Yes, it's that time already. The unstoppable express train that is the Holiday Season is upon us. I have actually been getting emails for a few weeks already from people looking for Holiday info. So, as much as I'd like to put it off, we've been busting out the Holiday posts earlier than ever so all you early planners can be prepared...and now our Holiday Guide is up, filled with everything you need to know to soak up the Holiday magic in New York City.
 

Here we are at the last sane weekend before we are shot out into the chaos that we call “The Holidays” in NYC.  If you have nothing planned for the weekend, look no further, we have the scoop on what to do.  There is great live music for kids and families--everything from a family friendly performance by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center to the fabulous Gustafer Yellowgold Show at Symphony Space.  There is a book release party for Christmas Feet at The Pond, a picture book workshop with Melanie Hope Greenberg and even live stand up comedy for kids – by kids!

You could also check out one of the fantastic circus style shows in town right now like the Squirm Burpee Circus at the New Victory Theater, the brand new exhibit on the Brain at the American Museum of Natural History, get grossed out at The Brooklyn Childrens Museum’s Icky Fest, go see The Holiday Train Show at The NY Botanical Garden or find something else to fun to in the Mommy Poppins Event Calendar.

Read on to plan, and no matter what you decide to do have a great weekend.  

Get a head start on Thanksgiving by experiencing an 1838 Thanksgiving celebration at the historic village of Allaire or by brushing up on Thanksgiving table customs and manners at the historic Miller-Cory House.  With winter nearly upon us, nature centers like the Raptor Trust are offering workshops on making cozy owl homes for the winter and the Plainsboro Preserve is teaching kids how to make plaster casts of disappearing animal tracks.  Jenkinson's Aquarium is also doing a behind the scenes tour this weekend that animal lovers will not want to miss.  Finally, for those who felt Halloween was just too short, the Raices Cultural Center is hosting a fun Day of the Dead Family Day with fun art, storytelling and crafts.

Holiday time. The smell of roasting chestnuts and crisp latkes fill the air. What do I love the most about the most wonderful time of the year? The holiday television shows, the holiday movies (everything from the classics to new made-for-tv ones), and, of course, the classic claymation specials starring Rudolph, the Heatmiser, and pals. I’ve rounded up some of the highlights and grabbed listings from around the web for you to print out and keep by the remote.

There are so many truly special places in New York City that we like to tell you about over and over. The American Museum of Natural History is one of these places, with its ever changing array of interesting exhibits, classes, programs and special events; it is the perfect place to engage a growing, young mind (or even an older mind, like mine.)  The mind, in fact, is the focus of the museum’s brand new exhibit - Brain: The Inside Story.  Read on to find out more.

One of best parts about living on the East Coast is that we are close to so many historic sites, including Plymouth Rock, the site of the first Thanksgiving.  History is much more fun and memorable when you get to experience it in real life!  We took the five hour drive up to Plymouth for a two-day Thankgiving themed break and saw it all... Native Americans, Pilgrims and even the Mayflower.

This is a post about dance classes, but not for your kids, for YOU (minus the little tutus or sequined leotards you may be imagining.)  Parents need an outlet to release energy and creativity, and well, just to have fun once in a while too.  On a recent mom’s night out, a friend and I decided to do something completely different and took a Bollywood dance class. I’m talking a simple drop-in, no experience necessary, wear what you want, just for fun dance class. There are plenty of them offered here in NYC in all sorts of styles for less than $20.  So what do you want to try,  Belly dancing, African Dance or maybe Hula Hooping?

Family holiday traditions often seem to revolve around food: cooking special meals, baking holiday cookies and creating gingerbread houses. These family moments create those warm memories that children will look back on with nostalgia. But if your inner Martha is on vacation, consider taking your kids to a holiday cooking class instead (or joining in on one with them!)

Several kids' cooking “schools” are offering classes in November and December, teaching holiday staples like sweet potato pie, cocoa and gingerbread house construction. Classes for toddlers through tweens could whet your child's appetite for culinary greatness—or just a really good sugar cookie. Instruction doesn't come cheap: the classes range from $30 to $95 per child. Then again, every holiday host knows eager kitchen help is priceless.