It's hard not to be sentimental as we pull our Christmas decorations out of their boxes. A little light up village that mesmerized our kids, earring-like decorations that belonged to Grandma and handmade pine cone creations remind us of holidays past. More Christmas decorations from another time, the Victorian era, are on view in the annual holiday exhibit at Norwalk's Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum  running through January 3. [For more holiday displays visit our Holiday Guide.]

Congratulations, folks; we're almost there. We've spent weeks preparing, planning, shopping, making our lists and checking them twice, posing for holiday pictures, and sending missives to our entire address book, and our hard work is about to pay off. The holidays are upon us. This weekend offers one last shot to complete any unfinished business: buy a tree, meet the big guy, maybe string a few lights around the house.

Or, you could just look at other people's lights. (Soooooo much easier.)  Might we suggest some of LA's finest Christmas Light Displays (and, if you're willing to hop on the freeway, More Christmas Light Displays outside of Los Angeles). There's no better time than the present to catch a Nutcracker performance. And while sometimes you may feel like a nut, there are other times you don't, so we've offered up some alternatives as well.

Whatever you're celebrating this weekend, keep reading for some of our favorite picks...

What is your favorite part of the holiday season? Decorating the perfect Christmas tree? Driving around to see holiday lights? Running in a Christmas Themed 5K or planning a day trip over Winter Break? No matter what makes this season special for you, our Events Calendar can help find details on the best of the best around the Philadelphia area.

Eat Breakfast with the Trains or spend Christmas with the Dolls at Brandywine River Museum. Take a train ride on Colebrookdale Railroad. Or, enjoy a holiday show such as Upper Darby Performing Arts Center's Shooting Star Holiday Show, Act II Playhouse' Murray the Elf, or Arden Theatre's Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates.

To keep up with the latest holiday event news, be sure to follow Mommy Poppins Philly on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. And, be sure to enjoy your favorite things this season.

Earlier this week, I was on NECN talking about free holiday fun, and I can't stop thinking about how lucky we are here in Boston to have our pick of so many free activities this time of year. A couple of great freebies coming up this weekend include the Mayor's Lights and a Polar Express celebration. The ever-popular Blink! light show in Faneuil Hall is a perfect way to combine some holiday cheer with last-minute shopping. Speaking of holiday shopping, the craft fairs might be winding down, but there's still one last opportunity to check out some handmade gifts and cultural performances at a bazaar (pictured) this weekend.

If you're looking for a way to give back to the community instead, the annual Candy Land tournament is a festive way to combine giving with fun for the kids. Finally, parents with younger tots who have been looking for a local show this season will be happy to hear that Peppa Pig is snorting her way into town this weekend. 

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week:

• This park may be even more fun for kids in the winter than in the warmer seasons. 
• Elyse shares 25 Things to Do with Kids in Somerville, with plenty to keep the family busy over the holidays and throughout the year.
• How big is Peppa Pig's splash? Read our parent review of the live show to find out. 
• If you're planning holiday travel, download these shows first.

Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to check out the full Event Calendar!

With just a few weekends left in 2015, try to make them count. Pack the days with family friendly fun like checking out various ongoing light shows around Long Island, building a homemade snow globe at the Children's Museum of the East End or visit Santa and his Reindeer at Hicks Nurseries. If you need more to do, visit our Holiday Guide.

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It’s hard to believe that in less than two weeks we mark the end of 2015. While most people are still busy shopping for the latest gadgets or best toys, it’s important to remember that time is the most precious present we give our children. It can’t be wrapped in pretty paper, but it outlasts all other gifts, so before another year passes us by, take the time to make a few more memories.

This weekend, you can enjoy Breakfast with Frosty at Beardsley Zoo (and visit its newest resident, a red panda!), remind yourself why It’s A Wonderful Life, and end the day with the Fantasy of Lights display at Lighthouse Point Park. More light shows are brightening up Fairfield County and the Hartford area. 

With just one final weekend until Christmas, it's time to tackle that holiday bucket list. We've rounded up lots of ways for NYC families to enjoy the spirit of this season this weekend.

Go caroling in Greenwich Village or Jackson Heights; celebrate the days of Christmas past with Young Charles Dickens or the reading of Clement Clarke Moore's classic 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Enjoy multicultural celebrations including El Museo del Barrio's Parranda and the East Meets West Christmas Parade in Chinatown; or catch the stage version of A Charlie Brown Christmas performed by the New York Pops.

It's also a great weekend to hit all the seasonal sights before the tourists take over next week, so make time to see Santa, gawk at awesome department store windows and experience over-the-top holiday homes. For a more rustic outing, head to a local farm to cut down your Christmas tree like my procrastinating family will be doing this weekend—or order one online from one of these five local companies.

All of our best bets for the weekend are below. You can find more options in our Event Calendar and our Holiday Fun Guide.