Seeing Santa at the Zoo three years ago (2013)
What We're Doing:
- Seeing Santa
- Family pictures
- Science Center (possibly). We're trying to fit in one more visit before our family pass expires at the end of the year
- Resting. One sick kiddo means we'll be making time for naps, movies, and resting
Things To Do:
- Make a paper chain for Days Until Christmas. We made these all of the time when I was a kid. There's something so exhilarating and satisfying about ripping one of those suckers off each day
- Decorate the house.We're a big fan of snowmen items here because those can be left out through January and not look ridiculous (yes, I'm one of those people who will have decorations up long past the holiday(s) because I fail at putting them away)
- Make holiday ornaments. The possibilities are endless with this one. Make salt dough ornaments and paint them, buy ball ornaments and have kids decorate them, and/or my favorite are hand print ornaments using Model Magic (find out how to make them here). These are such great keepsakes.
- Visit Santa
- Look at Christmas lights. We love packing up the car with popcorn and M & M's, hot chocolates (in cups with lids), blankets, and endless Christmas music. We then spend a couple of hours driving around, looking at Christmas lights
Things To Do In Central Iowa:
- Christkindlmarket Des Moines at Cowles Commons. This looks so much fun!
- Home for the Holidays at the Jordan House and Bennett School (Sunday)
- Santa Express (Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad). We did this two years ago and loved it!
- The Polar Express in IMAX (at the Science Center)
- Family Christmas at Living History Farms. We did this the first year it opened and had a great time!
- Willy Wonka at the Des Moines Community Playhouse
- Jolly Holiday Lights (tip: go early)
- Home Grown Holidays at Iowa Arboretum
- Triple Espresso. Great date night play!