We're sure you're going to be busy this weekend, we certainly are. We're hosting our Toy Swap and Drive and are looking forward to meeting many of you. After that I'll be preparing for what's becoming another Holiday tradition here on the site, our Spectacular Holiday Show Ticket Giveaways. Make sure to check the site on Monday so you don't miss out on any of the amazing prizes we have in store.

If your weekend isn't already filled to the brim with shopping and preparing for the holidays, or with holiday traditions like tree lightings and holiday window displays, craft fairs, St. Nicholas Day celebrations, Hanukkah festivals, Nutcrackers and visiting Santa, then perhaps you have a little bit of room for some of these events:

Jay Bushara writes a blog called One Potato where he shares his passion for off the beaten track children's books. Below he illuminates us with his recommendations for some beautiful children's books on the theme of snow, perfect for curling up with on a cold winter's night, whether it's snowing outside or not.

Before New York was New York, it was New Amsterdam and before Santa Claus was Santa Claus, he was Sinterklaas. In the Netherlands, children leave their shoes out on the night of December 5^th for Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) who comes to their houses and fills the shoes with chocolates and candies (or bundles of sticks for the naughty) in celebration of St. Nicholas’s Day on December 6th.

Celebrate Christmas in New York the old school way by adding a little Sinterklaas to your Holiday mix.

One of the things I enjoy more than anything else that comes out of this blog is when I have a chance to use it to make a difference in the world. A year ago, with just one post to our readers, we helped provide over $1000 worth of school supplies for NYC children who had none. This weekend we are hosting (with A Child Grows in Brooklyn and Kidville) a toy swap which is not only going to be lots of fun, but promises to provide hundreds of toys for children this Holiday season. Now I have a new opportunity that I am very excited to be part of and you should be excited too because it involves great prizes.

I've got a hodgepodge of cool info to share today. Starting with a fun event for this evening, free tennis lessons, and one Cyber Monday sale perfect for little New Yorkers, Plus I'm announcing a couple of new projects that 'm very excited to be part of. Check it out:

We braved the crowds and made it to the parade this year. Lots of time to reflect as the balloons and floats go by, kids shouting with glee at each one. I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Our family has had many struggles, but I feel we've come a long way with lots of help and support. Thank you for supporting this site with your comments, tips, feedback, kind words and encouragement and sharing it with your friends. Working on this site has been an amazing adventure. Thank you for reading Mommy Poppins and being part of this community.