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Write to Santa! How to Receive a Letter From Santa

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Writing a letter to Santa is one of the most memorable parts of the Christmas fun for children. Here are two ways your child can take part but act quickly, letters need to be complete early in December to arrive back in time.

The United States Postal Service

The United States Postal Service will postmark a letter from Santa with the North Pole postmark. To use the Letters from Santa program:

1. Have the child write a letter to Santa and place it in an envelope addressed to Santa Claus, North Pole.

2. Write a personalized response to the child’s letter and sign it “From Santa.” 

3. Insert both letters into an envelope, and address it to the child.

4. Add the return address: SANTA, NORTH POLE, to the envelope.

5. Put a first-class stamp on the envelope.

6. Place the complete envelope into a larger envelope, with appropriate postage, and address it to:

North Pole Postmark Postmaster, 4141 Postmark Dr., Anchorage Ak 99530-9998

Letters from Santa must be received by the Anchorage, AK, Postmaster no later than December 10. 

FOR MORE INFO

Write to Santa Program

Santa’s Elves and Santa Claus Museum, Inc. is located in Santa Claus, Indiana. The founder Patricia Koch and her family own Holiday World. She opened the Santa Claus Museum in the spring of 2006. Part of the mission of Santa’s Elves is to continue the tradition of answering letters to Santa.

To receive a written letter from Santa Claus, have your child send a letter with a legible return address, mailed to:

Santa Claus, PO Box 1, Santa Claus, IN 47579

Every letter received by December 14, 2024, will receive a response from Santa and the Elves.

If you would like to use the printable Santa letter form, go to santaclausmuseum.org/letters-to-santa.

FOR MORE INFO

Another worthwhile program, this one to give back and play Santa!

  • Be An Elf: This volunteer-run program supports USPS Operation Santa® by encouraging volunteers to adopt letters from children in need and send gifts anonymously. Families can write to Santa at the address provided above for USPS Operation Santa®. More information is available at beanelf.org.

Where To See Christmas Lights in Monterey and Santa Cruz

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Growing up in Carmel and Monterey, you can always count on certain holiday traditions. I am delighted each year to see the joy in my own son’s eyes when we take him to Candy Cane Lane. Here are a few places to check out that will be sure to get you and your family in the holiday spirit.

Candy Cane Lane Morse Road off Forest Avenue in Pacific Grove

Starting the first weekend in December, tons of families are drawn to Candy Cane Lane, located on Morse Drive. Platt Park is a small grassy area in the middle of Morse Drive, where spectators can see Snoopy and Tweety Bird taking a ride on a Ferris wheel. There are some cute cutouts and a real sleigh all ready for a Christmas photo selfie. Many Disney, Pixar and Sesame Street characters are also found nearby. Santa himself makes appearances as well.

The real spectacle is the homes surrounding the park, lit up with lots of bright, colorful lights. My favorite home, located off Morse Drive on the corner of Beaumont and McFarland Avenues has a real treat. A huge animatronic Nutcracker! I also enjoy the house lit up in blue with the Elvis popping up, enjoying a true “Blue Christmas”.

Whether you decide to park and walk Candy Cane Lane or do a “drive-by”, I am certain you will want to make this a part of your holiday tradition.

508 Dennett Street, Pacific Grove www.pgchristmas.com

Another great spot is nearby on 508 Dennett Street, Pacific Grove. This house is reminiscent of the one in the Danny Devito film, “Deck the Halls.” Each year since 1996, Michael and Christine have spent hours of their time and money providing this synchronized music light show for their community.

The display used to be 25,000 lights. The new LED ‘Pixels’ lights are much brighter and can be any color, so they need far fewer lights than when they used incandescent lights. As of 2016, the light count was approximately 5,000-pixel bulbs.

The controllers are mostly San Devices E682 controllers. The software to program the lights is called XLights/Nutcracker. The ‘Computer’ to run the show is a $35 Rasberry Pi. The computer connects to the control boards over a 1-gigabit network using the Cat5e network cable. The music comes out of the computer (through the speaker jack) and is broadcast through an EDM FM transmitter. The fixtures (arches, trees, roof lights, etc.) are custom built. Most of the display is mounted on boards and pipes, making for a much easier setup. The entire show can be set up in about 60 hours.

Check their website for more information and this year’s dates. I can’t wait to experience this again this December!

718 Marion Avenue Salinas

The DJ Frank Holiday Light Show is located near the corner of Marion Ave/College Drive in Salinas, down the block from Mission Park School. Stop by between 6:00 and 10:00 PM every night through New Year’s Day. Visitors will need a car radio set to 104.7 FM to hear the show.

2580 Bean Creek Road Scotts Valley

For over a decade, everything, including the forest have been lit up at the 2000 block of Bean Creek Road in Scotts Valley.

In December until after New Year’s Day, Danielle and Tim Woods’ home starts shining daily with thousands of lights, dozens of snowmen and a 12-foot-tall Olaf character from Disney’s “Frozen”.

The couple starts creating this spectacle in October, which takes them nearly 90 hours to complete. Each year it keeps getting bigger since Danielle loves to add to the collection of lights and decorations.

Tim manages 48 channels of computer controls; every one requires a separate chord. The lights glow till 10 p.m. weeknights and 10:30 p.m. on weekends.

The couple has a bin for donations at the bottom of the driveway, which is about 2.5 miles from the light on Scotts Valley Drive. The home is toward the north end of Bean Creek Road. Food donations and other gifts go to Valley Churches United Missions food pantry and outreach in Ben Lomond. The pantry feeds families in need year-round and offers other forms of support. The outreach is at 9400 Highway 9.

Christmas and Hanukkah Special Events for Monterey & Santa Cruz

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The holiday season is a busy one in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. Here are a variety of fun family-friendly events for 2024.

CITY OF WATSONVILLE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

  • November 22 at 5:00 Pm to 7:00 pm
  • Watsonville City Plaza

The Christmas Tree has been delivered to the city plaza and is waiting on the yearly celebration to light. Join the celebration for a welcome by the mayor, performances, and visit from Santa. 

DEL MONTE SHOPPING CENTER CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

  • November 23 at 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
  • Del Monte Shopping Center
  • 1410 Del Monte Center, Monterey

This family-favorite event kicks off the holiday season and culminates with the lighting of the Del Monte Christmas Tree by Santa & Mrs. Claus. Free refreshments will be served and free reindeer antlers will be offered to children. Donations of three cans of food for the Food Bank of Monterey County can be exchanged for raffle tickets.

WINTER WONDERLAND AT SC BEACH BOARDWALK 

  • November 28 – January 5

Festive holiday decorations and lights, photos with Santa. Special events planned.

ROARING CAMP HOLIDAY LIGHTS TRAIN

November 29 – 30, December 7 – 8, December 14 – 23

Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Each car is uniquely themed, and hot apple cider will be available to keep you toasty as you sing along to Christmas carols and await Santa Claus.

CANNERY ROW TREE LIGHTING

  • November 29 at 5:00 – 7:00 pm
  • Steinbeck Plaza
  • 700 Cannery Row, Monterey

This free holiday event is a fun tradition for the whole family featuring Christmas Carolers and of course, Santa Claus.

SEABRIGHT: FARLEY’S CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND

  • November 29 – January 1, 2025
  • 5:30 – 8:30 pm

This is a walk-in Christmas display located in midtown Santa Cruz. Their exhibit is very traditional: lots of Christmas trees, garlands, sleighs, an elf village, miniature village’s, and a log cabin that Santa uses for his rest stops. Being Irish, where you have elves you have fairies, so there is a fairy grotto with 2 waterfalls and fairies that can be viewed on special nights. Also, on those special nights, there is a special California version of snow.

HOLIDAY PARADE OF LIGHTS

  • December 1 | 6:00-8:00 pm

The Salinas Holiday Parade of Lights is a  free community event where families, neighborhood groups and businesses come together to provide an outstanding, holiday themed lighted parade that is enjoyed by  local families each year. Parade starts at Acacia & S. Main St. and travels up Main Street towards the Salinas City Center.

PACIFIC GROVE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

  • December 2 at 4:30 – 7:00 pm
  • Jewell Park, Grand and Forest Avenues, Pacific Grove

Festivities include live entertainment by school bands and choruses beginning at 4:30 pm, followed by caroling and refreshments at Jewell Park. The tree lighting is at 6:00 pm followed by Santa’s visit at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History.

PACIFIC GROVE HOLIDAY PARADE OF LIGHTS

  • December 5 at 6:00- 8:00 pm
  • Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove

The lighted parade on Lighthouse Avenue will feature marching bands, holiday floats, dance teams, equestrian groups, and of course, Santa Claus.

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING AND CARMEL PLAZA PARTY

  • December 6 at 3:00 – 7:00 pm
  • Devendorf Park, Ocean Avenue and Mission Street, Carmel

The City Holiday Tree Lighting is held at Devendorf Park on Ocean Avenue between Junipero and Mission, where the Monterey Fire Department will deliver Santa Claus. Events start at 3pm until 5:30pm, with a short music program and pictures by the Holiday tree. Santa will arrive to Devendorf Park and greets children at 3pm then at 4pm a menorah is lit. At 4:30pm, the music and dance program begins and ends at 5:30pm when Santa Claus makes an appearance.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

  • December 6 – 7
  • Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds

Walk thru lights will come on at 5:30 pm each evening. There will be a Holiday Craft & Gift Fair both days from noon to 9 pm.

DOWNTOWN MONTEREY TREE LIGHTING

  • December 6 at 5:00 – 6:00 pm
  • Colton Hall, 570 Pacific St., Monterey

Monterey’s traditional Community Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration takes place on on the lawn in front of historic Colton Hall, featuring carols, candles, cookies, cider, and music.

MARINA CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

  • December 6 at 6:00 pm
  • Vince DiMaggio Park, Marina

Co-hosted with the City of Marina, the tree lighting is an annual tradition that brings the community together.

CHRISTMAS ON OLD FISHERMAN’S WHARF

  • December 6 – 22
  • 10:00 am – 9:30 pm

Free weekend live entertainment including holiday musical performances such as choirs, youth dancers, a variety of singers, and Santa visits at his Santa House on the Wharf. 

SEASIDE’S WINTER WONDERLAND 

  • December 6 | 6:00 – 9:00 pm
  • 440 Harcourt Avenue, Seaside

Ice skating, art & crafts, carnival games, jump houses, horse-drawn hay rides, and a visit from Santa. 

DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ HOLIDAY PARADE

  • December 7
  • 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

The traditional holiday parade is the official kickoff for the winter holidays celebration. The parade route starts at the intersection of Laurel Street and Pacific Avenue and ends at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Water Street.  

ANNUAL STILLWELL’S FUN IN THE PARK

  • December 7 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm 
  • Caledonia Park, Pacific Grove

Santa will arrive at noon on a shiny Pacific Grove fire truck, joining Frosty the Snowman and Snow Queen. This event features complimentary rides, bounce houses, a petting zoo, and entertainment.

BRIGHTEN THE HARBOR LIGHTED BOAT SHOW

  • December 8 | 5:15 – 7:30 pm
  • Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey

Enjoy the beautiful lights on the boats that pass by the Wharf at 5:15 pm with return at 6:15 pm. 

COUNTRY CHRISTMAS

  • December 12 | 5:00 – 8:00 pm
  • Salinas Sports Complex

The event is free and hosted by the California Rodeo Salinas. Includes a tree lighting, free cocoa and candy canes, pictures with Santa and more.

CHRISTMAS IN THE ADOBES

  • December 13 – 14 | 5:00 – 9:00 pm
  • Various Adobes in Monterey

Return to the days of Alta California and see Monterey’s historic adobes splendidly decorated for the season with welcoming, candle-lit luminarias at each entrance.  Enjoy festive music, living history portrayers, and the warm spirit of this year’s annual celebration that has become a family favorite during the holidays.

YOUTH ORCHESTRA SALINAS WINTER CONCERT

  • December 13 – 14 | 7:00 – 9:00 pm
  • Sherwood Hall, Salinas

Support our area’s talented young musicians as they take the stage to kick off the holiday season. Free event, tickets available online.

CEREAL WITH SANTA

  • December 14, 9 -11 am
  • Oldemeyer Center, Seaside

Enjoy breakfast with Santa at this special event.

WINTER FAIR

  • December 14 | 10:00 am-2:00 pm
  • Monterey Bay Charter School, Pacific Grove

Crafts, marketplace, and food at this special holiday fundraiser for Monterey bay Chartter School.

WINTER ON THE WHARF

  • December 14, 2 – 5 pm
  • Santa Cruz Wharf

Enjoy holiday decorations and see Santa arrive on the Wharf by a vintage fire engine. Take photos with Santa from 2:30-4:30 pm, play in the snow area with Elsa and Anna and enjoy custom balloon designs.

FIRST NIGHT MONTEREY

  • December 31 | 3:00 pm to 12:00 am
  • Downtown Monterey

Family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration with entertainment, Mardi-Gras-style walking parade, and special Kids’ Night Out activities.

Cold Weather Adventures in SoCal

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The holiday season is upon us, and it’s the same old dilemma: what to do with the youngsters during the winter breaks. Many people head somewhere warm and tropical. If you’ve read my column for a while, you know winter camping is a favorite of mine. But for the more traditional types, winter means snow play! Whether you ski, snowboard, or just love the whole winter scene, there are plenty of places in California to get your fix. Most people head to Tahoe or Mammoth—both fantastic, world-class ski areas. One thing you don’t often hear is talk about heading to Southern California for a ski vacation. All I can say is this: You don’t know what you’re missing.

The San Bernardino National Forest has three separate ski areas: Bear Mountain, Snow Summit, and Snow Valley. Bear Mountain and Snow Summit were once different—and fiercely competitive—ski areas. Snow Summit was up and running first, opening in 1952. Bear Mountain was called Goldmine Mountain when it opened in 1969 until 1988 when it was bought out and the new owners changed the name. In 2002, Snow Summit purchased Bear Mountain and developed it into the Bear Mountain Resorts. One lift ticket can be used in both areas, and a shuttle runs continuously between them. The areas are only about 2.5 miles apart. And here’s the kicker about Southern California skiing: Bear Mountain and Snow Summit are home to two of the largest snowmaking systems in the world. So skiing will surely be available in the SoCal mountains even during drier winters! My experience is that manufactured snow is a bit stickier than natural powder, so you’ll want to ensure your skis or board are well waxed. But, to me, that is a small price to pay for being able to ski in a T-shirt.

About 15 miles down the road from Big Bear Lake is Snow Valley. Snow Valley is the oldest ski area in Southern California. In the 1930s, the slopes were developed for tobogganing and skiing, and the area was named Snow Valley. The Arrowhead Springs Corporation ran it for a decade, and then it was purchased by Norwegian-American ski jump champion Johnny Elvrum, who expanded the resort. In 1974, Snow Valley was bought by W.R. Sauey, who ran the place until January 2023 when Snow Valley was acquired by Alterra Mountain Company, which now operates Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. Snow Valley is the smallest of the three ski areas and is more of a local place—it’s easy to get to, is traditionally less expensive, and is often less crowded than the more well-known Snow Summit and Bear Mountain.

Don’t want to ski or board? No problem. Two snow-play areas offer tubing on a groomed slope. One is next to Snow Valley. The other is just outside of Big Bear City. As far as where to stay in the San Bernardino Mountains, there are options from hotels to small cabins to lakeside mansions available through sites like Airbnb or VRBO.

If skiing isn’t your bag but you still want a mountain vacation, another option is Lake Arrowhead. About an hour or so across the mountain ridge from Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead is a charming town steeped in interesting history. After California became a state in 1850, Mormon settlers in San Bernardino built a road into the mountain and began harvesting the forests that, at the time, supplied much of the lumber for building Los Angeles. In the late 1800s, a group of businessmen, including James Gamble of Proctor & Gamble, bought most of the acreage in the Arrowhead Valley (then called Little Bear Valley) and began building a dam to supply water and power to the orange growers in the San Bernardino Valley. By 1923 the first hotel—the Arlington Lodge—had opened to a thousand affluent guests who enjoyed a midnight champagne party and dancing. Over the decades, Lake Arrowhead remained a popular getaway for entertainment royalty, many of whom owned homes overlooking the private lake. In the 1970s, when I was a child, family friends of mine owned a beautiful Tudor-style home on the lake. Their neighbor was Liberace, the famous and flamboyant pianist! Even now, if you are a sharp-eyed celebrity watcher, you will likely see someone famous strolling through Lake Arrowhead Village enjoying the many restaurants or shops.

In the Lake Arrowhead area is Skyforest, a small community that used to be the home of a magical Christmas-themed amusement park. Unfortunately, Santa’s Village closed many years ago. I have fond memories of the place from my childhood. Once it closed, it remained unused for many years. But, in 2016, the area reopened as SkyPark at Santa’s Village. Their website shows that SkyPark at Santa’s Village “is an outdoor adventure park with year-round mountain biking, hiking, fly-fishing, and open-air activities in the Skyforest section of Lake Arrowhead.” In addition to mountain biking, climbing walls, and an RV campground, there are year-round activities. I encourage you to visit their website (skyparksantasvillage.com) to check out their full calendar.

There is so much to see and do in the Southern California mountains, whether you want to play in the snow, go hiking, shop, learn about the rich history of the San Bernardino mountains, go off-roading, or relax. The San Bernardino mountains are about a six-hour drive from the Monterey area. The area is also easy to get to by flying into Ontario or Palm Springs and renting a car. It is about a two-hour drive from either airport.

I love the little slice of Southern California that I call home. When people think of SoCal, they think of beaches or Disneyland. The mountain area often gets overlooked which many locals don’t mind. But if you are looking for someplace new and decide to visit, you will be welcome.

Wherever you spend your winter break, I hope your holidays are filled with love, happiness, and health.

TRICIA VLASAK works in law enforcement when she isn’t writing, hiking with her dogs, or going on adventures with her grandchildren. Tricia received a Gold Award for personal essay from Parenting Media Association in 2022.

Creating Joyful Holidays

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Here are eleven suggestions on how to lighten your stress level so you can increase the joy in your holiday season.

Special moments of watching your children break into big smiles after opening a gift or taking holiday photos in sweet matching outfits are what make the December holidays so special. But the holidays can be (usually are?) hectic and stressful. It is all too easy for parents to find themselves frazzled with the planning, cooking, and shopping that is part of the holiday. Kids are so full of magic during this special season that we parents want to avoid as much stress as possible so we can be present and enjoying these precious days.

Local postpartum mental health specialist Kristina Anzell, LCSW says, “Let go of perfection: with a new baby or young child, there are a lot more stressors, unpredictable moments, and more chaos. Things will not be perfect and that is okay. Let go as much as you can and focus on the things you can control.” It’s great advice!

Consider implementing a few of these ideas to more fully enjoy your Chrismahanukwanzakah season:

  1. Suggest a gift exchange for the extended family. Pick out a really great present for one person or a few people instead of trying to tackle a long list.
  2. Pack, prep, and list. If you have room, pack or prep as you think of things. If it’s not practical to do so, make a list as you remember items so that it won’t be so tough to host the party or get to the airport hoping you have everything you need for yourself and your kids.
  3. Don’t let thankfulness end after Thanksgiving. Cultivate gratitude by jotting down the best things in your life to keep your perspective more positive. Write on your mirror or set your phone background to an inspiring quote to help make this part of each day.
  4. Look for alternatives to physical presents at out-of-town visits. If you’ll be traveling out of town, ask if family members would consider mailing presents to your home and instead wrap photos of the items to keep suitcases or trunks more streamlined—more fun than a gift card but without the drama of trying to fit everything in. Or, give experience gifts that you can all enjoy together while you’re visiting, such as a day out at a family-oriented attraction.
  5. Consider hosting away from home. You’ll minimize cleaning and prep time. Or choose a potluck or cookie exchange instead of a more labor-intensive gathering.
  6. Skip the perfect clothing. Unless it brings you joy, your kids don’t need to wear matching pajamas or wrinkle-free dresses. The photos will still be cute.
  7. Review your memories from the year. Use your photos, calendar, or journal or chat with friends and family to reminisce on 2023’s moments of triumph, happiness, nostalgia, and beauty.
  8. Plan ahead with your family. Get on the same page with your spouse or other holiday buddy before you’re in the middle of things: What is most important to you this holiday season? How will you navigate any potentially awkward situations with relatives or friends? What kind of healthy snacks do you want to stock up on beforehand?
  9. Lower the stress. In the midst of it all, make time to lower stress levels with a walk, yoga, or stretching, some bible study or meditation, calling a low-drama friend, or even some adult coloring. Even a few minutes are beneficial. Perhaps schedule a recurring reminder on your calendar or phone.
  10. Donate instead of gift. Not sure what to get that person? Donate to a charity in their name. You can even let them choose the cause through a gift card to GlobalGiving.org.
  11. Clean up time as a family.  When it’s time to take down the decorations, enlist the kids and make it a game. My mother challenged us to see who could find the most Christmas decorations at the end of December, and thanks to the competition, the house was back to normal quite quickly. I’ve been biding my time for many years to finally use this trick to my advantage.

One last bit of advice comes from Shauna Worthington, postpartum doula and parent educator with Parenting Connection of Monterey County:

“Children learn to regulate their nervous systems from their caregivers which means they can sense stress. To help with calming or sleep this holiday, try focusing on your feelings and filling your cup first. Take a few deep breaths, go outside for a quick walk, or take a moment to stretch. When your child sees you are calm, they are more likely to follow suit.”

The bottom line is that creating a great holiday for your family is a noble goal but it’s also important to have some fun yourself. Try a few of these tips to see if you can destress this holiday season so you can be more fully present and enjoy the special moments.

Happy holidays from my family to yours!

All About Christmas Trees

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Growing up in upstate New York, cutting your own tree was an absolute MUST. My Uncle Tom and Aunt Michelle always went all-out with it, choosing the tallest tree we could possibly fit in our living room. Bundled up and red-nosed, we would trek through the snow into the hills of Z’s Trees – a legendary spot in the area. Z’s Trees was a hometown staple. The trees were covered in icicles and snow, and the farm had a charming little woodshed stocked with chocolate chip cookies and watery cocoa. We loved it. The owners would take a Polaroid of each family with their tree and post it on the wall. I remember excitedly scanning the hundreds of photos, looking for my own smiling face. We loved seeing our family photos year after year.

Now, with a family of my own, I’m excited to start our own family’s traditions. I love the look of a carefully decorated tree early in the morning while drinking  a cup of coffee. I’m ready for cozy blankets, the sound of my son’s  laughter, and the sight of the twinkling lights glowing in our  living room. Sure, there’s no snow here in Monterey, but that’s not going to stop us! We’ll be sipping hot cocoa in our sweatpants on Christmas Day in front of our sparkling tree.

Tree care can be child’s play

As parents, we’re always looking for opportunities to help our kids grow. Giving your child some tree-related responsibilities is a great way to do this. Here are some kid-friendly “jobs” to try:

  • Tree waterer: Keeping that tree hydrated and checking water levels a few times a week will teach your child to take pride in their work because it is the number one way to keep your tree fresh for the holidays.
  • Light police: Assign your child the task of making sure the lights are always turned off when you’re not home or when the family is asleep.
  • Pine needle collector: Let your child be responsible for gathering the fallen needles beneath the tree. Either store them for a simmer pot or, try our fun pine needle vinegar idea.

How to properly dispose of your tree

According to Monterey City Disposal Service, Christmas trees can be placed next to your yard waste cart when you’re ready to get rid of it. Trees under 6’ tall do not need to be cut, but trees over 6’ must be cut in half. All decorations, stands, and lights need to be removed. Trees will be collected for the first two weeks of the new year.  After the first two weeks, trees must be cut and placed in the yard waste cart. Check with your local trash service to learn when to place your tree curbside in your area.

For more info: realchristmastrees.org/all-about-trees/how-to-recycle/

Use the needles to clean and scent your home

Pine Simmer pots

Teach your kids about the joy of a festive-smelling home. Help them gather the following:

  • A sliced orange
  • Pine needles or cuttings from the tree
  • 12 cloves

Place the ingredients in a pot with a few cups of water and set to simmer on the stove (the back burner is the wisest option). Your home will smell like Christmas Day!

Encourage your kids to get creative with simmer pot ingredients. Cinnamon sticks, lemon, vanilla, apples, and nutmeg are all great holiday scents. What’s their favorite combination?

Pine Needle vinegar

Did you know that pine needles have antimicrobial properties? This kid friendly activity is perfect for your fallen pine needles. Have your kids collect the needles from beneath the tree, and place them in a mason jar. Pack the jar full of needles, then fill to the top with white vinegar. Give it a shake, and ask your kids to shake the jar intermittently throughout the next 3 weeks. You can use this vinegar as a cleaning solution that will have the house smelling wonderful!

For a multi-use scented spray, have your kids add half a cup of their pine vinegar, three cups of distilled water, and a squeeze of dish soap to a spray bottle. You can use this on counters and throughout the home all year.

Aleah Mohamed is a USAF veteran and stay-at-home mom. When she’s not spending time in her garden or at the beach, she’s in the kitchen learning about fermentation and old-world cooking.

Parenting OC