Looking Ahead to December Break

I was grouchy when I posted last night, and after I hit “publish” I had an attack of remorse that I was whining when I have a cozy, warm house and a healthy family and a gift-buying budget. I’m a lucky girl, even if I’m occasionally too irritable to appreciate it.

But today, oh today, I took Christmas 2010 by the tinsel and bent it to my will. First I discovered that it looks like our planned party craft will be possible, then I shopped at four different stores, finished my stocking stuffers,  got new contacts & had my favorite sunglasses fixed, wrapped 5 presents, did 3 loads of laundry, made another batch of magic cookie bars, made and chilled batter for some other cookies, and delivered a shortbread.  I also oversaw piano practice, multiplication drilling, and the cleaning of two kid bedrooms. Oh! And I finally noticed and watered a dying-of-thirst houseplant, corralled all of our ice skates and much of our ski-wear into bags, and made some tacos. Yay, me!

Seriously, I feel like I’m finally in control of Christmas. And just in the nick of time. Woo, hoo! Of course, when you have a day that productive, something has to fall by the wayside. In this case, there was neither a workout nor a shower today. So I apologize to anyone who saw me on my errands–we all know that I can look better than that. I mean, I usually look better than that, right?

But enough about me, me, me and my world. Are you starting to think about December break?  I did a December break preview post over at All Over Albany. Go check it out.

Also, several places do special camps over December break, and here’s a smattering of them (because I was only up for locating a smattering of them at this time). If you know of others, or if you’ve got feedback on these, please tell the world. Or, you know, the people who read this blog.

Finally, I’ve been working ahead on gathering information on what else is available over December break. Some of the items are by reservation only and might fill up, so I’m passing these along early. They’ll be included in the complete list later–I’d usually post on Sunday, but since this week is special, I’m likely to post a complete listing on Friday just so you can plan.

Monday, December 27th:

Tuesday, December 28th:

  • The Albany Institute of History & Art has three days of classes to take a Vacation Art Break. Classes are 9 am to noon for kids ages 6 to 8, or 1-4 pm for kids ages 9-13. They’re $20 each for non-members. Today’s theme is Egyptian Gods & Goddesses.
  • At 10 am, Peebles Island State Park is having a program called Lost in the Woods to teach children basic survival skills. There’s a $2 participation fee.
  • Steamer 10 has Catskill Puppet Theater presenting The Willow Girl at 10 am & 1 pm.
  • Kids ages 4 to 8 can learn about Tracking the Trail at the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology. Pre-registration is required, and it’s $2/non-member.
  • At 2 pm at the  Colonie Library, there’s a Checkers Tournament for 2nd graders and older. They have to pre-register in person.
  • Grades 6 and up can participate in a Chocolate Factory activity at 6:30 pm at the Bethlehem Public Library. Pre-register.

Wednesday, December 29th:

  • The Albany Institute of History & Art has three days of classes to take a Vacation Art Break. Classes are 9 am to noon for kids ages 6 to 8, or 1-4 pm for kids ages 9-13. They’re $20 each for non-members. Today’s theme is Superhero Shoes.
  • Steamer 10 has Andy “The Music Man” Morse at 10 am & 1 pm.
  • At Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library, there’s a program from 11 am to noon for 3rd to 5th graders called Science Matters-Chromatography. It’s a messy one, but kids take home a dyed t-shirt. Registration is required, and you should do it soon.
  • CMOST members ages 6 and up only can learn about and make a Kaleidoscope at the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology. Pre-registration is required, and it’s $5/participant.
  • Use old scraps of paper to do some Papermaking at the Albany Pine Bush. $2/person, $5/family. Call to reserve a spot.

Thursday, December 30th:

  • The Albany Institute of History & Art has three days of classes to take a Vacation Art Break. Classes are 9 am to noon for kids ages 6 to 8, or 1-4 pm for kids ages 9-13. They’re $20 each for non-members. Today’s theme is Walk this Way: Puppets with Attitude.
  • At 10 am, kids ages 2 to 5 can read a story and do a simple craft because W is for Winter at the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology. Pre-registration is required, and it’s $2/non-member.
  • At 10 am, learn about Birding for Kids at Five Rivers. Pre-register by 12/27.
  • Steamer 10 has the Dan Foley Juggling Show at 10 am & 1 pm.
  • Learn about The Life of Eagles at 10 am at Peebles Island State Park. Call to reserve a spot.
  • From 11 am to noon, it’s Scaredy Squirrel’s Not So Rockin’ Almost New Year’s Eve Party from 11 am to noon at the Guilderland Public Library. It’s for kids ages 4 to 8, and registration is required.
  • Learn about Feisty Fisher Cats at the Albany Pine Bush. There will be indoor and outdoor learning, so dress warmly. $2/person, $5/family. Call to reserve a spot.
  • At 1:30 pm, Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library is presenting a program for the K to 2nd grade set called ABCs of the Sky with Planetarium Adventures. Registration is required, and you should do it soon.
  • At 2:30 pm, Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library is presenting a program for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders called Constellations with Planetarium Adventures. Registration is required, and you should do it soon.
  • At 6:30 pm at the Colonie Library, there’s a Family First Night including a magic show. You must register in person.

Friday, December 31st:

  • At 11 am, do a CSI: Critter Scene Investigation at the Albany Pine Bush. $2/person, $5/family. Call to reserve a spot.
  • At 2 pm, the Wood Theater in Glens Falls is presenting Laura Roth’s Family New Year’s Eve, which is designed for “those people 8-100 who want their New Year’s entertainment early.” Tickets are $20.
  • First Night Saratoga begins at 5:30 pm. Don’t forget to visit the Children’s Museum.

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