Every year I find myself googling the same information - how do I make sure that my Christmas tree ends up being made into mulch and not heaped in the landfill. In fact, I usually start the season by googling around trying to decide how guilty I should feel about having a Christmas tree at all and is there some other alternative that would be cool, environmental and not make my children feel like I'd killed Santa Claus. I am happy to announce that after years of debating this whole issue I have finally come to a concrete conclusion. So here is my Definitive Guide to a Greener Christmas Tree Experience from the question of getting the tree to the question of getting rid of it:

With Thanksgiving less than a week away, it is inevitable that our attention be drawn to the multitude of Christmas Holiday events. Trees continue to be lit; Santa is starting to make appearances, and this is the week that some people start putting up their extravagant light displays.

For those of you who would prefer to be thankful for what you have before focusing on what you can get, the Salvation Army kicks off holiday giving on Monday, and the Turkey Trot downtown is a great way to celebrate health and fitness while donating to causes that support some of our less fortunate Angelenos. Read on for all of our picks this week; and if you need extra ideas for fun this holiday week, remember that most of LA's outdoor ice rinks are open on Thanksgiving, as is CHILL at the Queen Mary.

Last year, the big Black Friday news was that many stores were actually opening on Thursday. For 2014, that trend continues with select stores opening earlier than ever on Thanksgiving Day—Old Navy is throwing down the record-breaking gauntlet of 4pm, and many other chains are following suit with 5 and 6pm doorbusters. (At this rate, people will be having Thanksgiving turkey breakfasts.)

More shopping hours probably means even more shoppers. So as always, you should be prepared to stand on long lines and dash through crowded throngs of fellow bargain hunters while wielding your shopping cart like a weapon. For those who love low prices (and honestly, who doesn't?), Black Friday (or should we rename it Thrifty Thursday?) is almost as exciting as Thanksgiving itself.

We've got the scoop on where, when and how to make the most of Black Friday sales (whenever they start) in New York City, as well as details on another shopping event that's much dearer to our buying local hearts: Small Business Saturday.

Sometimes, there is nothing better than having your whole family over to your home for Thanksgiving dinner.  And sometimes, there is nothing better than shipping your whole family to your sister’s house across town for Thanksgiving dinner!  Let’s face it; peeling, prepping and cooking an entire Thanksgiving meal can be exhausting.  But should you find yourself not chained to your oven over the holidays, you may have some time on your hands.  Lucky you - there are some fabulous CT Thanksgiving traditions in Fairfield County to get out and enjoy with or without your kids!

Are your kids giddily crossing out the days on your wall calendar like mine? She can't wait until Thanksgiving arrives because she loves Macy's big Parade, plus she knows that means the other holidays aren't far behind (we do Christmas and Hanukkah in this house).

Already, our regional sites are posting about the most spectacular holiday houses on Long Island and in New Jersey, along with only-in-the-suburbs seasonal experiences like Santa train rides.

In addition to being excited for next week's festivities, we're psyched about this Saturday's Mommy Poppins Night at the New Victory Theater. We're hosting a special performance of 360 Allstars, a high-octane spectacle featuring BMX bike tricks, battling break-dancers, acrobats, athletes and a live beat boxer. Mommy Poppins readers save 20% on tickets to the 7pm performance on November 22 and enjoy cookie decorating after the show (and get to meet a few of us bloggers since we'll be there with our kids, too).

Here's what else we covered on the NYC site this week:

As we reach the final weekend before Thanksgiving, a few provocative events in Westchester are worth noting. Gospel Concert: Giving Thanks is a FREE performance sure to step up gratitude. And, as Thanksgiving is as much about Native Americans as it is pilgrims, The Lenape of Westchester will enlighten attendees about this tribe that used to inhabit our area. Another top pick is Turkey Run Peekskill, which combines both charity and comedy (and even calorie-burning). Also be sure to check out our roundup of other upcoming turkey trots in Westchester. If you’re ready to gear up for Christmas too, there’s the Annual Tree Lighting Celebration at Cross County Shopping Center.

Unrelated to holidays, there are two noteworthy performances taking place this weekend: Lily's Purple Plastic Purse and An Arabian Adventure: A Puppet Show. For a heads-up on upcoming holiday performances in Westchester, check out our roundup of some highlights.

Heading to NYC? Check out our exclusive Mommy Poppins reader event this Saturday night at the New Victory Theater.  Readers get to enjoy a performance of 360 Allstars, a thrilling athletic spectacle, a post-show cookie decorating activity and save 20% on their ticket by using MommyPoppins1 at checkout. 

Read on for more details about these activities and be sure to consult our Event Calendar for daily activities and the abundance of holiday events!

On this last weekend before Thanksgiving, activities galore can help get your family into the holiday spirit! Josh and the Jamtones jazz out at their Thanksgiving Concert in Newton, and Faneuil Hall brightens up with a day of festivities culminating in the opening of the Blink! light show and Faneuil Hall's tree lighting spectacular. Events to encourage kids to give back to the community include the Fresh Pond Great Gobble Give Back, the Jingle Bell Walk/Run for Arthritis, and the annual Candyland Tournament to benefit Pitching In for Kids.  Other fun options that make the most of the chilly temperatures include the Opening Day of Skating at Boston's Frog Pond and the Dog Sled Fun Run in Milton.

In performances this weekend, some great choices for younger kids are Silly Sally's Bubble Show at the Coolidge Corner Theatre, The Yankee Peddler at the Puppet Showplace Theatre, or Jack and the Beanstalk at the Center for Arts in Natick. Indoor activities for older children include a Family Portraiture workshop in Newton or a Theatre Games Workshop in Arlington.

Also on Mommy Poppins this week:

• Make some space for all that turkey by running (or walking) in one of the local, family-friendly Turkey Trots and Other Holiday Fun Runs.
• Tara offers tips for celebrating an Earth-friendly Christmas without taking all of the fun out of the party.
• Things are getting festive all over town as we round up Holiday Tree Lightings in Boston.
• Get the kids into the holiday spirit by volunteering together and making someone's holiday brighter. 
• Keep the kids busy in the days leading up to Thanksgiving by making Acorn Napkin Rings.

Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to check out the full events events calendar!

Bundle up and get in the Thanksgiving mood with a Holiday Lights Spectacular at Jones Beach. Or you can hunker down inside at a live showing of Peter Pan or The Snow Queen. For more fun things happening this season, check out our Long Island Holiday Guide.

Heading to NYC?  Check out our exclusive Mommy Poppins reader event next Saturday night at the New Victory Theater.  Readers get to enjoy a performance of 360 Allstars, a thrilling athletic spectacle, a post-show cookie decorating activity and save 20% on their ticket by using MommyPoppins1 at checkout. 

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