Holidays in San Diego

 It is the Holiday season and everyone is looking for activities to do with their families throughout the month.  Here are some great events that are happening all around San Diego this Holiday Season.   There are Christmas Lights, Ice Skating, and even Nutcracker Performances.

 December Nights in Balboa Park

Traditionally, the holiday season kicks off with a grand celebration in Balboa Park. Balboa Park December Nights is a two-day gift to the community that brings out the holiday spirit in all, this year taking place December 7 and 8, 2012. The beloved San Diego event features sparkling lights, theatrical and musical entertainment, and exotic Food/Spirits throughout the Park.

North Park Toyland Parade

Unwrap some magic this holiday season and take in the festive fun at the Annual North Park Toyland Parade & Holiday Fair, Saturday, November 29, 2012, starting at 11 a.m. Following the parade is the North ark Holiday Festival from noon to 3 p.m.

See Neighborhood Christmas Lights

Who doesn't love to see Christmas lights? Several neighborhoods around town put on annual displays (competitions?), but none more venerable than Christmas Circle in Chula Vista, a tradition for over 46 years. People come from all over San Diego to see the wonderful displays. You'll find Christmas Circle between First and Second Avenues, just south of H. Street and I 

 

Take in Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo

For a wild twist to holiday festivities, take in the Zoo's annual Jungle Bells celebration. Starting Saturday, Dec. 15 through January 6 2013, families can put a wild-animal twist on familiar holiday traditions during the Zoo's 2012 Jungle Bells celebration. The Zoo will stay open until 8 p.m. each night except Dec. 24 - when it will close at 5 p.m. What kind of exotic animal gets its wings every time a jungle bell rings? Find out for yourself this month at the Jungle Bells celebration, when the San Diego Zoo is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. You'll find a nightly tree-lighting ceremony, bell ringers filling the air with music, and lighted animal figures dotting the grounds. Dr. Zoolittle has an interactive "Night before Christmas" show, and you can make some new friends during "Animal Magic for the Holidays" critter presentations. Munch holiday specialties, take a "Candy Cane Lane Magical Journey," and experience even more seasonal cheer—Zoo style!

Drive-Thru Christmas Lights

We San Diegans are notorious for using the drive-thru lanes, so why not to see Christmas lights at the Del Mar Fairgrounds' Holiday of Lights display? With more than 400 lighted and animated scenes, this 1.5-mile drive around the world-famous Del Mar Racetrack is sure to get everyone from ages 1 to 100 into the holiday spirit. With returning holiday favorites such as Toyland, Candy Cane Lane, Treasures by the Lake and Elves at Play, the 2012 holiday tradition continues with opening night on November 22 (Thanksgiving) and running through Tuesday, January 1, 2013 (closed on Mondays, November 26, December 3, and December 10).

Ice Skate Outdoors

It's our own version of the Rockefeller Center ice rink - the downtown ice rink at Horton Square is a perfect holiday setting, nestled between Horton Plaza and the NBC 7/39 TV studios (can you see the Rockefeller Center parallels?). Beginning Nov. 15 through Jan. 6, 2013, bring the family downtown, in the evening, so you can bundle up in stocking caps and mittens, pretend you're in Rockefeller Center and skate away. It's only $14/$12 and proceeds benefit Children's Hospital. In addition, the Hotel del Coronado offers ice skating by-the-sea with an outdoor ice rink overlooking the ocean through Jan. 5. And Viejas Outlet Center boasts San Diego's largest outdoor ice skating rink.

See Floating Christmas Lights on Parade

Now this is quintessential San Diego: the 2012 annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. On Dec. 9 and 16, 2012, 5:30 - 9 p.m., see over 80 boats, all decked out in lighted glory, cruise a 7.5 mile route on San Diego Bay. This year's theme is a "Our 41st Anniversary, USS Santa Claus" and it promises to be better than ever. Best vantage points from the shore are along the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Harbor Island and Coronado.

Take in the Holiday Bowl Big Balloon Parade

Speaking of parades...the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl Parade at 10 a.m. on Dec. 27, 2012 is known for one thing: balloons. Dubbed "America's Largest Balloon Parade," more than 30 giant balloons will float down the one-mile route along the Embarcadero, along with bands, drill teams and more. It's the precursor to the evening's main event: the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium, one of college footballs most exciting and successful bowl games. After the parade, hit the Family Festival at the Broadway Pier.

Take in the Grinch

The Old Globe Theater production of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" has established itself as an annual holiday classic. The musical, directed by acclaimed director Jack O'Brien, brings to life the classic Dr. Seuss book with incredible sets and memorable performances. The 2012 production runs through Nov. 17 through Dec. 29.

See Sugar Plum Fairies

Of course, what's Christmas without the Nutcracker? And there is no shortage of performances of this venerable classic. This year, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet is proud to present the premiere of a totally revised Nutcracker. Performances will be held at the Casa del Prado Theater in Balboa Park on December 9-22, 2012.

For more events check out About.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope everyone has a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Spend some time with your friends and family and remember everything in life that you are thankful for.

Prepare for your Roadtrip

You just have to make it through this week of work, and then you get to go home for Thanksgiving.  No matter how long your drive is, you need to make sure you are prepared for holiday travel.  Keep reading to find out how to prepare for your road trip.

Planning to hit the road for the Thanksgiving holiday to visit with family and friend? You won’t be alone. The AAA forecasts 42.5 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, marking a 4-percent increase over last year. Before you embark, consider these tips to help prepare you and your car for whatever challenges might be faced on the road.

1. Fuel up. Don’t head out on a long trip without a full tank of gas. In addition to topping off the tank, also check fluids and tire pressures before you leave.

2. Be prepared. Bring supplies in the event of an accident or medical issue. Stock your car with an emergency kit—especially a flashlight, blanket, first-aid kit, and some basic tools. Also, bring water and extra snacks, just in case.

3. Pack smart. Check your vehicle’s load capacity to make sure you aren’t putting too much weight in the car. On most new cars, the total weight you can carry is printed on a placard (sticker) inside the driver’s door jamb. This load rating includes all the passengers and cargo. Also, make sure your gear is packed properly and will not be a hazard if you stop short.

4. Track it. A portable GPS navigation system will help you get where you’re going, making it easy to find gas stations or restaurants along the way. Traffic-enabled devices can warn of roadway congestion, and all units can assist in finding an alternate route. Also, a navigator can help direct emergency services to your location, should something happen. (See "Video: Don't let a GPS navigator steer you wrong.")

5. Kid prep. If you’re driving with kids, make sure you pack enough snacks, water, games, videos/DVDs, and music to keep them occupied during your journey. (See our "10 tips for a stress-free road trip with kids" for more advice.)

6. Traveling with pets. Be sure to secure your pets, either with harnesses and seat belts or by placing them in a crate. Animals can be a dangerous distraction when driving and physical threat in an accident, should they travel about the cabin or escape onto a busy motorway. Bring water, food, toys, leash, and clean-up supplies—you never know.

7. Be patient. During busy travel times, expect to hit traffic. It may make sense to drive late at night or early in the morning to avoid the rush and ensure you get to your destination on time and with minimal stress. A GPS device with traffic information and an exit guide can help you navigate around congestion and help find desired pit stop locations.

8. Don’t be distracted. Cell phones and driving don’t mix, so if you need to send a message or make a call, hand your phone to a passenger or pull over. It’s not worth risking your life or others on the road.

9. Buckle up. Always use your seat belt, make sure children are properly secured in a car seat and are seated in the rear seats if they are under 13.

10. Watch for weather. If you’re driving in wintry weather, make sure you clear off the snow and ice for better visibility, allow for longer braking distances, and reduce your speed. (Check out our winter driving guide if you are headed to a snowy location.)

11. Keep control. There could be a variety of scenarios on the road, but if you stay calm and be prepared you can get through any challenge. Check out our story “Surviving the worst-case scenarios” for more on driving in fog, snow, or if you car has brake failure, overheats, or your tire blows out.

For more information see Consumer Reports.

Cheap Tricks for Child Proofing Your Home

Child proofing your house can be expensive.  There are always homemade tips and tricks to try that will work the same as the expensive in store remedies.  Here is a tip from Diana about using pool noodles for your toddler that likes to open and close doors.

It's no secret that Simon is training to be an champion olympic door-man. He's obsessed with opening and closing doors wherever we go. People always think he's so polite in wanting to hold a door open for others.

At home he loves to close doors, especially those that I need to stay open like our bedroom door and the door to the storage area where the kitty litter boxes are kept. The last thing I want is an issue because one of the cats can't get to the litter box! Anything that we use as a door stop can easily be moved. Even our 10 pound roller coaster wheel can be slid out of the way. That's why I wanted something easy to install that Simon couldn't undo but could be easily removed by us, if need be. 

Introducing my toddler-proof door stopper:

It's a pool noodle that I picked up for a $1. I cut off a piece about 6 inches long and then cut halfway through it to the hollow center. That's it.  Pop it onto the side of your door and voila! No more worries about closed doors or fingers getting pinched. You can probably get about 12 door stops out of one noodle. Look at the big brain on Diana.

For more information see Diana.

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