At this time of year, it's very easy to get caught up in spending a lot of money on gifts for family and friends, or high-priced holiday events. But really, you don't have to part with a penny to enjoy the holidays in NYC. We've been telling you about all kinds of free fun like going to see Christmas trees and giant menorahs, or taking a family stroll past all of the department store windows. Now we have a brand-new no-cost celebration to add to our must-experience list: Make Music Winter.

Every year, Make Music sponsors more than 1,000 complimentary outdoor concerts on the first day of summer throughout NYC. For the first time, the organization will sponsor 12 free music parades to mark the start of winter on Wednesday, December 21. Families can watch or sometimes even join these processions as they travel throughout a dozen NYC neighborhoods. It sounds like a wonderful variation on traditional Christmas caroling that combines three of our favorite things: creativity, community and no-cost entertainment.

This year will be my 5^th Annual Holiday Cookie Extravaganza. We make the treats, we package them all pretty, and then we drink wine, eat soup and chex mix, and take home a nice big bag of baked love. The kids decorate gingerbread people, and get too close to the tree. It’s a sparkly, twinkly, cheery way to welcome the holidays and I’m ever so grateful for the friends that keep coming back. Here’s a few of the greatest cookie hits. Happy baking!

There's plenty to do in Boston this holiday break - catch a movie or a show, visit a museum, take a day trip, spend some time outdoors. With the kids off from school, it is a perfect time to slow the pace down and really enjoy what the city has to offer. Read on for some of our best bets and have a great break, no matter what you decide to do.

According to a recent “study” in The Atlantic, Santa must deliver presents to a little more than 526,000,000 kids. That’s about 22 million kids per hour, or 61,000 per second. No small feat. And, I’m guessing with all those presents, a pretty heavy sleigh.

So, dear Santa Claus, if you’re reading this, consider lightening your load this year and throwing in a few gifts with less heft. Leave the toy sword at the North Pole and offer the kids a fencing class in its place. And rather than a miniature barn and plastic ponies, why not a horse ride through Griffith Park or riding lessons at the Traditional  Equestrian School?

Have a look at the other ideas we have gathered. And parents, you too! With these gift suggestions we just might lighten our holiday closet loads as well.

[UPDATED: July 19, 2012]

Like any parent, I’m always on the prowl for cool things to do with my kids. However, as the mother of an autistic son, our activity choices have to fit certain sensory criteria. My 9-year-old son Jake can't be exposed to overpowering or sudden noises, and he doesn't do well in very dark rooms. He also jumps up and flaps his arms when he's excited, so he needs a good amount of personal space.

Unfortunately, this means that going to the movies—one of Jake's favorite activities—isn't as easy as buying a ticket. Luckily, AMC Theatres has partnered with the Autism Society to offer monthly sensory-friendly family film screenings throughout the U.S., including three theaters right here in New York City.

Read on for details about how these special screenings accommodate children with special sensory needs, and find out about upcoming films in NYC.

All of NYC seems to be illuminated in honor of the holidays. While there are some really spectacular light displays in the outer boroughs, you can find a few fun ones in Manhattan, too. (Our photo was snapped on 117th Street and Madison Avenue.)

Like last week, we were very holiday heavy this week, with posts about Hanukkah celebrations, awesome pop-up shops, winter break camps and other holiday fun.

This is the season for giving, and we've been really moved by how much our readers have given to our holiday food drive. We are less than $500 from our $2,500 goal, which will feed 10,000 hungry NYC children this holiday. Our drive ends on Monday, December 19. We hope as you dash around town buying cool gifts and having fun that you'll consider helping us meet our goal.

And that's just a bit of what's going on. Here's what we covered this week on Mommy Poppins in NYC, New Jersey, Long Island and Connecticut, as well as selected stories from our sites in Boston and Los Angeles.

Can you believe that Hanukkah and Christmas are just next week?! The celebrations are in full gear Islandwide. We've found Christmas, Hanukkah, and even winter solstice celebrations for your family's enjoyment this weekend. Get out and have fun!