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.

The weekend is once again upon us. Have you planned yours yet?  There is plenty of fun to be had in New York City no matter what you are looking to do, but, if your family is into museums this is the weekend for you!  Choose from Family Day at the Guggenheim, Houdini Family Day at the Jewish Museum or the Russian Children's Day Art Festival at the Children’s Museum of Arts.  Some other don’t-miss events are the Native American storytelling program by LuAnn Adams, the Latino storytelling program by David Gonzalez and the Indo-American Film Festival.

You could also get a jump on your holiday photo cards, hit an awesome new playground in Tribeca, celebrate the new Harry Potter movie and catch great live music or some scenes from the campy nutcracker, Hard Nut.  Not enough choice for you? There is a lot more fun to be had in our events calendar (like the Chocolate Show.)

Read on to plan your weekend, and we hope it is a great one.

I have one word for you people: CHOCOLATE. Do you really need to read any further? Well, if the thought of the 13th Annual New York Chocolate Show does not send shivers down your spine like it does mine and force you to haul yourself into Manhattan for the day, there are other fun and free events in New Jersey this weekend. Gingerbread House making, teddy bear picnics and geocaching round out our favorites list, but hey… you know where you’ll find me. See you by the truffles!