Sunday, December 18th at 2 p.m.

Trading in his reindeer for a shiny Macy’s tour bus, Santa Claus is coming to Savannah in style! Visiting children of all ages, Santa Claus will welcome one-and-all to join in the festivities. Santa will spread cheer with a special visit to Macy’s at Oglethorpe Mall, where he will read a story to the children and hear their wishes for Christmas. Professional photos will be taken, and parents are welcome to take photos with their own camera as well.

Part of Santa’s national “Believe” tour to visit 26 cities in 26 days across America. Macy’s “Believe” campaign invites children to mail letters to Santa using Macy’s Santa Mail Letterboxes. Macy’s donates $1 for each letter mailed in store, up to $1 million, to the Make-A-Wish Foundation®. Visit www.macys.com/believe to track Santa on his journey across the U.S.!

Macy’s at Oglethorpe Mall – 7804 Abercorn Extension, Savannah 31406
912-353-3611
Sunday, December 18th at 2 p.m.

On Thursday December 15th, 2011, Sara Jane Boutique, which is the only store that sells Mini Mamie, will be hosting a trunk show from 1pm-6pm. The designer will be present, and can help you pick out and style your little one in head-to-toe adorableness!

For more information about Mamie Ruth, visit www.mamieruth.com

Introducing Mini Mamie, the new children’s wear line created by Emily Bargeron, designer and CEO of Mamie Ruth, an eco-friendly, fashion conscious line of women’s wear. Featuring fun and playful designs for the more “hip” kid-on-the-block, the Mini Mamie tot is imaginative and creative, and dances to the beat of her own drum. Using materials such as feathers and fringe, African wax prints and fabric made from bamboo, Bargeron’s approach to the much-younger consumer is a breath of fresh air from the conventional “cutesy” styles dominating the market today. Her debut Spring 2012 collection, titled “Camp Mamie” includes logo t-shirts, mixed print dresses and shorts, a fleece poncho, and fringe shorts. Summer camp, building tents, outdoor tea parties, campfires, and playing cowboys and Indians inspire this collection. The Mini Mamie wearer will be busy catching fire flies and making mud pies while her counterparts are indoors playing with dolls.
Bargeron, who received a degree in fashion design at Georgia Southern University, has been making clothes and jewelry ever since she was a child, using her Barbie dolls as her first fit models. By the age of fourteen she was producing and selling one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and deconstructing store-bought clothing creating custom-made pieces adorned with sequins and fringe. Inspired by the playful and autonomous Punky Brewster, Emily’s aesthetic has always been fun, fearless, and youthful. It is, therefore, no surprise Mini Mamie would take form just a few years after the designer’s debut.

Let Oatland Island Wildlife Center help with your Holiday Shopping! Take part in the drop n’shop program noon-5 PM Sat. Dec. 17, 2011. The program is for children in grades K-6th. $25 per child. Additional children $15.

Wondering how you are going to get all your shopping and last minute errands finished in time? Let Oatland help you! Drop your child off at Oatland Island Wildlife Center’s Drop ‘n’ Shop! program and you can go Shop for all your holiday needs. While you are off getting many errands finished, your child will be hiking with an Oatland guide, playing games, making holiday themed crafts and enjoying a live animal encounter. All this is topped off with popcorn and a holiday movie! Let the kids have Fun at Oatland while you get your holiday shopping tied in a bow of accomplishment! Be sure to give your child some spending money of their own because as part of the program, kids can do their holiday shopping at Oatland Island Trading Post Gift shop! Call to make your reservation today: 912-395-1500

To order tickets by phone, call (800) 351-7469 or (912) 651-6556.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Barnum Bash introduces the Ringling Bros.® Ringlettes, who are the stylish hosts of the swankiest circus party in town. The Ringlettes are ready to invite Children of All Ages in on the hippest circus spectacular that The Greatest Show On Earth®has ever produced!

The fun begins as soon as the audience enters Ringling Bros. Presents Barnum Bash with a rockin’ Pre-show party happening directly on the arena floor an hour before the show, free with your ticket. Party goers can learn fresh dance moves from Ringling Bros. clown DJ Dean, style in glitzy costumes, learn balancing and juggling skills, meet and take photos with circus stars, and even step behind the curtain for an exclusive backstage experience which includes an up-close look at the most exotic animal menagerie only at Barnum Bash.

Ringling Bros. Presents Barnum Bash has assembled the most amazing international acts including Dimitri the Strong Man, Motorcycle Mania, Epic Asian Elephants, Wheel of Steel, and Hand Balancers. All are tricked-out for the circus party and ready to perform wild feats of wonders and strength, to contemporary pop music and in 21st century Barnum style. Everyone who is anyone is invited to the party, except Anton, a loveable, goofy hipster clown, who just wants to be part of the fun. Ringling Bros. Presents Barnum Bash is all the rage with outlandish thrills, hilarliarous high-jinks and majestic animals, but can Anton with his non-stop laughable antics persuade us all that there’s not just one right way to party!?!

BE CLOSER TO THE ACTION THAN EVER BEFORE! Purchase a VIP Floor Seat and watch as the show unfolds all around you!

Arrive an hour early for the All Access Pre-Show
FREE with your ticket!

CLICK HERE to visit the official Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Store before you go to The Greatest Show On Earth. Get all your official and exclusive Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey merchandise here today!

Regular Ticket Prices
$35.00 VIP Floor Seats • $29.00 VIP • $20.00

Spanish classes for children & toddlers are now available on Saturdays in addition to Fridays at Bilingual Speech Therapy & Language Center!

Learning a second language is fun and easy with music, dance and fun games.

Saturday classes starting in January 2012.

Class Schedule

Toddler Class: Ages 2-4 meets Fridays 11:30-12:15 PM
Children’s Class: Ages 4.5 to 11 meets Fridays 4:30-5:15 PM

Saturday Classes
Toddler Class: 9:30-10:15 AM
Children’s Class: 10:30-11:15 AM

DISCOUNT: $10 discount on the registration fee if you mention you read about the classes on SouthernMamas.com and to those that register by Dec 27 2011.

To register, call 912.335.8486. For more info, click here.

Bilingual Speech Therapy & Language Center, 9100 White Bluff Road Suite 201,  Savannah, 31406. On Facebook here.  912.335.8486,  www.bilingualspeechtherapy.net/ Bilingual Speech Therapy & Language Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Come out to see “Friends” over a 10 Day showing 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.

December 19th-23rd and 26th-30th.

10:00 – 11:00 AM everyday!

Half Price Special! $5 a Person! -Puppet show includes FREE Make-Your-Own Shadow Puppet and instruction on using a Shadow Stage-

** Call-in Reservations Perferred**

The Puppet Place, 3119 Furber Avenue, Savannah, GA 31405, 912-355-3366, http://puppetpeople.com. The Puppet Place is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

UPDATE: The winner is Kasey Parsh!! Congratulations, Kasey & thanks for reading SouthernMamas.com!

This week, win a Gigi’s Cupcakes of Savannah mini assorted holiday box (24 adorable holiday cupcakes) valued a $39.

To enter to win, “like” Gigi’s Cupcakes of Savannah by clicking here. Then answer this question on their wall: what’s your favorite holiday tradition? Deadline to enter to win is noon Sun. Dec. 11. We’ll announce the winner here and on SouthernMamas.com Facebook on Mon. Dec. 12.

The winner’s mini assorted holiday box will have a variety of bakers choice flavors such as Eggnog, Gingerbread, Scarlett’s Red Velvet, Peppermint Mocha, Wedding Cake and Midnight Magic. They are PERFECT for your holiday party!

Don’t forget: Gigi’s Cupcakes delivers, too!  Gigi’s Cupcakes of Savannah  is at 5521 Abercorn St., next to Petite Feet and across from the Publix Twelve Oaks Shopping Center. Extended Holiday Hours: During the month of Dec each Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Gigi’s Cupcakes of Savannah will be open until 8 PM!

Gigi’s Cupcakes of Savannah, 5521 Abercorn St, Suite 100,  912.349.2778 or email savannahga@gigiscupcakesusa.com , www.gigiscupcakesusa.com/savannahgeorgia. On Facebook here. Gigi’s Cupcakes of Savannah is a SouthernMamas sponsor.

Make It and Take It: Winter Holiday

This craft program features a seasonal or holiday themed art activity. Ages 4 and up.
Bull Street Library, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 4:30 p.m.
Port City Library, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 4:30 p.m.
Tybee Library, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 11 a.m.
West Broad Library, Thursday, Dec. 29, 4 p.m.
W. W. Law Library, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 4 p.m.

For more kid-friendly holiday activities happening in Savannah & the Lowcountry, visit the SouthernMamas.com Holiday Guide here.

Christmas Stories & Carols at Southwest Chatham Library
Thursday, Dec. 8, 4:30 p.m. FREE
Classic stories and well-known tunes to celebrate the Christmas season. Ages 5 & up.

14097 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31419
(behind Target at Savannah Mall)

For more kid-friendly holiday activities happening in Savannah & the Lowcountry, visit the SouthernMamas.com Holiday Guide here.

Meet the Peanuts Gang Sat. December 10, 2011

Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang will be gift wrapping for charity at Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Oglethorpe Mall from 10am-2pm Sat. Dec. 10! Do your holiday shopping, donate to a good cause, and have your photo taken with the Peanuts gang all in one spot!

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”
December 2, 9 & 16 at 7pm
December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18 at 3pm
Click here to purchase tickets!

Savannah Children’s Theatre, 912 238 9015, 2160 E Victory Drive, Crossroads Shopping Center, Savannah, 31404, www.savannahchildrenstheatre.org/

Looking for a way to keep the kids entertained and their brains stimulated over the upcoming holiday break?

Join Savannah Children’s Theatre for their third annual Holiday Follies, a 3-day musical theatre workshop just for kids! From 9 AM to 3 PPM, students will participate in singing, dancing, acting and improv classes to create a one-of-a-kind seasonal showcase. This is a wonderful opportunity to sample all that SCT has to offer! More info here.

December 19, 20 & 21, 9am-3pm.
$35 per day
OR
save 20% and attend all 3 days for only $85!

Savannah Children’s Theatre, 2160 E. Victory Drive. Savannah, 31404, (912)238-9015, email
info@savannahchildrenstheatre.org , www.savannahchildrenstheatre.org/

Jumpbunch is an International Sports and Fitness program serving children and families throughout the US and India! JumpBunch of Greater Savannah is currently offering classes in Savannah and Richmond Hill at Children’s Village, PALS, Early Learning, Maggies Morning School, Richmond Hill Montessori, Southern Montessori and many more locations.

FREE INTRODUCTORY CLASS Tuesday December 6 and December 13, AT 9:30 am

JumpBunch is offering a 10 week session beginning on January 3- Mar 6. The class offered will be Tuesday morning at 9:30 am located at Coastal Cathedral at 275 Berwick Blvd. in Berwick.

The cost for the 10 weeks is only $85 (JumpBunch offers a military discount of 10$ off)

Each week, JumpBunch offers a cardio workout, muscle resistance training and introduces a new sport activity in a fun, hands-on, non-competitive environment. At this stage, the goal is to build confidence and coordination.

Some of the fun sports offered are: Lacrosse, Hockey, Football, Soccer, Bowling, Kickball, Cheerleading and parachute games and best of all equipment for each class will be available for each child. No equipment to buy!!

JumpBunch offers a Mommy and Me class, Toddler and Preschool curriculum.

Enroll Online Now here!!
And check out JumpBunch on Facebook: Jumpbunch of Greater Savannah.

If you have any additional questions, please call Coach Jenny at 912-445-0312. JumpBunch is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Jumpbunch is an International Sports and Fitness program serving children and families throughout the US and India! JumpBunch of Greater Savannah is currently offering classes in Savannah and Richmond Hill at Children’s Village, PALS, Early Learning, Maggies Morning School, Richmond Hill Montessori, Southern Montessori and many more locations.

FREE INTRODUCTORY CLASS Tuesday December 6 and December 13, AT 9:30 am

JumpBunch is offering a 10 week session beginning on January 3- Mar 6. The class offered will be Tuesday morning at 9:30 am located at Coastal Cathedral at 275 Berwick Blvd. in Berwick.

The cost for the 10 weeks is only $85 (JumpBunch offers a military discount of 10$ off)

Each week, JumpBunch offers a cardio workout, muscle resistance training and introduces a new sport activity in a fun, hands-on, non-competitive environment. At this stage, the goal is to build confidence and coordination.

Some of the fun sports offered are: Lacrosse, Hockey, Football, Soccer, Bowling, Kickball, Cheerleading and parachute games and best of all equipment for each class will be available for each child. No equipment to buy!!

JumpBunch offers a Mommy and Me class, Toddler and Preschool curriculum.

Enroll Online Now here!!
And check out JumpBunch on Facebook: Jumpbunch of Greater Savannah.

If you have any additional questions, please call Coach Jenny at 912-445-0312. JumpBunch is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Looking for a way to keep the kids entertained and their brains stimulated over the upcoming holiday break?

Join Savannah Children’s Theatre for their third annual Holiday Follies, a 3-day musical theatre workshop just for kids! From 9 AM to 3 PPM, students will participate in singing, dancing, acting and improv classes to create a one-of-a-kind seasonal showcase. This is a wonderful opportunity to sample all that SCT has to offer! More info here.

December 19, 20 & 21, 9am-3pm.
$35 per day
OR
save 20% and attend all 3 days for only $85!

Savannah Children’s Theatre, 2160 E. Victory Drive. Savannah, 31404, (912)238-9015, email
info@savannahchildrenstheatre.org , www.savannahchildrenstheatre.org/

The Sandbox, An Interactive Children’s Museum is hosting Family Fun Night – “Tis the Season for Giving” this Friday, December 2 to celebrate the holidays.

Come help us decorate our tree and play in the snow. Our “Tis the Season for Giving” event is from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. and is free to everyone. It includes free admission to the museum, fun activities and special arts and crafts. Create a special holiday ornament craft and decorate sugar cookies. This month we are collecting for Deep Well so bring a non-perishable food to help a family in need this holiday season. A picnic dinner will be provided free to all participants and Kurama and Hinoki are providing their famous sushi presentation and fried rice. Quantity is limited. The Sandbox’s “Tis the Season for Giving” Family Fun Night is made possible by a generous grant from The Bargain Box:Home of Affordable Treasures.

“Come enjoy the holiday festivities with your family and help those families who are less fortunate by donating a canned food item to Deep Well’s food pantry this holiday season,” says Operations Director, Caroline Rinehart.

The Sandbox hosts their monthly Family Fun Nights the first Friday of each month, September through May and all are made possible by The Bargain Box.

The Sandbox is located at 18-A Pope Avenue, next to St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church. For more information, please contact Caroline Rinehart, Operations Manager at 843.842.7645 or crinehart@thesandbox.org. Log on to www.thesandbox.org for information on other upcoming events and activities.

Christmas Tree Farms near the Savannah area.

(Please click on the Farm to obtain information and directions)

A&A Christmas Trees ~23 miles away
Okatie, SC 29909
Owners: Jerry & Dianne Youngblood
Website: http://www.aachristmastrees.com
email: aachristmastreeman@yahoo.com
Phone: (843) 987-9423
Open: Nov 26 – Dec 19
Monday: 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Choose & Cut Tree Varieties: Leyland Cypress, Murray Cypress, White Pine
Additional Pre-Cut Varieties Available: Fraser Fir
Services include: drill trunk, shake needles, bale tree, assist with loading
Farm Features: Fresh Wreaths, Gift Shop/Barn

Okatie Farm ~23 miles away
Okatie, SC 29909
39 Okatie Bluff Road
Okatie, South Carolina 29909
Owners: Wes Cooler
Website: http://www.okatiefarm.com
email: info@okatiefarm.com
Phone: (843) 227-8733
Open: Nov 26 – Dec 23
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Choose & Cut Tree Varieties: Blue Ice, Carolina Sapphire, Deodar Cedar, Eastern Red Cedar, Leyland Cypress, Virginia Pine
Additional Pre-Cut Varieties Available: Fraser Fir
Services include: drill trunk, shake needles, bale tree, assist with loading
Farm Features: Balled & Burlap or Container TreesFresh Wreaths

The Family Tree Christmas Tree Farm ~37 miles away
Ladys Island, SC 29907
Trotter’s Loop
Beaufort, South Carolina 29907
Owners: Janet Mark and Milledge Morris
email: carolinastamper@hargray.com
Phone: (843) 812-2587
Open: Nov 26 – Dec 25
Monday: 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Choose & Cut Tree Varieties: Eastern Red Cedar, Leyland Cypress, Virginia Pine
Additional Pre-Cut Varieties Available: Fraser Fir
Services include: drill trunk, shake needles, bale tree, assist with loading
Farm Features: Fresh Wreaths

Brewer’s Christmas Tree Farm, Midway Ga. 31320
1067 Robert Hill Rd.
November 26th – December 24th Daylight to Dark-7 days a week.
912-884-5292

Edge’s Christmas Tree Farm
1556 Bowen Rushing Rd. Statesboro, Ga. 30458
(912) 687-1330 or (912) 852-5394
Leland Cypress, Murray Cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Blue Ice, and Virginia Pines ranging in size from 4ft to 9ft

The City of Savannah is offering two deals to make it easier to park and shop in Downtown Savannah this holiday season.

DEAL #1 – Test Drive the city’s Garages: From Thanksgiving till the end of December, the first three hours of parking are FREE in all City parking garages between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. every Thursday and Friday. With more than 3,000 spaces in the City’s five conveniently-located garages (listed below), there is almost always parking available just a few steps from of one of the most unique shopping districts in the Southeast.

DEAL #2: – Half-Off Parking: Beginning today and for a limited time, the City will sell Parking Smart Cards for 50% OFF their face value. Parking Smart Cards are like gift cards that can be used at any “pay and display” parking meter in Savannah (images of Parking Smart Card and pay and display meters attached). The Cards can be purchased in denominations of $25, $50, $75 or $100. They can be used any time, and have no expiration date. They are perfect stocking stuffers, and a tremendous deal for those who ever park in the Historic District north of Broughton Street, where the pay and display meters are concentrated.

CONTACT: To purchase a Smart Card, call 651-6470, or stop by the Parking Services Office at 100 E. Bryan St., on the ground level of the Bryan Street Parking Garage.

GARAGE INFO: Visit www.savannahga.gov/parking to view a map of garage locations, check rates, and see hours of operation. The five City parking garages are:

– Bryan St. Garage, 100 E. Bryan St., (912) 651-6477

– Liberty St. Garage, 301 W. Liberty St., (912) 644-5934

– Robinson Garage, 132 Montgomery St., (912) 651-6478

– State St. Garage, 100 E. State St., (912) 651-6473

– Whitaker St Garage, 7 Whitaker St., (912) 525-2820

For kid-friendly holiday activities happening in Savannah & the Lowcountry, visit the SouthernMamas.com Holiday Guide here.

Make plans to see “The Nutcracker in Savannah” at the downtown Savannah historic Lucas Theatre presented by the Savannah Danse Theatre. Each year the Danse Theatre presents something just a little bit unique to the Nutcracker with no two years exactly alike, adding many local and regional references to the ballet, and featuring local celebrities

The Nutcracker in Savannah presented by The Savannah Danse Theatre
November 26, 2011
2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
www.SavannahDance.com

Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season as Clara’s dream turns larger than life with Savannah as the backdrop of this holiday tradition. Join the Savannah Danse Theatre as we bring the magic of this holiday classic alive in 1945 Savannah! Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season as a young girl’s dream turns larger than life with a special nutcracker, a vengeful river rat, dancing snowflakes and sumptuous ice cream from Leopold’s –all choreographed to Tchaikovsky’s exquisite musical score.

Savannah Danse Theatre brings a stellar ballet production to Savannah residents and their children. Each year the Danse Theatre presents something just a little bit unique to the Nutcracker with no two years exactly alike, adding many local and regional references to the ballet, and featuring local celebrities. The pageantry of the holiday season wouldn’t be the same without this enchanted ballet!

Tickets are $12 for the afternoon show and $35, $28, $21, $15 with a $5 military discount for the evening show, and are available by calling 912-525-5050 or online here. Matinee includes a Meet & Greet with characters following the show.

For more kid-friendly holiday activities happening in Savannah & the Lowcountry, visit the SouthernMamas.com Holiday Guide here.

The Next Generation, founded to benefit The Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center (“The Children’s Hospital”), will receive toy donations from this weekend’s upcoming Sailing with Santa event with Savannah Riverboat Cruises.

Sailing with Santa cruises are Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25 & 26. Boarding at 1:30pm, sailing from 2-3pm at Savannah Riverboat Cruises, 9 E. River St.

The goal is to help raise toys for children receiving care at The Children’s Hospital at Memorial Health, Savannah Riverboat Cruises has partnered with The Next Generation for their Sailing with Santa Cruise.

Local families can enjoy a riverboat cruise with Santa, along with games and food. Kids sail FREE with the donation of an unwrapped toy. Purchase tickets here.

Holiday Open House on Friday December 9, 2011 from 5-9pm. There will be live music and Santa will make an appearance at 7pm. The open house will be held in the Conference Center and the Cottage Garden. Call 521-5460 for more info.

Bring the family to Harbour Town for a fun afternoon of fall activities, including caramel apples, games, crafts, and entertainment! For additional information please contact the recreation department: 843.842.1979. Rates vary based on activities.

Gregg Russell Thanksgiving Concert
Fri, November 25, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Join us under the Liberty Oak Tree in Harbour Town for a very special Gregg Russell Thanksgiving concert for the entire family, as well as the official lighting of the Harbour Town Lights. Complimentary.

Tybee “Teddy Bear” Tea Party
3-5 PM Dec 11 2011 at Tybee Island Wedding Chapel
Admission: Limited to 90 Tickets @ $25 each
Website: tybeeweddingchapel.com/ oceanfrontcottage.com/
Phone: 706.495.6724
For: Teddy, Mommie, and ME!(Grandmommies and Aunties, too!)
•Suzanne Painter through the GA Seminars by the Sea Porcelain Arts School
•Supporting Tybee for the Holidays
•Each child and adult will enjoy tea served on porcelain and each child will hand paint a porcelain plate to be kiln fired as a souvenir
•Special “tea” for all Teddies, too!
•Completed Plates may be picked up at Oceanfront Cottage offices beginning Dec. 12
•All proceeds benefiting the Tybee Post Theater
•Limited to 90 Tickets at $25 each
•Includes Tea for “Teddy”, Child and Adult
•Each additional child in party $10