Kid-Approved Activities to Embrace the Holiday Season

Our stockings are finally hung by the fireplace and our twinkling Christmas tree is up — we’re running a little behind our usual schedule of getting it all done before Thanksgiving, but life happens! Now, I’m ready to focus on taking advantage of some of the holiday activities around town and enjoy the season. Before we know it, another Christmas will have gone and our kids will be on their way to turning another year older and less likely to believe in all the magic that comes with being a kid at Christmastime. Those of you already there can sympathize I’m sure… And, so continues my promise to myself to focus on being present (and not so stressed and frenzied) this holiday season.

Above photo: The largest of its kind in the world, this authentic Moravian Star piñata is on display right now at the Omni Montelucia in Scottsdale, Arizona. And, Camelback Mountain is the perfect backdrop!

1 | Breakfast with Santa

The Omni Montelucia started a new tradition this year and is hosting Breakfast with Santa for the Saturdays in December leading up to Christmas Eve. Christina and I attended this last Saturday and had a blast, as well as an incredibly delicious Spanish Christmas feast brunch. Santa was very involved with the kids, talking with them while they enjoyed decorating yummy sugar cookies and creating their own Moravian Star ornament to take home. Of course, Christina had a traditional picture taken with Santa. I love that the setting is more intimate than the mall and no lines! This is the perfect opportunity to check Santa photos off your to-do list and make a special memory with your kids at the same time.

Saturdays in December (9, 16 and 23), 8 to 11 a.m.
$45 per adult and $30 per child ages 6-12 (ages 5 and under are complimentary)
Reservations: 480.627.3111

GIVEAWAY! Head over to the Mom Style Lab Instagram page — we’re giving away free Breakfast with Santa tickets for 1 adult and 1 child (a $75 value), valid for any of the remaining series dates in 2017. Simply click on the same below picture on our Instagram page and follow the directions to sign up. Deadline to enter is December 7th, 2017 at 6pm (Arizona time).

The Omni Montelucia Christmas Tree.

2 | Nutcracker Ballet

Christina in her Nutcracker flower costume.

Attending The Nutcracker Ballet is a holiday tradition for our family… we’ve been going since Christina was 3 years old. So when she was cast as an angel in The Nutcracker last year for the first time, it was extra special. As she said at the time, “It’s always been my dream to be in The Nutcracker!” Don’t you just love it when your kids say things like that?! She’s at it again this year and can’t wait to take the stage at the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix. Uplifting scores by Tchaikovsky, graceful ballerinas, festive Christmas decor — what’s not to love?!

Performances run from Dec. 15-24 at the Orpheum Theatre, both matinee and evening shows available.

DISCOUNT! We have a SUPER deal for you — 50% off Phoenix Ballet Nutcracker tickets!
Discount code: MBA 
Head to the Phoenix Ballet website to purchase tickets for the best remaining seats and before they sell out.

Photo Credit: BMC Photography

3 | Holiday Tea at The Phoenician

The lobby at The Phoenician — tea is served right off of the lobby. Photo Credit: The Phoenician website

Afternoon tea at The Phoenician is special any time of the year, but the gorgeous Christmas decor in the resort lobby sets a magical holiday scene. It’s the perfect opportunity for mommy-daughter time. Christina and I love getting dressed up and noshing on their yummy finger sandwiches, scones and holiday treats. Of course, champagne can be added for moms — a must-do this time of year! And, if your days leading up to Christmas are filled – good news! Holiday Tea runs through December 30th. We’re going after Christmas this year because, frankly, I’m out of free days!

Held daily from 2-3 in the afternoon through December 30th.
(In January, regular Afternoon Tea resumes.)
Reservations: 480.423.2530

Visit The Phoenician website for more details.

4 | Yappy Hour Howl’day Party

Photo Credit: Jacqueline Hanna Photography

The other event at the Omni Montelucia we have on our list this year is Yappy Hour with Santa. We can’t wait to take our sweet Bella to meet the big guy in her cute Mrs. Claus dress, natch. There’s even a contest for the most-festive-dressed pup and the winner will take home a special box of Harry Barker treats, toys and picture frames. Plus, the winner’s mom or dad receives a bottle of Montelucia wine! Oh, and each guest will get a complimentary glass of wine at the event. We’re in!

Wednesday, December 13th from 5:30-7:30 pm
Crave Café at the Montelucia, $15 per guest

5 | Disneyland Holidays

Disneyland at the holidays is a family must-do at some point. Do it before your kids get older and move past the stage of believing in all things Disney and Christmas. It’s so worth the trip. Disneyland and California Adventure are both decorated for the holidays by mid-November (before Thanksgiving), so if you can’t make it happen this year, add it to your list for 2018. Read all about my 12 Tips for Doing Disneyland Right at the Holidays.

Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas!!

xo
Angela

More photos from Breakfast with Santa at the beautiful Omni Montelucia. Because sometimes it’s hard to choose what gets included in a story!



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