On to the next Holiday Event

I am hoping that everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving with family and friends. so now that that one is over it on to the Christmas season. so here are a few things to keep in mind for hosting the most anticipated holiday season:

Getting your home ready for the Christmas Season

Decorating your home for the holidays goes hand-in-hand with getting ready for guests – whether those visitors are planned or impromptu. So, as you start to consider your décor themes, think about updates that can be made around the house to make your guests feel even more at home.

Keep this checklist in mind as you get started:

* Give your decorations a checkup. By pulling out your holiday decorations well ahead of time, you can save yourself the stress of last-minute surprises like broken platters or light strings with half the bulbs burnt out. If you find items that are broken or in disrepair, don’t throw them out - make a few quick fixes instead. Repair broken items with reliably tough adhesives like Gorilla, which come in a variety of formulas, from clear-drying epoxy to wood glue and more. Replace burnt out bulbs individually, rather than buying entire new strands.

* Stock your pantry. During every holiday this season, food will be a major focus. Be prepared for the biggest days by having all the ingredients you need in your pantry, freezer and - closer to the actual events - your refrigerator. From spices to stock to sweet treats, it’s better to have everything on hand rather than risking the chance of the grocery store being closed or dealing with the long, hectic holiday lines. It’s also a great opportunity to make sure that you have enough supplies on hand to feed guests who stay for a few days at a time, from breakfast to dinner and dessert.

* Freshen your linens. Guest rooms often go dormant during the quieter seasons of the year, and need a bit of airing out before the hosting season. Keep a few sets of linens freshly laundered - one on each bed and a couple in the closet - to avoid stale smells. Make sure you also have a few extra blankets clean and ready to use as throws, and don’t forget to vacuum or clean window treatments, where dust easily collects.

* Get in the spirit. Add to your home’s seasonal spirit by making a few crafts or gifts to decorate the main rooms, as well as guest rooms. Get creative with craft store items, or try “up cycling” thrift store or yard sale finds into holiday décor that’s uniquely yours. Visit www.pinterest.com/gorillaglue for project ideas and www.gorillatough.com for a guide to which glues work best on a variety of materials, from ceramics to plastic to paper.

* Be ready to entertain. Being a good host means being prepared for last-minute fun. After the big meal is finished and everything is cleaned up, you and your guests will have time for some extra fun. Set out DVDs, board games and books that will keep guests of all ages entertained.
One of the best parts of celebrating the season is the opportunity to spend time with loved ones. Getting your home ready for guests will make them feel more comfortable when they arrive  and give you a new sense of holiday cheer.



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Holiday Time 2012 Houston - Shopping

Houston Holiday Pop Shop
This event — 2-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday — will feature more than 50 independent artists selling handmade craft items, jewelry, vintage clothing and more. Live music, adult beverages and food-truck fare will add to the festivities, which will be at Summer Street Studios, 2500 Summer Street. Free admission.

Holiday on 19th
This two-day open house in the Heights will channel the spirit of “Mad Men.” Think red attire, old-school cocktails and retro fun. The retail shops along 19th street between Shepherd and Yale will offer shopping specials, refreshments and live entertainment, including jazz by Horace Grigsby at the “Laid Back Lounge.” The event is 6-10 p.m. Nov. 30 and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 1.

Home for the Holidays Gift Market at Moody Gardens
More than 100 retailers will be offering unique gifts, holiday décor, candles, craft foods and more at this event Friday-Sunday in the Moody Gardens Convention Center. Shopping hours are 2-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5. A $50 VIP pass includes refreshments in a lounge overlooking the showroom floor. Information: 281-788-4297

Old Town Spring’s Home for the Holidays
Every weekend now through Dec. 23, this popular shopping district will welcome strolling performers, horse-drawn carriage rides, a petting zoo and pony rides and other diversions for holidays shoppers. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and noon-6 p.m. Sundays. Some activities may require a fee. Information: 800-653-8696

JUST FOR KIDS (and their parents)

Thanksgiving with Santa
The Children’s Museum kicks off the holiday season at this Nov. 23 event that includes a visit with Santa. Children can make their own floats and wear them during an indoor Thanksgiving Parade. Around the museum will be activities that include learning to call a turkey, fun facts about turkeys and the opportunity to create a garland. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is $9. Information: 713-522-1138

Holiday Teas and Gingerbread Workshops
Busy parents can get a two-hour reprieve from the holiday chaos courtesy of the Four Seasons Hotel. Every Saturday (Nov. 24-Dec. 22) from 2-4 p.m., the hotel’s culinary team will lead a hands-on workshop in which children ages 12 and younger will decorate their own gingerbread house to take home. Parents can enjoy afternoon tea in the hotel’s Lobby Lounge. Cost is $42 per person. Workshops are limited to 20 children per workshop so reservations are required. Call 713-276-4700. Four Seasons Hotel Houston is located at 1300 Lamar.

Old Fashioned Christmas Party at MST
Main Street Theater will host a kid friendly, “Little House” Christmas-themed holiday party beginning at 11:45 a.m. Dec. 1. Pioneer-inspired festivities include building pretzel logs cabins, bobbing for apples and playing musical chairs. Tickets are $15 and include refreshments, but not admission to the MST’s matinee performance of “A Little House Christmas,” which is being presented through Dec. 22 at Main Street Theater-Chelsea Market, 4617 Montrose. Information: 713-524-6706

Breakfast with Santa
The Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby, is hosting this kid-friendly breakfast buffet 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Dec. 1, Dec. 8-9, Dec. 15-16 and Dec. 20-24. Sharkey and Santa Claus will be on hand for photos. Admission is $15.99 ($9.99 for ages 4-10). Reservations advised. Call 713-223-3474.

Jingle on the Boardwalk
A holiday parade, kids’ karaoke, cookie decorating and ice carving are among the festivities 11 a.m.-midnight Dec. 1 at this even on the Kemah Boardwalk, 215 Kipp, in Kemah. Free admission; some activities may require a fee.


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Holiday Time 2012 Houston - Free Events

IKEA Houston Silver Screen at Discovery Green
Each Thursday through Jan. 24, visitors to this downtown park can enjoy a free movie under the stars. Picnics are encouraged, as are lawn chairs and blankets. Food and drink are available. All screenings start at 6:30 p.m. Upcoming films include “A Christmas Story” (Thursday), “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (Nov. 29), “ELF” (Dec. 6), “Gremlins” (Dec. 13), “Arthur Christmas” (Dec. 20) and “When Harry Met Sally” (Dec. 27).

Macy’s Mistletoe on the Go
You’re going to need a bigger ChapStick. A four-foot mistletoe hanging from a 15-foot candy cane is the latest addition to downtown holiday fun. The mistletoe will spend a week at five downtown destinations. The kiss-stops include City Hall (Nov. 26–Dec. 2), Market Square Park (Dec. 3-9), Hobby Center (Dec. 10-16), Wortham Center (Dec. 17-23) and Discovery Green (Dec. 24-Jan. 1). Houstonians are encouraged to snap a photo of their kiss and share it on the Downtown District’s Facebook page: Facebook.com/VisitDowntownHouston. For every posted photo, Macy’s will donate $1 (up to $5,000) to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Gingerbread Build Off
One of the sweetest events of the season will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 8 at Hermann Square, 900 Smith St., in front of City Hall. Dozens of teams of architects, design students and gingerbread enthusiasts will build cleverly decorated structures and vie for prizes, including best in show, tallest structure, most creative and fan favorite. Structures must be completed by 3 p.m. for judging. Winners will be announced at 4 p.m. Free admission for spectators.

Lasers, Lights & Magic in the Park
Fifteen-minute holiday-themed laser shows can be viewed at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday through Dec. 31 at Saengerfest Park, which is located at 22nd Street and Strand in Galveston’s historical downtown district. Free.

Holiday in the Park
“A Tribute to Santa’s … Elves & Workshop at the North Pole” is the theme of this year’s festival Nov. 30-Dec. 2 at League Park in League City. Events include three parades, carnival, holiday market, pet parade, costume contest and plenty of carolers. The grand night parade starts at 6 p.m. Dec. 1. A snow hill (for ages 4 and younger) opens at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 2. 200 N. Park, League City. Free admission.

Miracle on Morton Street
Downtown Richmond is transformed into a winter wonderland for this event 10 am.-7 p.m. Dec. 1 in the city’s historical district. Festivities include musical performances by local choirs and bands, narrated wagon rides, a craft marketplace and an opportunity to chat with Santa. Free. Information: 832-752-9645

Old Fashioned Christmas at Jones Park
It’s a 19th-century celebration complete with a tree lighting, wassail and a visit from Saint Nick 4-7 p.m. Dec. 1 at Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick, in Humble. Free admission. Reservations required. Call 281-446-8588.

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Holiday Time 2012 Houston - Special Events

SPECIAL EVENTS

Zoo Lights
Sparkling lights, life-size animal sculptures, strolling carolers and the opportunity to visit the animals after dark are part of the appeal of this new holiday event at the Houston Zoo. Zoo Lights will be open 6-10 p.m. Friday through Jan. 5 (with the exception of Christmas Eve). Admission is $10 (free for ages under 2); the last ticket will be sold at 9 p.m. Information: 713-533-6500

Moody Gardens’ Festival of Lights
With its mile-long trail of lights and sound-enhanced, animated displays, the holiday festival draws more than 85,000 visitors annually. Festivities include ice skating, musical entertainment and snow tubing on real snow. Open Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8 and daily Dec.13-Jan. 5. Hours are 6-10 p.m. Admission is $6.95. Some attractions, such as ice skating and snow tubing, require an additional fee. Moody Gardens is located at One Hope Boulevard in Galveston. Information: 800-582-4673

Dickens on the Strand
The Strand historical district is the home to this popular family festival, which re-creates Victorian England. Festivities include a daily parade, bed races, strolling entertainers and costumed historical characters and Victorian-inspired crafts. Festival hours at 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 1 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 2. Tickets are $14 ($8 for ages 7-12). Information: 409-765-7834

Gingerbread Fun at the Omni Hotel
Santa will host a gingerbread-decorating party 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 1. Festivities will include refreshments and photos with Santa. Free admission, but reservations are required. Guests also are asked to bring one new and unwrapped toy for the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots program. The hotel will debut its Gingerbread Village 4-7 p.m. during a party that includes holiday fare and a cookie bar, hot chocolate, hot cider and an adults-only hot chocolate. Free admission, but reservations are required. The Omni Hotel is located at Four Riverway (off Woodway Drive at the West Loop). To reserve your spot at either event, email dtapping@omnihotels.com.

Christmas Cruises
See downtown’s holiday lights by boat when you take a 30-minute pontoon boat ride along Buffalo Bayou. The tours will be offered 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 1, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15. The cruises depart Allen’s Landing, 1001 Commerce. Paid parking ($5) available in Spaghetti Warehouse lot. Cash-only admission is $7 ($5 for ages 4-12) on a first come, first-served basis.

Holiday Workshop at Rienzi
Learn to make a needlepoint Christmas ornament during a workshop 1-4 p.m. Dec. 1. No needlepoint experience is required. Participants should bring a 6 inch by 7 inch stretcher bar, scissors and tacks. Cost is $20 and includes all other supplies. The museum house filled with European decorative arts is part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Rienzi is located at 1406 Kirby Dr. Reservations required. Information: 713-639-7800

Golden Candlelight Tea
Hats and gloves are encouraged at this event that recreates a 19th-century tradition and kicks off the Heritage Society’s holiday season. Held 3-5 p.m. Dec. 2 in the organization’s tea room, tickets are $50 ($35 for ages 12 and younger). Information: 713-655-1912

Christmas Boat Lane Parade
More than 100 festively decorated and brightly lit boats will cruise the Clear Lake channel from South Shore Harbor Marina and the Nassau Bay Lagoon to Galveston Bay beginning at 6 p.m. Dec. 8. More than 100,000 people are expected turn out for this 51st boat parade. Vantage points include the Kemah Boardwalk.

Rienzi Holiday Home Tour
Enjoy wine, eggnog and live music during a tour of this festively decorated house museum 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Admission is $20; 1406 Kirby Dr. Information: 713-639-7800

A Charlie Brown Christmas-Unscripted
ComedySportz, the city’s oldest improv troupe, offers a send-up of Charles Schultz’s holiday classic and, as always, it will need some guidance from the audience. Performances are 10:30 p.m. Fridays through Dec. 28. Ages 17 and older only. Tickets are $12. The ComedySportz Arena is located at 901 Town & Country Blvd. Information: 713-868-1444

Carriage Ride at Market Street
Horse-drawn carriage rides are available 6-9 p.m. Fridays-Sundays through Dec. 9, Dec. 14-23 and Dec. 27-30 in The Woodlands’ Market Street entertainment district. The 30-minute tours, which take a route through the district’s holiday light display, board in front of the Cinemark at Market Street, 9595 Six Pines Drive. Cost is $8 per person, $15 per couple, $50 for a party of four. Information: 936-499-4760

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Holiday time 2012 Houston

PARADES & TREE LIGHTINGS

63rd Annual Holiday Parade
More than 400,000 revelers are expected to line the streets of downtown for this Thanksgiving Day parade. The parade gets rolling at 9 a.m. today. This year’s featured performer will be Kenton Duty of Disney’s “Shake It Up.”

Uptown Holiday Lighting
More than half a million twinkling lights will be turned on during this event 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Thursday on Post Oak Boulevard (between San Felipe and Westheimer). Among the live entertainment will be the Houston Concert Band, Salvation Army Harbor Light Choir and the Children’s Chorus. The event culminates with a dazzling fireworks show over the retail district. Information: 713-621-2504

Mayor’s Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting
Dennis Edwards and the Temptations Review will headline this annual holiday tradition 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 30 on Hermann Square at City Hall, 901 Bagby. The event will include appearances by Mayor Annise Parker and Santa, musical entertainment, the lighting of a 63-foot white fir and a fireworks display. Free admission.

Fulshear Festival of Lights and Parade
This family event kicks off the with a tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Dec. 1 and includes a performance by the Fort Bend County Boys Choir.

Hometown Christmas Festival
This event kicks off at 7 p.m. Nov. 30 and continues through Dec. 2 at Pearland Town Center, 11200 Broadway. Festivities include a tree lighting, musical entertainment, a snow play area, carriage rides and a craft market. Free admission, but some activities may require fee.

Pasadena Holiday Lighted Parade
This parade will roll down Fairmont Parkway (Preston to Pansy) in Pasadena at 7 p.m. Dec.1. Information: 281-991-9500

Hometown Christmas Parade
Dozens of floats, drill teams and classic cars will be decked out for the holiday when this parade rolls through Pearland beginning at 6 p.m. Dec. 1. The parade moves along FM 518 between Pearland Parkway and Old Alvin Road. Free for spectators.

City of Sugar Land Tree Lighting
The 40-foot Christmas tree on Sugar Land Town Square is the focus of festivities 5-8 p.m. Dec. 6. Among the planned events: children’s crafts and games, musical entertainment, Elf Karaoke and photos with Santa. A free shuttle will offer service 4:30-8:30 p.m. from Mercer Stadium, 16403 Lexington.

Baytown Christmas Parade
With its “Nutcracker Christmas” theme, this annual parade will roll down Baytown’s Market Street and Texas Avenue beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6. The parade will include several bands, drill teams and lighted floats, as well as Santa riding in a 1947 fire engine.

City of Pasadena’s Christmas Tree Lighting
Santa and Mr. Claus will throw the switch and light up Pasadena during a celebrations 6-9 p.m. Dec. 7 at City Hall, 1211 Southmore. The free event will feature musical entertainment, hay rides and refreshments. Information: 713-475-7048
Magnolia Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade
This charming small-town parade will begin at 10 a.m. Dec. 8. It runs along Nichols Small and Michael roads in Magnolia.

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