Being Savvy: Activities, things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Charleston, SC

weekend events: November 22-23

by Nicole

As is our savvy tradition, this post is brought to you by the letters T G I and F. I hope you'll find some inspiration for your weekend plans in this round-up. First, how about some awesome kid-friendly performances? The Charleston Ballet Theatre performs its second round of How the Grinch Stole Christmas this weekend. Showtimes are Saturday at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm, and Sunday at 3:00 pm. ... Read more >

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holiday weekend fun!

by Nicole

I think everyone must be out shopping, because there aren't a lot of scheduled events for families this weekend. The James Island County Park Holiday Festival of Lights continues nightly this weekend. Don't miss it! Usher the holiday season in with Santa's arrival at the Mount Pleasant Town Centre, TODAY, Friday, November 28 at noon. Free. Several of Charleston's main family ... Read more >

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lowcountry holiday traditions

by Nicole

There's nothing like the holiday season in Charleston. I love this time of year -- the chill in the air (just enough to wear a scarf!), the shoppers on King Street, and the full line-up of holiday events for the whole family! This weekend officially kicks off the Christmas welcome in Charleston with a two days of family fun. Join Mayor Joe Riley this Saturday from 4:30 - 6 pm at Marion Square ... Read more >

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tuesday top five: toys we love

by Nicole

Preschool learning is all about play, which means toys are more than just mere amusement: they're the tools for exploring and enriching children's lives. The best toys bring kids and families together with plenty of room for adaptation and imagination. Here are five recommendations that will excite and inspire the little ones on your list. Smart Splash Fun Number Ducks Rubber duckies are ... Read more >

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get creative! festive cards to make with kids

by Nicole

There are those that craft with their kids, and there are those who would rather get poked in the eye with a hot fork than put glue onto googly eyes for a little creativity. I happen to lean pretty far to the crafty side of things, and I'm convinced that even the sworn non-crafters among us can handle making these easy card ideas with kids. Seriously: keep it simple, and everyone can get in on ... Read more >

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tuesday top five: holiday events for Charleston's children

by Nicole

There are plenty of special events to choose from in Charleston this month, but there are a few that are truly great times for families with kids! Here are my picks for the best of the season. 1. The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. This might be the tenth or so time I've mentioned this spectacular show of lights and fun at Santa's Village. I don't know how else to make ... Read more >

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still shopping? five more savvy toy picks for the kids on your list

by Nicole

I've just about finished my holiday shopping, and I'm earlier this year than I've ever been! If you're still searching for some great toys to wrap up for the children in your life this year, here is the second part of our holiday toy guide. ( See part one here , if you missed it!) Rand McNally Kids Illustrated U.S. Wall Map My husband is a geography geek, and he's determined that our children ... Read more >

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greening the holidays

by Nicole

Aaah, the colors of the holiday season: red, gold, silver, blue, and GREEN. As our awareness of the impact our consumption makes on the environment grows, everyone is looking for ways to be more eco-friendly. There are easy ways to green your holiday without taking away from the celebration of the season. In fact, you might find that reducing consumption pushes you toward new traditions that ... Read more >

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favorite Christmas books

by Nicole

Every year, as we pack up our Christmas ornaments and other decorations, I also pack away our Christmas books. And every year, when we put up the tree and start to get excited about the holiday season, I'm thrilled to rediscover the great Christmas stories that we enjoy again and again. If you're looking for special stories to share with your children or give as gifts this year, here are a few ... Read more >

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the gift of giving: how to share it with your kids

by Nicole

"It's better to give than to receive." Well, try telling that to a preschooler overwhelmed by toy catalogs and wish lists for the holidays. It's natural for children to be egocentric in the preschool years (and I know more than a few adults who struggle with it still!) but it's our job as parents to gently coax them away from the "Me Me Me!" stage and into a mindset where giving and sharing are ... Read more >

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give a gift of Charleston!

by Nicole

I don't know about you, but my kids have more than enough stuff. We've got old stuff, new stuff, even stuff to try and contain the stuff. While toys and books certainly have their place in holiday gift giving, I also like to give gifts that will keep giving throughout the year with enriching, fun experiences for the whole family. There are quite a number of options for giving the gift of ... Read more >

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a weekend of holiday fun!

by Nicole

The holiday festivities are in full gear this weekend, so there is plenty to get out and enjoy! [Image credit: SXC/Julia Freeman-Woolpert] Saturday and Sunday bring Christmas to downtown Charleston. Christmas tree lighting and Parade of Boats Saturday evening, Christmas parade Sunday afternoon. Details here ! The annual Reindeer Run is also happening downtown this Saturday, December 6 at 9 ... Read more >

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let the holidays begin!

by Nicole

I know, I know. The turkey leftovers haven't cleared out of your refrigerator yet, but Thanksgiving already seems like history. It's December 1st, and that means that the month of holidays, gift-giving and celebration has begun. While this time of year can be stressful for the whole family, we can take a lesson from our kids in how to chill out and enjoy the party that December can become. You ... Read more >

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weekend calendar: December 12-14

by Nicole

Lots of holiday happenings this weekend! The weather looks beautiful, so get out and enjoy! Saturday brings a unique holiday presentation to Charles Towne Landing ! The Ceremonies of the Cultures will explore the theme of traditions and celebrations from the perspective of Lowcountry people past and present. Hear Gullah storytelling, learn about Native American tales and songs, and learn ... Read more >

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Oyster stew and walks on the beach: starting our own Christmas traditions

by Nicole

For every year of our marriage, in spite of long distances and busy schedules and being poor graduate students, my husband and I and our children always went home for Christmas. "Home" is near Phoenix, Arizona where both my husband and I were raised and where both sets of parents and all three of our sisters still live. Given that we were the only ones that left -- to Michigan, to Tennessee, and ... Read more >

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tuesday top five: places to see lights

by Nicole

With early sunsets and holiday spirit in abundance, there is no time like the present to strap everyone into the car for a drive to see light displays. Here are a few places to head for some twinkling delights. James Island County Park hosts the Holiday Festival of Lights nightly through January 4th. My friend who lives in nearby Riverland Terrace says that the line has been long lately, but ... Read more >

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we wish you a merry christmas!

by Nicole

Christmas has arrived, and my hope is that this time of year has brought much joy, laughter, and gifts of the heart to you and your family. In the midst of the busyness of the season, make an effort to be present in the moment. Stare too long at the fire. Savor the chocolate as it melts on your tongue. Listen to the sounds of laughter and wrapping paper ripped by little hands. Give extra hugs ... Read more >

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weekend winter holiday round-up: Dec 19-21

by Nicole

It's the last weekend before Christmas and the beginning of Hanukkah this weekend! I hope you are experiencing more joy and less stress this holiday season, and that you've left space in your family's schedule to enjoy some of the great activities happening in the community! Dancing and singing our way into the holidays... Back due to popular demand! The Charleston Ballet is adding some ... Read more >

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