This time of year, many places where you live probably offer special holiday activities that are perfect for making family memories! We are lucky enough to live near the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Every year, just after Thanksgiving, they start their Zoolights exhibit. The zoo is open after hours and much of it is decorated in beautiful lights. And at certain times, you can see Santa dive with the sharks. :) We go to this event every year. If you look, I am sure you can find a neat place to start a new holiday tradition.



By lalala...
No matter how we save money, every family needs fun things to do. Here are some suggestions on no cost/low cost things to do. In these times of rising fuel costs, you need to think about saving on your gasoline costs also. So I have tried to pick things that hopeful won't cost you a bunch of gasoline to get there. Why not explore alternative methods of transportation? Can you walk to do some of these things? Is there a local bus route that will get you there? Why not car pool with another family. With gasoline projections at $3.00 a gallon this summer, many of us will be looking for other things to do other than take the normal vacation.By Debra Frick
This holiday it won't take money to create great family memories. There are so many family activities that can be done for less. So, forget about the expensive Martha Stewart decorations and the Rockettes on Broadway. Instead, pull together some real family memories.
Another option could be to make your own cards. They won't have the professional flare of the other cards, but they will have heart and a special touch that captures the essence of the holiday. Sit the kids at the table and assign a few cards to each. Then, with a pack of cardstock, some envelopes, and some markers, you'll have holiday cards that are worth saving. Make sure each child signs his or her own card.
While towns set up an annual tree lighting ceremony, you might not. Why not try it? Dedicate one night to tree lighting and make sure the entire family is around. If you have teens who balk about it, let each one invite a friend. Play some music or put on a movie that everyone's already seen and start decorating. Allow each person to put on the decorations that he or she likes best, and set out some fun snacks. Don't try to make it the scene that you see on television; your kids aren't all going to like Mitch Miller holiday songs or James Stewart running through town. Make it a fun evening for everyone, and put on some music or movies that everyone enjoys.
The most important part of the holidays is the time spent together. One family's special moments doesn't have to look like another's moments. Make the time special and personal; make it fun.
I am not usually a pest, but I am a Apartment Manager here in Rohnert Park. At one time this was assisted living. But not for a few years. It's a regular complex. We only have one bedroom units, so there are very few kids, we have adults mostly from 21-91. I don't have a creative bone in my body, but, I am trying to get some low-cost or no-cost activities here. To help the moral of the people. The young people kind of go their own way, busy with College, and work. The older people are lonely and bored. So there is my delima. Not trying to toss it in your court, but I would appreciate any suggestions?
Thank you,
Pamela
How about a checkers night? Or a book and magazine swap night? Plant a community garden and have whoever want to add a plant or flowers?
(smiles)