I have such fond memories of my childhood playing dreidel,  lighting the menorah and eating latkes during Hanukkah. Yet, I didn't grow up in a Jewish household. I was fortunate to have many friends who shared their traditions with me.

This is the perfect time of year to expose your children to holiday diversity, so they can have an appreciation for others. The World Holiday Song and Dance in New Britain showcases music and dance from different cultures.

With the holidays taking over all of our lives these days we were shocked to see that chain stores are already displaying Valentine's Day items! But it was a reminder that the holiday season isn't here to stay, so we need to get out there and enjoy this particularly magical time in New York City while we still can. In addition to gawking at holiday windows and outrageous Christmas displays, lighting the menorah and spending time with Santa, there are lots of one-off special events this weekend. Share a meal with Santa and his animal pals at the Staten Island Zoo, rock out with the big red guy and Princess Katie & Racer Steve on a kids' cruise, or enjoy offbeat holiday festivities like the annual Unsilent Night musical procession or the Posadas y Pastorelas Mexican Family Celebration at the Museum of the City of New York.

There are also cool non-holiday activities like the highly anticipated debut of the brand-new Museum of Mathematics, skating at the recently opened Battery Park City ice-skating rink and a new show from awesome Swiss performance art troupe Mummenschanz.

Those are just a few of the great things going on this weekend. All of our picks are below. Remember, you can find additional options in our jam-packed Event Calendar and our Holiday Fun Guide.

A visit with the grandparents can be a special treat for everyone. Parents get a break and kids get to spend time with family members who aren't their mom or dad. That may mean slightly different ground rules, like snagging treats they aren't allowed at home, but it's also an opportunity to hear stories about what mom and pop were like as children. Grandparents can also share first-hand impressions about what the world was like years ago and, specifically, tales about their own family history.

Living in NYC, grandparents have the opportunity to go beyond storytelling. They can actually explore history with their grandchildren by visiting historic sites, museums and other enriching destinations that highlight a variety of cultural and immigrant experiences. My kids are Russian Jews on one side and African-American on the other, so NYC has us well covered.

Whether your kids' grandparents drop by all the time or are only able to visit once in a while, the next time they ask where to take the kids, skip the usual children's museums and play spaces, and suggest one of these meaningful outings, which help the generations find common ground while having fun.

We may be oh-so-busy wrapping, baking & shopping but there's still time to catch a performance of NJ Ballet’s Nutcracker or snap the kids meeting jolly old Saint Nick at Santa’s Little Elf Workshop. If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind holiday fun, play an instrument at the Touch the Music Nutcracker Workshop or whip up organic Christmas cookies at the Green Gift Workshop. Read on for our top picks and remember you can find a listing of all NJ activities in our Event Calendar.

This year the Jewish holiday Hanukkah (also known as Chanukah or the Festival of Lights) which is an eight day and night celebration began on December 8 and ends on December 16. There are many ways to commemorate with events in the area so set up your menorah or candelabra and observe the holiday with your family at one of the following kid friendly activities.

Some important school news this week as InsideSchools uncovers a big deception in the already complex and stressful high school application process. Plus an update on mandatory kindergarten, a brand-new Battery Park City ice-skating rink, the reopening of the South Street Seaport Museum and class warfare at the toy store.