summer vacation mode.

Why not? There are still 16 days until public school starts (including today, of course!) We don't want to let the fun go. And that attitude extends to our news this week which, for the most part, is of the lighter variety.

We've got the scoop on two new American Girl dolls, an awesome discount to Coney Island's Luna Park and the financial woes of Tooth Fairies everywhere. Plus, we have a few serious tidbits, including info on an autism-friendly performance of The Lion King on Broadway.