Thinking about the pain the parents of the Newtown, Conn. victims this season. Here is our response to the inexplicable mass shooting “We can do better, parents, we can.” Read it by clicking here,  

For 25 days in December, Barnett Educational Supplies in Savannah is promoting a particular item each day and offer a 10% discount on that particular product.

Check out this week’s 10% off items above.

Also, Barnett has a can’t-miss deal right now on Melissa & Doug Easels.
Barnett’s Easel Package Deal for only $125.68 includes:
• Melissa and Doug Easel
• 8 Dry Erase Markers
• Melissa and Doug Brushes
• Easel Paper
• Assorted Chalk
• 48 count Crayola Crayons
• 4 Washable Paints
• 2 Sponge Brushes
• Eraser
• Spill Proof Paint Cups

Shop Local, Shop Barnett!

Please like Barnett on Facebook here to stay updated on their sales.

Store hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM-7 PM; Sat: 10 AM-5 PM; Sun: 1- 5 PM.

Barnett Educational Supplies, 38 W De Renne Ave., Savannah, 31405-6742, tel: 912-356-1878, email barneduc@bellsouth.net www.barnetteducationalsupplies.com , Barnett Educational Supplies is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

The Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is. is having a visit from Santa Wednesday, December 19, Thursday, December 20, Friday, December 21, and Monday, December 24, at 10:30am!

Bring your kids for a special visit from Santa all the way from the North Pole. He will read traditional Christmas stories including “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Santa will talk to your child and find out what he or she would like for Christmas. Get your child’s picture made with Santa and then create a frame to put it in! Enjoy special holiday treats and The Sandbox all decked out for Christmas.

This special holiday program is included in admission ($7 per person and under 1 are free).

The Sandbox will also have special holiday arts and crafts activities throughout the holiday season.
Holiday Arts and Crafts
December 22: Reindeer Gift Bag
Cost: FREE with admission

Visit www.thesandbox.org  for information on other upcoming events and activities.

The Sandbox, 18-A Pope Avenue, next to St. Andrew By-the-Sea United Methodist Church, Hilton Head Is., S.C. 29928
843.842.7645, www.thesandbox.org

You’re invited to a Living Nativity Scene at Wilmington Island Presbyterian, 450 North Cromwell Road, Savannah 31410.

The nativity scene (including camels) will be on Tuesday, December 18th from 4-7pm. Everyone is welcome.

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS, VISIT SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM ULTIMATE HOLIDAY GUIDE HERE. OR VISIT OUR ONLINE EVENTS CALENDAR HERE.

FOR OUR PICKS FOR BEST LOCAL HOLIDAY LIGHTS DISPLAYS & HOME DECORATIONS, CLICK HERE.

Planning on taking the kids to look at home holiday lights? Click here for our picks for the 2012 best home holiday lights displays/decorations.

You’re invited to Holiday on Broughton Street, Savannah.

Join the Savannah Downtown Business Association for Holiday on Broughton noon until 7 PM this Saturday, December 15. Fun for the whole family with dance, choir, jazz, and theater performances
Performances by:
• Savannah Dance Festival
• Savannah Arts Academy Choir
• Savannah Arts Academy Jazz Band
• Holiday Movie at Trustee’s Theater
• And MORE Family Fun!

Sponsored in part by the City of Savannah

You’re invited to a Living Nativity Scene at Wilmington Island Presbyterian, 450 North Cromwell Road, Savannah 31410.

The nativity scene (including camels) will be on Tuesday, December 18th from 4-7pm. Everyone is welcome.

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS, VISIT SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM ULTIMATE HOLIDAY GUIDE HERE. OR VISIT OUR ONLINE EVENTS CALENDAR HERE.

FOR OUR PICKS FOR BEST LOCAL HOLIDAY LIGHTS DISPLAYS & HOME DECORATIONS, CLICK HERE.

How The Grinch Stole the Polar Express – A Balloon Caper (Free balloon show)

This Saturday Dec. 15 at 2:00 p.m., you need to help Lynnae Weller, Owner of Bend Out A Shape Balloons, make sure the Grinch doesn’t steal Christmas for the entire world. Come have a fun, hilarious time at the Southwest Chatham Library (the one by Target at Savannah Mall). You might even get to see a snowball fight! Great for all ages.

If you want to have crazy amounts of fun at your next birthday party, please contact Lynnae with Bend Out A Shape Balloons at 912-228-3024 or e-mail bendoutashape@gmail.com, www.bendoutashape.com/

Like Bend Out A Shape Balloons on Facebook here.

Bend Out A Shape Balloons at 912-228-3024 or e-mail bendoutashape@gmail.com, www.bendoutashape.com/ Bend Out A Shape Balloons is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Best local holiday light displays. Planning on driving around and checking out the best local holiday house decorations? From giant Santa snow globes to computerized Christmas lights animated with music, we have your guide to local home holiday light displays.

Displays not to be missed include:

1. The Whitemarsh Island home of the Kesslers. In the Battery point subdivision at 105 Mapmaker Lane: computerized “dancing” lights display animated with music. Lights choreographed to blink, twink and fade in red, blue, green and white, in sync with a custom-mixed soundtrack of holiday tunes.

2. A beloved old-fashioned holiday yard display that on certain nights features hot chocolate for visitors and even Santa visits at 512 Gordonston Ave., Savannah.(UPDATE: on 12/1/12 this display was still in the prep stages & not ready yet. But this favorite is expected to be up again & glowing this season!)

Ones that we haven’t checked out yet this year but in the past have been great. We’ve been told many of these are still brillant this year.
• 711 South Drive
• 202 Blue Marlin Drive in Seagate, Whitemarsh Island
• 203 Windsor Road, Windsor Forest
• 18 Cutler Drive, Georgetown area (in the same area, drive down Lions Gate (also in Georgetown), there are several brightly-decorated homes as well as a house on Waynesboro)
• 136 Chimney Road, Rincon
• 13008 Largo Drive, Windsor Forest
116 Community Road in Faulkville Lakeside Farms
• 16 Godley Park Way in Pooler
• 504 E. 52 St

PUBLIC HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS, SAVANNAH

December Nights & Holiday Lights @ Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, Savannah. Details here.

Savannah Harbor of Lights Festival @ Road Course on Hutchinson Is. Details here.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS WORTH THE DRIVE!

Harbour Town Lights, Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Is. FREE. Details here

Lights Before (& After) Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo, Columbia, S.C. Details here.

Holiday Festival of Lights 2012, Charleston S.C. Details here

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights @ Atlanta Botanical Garden. Through Jan. 5 2013. Details here.

You’re invited to The Sounds of Winter Holiday Concert @ Savannah Arts Academy.

Don’t miss the spectacular sounds of the SAA Choruses and Orchestra. The Sounds of Winter Holiday Concert will take place this Wednesday and Thursday, December 12 and 13 beginning at 7 PM in the school theater.

Tickets may ONLY be purchased online at www.seatyourself.biz/saa until 60 minutes before show time. General admision is $10. Students and Seniors is $6.

Savannah Arts Academy, 500 Washington Ave., Savannah, 31405

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS, VISIT SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM ULTIMATE HOLIDAY GUIDE HERE. OR VISIT OUR ONLINE EVENTS CALENDAR HERE.

Chris Rumble’s Reading Pep Rally

Thurs., Dec. 20, 10:30 a.m. at Springfield Library
Thurs., Dec. 20, 3:30 p.m. at Pooler Library
Fri., Dec. 21, 10:30 a.m. at Bull Street Library
Fri., Dec. 21, 3:30 p.m. at Islands Library
Sat., Dec. 22, 10:30 a.m. at Hinesville Library
Sat., Dec. 22, 2:00 p.m. at Southwest Chatham Library

In the high-energy Reading Pep Rally, author-illustrator-musician Chris Rumble uses upbeat songs, the tunes of which are easily recognized, to get kids excited about reading. Chris also incorporates art into the performance as he introduces his characters by drawing for the kids on a big sketch pad. He then spends some time reading to the students from his books. He fields questions from the older kids and then wraps it up with a final song and additional words of encouragement.

Each performance is 45 minutes long and includes significant audience participation.  Learn more about Chris Rumble.

We’ve got it all: caroling, public ice skating, holiday lights tours. Find out where to find Santa and where to watch holiday films for free.

Visit our Holidays 2012 Guide frequently this holiday season for updates about kid-friendly holiday events.

For your convenience, the link to the SouthernMamas.com Holidays 2012 Guide will posted on the SouthernMamas home page in the column to the right throughout the holiday season & via a rotating banner at the top of this page. Enjoy! Click here. Also check out online Events Calendar here for oodles of local kid-friendly activities.

You’re invited to The Sounds of Winter Holiday Concert @ Savannah Arts Academy.

Don’t miss the spectacular sounds of the SAA Choruses and Orchestra. The Sounds of Winter Holiday Concert will take place this Wednesday and Thursday, December 12 and 13 beginning at 7 PM in the school theater.

Tickets may ONLY be purchased online at www.seatyourself.biz/saa  until 60 minutes before show time. General admision is $10. Students and Seniors is $6.

Savannah Arts Academy, 500 Washington Ave., Savannah, 31405

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS, VISIT SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM ULTIMATE HOLIDAY GUIDE HERE. OR VISIT OUR ONLINE EVENTS CALENDAR HERE.

Lovin’ Spoons is “Lovin’ Santa!”

Say “Lovin’ Santa!” all week for 10% off your yogurt.

Even better, come SEE Santa this weekend at the stores. See below for schedule. Bring your camera and kids!

Post on the Lovin Spoons Facebook page by Sunday night your pic of the kids and Santa for a chance to win a $10 gift card! And during Santa’s appearance in each store your yogurt is 2 for 1, cup of lesser value! Please do not combine offers.

Lovin’ Spoons self-serve froyo is making your holiday shopping easier with a great deal on gift cards!

Buy $25 in gift cards and receive a $5 gift card free–OR a T-shirt, $15 value! Give ‘em some Lovin’!

Lovin’ Spoons FroYo offers 12 ever changing flavors, over 40 fresh toppings, hot syrups served up with a groovy 70s vibe at stores in Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill and Bluffton.

Local store locations:

Savannah Savannah Centre by Toys R Us on Eisenhower Drive 912-355-2723

Pooler Pooler Marketplace by Publix 912-748-1444

Richmond Hill 60 Exchange St. 912-459-1490

Bluffton 95 Towne Drive, Bluffton, SC 29910 843.837.5683

Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 12pm-10pm

Lovin Spoons, 912.355.2723, email info@lovinspoons.com , www.lovinspoons.com, Lovin’ Spoons is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Come out to see “Friends” at The Puppet People this December.

“Friends” is a shadow puppet show based on an African Folk Tale. Featuring the unlikely friendship that forms between Frog Child and Snake Child, as they get to know each other and celebrate the things that make them different from one another.

Angela Beasley’s Puppet People has a Living Social half price special for December 15, 22, 27, 28, 29 on the shadow show and shadow puppet Mom & Me puppet making session: “Friends:” “Why Frog Child & Snake Child Can’t Play Together”
Cost : $15.00 per ticket
With Living Social: $7.00 per ticket

Show details here.

Angela Beasley’s Puppet People “The Puppet Place” in Thunderbolt, 3119 Furber Avenue, Savannah, GA 31405, 912-355-3366, http://puppetpeople.com. The Puppet Place is also an ideal spot to host children’s birthday parties! Puppet People is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Come out to see “Friends” at The Puppet People this December.

“Friends” is a shadow puppet show based on an African Folk Tale. Featuring the unlikely friendship that forms between Frog Child and Snake Child, as they get to know each other and celebrate the things that make them different from one another.

Angela Beasley’s Puppet People has a Living Social half price special for December 15, 22, 27, 28, 29 on the shadow show and shadow puppet Mom & Me puppet making session: “Friends:” “Why Frog Child & Snake Child Can’t Play Together”
Cost : $15.00 per ticket
With Living Social: $7.00 per ticket

Show details here.

Angela Beasley’s Puppet People “The Puppet Place” in Thunderbolt, 3119 Furber Avenue, Savannah, GA 31405, 912-355-3366, http://puppetpeople.com. The Puppet Place is also an ideal spot to host children’s birthday parties! Puppet People is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Come out to see “Friends” at The Puppet People this December.

“Friends” is a shadow puppet show based on an African Folk Tale. Featuring the unlikely friendship that forms between Frog Child and Snake Child, as they get to know each other and celebrate the things that make them different from one another.

Angela Beasley’s Puppet People has a Living Social half price special for December 15, 22, 27, 28, 29 on the shadow show and shadow puppet Mom & Me puppet making session: “Friends:” “Why Frog Child & Snake Child Can’t Play Together”
Cost : $15.00 per ticket
With Living Social: $7.00 per ticket

Show details here.

Angela Beasley’s Puppet People “The Puppet Place” in Thunderbolt, 3119 Furber Avenue, Savannah, GA 31405, 912-355-3366, http://puppetpeople.com. The Puppet Place is also an ideal spot to host children’s birthday parties! Puppet People is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Who is getting a fancy camera for a holiday gift?

If you or someone you know is going to be new camera-owner, check out the local beginner how-to-take better-photos classes happening in January & February. This class makes an ideal gift for anyone who’s getting a camera for Christmas whether mom/child/or dad. It would be a great add on to their gift.

Classes are January 26th from 1 to 4:30pm and another separate class (because the January class is almost full ) for Feb. 10 1 to 4:30pm.

Early bird registration deal: $99 until December 21st and then the cost goes back up to $135.

These classes are for amateur photographers with a lot of artistic talent, but searching for know-how when it comes to the nuts and bolts of photography.

Topics the class will cover include:

-10 Tips for Taking Better Photos -Introduction to Exposure -ISO -Shutter Speed -Aperture -Training Wheels -Using your Camera’s Basic Settings -Lens Overview

Q: How much are the workshops and what do they include?

A: The three hour group class is $135 per person BUT THERE IS A $99 Early Bird Special if you register before Dec. 21 (don’t worry you can pay half down if you’d like) and includes light refreshments and lots of other goodies. Each person will receive a class guide to keep as a reference. You will also receive a fabulous swag bag! Class size is limited to so everyone will have an opportunity to ask specific questions.

Q: I don’t have a fancy DSLR camera, but I love photography and want to take better pictures with my point and shoot. Can I still come?

A: Yes, we would still love to have you! However, there will be a couple subjects we go over that will be strictly about DSLR cameras, such as lens choices and functions that your camera may not have. But most the subjects can be used for people with DSLR’s and Point and Shoots!

Q: Do I have to be a mom to sign up for your workshop?

A: No, you do not. Although the majority of the class will be moms with young children, we respect that other will want to join in as well. No matter who you are, if you want to learn how to take better pictures of kids, you are more than welcome to attend.

Q: Can I host one of these workshops at my house?

A: If you live in Rincon, GA or Savannah, GA, yes you can! We charge $125 per person for house parties with a minimum of 5 people. So if you get 5 of your friends to come to your pad for a workshop, you don’t have to pay anything!

Q: Do you offer special discounts if I get a bunch of my friends to sign up?

A: Yes we do! If you get 5 people to attend our workshop, you’re in free! If you get 3 people registered, we give you $50 off!

Sign up here for their next workshop, Jan. 26 2013 . The January class only has two spots left.

Sign up here for the Feb. 10 2013 workshop.

Check our their professional work also here: www.shumanfineartphotography.com For more information, email Jillane Tucker at jillanes@shumanphoto.com or call 912.826.4447.

Jillane Tucker, Shuman Fine Art Photography.com, email jillanes@shumanphoto.com, 912.826.4447 http://www.shumanfineartphotography.com/ Shuman Fine Art Photography is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Tis the Season to shop local! Come for an evening of locally made fine art, gifts, handcrafted treats and much more!

You’re invited: The Holiday Hop from 6-9 PM Fri. Dec. 14 will feature these fine local shops:

Gallery Espresso (234 Bull Street) Will be hosting an artist reception for David Miley’s exhibit “Bold Strokes”

Red Clover (244 Bull Street) 20% off select items

Perry Rubber Bike Shop (240 Bull Street)

Fabrika ( 2 east Liberty Street) Fine fabrics and gifts, will be featuring items by Lovelane designs and Sweeteeth chocolates

Recreate (10 West Liberty) Savannah’s Creative Collective, featuring 10% off storewide on local art and gifts

Wild Fibre ( 6 East Liberty Street)Yarns, knitting, crocheting and fiber arts accoutrements

Stitch (6 East Liberty Street) Alteration and design studio

Ollie Otson ( 6 East Liberty Street ) Featuring fine vintage clothing and Little Lady Belles- handcrafted heirloom dolls

Grab a Holiday Hop Punch card, visit all participating shops and enter to win a gift bag!

For more info, click here.
Holiday Hop is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Tis the Season to shop local! Come for an evening of locally made fine art, gifts, handcrafted treats and much more!

You’re invited: The Holiday Hop from 6-9 PM Fri. Dec. 14. The Holiday Hop will feature these fine local shops:

Gallery Espresso (234 Bull Street) Will be hosting an artist reception for David Miley’s exhibit “Bold Strokes”

Red Clover (244 Bull Street) 20% off select items

Perry Rubber Bike Shop (240 Bull Street)

Fabrika ( 2 east Liberty Street) Fine fabrics and gifts, will be featuring items by Lovelane designs and Sweeteeth chocolates

Recreate (10 West Liberty) Savannah’s Creative Collective, featuring 10% off storewide on local art and gifts

Wild Fibre ( 6 East Liberty Street)Yarns, knitting, crocheting and fiber arts accoutrements

Stitch (6 East Liberty Street) Alteration and design studio

Ollie Otson ( 6 East Liberty Street ) Featuring fine vintage clothing and Little Lady Belles- handcrafted heirloom dolls

Grab a Holiday Hop Punch card, visit all participating shops and enter to win a gift bag!

For more info, click here.
Holiday Hop is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Lights on for Tybee
Make this an evening you and your family won’t soon forget! Head out to the best little best little beach town tonight for Lights on for Tybee. Festivities begin at 6:30 pm when Mayor Jason Buelterman lights the Christmas tree at the Roundabout, the choirs sing, and Gretchen Greene School of Dance students perform. The children will be delighted when two special guests from the North Pole fly in to make sure this celebration is merry and bright! Face painting will be available across from the stage on Tybrisa! There will be plenty of refreshments at participating locations along Tybrisa and Strand. Don’t forget to check out Tybee Island’s fantastic art galleries, shops and beach boutiques for some great deals on Holiday Shopping!

The Habersham School’s Christmas Production at Savannah Theatre
The Habersham School will hold its Christmas Production, Come Let Us Adore Him, at the Savannah Theatre on Tuesday, Dec. 18th at 11am. All are welcome!