“Next to me in the blackness lay my oiled blue steel beauty. The greatest Christmas gift I had ever received, or would ever receive. Gradually, I drifted off to sleep, pringing ducks on the wing and getting off spectacular hip shots.” –Ralphie, A Christmas Story (1983)

I don’t know about you, but I’ll always remember the Christmas that Santa Claus brought me a pony. That was a pretty good year... We all remember our Christmases or Hanukkahs or Kwanzaas, or whatever holiday your family celebrated around this time of year. It is a delightful time to be a child and the memories of each year stick with us from kiddom through adulthood. It is a time for families to be united and share the love and joy of the season. It is also a time for lights. Yeah, light displays that would even dwarf Chevy are available for your viewing pleasure right here in the tri-state. There are also some other holiday-themed activities this month designed especially to make memories between you and your child.

Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights

From the first of the month until the last, you may be witness to peace on earth when your kids actually quit arguing long enough to enjoy the outdoor driving lighted tour through Garvin Park. Open at 5 p.m. every night, proceeds go towards therapy sessions at the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center for area children and adults with disabilities. Be sure to bring a thermos of hot chocolate and a couple of blankets to cuddle up in.

Winter Carnival Christmas Lights and Display: 4-H Center

Come enjoy gazillions of lights spreading over the 4-H Center until December 23^rd. Lights go on at 6 p.m. and proceeds go towards various 4-H activities.

            Santa Land: West Side Nut Club

Santa is coming! Santa is coming! Santa will be at Acorn Plaza on West Franklin and 10^th on December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 & 16^th from 3-6 p.m. brought you by the West Side Nut Club. Tell Santa and his helpers what you want for Christmas and get a FREE picture taken with Santa. Local Choirs and bands will be performing nightly. There will also be hot chocolate and cookies.

HollyDaze: Mesker Park Zoo

Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be stopping by Mesker Zoo on December 8^th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to make crafts, enjoy refreshments and discuss the Christmas agenda.

Playhouse Disney Live!

Climb aboard and get ready to explore with the Little Einsteins Leo, Annie, Quincy and June on an important musical mission; say “Meeska, Mooska, Mickey Mouse” and sing along with Mickey and the gang at the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse; and stop by Sheetrock Hills where Handy Manny always has the right tools for fun fix-it adventures! Come inside the Hundred Acre Wood and join Tigger and Pooh and their new friend Darby on a super sleuthing adventure. This fun-filled adventure will be presented at the Centre for two shows on December 15th at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Seats are $31, $23 and $17. All tickets are subject to Ticketmaster Fees, Handling Charges and Facility Fees.

Scholastic Christmas Clearance Sale

Share the joy of reading this Christmas by stocking up your library at this huge sale at the Center on December 12th through the 15^th. This Christmas Clearance Warehouse Sale offers educators super values on books, software, gifts, and more! The whole community is invited! Doors are open 10:00am through 7:00pm on Wednesday, December 12. On Thursday and Friday December 13 & 14 they are open from 9:00am through 7:00pm and Saturday, December 15 from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Admission is free!

Top Spot Outdoors Christmas Hiking

Audubon Park-Join Top Spot for a frosty 3.5-mile hike through Audubon State Park on Sunday, December 9^th at 9:00 a.m. Hikers meet at Top Spot Outdoors behind Brinker’s off Green River Road. RSVP by December 5^th.

Urban Christmas Light Hike-Hikers meet in front of Jillian’s at 6:00 p.m. for a 3-mile hike enjoying the sights and sounds of the holidays. Best holiday attire will win a $25 Top Spot gift card! www.topspotoutdoors.com

Koch Family Children’s Museum in Downtown Evansville 

After you do all your Christmas shopping treat your kids to some fun and hands-on activities at cMoe.

December 23, 2007
Wacky World of Magic
Don Baggett presents his "Wild and Wacky World of Magic" with a holiday twist, on the Freedom Gallery stage at 2:00 and 4:00.
December 26, 2007
Kwanza Crafts
Celebrate Kwanza with special crafts all day.
December 27, 2007
Tin-Punch Crafts
Make some noise AND a winter decoration as you pound away with tin-punch in the Work Smart gallery from 11:00-1:00.
December 28, 2007
Decoupage Fun!
The Speak Loud gallery is the place to learn the art of decoupage as you make a candleholder to light those dark winter nights.

“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas,

perhaps, means a little bit more?” -Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas