Wedged between homework and fundraising forms in the kindergarten folder was a letter to parents: It advised us of an upcoming active shooter response drill. Words like armed intruder spread across sentences on school letterhead detailing the session for students. The following week, stuffed between readers, handwriting and math practice papers was a new note addressing the tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue, outlining activities the children would participate in to honor first responders and victims of the tragic event.

I found myself staring at the school papers, formulating a dialogue in my mind. A conversation difficult for adults alone, but now necessary to have with my daughter.

We cover things quickly—I’m lucky to get this five-year-old to sit and focus for just a few minutes. We discuss the ALICE acronym (alert, lockdown, inform, counter, evacuate), and she tells me what she’s responsible for during the event of an active shooting: “We run and hide, throw things at the bad guy and get out.” My stomach turns. Our local police officers equipped with firearms were unable to fully protect themselves from bullets sprayed by the shooter who injured and killed innocent people near Mr. Rogers’ real-life neighborhood—a tight-knit community located across a few steel bridges from us.

This talk is tough. I let her take the lead and let me know what she learned, chiming in with my own what would you do scenario. The most important element I ask my child to take away from our conversation is to always be aware of your surroundings. This message I will ingrain in her mind every time we arrive in a public place. “Look for exits and identify a quick and easy way out in case of emergency. Be aware of where you’re sitting, and if possible, never have your back to the main entrance.” Unsettling, right?

Our conversation isn’t long. She wants a snack and some crayons to color, bored by my big words and requests to repeat after me.

Hearts are heavy, and it’s hard not to notice the sadness surrounding the city of Pittsburgh. I’m shaken knowing my little girl is at school, bowing her head on the playground in a moment of silence. I’m unsure if she fully understands what is going on—reoccurring acts of gun violence are forcing her to grow up too soon.

Our children are being trained to defend themselves. The ALICE acronym is now as important as the ABCs. Our little ones are learning survival skills to run, hide and fight for their lives because dangerous people are hurting others with automatic weapons laws protect.

No matter how much we are divided on politics and personal rights, it’s small acts of kindness that cement us. Writing thank-you notes to first responders, delivering sympathy cards to family members grieving lost ones and donating blood to victims of gun violence show we love and support one another and the communities we live in. For those taking a stand against the evil of intolerance and hate growing around us at an alarming rate, I cannot help but think of Pat Benatar’s song “Invincible.” The battle cry chorus reminds me of every one of us echoing we are #StrongerThanHate.

“We can’t afford to be innocent / Stand up and face the enemy / It’s a do or die situation / We will be invincible.”

Originally published Nov. 2018.

As managing director of two children—19-months apart in age on purpose—Sara has hands-on experience in human development, specializing in potty pushing, breaking up baby fights and wrestling kids into car seats. When there's a moment to look away, she's writing for the web, blogging and building websites.

My husband looks a lot like Jerry Garcia, at least in his “touch of gray” phase. Someone once said that if he were darker, he would look like Frederick Douglass. But most of the time, he gets mistaken for Santa Claus—even if it’s summer and he’s wearing his tie-dye shirt. 

Let’s face it: kids these days don’t know from Jerry Garcia.

Even without the red suit, Dan is perfectly Claus-esque. He has the white hair and beard, the red cheeks, the girth. I won’t compare it to a bowl full of jelly, but it would shake when he laughs if he weren’t holding in his stomach.

Children recognize him everywhere he goes and react accordingly. Just yesterday we were sitting in a doctor’s waiting room and were facing the glass-paneled door to the hallway. Suddenly a little boy’s face with saucer-sized eyes appeared in one of the panes. He darted away and came back with his older brother. While they were staring and ducking, a younger sister appeared. Brave and uninhibited, she waved and blew kisses and tried to work the latch that opened the door. She banged on the glass panel and waved for all she was worth, while her brothers were content to play peek-and-hide. Everyone in the waiting room was enchanted, including us.

However, with great power comes great responsibility. Dan always uses his Santa powers for good. Once at a highway rest stop, he saw—and heard—a toddler screaming incessantly at the top of his small but surprisingly energetic lungs. He walked over to the child and said, “If you don’t calm down, I’ll have to put you on the naughty list.” The screaming stopped immediately and the mother silently mouthed “Thank you.” A job well done.

When it first happened Dan was annoyed. He has since become used to and often enjoys his year-round Christmas magic. Upon meeting two young boys in a restaurant (their mother asked permission first) the kids came up to him to verify that he was, indeed, Mr. Claus, who was apparently slumming at a diner during his off hours.

The boys asserted that they had been very good all year. Dan turned a stern if twinkling eye on them. “You could be a bit nicer to your little brother,” he told the elder. “And you could try a little harder in school,” he advised the younger. “We will, Santa! We will,” they promised. “Okay,” he said. “Now both of you do what your mother says!” as he strolled out of sight.

Being a random Santa actually suits Dan better than being a professional Santa. I understand that the gig pays well, but you can’t get one at a large store or mall without the proper credentials. Those red velvet suits are expensive. And so is professional Santa school, if you can find one in your area. 

Besides, all the fun might be taken out of it if it were a regular though seasonal job. There would be tragic kids—bring my father back, make my mother well. Dan’s an old softie, but there isn’t much to say to that. And there’d still be the everyday difficulties of dealing with terrified children, peeing children and children who ask for a Lamborghini. A real one, not a model.

Besides, I’d make a terrible Mrs. Claus. I look ghastly in red.

Hi! I'm a freelance writer and editor who writes about education, books, cats and other pets, bipolar disorder, and anything else that interests me. I live in Ohio with my husband and a varying number of cats.

The Broadway League announced that Broadway performances in New York City will be suspended through the remainder of 2020 due to COVID-19. They released updated information regarding performance cancellations and ticketing. Broadway theaters are now offering refunds and exchanges for tickets purchased for all performances through Jan. 3, 2021.

Broadway

While continuing to work with city and state officials along with leaders in science, technology and medicine The Broadway league is trying to formulate the best plan to restart the industry. Some of the logistics being reviewed include screening and testing, cleaning and sanitizing, wayfinding in theaters, backstage protocol and much more. 

Returning productions are currently projected to resume performances over a series of rolling dates in early 2021. Tickets for performances for next winter and spring are expected to go on sale in the coming weeks. For regular updates on ticket sales, individual show announcements, performance dates, and more, please check Broadway.org for information as it becomes available.

“The Broadway experience can be deeply personal but it is also, crucially, communal,” said Chairman of the Board of The Broadway League Thomas Schumacher.  “The alchemy of 1000 strangers bonding into a single audience fueling each performer on stage and behind the scenes will be possible again when Broadway theatres can safely host full houses.  Every single member of our community is eager to get back to work sharing stories that inspire our audience through the transformative power of a shared live experience.  The safety of our cast, crew, orchestra and audience is our highest priority and we look forward to returning to our stages only when it’s safe to do so. One thing is for sure, when we return we will be stronger and more needed than ever.”

“Our membership is working closely with the theatrical unions and in concert with key experts and some of the greatest minds inside and outside of the industry to explore protocols for all aspects of reopening. We are focused on identifying and implementing necessary measures that will enable us to resume performances safely for Broadway audiences and employees,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League. “We are determined to bring back the people who rely on this industry for their livelihood, and to welcome back all those who love this vital part of New York City, as soon as it is safe to do so.  As so many of us in the Broadway community have been saying during this time – We’ll be back, and we have so many more stories to tell.”

Those holding tickets for performances through Jan. 3, 2021 will receive an e-mail from their point of purchase with detailed information regarding refund and exchange options. Any customers holding tickets through Jan. 3, 2021 that have not received an e-mail by Jul. 13 are advised to contact their point of purchase for assistance after this date.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Sudan Ouyang on Unsplash

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We parents make the holidays so difficult sometimes, whether it’s dressing the kiddos up in scratchy Christmas outfits, making them wait in long lines for hours, or insisting they sit on some bearded dude’s lap just so we can get our treasured Santa photo. Do they really remember that we go to the same Santa every year? Probably not, but it sure makes for a seriously awesome Christmas tradition. To help minimize the Santa photo stress, we’ve rounded up the best places to seek out your St. Nick nirvana. Choosing the least meltdown-inducing matching Christmas sweaters for your mini-mes? That one’s up to you.

The Ultimate Santa: Downtown Nordstrom

Before there was a Nordstrom Santa, generations of Seattleites would stand in line for hours for a chance to visit with the Frederick & Nelson Santa in downtown Seattle, placing tiny hands on intricate window displays. For the current generation of kiddos, Nordstrom has captured this magic – and then some. Yes, the wait is still long—getting there early in the day and season is highly advised—but now the downtown Nordstrom has eleven rotating Santas on the schedule, including an African-American Santa and an Asian-American Santa. There’s even a Santa that knows ASL (American Sign Language). For special needs kids or large groups, Santa can meet up with you in a private room, away from the hubbub. If any of these preferences sound good to you, be sure to call Santa Lane at 206-628-1000 for additional details (or call him up if your kiddo just needs to hear Santa’s kind voice). In addition to Santa at the Downtown Nordstrom, kids can visit him (with much shorter wait times) at the Nordstroms in Bellevue Square, Southcenter, and Tacoma Mall. All photo packages will be mailed to you once completed; if you want them before Christmas, make sure to visit Santa before December 18. Photo packages range from $21 to $80.

Dates: November 29 – December 24

Downtown Nordstrom
500 Pine Street
Seattle, Wa 98101
206-628-1000

Bellevue Square Nordstrom
100 Bellevue Way SE
Bellevue, Wa 98004
425-455-5800

Southcenter Mall Nordstrom
100 Southcenter Mall
Tukwila, Wa 98188
206-246-0400

Let us know where you take the kiddos for Santa photos every year in a comment below!

–Erin Cranston & Allison Ellis

Photos credits: Fred Jala via Flickr, Katie Christiansen, Space Needle Facebook page, santaphotos.com, Erin Cranston, Heidi Larsen, Danielle Dolbec, Janine Vazquez, Christmas Creek Farm website and Arin Winsor, Wing Luke Museum Facebook page

Our new series A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood will showcase fun itineraries for parents and kid’s adventures in different Bay Area neighborhoods. Read up on where to go at the Red Tri website, then look for our window clings to locate Red Tri-approved businesses when you’re on the ground in the neighborhood! All itineraries are meant to keep kids and adults entertained for about four hours.

Berkeley’s Fourth Street is an oasis of upscale shops and attractive eateries in the formerly industrial neighborhood of the Berkeley marina. It’s a great place to explore with kids, as most of its attractions are within walking distance even for little legs. While you do have to hop in the car to head to Adventure Playground, we assure you kids will think it’s worth it!

Shop: Be sure not to miss the Ark Toys while you’re browsing through the Fourth Street boutiques. This local chain has several outposts in SF and the East Bay, but each is something special. The Fourth Street Ark is known for their awesome train display, which younger kids especially find enchanting.

Eat: Once lunchtime rolls around and wee stomachs start grumbling, you’ll find you’re spoiled for choice of restaurants on Fourth Street. It’s hard to beat Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto for its classic seafood and nautical vibe, however. The main dining room is even wallpapered in boards from an old sailing vessel, which adds an element of adventure to mealtimes. Their kids’ menu is known for having some healthier options, although the San Francisco parent should be advised it’s never too early to ditch the kids’ menu and introduce your child to delicious clam chowder.

Do: When you’re done basking in the quaint atmosphere cultivated on Fourth Street, head one block up to the East Bay Vivarium for an ambiance that’s anything but cute. The East Bay Viv is one of the nation’s oldest and largest herpetological supply stores; for kids (and those of us who don’t speak science) that means they have reptiles! While it isn’t for the faint of heart, a trip to the store is certainly fascinating.

Play: While you can’t walk to the Berkeley Adventure Playground from Fourth Street, it’s only a short car ride away. And since it’s probably the coolest playground in the history of the universe, we recommend you make the trip. The wild playground features a zip line, tire wall, rope swing, and multiple structures, but the kicker is this: designed to get kids creative juices flowing, the adventure playground actually allows them to build and paint on the play structures!

Check out our list of approved businesses in the area for more fun ideas, and let us know about your own Fourth Street adventures in the comments section below!

Red Tricycle Approved Fourth Street:

Shop:
The Ark Toys
Books, Inc.
Castle in the Air
Sweet Potatoes

Eat:
Bette’s Diner
Café M
Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto
Tacubaya

Play:
Adventure Playground
Aquatic Playground

Do:
East Bay Vivarium
Studio Grow