11 family-friendly events for December 2014
December is usually a crazy busy time for most, if not all, families. There always seems to be so many places to go to, so many people to see, and so many things to do. (And let’s not forget -- there are so many presents to buy, too!)
To help you narrow down your choices for events to attend this month, here's a list of family-friendly ones that you'll definitely want to check out:
1. Scrooge the Musical
Repertory Philippines is currently holding their production of "Scrooge the Musical" under the direction of Ms. Baby Barredo, the company’s artistic director. Enjoy this musical interpretation of the timeless Christmas story by Charles Dickens, and teach your children a valuable lesson or two about selflessness and sharing, too.
The show runs until December 14, 2014 with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and matinee shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30 p.m., at Onstage, 2/F, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas cor. Legazpi St., Makati City. Tickets can be bought online at https://www.ticketworld.com.ph/repertoryphilippines/Online/.
2. The Medela House First Christmas Sale
If you’re looking for mom-and-baby-friendly items to gift to your loved ones, you will definitely want to check out the first-ever Medela House Christmas Sale, happening on December 6, 2014, from 10am-6pm.
Enjoy 20% off on selected items from Mommy Matters, Belly Armor, Spinkie, Baby MumMum, Cycles, and many other baby brands. Text or call 0917-8110821 to pre-register. Entrance is free!
3. Breastfeeding Crash Course for Busy Moms
This crash course in breastfeeding may not be totally Christmas-related but it’s definitely worth checking out, especially if you’re pregnant and want to learn more about giving your child the best gift ever -- your precious milk!
Entrance is free. Just register by texting or calling 0917-8110821.
4. The Word Exposed Advent Recollection 2014 with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle
Be inspired by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle at The Word Exposed Advent Recollection on December 7, 2014 at the Blue Eagle Gym, Ateneo de Manila University.
Focusing on the theme "Mercy and Compassion," in anticipation of the 2015 Papal Visit, this recollection will surely leave you refreshed and ready for Christmas!
Tickets are free but limited (and may already be "sold out" as I type this, but it’s definitely worth trying to get a few).
5. The Learning Basket's Community Fair
Enjoy 10% off The Learning Basket’s online bookshop items, with pre-loved books starting at P50. Brands like KaHone, Ma'am and Mom's, Ginquelrus Pastries (Mama Chows), Joomajam, and Wonderworld Toys Philippines will also be at the fair, with some special discounts.
There will also be a book signing by Jomike Tejido, plus an informal chat about homeschooling and parenting with Mariel Uyquiengco, one of the ladies behind The Learning Basket. For more details, click here.
6. The Shrine of Jesus Children’s Choir Performances
The resident children's choir of the Shrine of Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life, Pasay City, with Em Macanaya-Alcantara as their conductor, will be performing on December 12, at 4:30pm, at St. Luke’s Global City, and Makati Place at 6:30 and 8:30pm.
Everyone is invited to enjoy the choir’s rendition of different Christmas songs. Admission is free.
7. Alice in Christmas Wonderland
Enjoy this live musical show at different Robinsons Malls nationwide, featuring favorite characters from Alice in Wonderland in a wonderful Christmas setting.
8. Scholastic Books Warehouse Sale
Score some fantastic deals and gift the children in your life (and the adults, too!) with books from Scholastic.
Since this is a warehouse sale though, you might not want to bring your little children along with you, as the place could get crowded (and may be a bit dusty!).
9. Toddler Care, First Aid, Crime Prevention and Safety Concerns -- Seminars Especially for Your Yaya
These events are also not specifically Christmas-themed but you might want to check them out, especially if you believe in investing in your helper/yaya’s "education" as a way of investing in your own family.
The back-to-back seminars will be conducted by Peek-A-Boo Housekeeping Training Agency, and will be held at No. 29, 1st Street, New Manila, Quezon City. For more details, contact 0917-8110821.
10. Simbang Gabi at your local parish
Who doesn’t know about the Filipino tradition of Simbang Gabi?
Starting December 16 (or 15, depending on your parish), prepare your hearts by attending these dawn Masses, which are a 9-day devotion in anticipation of Christmas and in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Be prepared to be blessed in a special way!
11. Christmas Mass at your local church
Whether you’re a Catholic or of another Christian denomination, celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by attending Mass/service with your loved ones.
Don’t forget to greet Jesus a "Happy Birthday" by visiting the belen on display (if there is one), saying a short prayer together as a family, and maybe even eating some cake after Mass.
You can also have a simple "birthday party" for Jesus at home. (If you have young kids, they will definitely enjoy this!)
Do you have other suggestions for family-friendly events this December? Feel free to share them by leaving a comment below, or contact me here.
