To say my family loves college football is an understatement. I originally met my husband at a game, and our firstborn's birth announcement was a replica of a Sports Illustrated cover with our son proudly wearing my alma mater's colors. Given our obsession, for us, the holiday season isn't just about seeing Santa, Christmas trees and department store windows, it's about watching college football. There are plenty of big college football events around this time of year, including the presentation of the Heisman Trophy and the annual Pinstripe Bowl, both of which take place right here in NYC.

Read on for all the details plus other ways your family can root for your favorite teams (be they near or far) right here in New York City.

Who’s ready for a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season? Take a breather from shopping, gift-wrapping and decorating, and enjoy the spirit of the holiday season at these fun and festive weekend events. Indulge your sweet tooth at Liberty Hall’s Gingerbread Workshop and Gerrard Berman Day School’s Chanukah Cookie Decorating. Celebrate everything Christmas at A. Casola Farms’ Winter Wonderland and down the shore at Casino Pier Holiday Party. And warm up with some great family-friendly performances of Elf at Paper Mill Playhouse and Max & Ruby in the Nutcracker Suite at iPlay America. For even more weekend fun, check out the full list of weekend activities in our Event Calendar.

NYC, it is a-changing. The end of the year marks the end of the line for two of our top indoor drop-in play spots: Brooklyn Heights restaurant/play space The Moxie Spot and Soho's beloved Scholastic Store. As if that didn't put enough of a damper on our holiday spirits, two of our favorite annual seasonal displays aren't lighting up this year.

But all of our news isn't depressing. On the bright side, a Brooklyn makerspace and a popular kids' yoga studio are both moving to spacious new digs, FREE wireless Internet hubs are coming to public libraries and McDonald's is actually serving something you'll want to give your kids: college scholarships!

'Tis the season to go shopping! The busiest shopping period of the year has arrived, and as much as you may want to dodge the malls, sometimes a holiday shopping trip is a necessary evil. And what’s even more stressful than fighting for parking, navigating crowds, and standing in mile-long lines? Doing it with the kids in tow. With the right planning, a trip to one of New Jersey’s 25+ malls can be a downright enjoyable experience during the holidays. We’ve rounded up some of New Jersey’s more child-friendly malls, which feature play areas, food courts, toy stores, events and interactive holiday displays, so bring the family for some fun, meltdown-free shopping.

The holiday season is a prime opportunity to teach your children about giving back, empathy and social responsibility. Donating and volunteering are great ways to show them that not everyone is as fortunate as they are.  And there are plenty of ways for Long Island families fulfill their give back goals.

And for more information about seasonal events on Long Island, check out our Holiday Fun Guide.

The true meaning of the holiday season is to give to those in need. Nothing warms your heart more than seeing a child open a doll or fire truck they have been dreaming about. Here are some events happening across Connecticut that will help teach your children about the importance of charity.