Apologies that I sort of dropped out of contact for the last two weeks. Christmas with a 4 year old and 21 month old was much busier than I expected. If you need some last minute deals, I was in Gymboree today and they are having a major sale. Like 50-60% off lots of cute things. Be sure to check it out. I heard one friend say she got $11 pajamas there. That’s a steal. Best of luck to you all getting through the next 48 hours. Oh - one other quick idea for you. We always give our children a Christmas Eve gift - one item for both of them to share…something that will help keep them occupied for part of the day. This was a tradition in my husband’s family, and it works quite well. The kids love that they get to open something early, and I love that, for a little while, they forget to ask me, "how much longer until Santa?"…

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If you haven’t tried Music Together, now is your chance.  Music Together enrollment for Winter 2009 has already started. 12-week winter session begins January 6th.

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Since we most likely won’t have any snowy days here in Columbia, the Nickelodeon Theatre has graciously decided to host one for us! Ezra Jack Keats’ The Snowy Day will be shown at the Nickelodeon on Saturday, December 13 as part of the theatre’s Second Saturdays at the Nick series. Other winter stories will be read by former RCPL Children’s Room Librarian, Darion McCloud. After the stories and movie, all the children are invited to participate in some related winter art projects. Suitable for all ages. The program is free, but donations are appreciated. Show starts at 10am.

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Lots of holiday activities this week in Columbia. Aside from the Junior League Holiday Market (which isn’t really a kid-friendly venue, but is definitely a great place for you to buy gifts!!), there will be quite a few activities you and your children won’t want to miss.

• Thursday: Sweet Seasons on the roof at Midtown Forest Acres. 6-8pm. Tree lighting, children’s activities, caroling, food, and more.

• Thursday: Enjoy A Devine Evening on Devine Street. Stores will be open until 9pm.

• Thursday - Sunday: Junior League Holiday Market

• Friday: Holiday Main Street Marketplace in front of the Columbia Museum of Art. 10am - 2pm.

• Friday - Sunday: Five Points Festivus . Parade, tree lighting, cocoa and warm cookies! Stores will be open late for shopping.

• Friday - Sunday: The Snow Queen at the Columbia Children’s Theatre . Last weekend for this show!

• Saturday: Carolina Carillon Parade

• Sunday: West Columbia Holiday Parade of Lights

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First, let me just say that I hate the fact that Christmas shopping seems to start on Halloween. Target had Christmas items on display before the Halloween candy had even hit the trick-or-treat bags. So disappointing. I am starting a movement called "Keep Christmas in December!" That being said, today is December 1!! I know lots of local merchants are really struggling with the economic downturn. So, I thought I would point out some awesome gifts that can be purchased right here in our fair city. Support local business, eliminate shipping costs (and therefore reduce pollution emissions from those shipping trucks!), and take advantage of your ability to actually see/touch something before you buy!

• Your first stop should be K.D.’s Treehouse, where you can get your son or daughter some cute organic cotton pants and shirts, pajamas, jackets, blankets, bibs, and hats, as well as Plan Toys doll houses, train sets, tricycles, rocking horses, pull toys, and more. I promise you will find something you love, and the prices are very reasonable. Please support Columbia’s only modern children’s shop!

• While you are on Devine Street, stop in at Retail Therapy and get a Christmas ornament with your child’s name or initial on it. If they can’t do the personalizing while you wait, you can pick it up the next day!

• Stop by Burlap on Rosewood Drive (near the Rosewood Dairy Bar) and purchase some stationery for your children. The cards will come in handy when thanking family and friends for holiday gifts!

• Creative Kids in Five Points has a great selection of children’s toys.

• Sid & Nancy has a couple of racks of hip children’s clothes. They also have some colorful purses and bracelets that would be great additions to any little girl’s dress-up bins, not to mention some cool artwork by local designers/printers The Half and Half.

• While you are in Five Points, stop at the Gourmet Shop and get some Haribo Gummi Bears or some chocolates for the stockings, or better yet, grab a seat and have a little snack to get you through the rest of your shopping day!

• You probably think the Vista is mostly for adults, and you are mostly right. But not entirely. The State Museum gift shop has a great selection of hand puppets. You don’t have to pay admission to the museum to get into the gift shop. Same for the gift shop at Edventure, which has some unique toys and games.

• If you haven’t before, you need to check out the Junior League Holiday Market. Dec. 4 - 7 at the State Fair Grounds. Vendors from here, as well as from out of town, bring their wares for 4 days of shopping frenzy. In the past, I have purchased cute raincoats, backpacks, books, stuffed animals, growth charts, tree ornaments, jewelry, and more.

Happy holidays!

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