Pooler Jingle Jog
5:30pm Saturday, December 22, 2012
50 Godley Way, Pooler, Georgia
5K Run / Walk / Elf dance for Adoption. Santa chase, carols!
TO REGISTER CLICK Here.

Tonight we checked out the very sweet December Nights & Holiday Lights @ Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens (Bamboo Farm & Coastal Gardens) & recommend that you take the kids.

The engaging lights display opens Fri. Nov 30 & runs Friday – Sunday nights only through December 23rd, 2012, 6pm – 9pm at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens at the Historic Bamboo Farm 2 Canebrake Road, Savannah, 31419. Presented by The Friends of the Coastal Gardens.

We loved the angels with moving wings, huge poinsettias & snowflakes, lighted gazebo and bamboo forest teeming with deer and, of course, the fun children’s garden lined with lighted lollipops, a jack in the box (or charlie in the box from Rudolph?), snowmen and my kids’ favorite – the Rudolph gang with the Bumble (the Abominable Snowman), Hermey the Elf & the red-nosed hero.

12 nights of holiday lights, music and food. All proceeds will go to fund the Children’s Garden at the Bamboo Farm. $5 per person, children under 5 years free A walking tour of the garden’s historic district * Tram rides available for the disabled and elderly * Special activities for children * Saturday night pictures with Santa

Please call for more details (912) 921-5460. “Like” Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens on Facebook here to stay updated on events.

Want to take your children to have their photo taken with Santa in a smaller and less chaotic atmosphere than the mall?

Savannah Baby Co. to the rescue! The boutique will offer photos with Santa on Fri. Dec. 7 & Sat. Dec. 8. Angela Hopper will be the photographer.

To make an appointment & reserve your space, please email Amelia at amelia@savannahbabyco.com or call Savannah Baby Co. @ 912-480-0212.

The photo sessions will take place on Friday, Dec. 7 from 1-4 PM and Saturday, Dec. 8 from 9:30 AM-2 PM Payment is preferred in cash or check and cost will be $20 for 2-5×7 photos OR 1-5×7 photo and 1 digital copy. If you’d prefer to just have a digital copy, cost is $10.

Printing of photographs will take place on site, so you’ll be able to receive them right away.

Please “like” the Savannah Baby Co. Facebook page here to stay updated on such events & on their sales!

Hampstead Stage Company Presents “A Christmas Carol” The charming, classic tale by Charles Dickens is brought to life by professional actors, with some audience participation. Join Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and the Spirits of Christmas for a timeless holiday treat for all ages. FREE!
Oglethorpe Mall Library, 925-5432 Saturday, Dec. 1, 3 p.m.
Hinesville Library, 368-4003 Monday, Dec. 3, 10:30 a.m.
Bull Street Library, 652-3630 Monday, Dec. 3, 4 p.m.
Thunderbolt Library, 354-5864 Tuesday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m.
Southwest Chatham Library, 925-8305 Tuesday, Dec. 4, 4:30 p.m.
West Broad Library, 232-6395 Wednesday, Dec. 5, 11 a.m.
Rincon Library, 826-2222 Wednesday, Dec. 5, 4:30 p.m.
Pooler Library, 748-0471 Thursday, Dec. 6, 10:30 a.m.
Islands Library, 897-6233 Thursday, Dec. 6, 4 p.m.

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

The Savannah Children’s Choir will present their annual holiday concert, titled the “Holiday Radio Hour” on Sunday, December 9 at 4 p.m. at Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church, 1008 E. Henry Street (corner of Waters Avenue).

The box office will open at 3 p.m., and tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for students, seniors and military personnel.

Using the framework of an old-time radio show, the concert features the Primary, Preparatory and Premier choirs of the Savannah Children’s Choir, and songs from around the world and throughout time, and even includes participation from the “studio audience”!

Join the SCC for this family-friendly holiday tradition.

For more information, go to www.savannahchoir.org .

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS, VISIT OUR ULTIMATE HOLIDAY GUIDE HERE.

Public ice skating returns to Savannah Civic Center Dec. 8 – Jan. 6

SkateFest, the yearly public ice skating event at the Savannah Civic Center, kicks off on Saturday, December 8, and runs daily (except Christmas Day) through Sunday, January 6.

The popular family friendly, alcohol free activity takes place in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Arena. It is co-sponsored by Coca Cola and WSAV TV.

With three to six public skating sessions daily, SkateFest is convenient for everyone. Each SkateFest session is 1.5 hours long. A calendar of each day’s session times is above.

SkateFest is closed on December 25 for Christmas.

New this year, a concession stand will be open in the Civic Center Main Lobby between sessions during SkateFest hours.

Admission to SkateFest is $7.00 per person for skaters and spectators. Skate rental is included in the admission fee. Skaters may opt to bring their own skates. No lockers are available for shoe storage and the Savannah Civic Center is not responsible for lost items.

SkateFest passes good for five (5) sessions are available for $30. Discounted group ticket sales are available for groups of 15 or more by calling the group sales line.

In addition to the public sessions, several “schools only” daytime skating sessions will be held December 10 – 14, and December 17 – 19. Schools may purchase discounted tickets for those sessions by calling the group sales line.

For more information:
SkateFest general information: 912-651-6615 (recorded info line)
Group sales line: 912-651-3062 (group discount sales, schools-only sessions, other
questions)
Email: SkateFest301@gmail.com

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS, VISIT OUR ULTIMATE HOLIDAY GUIDE HERE.

Bring the family to City Market for fun-filled activities including cookie decorating, making ornaments to take home, facepainting, a petting zoo, photos with Father Christmas in the Carriage Tours of Savannah Cinderella carriage, and a choir performance.

Please bring an unwrapped toy to drop off in the Holiday Hope collection box.

The annual Christmas For Kids celebration starts at 11 AM and lasts until 2 PM Sat. Dec. 8 2012.

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS, VISIT OUR ULTIMATE HOLIDAY GUIDE HERE.

Bring the family to City Market for fun-filled activities including cookie decorating, making ornaments to take home, facepainting, a petting zoo, photos with Father Christmas in the Carriage Tours of Savannah Cinderella carriage, and a choir performance.

Please bring an unwrapped toy to drop off in the Holiday Hope collection box.

The annual Christmas For Kids celebration starts at 11 AM and lasts until 2 PM Sat. Dec. 8 2012.

Savannah City Market, 219 W. Bryan St., Savannah, 31401

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS, VISIT OUR ULTIMATE HOLIDAY GUIDE HERE. 

Public ice skating returns to Savannah Civic Center Dec. 8 – Jan. 6

SkateFest, the yearly public ice skating event at the Savannah Civic Center, kicks off on Saturday, December 8, and runs daily (except Christmas Day) through Sunday, January 6.

The popular family friendly, alcohol free activity takes place in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Arena. It is co-sponsored by Coca Cola and WSAV TV.

With three to six public skating sessions daily, SkateFest is convenient for everyone. Each SkateFest session is 1.5 hours long. A calendar of each day’s session times is above.

SkateFest is closed on December 25 for Christmas.

New this year, a concession stand will be open in the Civic Center Main Lobby between sessions during SkateFest hours.

Admission to SkateFest is $7.00 per person for skaters and spectators. Skate rental is included in the admission fee. Skaters may opt to bring their own skates. No lockers are available for shoe storage and the Savannah Civic Center is not responsible for lost items.

SkateFest passes good for five (5) sessions are available for $30. Discounted group ticket sales are available for groups of 15 or more by calling the group sales line.

In addition to the public sessions, several “schools only” daytime skating sessions will be held December 10 – 14, and December 17 – 19. Schools may purchase discounted tickets for those sessions by calling the group sales line.

For more information:
SkateFest general information: 912-651-6615 (recorded info line)
Group sales line: 912-651-3062 (group discount sales, schools-only sessions, other
questions)
Email: SkateFest301@gmail.com

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

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.

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

The products will be announced the Monday before the sale. This will allow the parents and grandparents time to decide when to stop by the store the next day to get the product.

Check out the 10% off items above.

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.

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.

It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)

​Friday, December 14 at 7 p.m.

We love this! The 6th Annual Tybee Island Toure de Lights.

Light up your bikes and homes and come to Tybee Island for a night of holiday fun! The Toure de Lights event will kick off at A-J’s Dockside with a bike line-up and awards ceremony, with prizes for the best bike and home decorations. The Toure de Lights parade will begin at A-J’s Dockside and end at Marlin Monroe’s.

Registration forms are available at A-J’s and Tim’s Beach Gear. All event proceeds benefit the Rising Tyde Community Food Pantry.

Saturday, December 15, 2012
Bike line-up and awards ceremony at 5 p.m.
Toure de Lights Parade at 6:30 p.m.

A-J’s Dockside Restaurant
1315 Chatham Avenue
Tybee Island, Georgia

COST: $10 entry fee. Cash or checks will be accepted. Please make checks payable to Rising Tyde Community Food Pantry.
CONTACT: 912-786-4801

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS, VISIT OUR CALENDAR HERE.

We love this! The 6th Annual Tybee Island Toure de Lights.

Light up your bikes and homes and come to Tybee Island for a night of holiday fun! The Toure de Lights event will kick off at A-J’s Dockside with a bike line-up and awards ceremony, with prizes for the best bike and home decorations. The Toure de Lights parade will begin at A-J’s Dockside and end at Marlin Monroe’s.

Registration forms are available at A-J’s and Tim’s Beach Gear. All event proceeds benefit the Rising Tyde Community Food Pantry.

Saturday, December 15, 2012
Bike line-up and awards ceremony at 5 p.m.
Toure de Lights Parade at 6:30 p.m.

A-J’s Dockside Restaurant
1315 Chatham Avenue
Tybee Island, Georgia

COST: $10 entry fee. Cash or checks will be accepted. Please make checks payable to Rising Tyde Community Food Pantry.
CONTACT: 912-786-4801

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS, VISIT OUR CALENDAR HERE.

This holiday bring the family to The Savannah Children’s Theatre for the classical musical production of “My Fair Lady.”

The theatre’s best and brightest shine as Eliza Doolittle, Professor Henry Higgins and all the memorable characters of this award-winning show. Nov. 30-Dec. 9. Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for students, seniors and military and $15 for adults.

Tickets can be purchased at www.savannahchildrenstheatre.org or at the theatre box office, 2160 E. Victory Drive, Crossroads Shopping Center, Savannah, 31404 912-238-9015

Plan to take part in a 5K Celebration Run at Savannah State University on December 15 at 9 a.m.

Men, women, kids and jogging strollers are all welcome. Race proceeds benefit local nonprofit Girls on the Run of Coastal Georgia, helping preteen girls to become healthy, strong and confident

After Party will include race awards, raffles, kids fun zone, free food and beverages, and more.

Register for $25 at www.girlsontherun-ga.org or for $35 onsite on race day. Call 912-349-1528 for more information.

Girls on the Run of Coastal Georgia, 401 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, 31406 (912) 349-1528, www.girlsontherun-ga.org Girls on the Run of Coastal Georgia is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

You’re invited to Luminary Night with Santa
Saturday, Dec 15, 2012 6-8 PM.

Bring your children and pets for pictures with Santa. Enjoy a walk along our enchanted luminary trail and take a hayride around the park. Sip on hot chocolate while decorating cookies and making holiday crafts.

$2 – $5 photos and hayrides. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.

Skidaway Is. State Park, 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, 31411

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS, VISIT OUR CALENDAR HERE.

Fort Pulaski National Monument will celebrate the holiday season with a special children’s holiday workshop.

Saturday, December 22, 2012, 2:00 to 4:00 PM Visions of Sugar Plums! Children are invited to join park staff in making, molding, and painting the holiday candy know as marzipan! The group will also be making special edible holiday ornaments for the enjoyment of your backyard wild friends!

Space is limited. Reservations are requested. Please contact Gloria Swift, Park Ranger, by phone at (912) 786-5787 extension 218 or via email at Gloria_Swift@nps.gov for more information.

Fort Pulaski National Monument, U.S. Highway 80, 15 miles east of Savannah. An entrance fee of $5.00 per person is charged; ages 15 & younger are free. Call the park at (912) 786-5787 for details, or visit the park’s official website at www.nps.gov/fopu .

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS, VISIT OUR CALENDAR HERE.

You’re invited to Night in Tuscany Party & Silent Auction to benefit Girls on the Run of Coastal Georgia, helping preteen girls to become healthy, strong and confident.

Thursday, November 29, 5:30 until 8 p.m. In the courtyard of Southern Pine Company, 616 East 35th Street, Savannah, Georgia. Live music, food and beverages, and great auction items to bid on.

Purchase tickets by clicking here.

Girls on the Run of Coastal Georgia, 401 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, 31406 (912) 349-1528, www.girlsontherun-ga.org

It’s not even December yet and we’re already addicted to the first-ever Christmas album by best-selling, award-winning children’s recording artist Laurie Berkner.

“A Laurie Berkner Christmas “(Two Tomatoes Records/Razor & Tie) features fifteen traditional holiday and seasonal songs. My kids’ favorite is the original track “Candy Cane Jane.” Mine are “Children Go Where I Send Thee” (featuring acclaimed recording artist Brady Rymer) & “Silent Night” (featuring an all-time SouthernMamas.com favorite, Elizabeth Mitchell, whose recent CD “Blue Clouds” we reviewed here)

Be sure to bring “A Laurie Berkner Christmas” CD along when you take the kids to look at holiday lights or on your holiday travels!

A Laurie Berkner Christmas Track Listing

Jingle Bells
Santa’s Coming To My House Tonight
Little Drummer Boy
I Saw Three Ships
Candy Cane Jane
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Children Go Where I Send Thee (featuring Brady Rymer)
Silent Night (featuring Elizabeth Mitchell)
Christmas Lights
Christmas Is Coming
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
Jolly Old St. Nicholas
Frosty The Snowman
White Christmas
We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Disclosure: We received CDs at no cost to review.

Check out the upcoming kids’ yoga classes at Ganesha’s Place, Savannah’s new therapeutic yoga studio! Two different yoga for kids classes are available: one for ages 3-5 & one for ages 7 & older. Both are inclusive classes designed to bring yoga to kids in an enjoyable, accessible way.

Enrollment will be limited, so please enroll early. Registration ends Fri. Dec. 21, 2012. Classes start Jan. 5, 2013!

To register or more information, (912)665-4199 or www.ganeshasplace.com

Ganesha’s Place offers a variety of therapeutic classes including yoga for special needs kids, children with autism & restorative yoga for caretakers.

What we love about Ganesha’s Place is that it’s a spot to explore, heal and have fun. Ganesha’s can be a place for the whole family: you’re not required to be athletic or wear special outfits. Yoga therapy at Ganesha’s regulates and improves the balance between health and wellness without the intimidating images of body contortions and “pretzels”.

Keep up with Ganesha’s Place on Facebook here.

Ganesha’s Place, at the corner of Barnard & 40th St. @ 2323 Barnard St., 912-665-4199, http://ganeshasplace.com/ Ganesha’s Place is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Drop N’ Shop Holly-Day Camp the Bamboo Farm

10 AM-1 PM Saturday Dec. 8 2012

Parents, need to do some holiday shopping? Drop your kids off for a morning at the Bamboo Farm! Only $20.00 per child

Ages 6-10

Cookie decorating, ornament making and a nature walk ending with a visit to our famous Lord’s Holly tree

Please bring a sack lunch

Limited space so call to register today! (912) 921-5460 or  email elubrani@uga.edu

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens at the Historic Bamboo Farm, 2 Canebrake Road, Savannah, GA. 31419

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS, VISIT OUR CALENDAR HERE.

Drop ‘n Shop @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center
9 AM-3 PM Dec. 15
Wondering how you are going to get all of your shopping and last minute errands finished in time for the holidays?
Let Oatland Island Wildlife Center help you! Drop your child off at Oatland for the Drop ‘n Shop program!
While you are off finishing your many errands, your child will be hiking with an Oatland guide, playing games, making holiday themed crafts and enjoying a live animal encounter. All of this topped off with a snack and holiday movie! Let the kids have fun at Oatland while you get your holiday shopping tied in a bow of accomplishment! Reservations Required 395-1500 $25 per Child Additional Siblings $15 each Call: 912-395-1212 Oatland Island Wildlife Center, 711 Sandtown Road, Savannah, 31410 On Facebook here.

The holidays mean all too often parents of young children fall for marketing ploys and spend entirely too much on gifts that end up sitting in the corner unused. When it comes to buying gifts for the 6 and younger set, there are ways that you can shop for quality, fun items and increase the chance that your child will enjoy their toys.

Savannah-area speech-language pathologist Kim Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP offers a holiday gift guide for parents of young children on her website Little Stories , which offers information and support to families interested in early speech and language development and play.

For my regular Accent column in Savannah Morning News, I asked Kim for some advice for parents like me who tend to bungle holiday toy shopping. Here’s a link to the column “Holiday Shopping 101: How to avoid toy-buying mistakes.”

But not all of her information was able to be included in the column. So here is a link to the full Q&A here.