You waited 9 months and baby is finally here. And even though you’re ready to have fun with that little bundle, baby—not so much (especially during those first few months). But in between the diaper changes, naps, and feedings, you and your little one can find time to play simple games that benefit baby’s development. Playing helps babies learn about the world and develop new motor skills and social skills. The key is knowing at what age they’re ready for baby games like peekaboo and blowing bubbles. Here’s an age-by-age guide for the best games to play with babies at different times during their first year.
Games for Babies: 0-3 Months
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1. Imitation Game
Your face is your baby’s favorite thing to look at. Keep it about a foot away from your newborn so they see you properly, and then stick out your tongue or form an O with your mouth. Before you know it, baby will copy you. Bonus points for making silly noises to go along with your expressions.
2. Singing
Newborns might not be able to see you from across the room, but they can hear you, and they recognize (and love) your voice. Sing a lullaby or “Wheels on the Bus,” belt out your favorite song or commercial jingle, or make up a song about your daily activities. It doesn’t matter if you’re out of tune, your voice gives your baby comfort and joy.
3. Flashcards
While even the smartest newborn nerd isn’t ready for math or reading flashcards yet, simple images from cards or books get their attention. Black and white images, simple patterns and bright colors are easiest for them to see at this age. They also love images of other babies. All you have to do is hold up the card, point at the picture, and talk about the image. Or put it down in front of them to explore during tummy time.
4. Hanging Toys
Your little one might not be reaching out for toys yet, but looking at them is one of their favorite baby games. Hang a mobile above the crib or find an activity gym with hanging toys and lay baby on their back to enjoy. Baby-safe mirrors are great, too. Babies won’t know it’s their face, but that won’t dampen their enthusiasm for staring at it or reaching out for it.
5. Repetitive Routine
While the endless cycle of eating, burping, sleeping, diapers and baths may not be thrilling for you, it’s your baby’s whole world. Add some fun to the routine by singing a song during bath time, dancing after a diaper change, or stopping to look at framed photos of family members. Whatever you do, the key is doing it consistently.
Your little one is a bit more responsive at this age. Change up those simple newborn activities for slightly more interactive baby games. This is a great time to introduce games like “This Little Piggy.” They don’t require independent movement from baby, but kids find the story super fun.
7. Moving Tummy Time
Put tummy time in motion to mix things up. Once your baby has pretty good head control, lay them on their stomach on a small blanket. Then slowly pull them around the room. Make motor or train noises for even more silly fun.
8. Blowing Bubbles
You don’t need to wait until baby’s old enough to chase after bubbles to introduce then. At this age, babies are starting to see better, so they will be fascinated with the moving rainbows of bubbles. Blow the bubbles near them but not directly at them to keep the soap out of their eyes.
9. Echo Noises
When your baby makes a happy noise, make one back. If they blow bubbles with their lips, blow some back. You’ll get big smiles real quick from this imitation game.
10. How Big Is Baby?
It’s amazing how fast those early months fly by. Your six-month-old will seem huge in comparison with how little they were just a few months ago, making the classic “How Big Is Baby?” game all the more poignant. To play, hold baby’s hands and ask in a sweet voice, “How big is baby?” Then put their hands up over their head and say, “This big!” Mix it up by replacing “big” with different adjectives smart, sweet, etc.
Games for Babies: 7-9 Months
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11. Patty Cake
You don’t need to retire those songs from the newborn stage, but continue to up the game with tunes that have motions and finger play to go along with them. Start by showing the motions to songs like “Patty Cake,” “Itsy-Bitsy Spider” and “Wheels on the Bus.” You can also help babies do the motions with their hands.
12. Peekaboo
By now your baby is beginning to have an understanding of object permanence, knowing that when things are out of sight, they aren’t gone forever. If your little one hasn’t already discovered the joy that is peekaboo, this is the perfect time to try it out. Hide your face behind your hands, hide baby’s face behind your hands, or pop out from behind a door or curtain. You can also hide or partially hide objects (like putting a musical toy under a blanket) to see if your child will look for them.
13. Flying Baby
At this age, your baby should have enough control and strength for some flying time on your knees. Lay flat on your back or slightly propped up on a pillow. Use your bent legs to support your baby’s body, hold their hands, and gently fly them around. You can go up and down, side-to-side or a combination of the two. Sound effects and silly songs are mandatory with this activity.
14. Roll the Ball
Once your child is able to sit, sit across from them and roll a ball toward them. At first, baby probably won’t roll it back, but they might pick it up and play with it or chew on it. When they lose interest in the ball, pick it up and roll it back to them to start the game over. Eventually, they’ll be rolling it back to you.
Nothing is more fun for your older baby than taking things out of a box and putting them back in. Fill a box or bin with a combination of balls, soft blocks, small books, scarves or baby-safe household items like a wooden spatula. Look for objects that have different textures and are big enough not to be choking hazards. Show your child how to take things out of the box and put them back in. It won’t be long before they’re dumping out and rearranging every box they can get their hands on, not to mention your purse and diaper backpack.
16. Obstacle Course
Let the baby games begin! Chances are your little explorer is on the move, or ready to be soon. Whether scooting, crawling, walking or full-on climbing, a baby-appropriate pillow obstacle course is a good energy burner. Set out couch cushions or pillows all around the floor. Demonstrate how to climb over, around or peek under them and then watch your kid go.
17. Dance Time
There are so many ways to enjoy dancing with your baby. You don’t have to stick to baby music; play your favorite tunes if you’d like. Sit on the floor together and bop your head and body or pretend to play an instrument. Baby might not be ready for air guitar yet, but it won’t take much prompting to get them bopping along to the beat. You can also hold baby in your arms and spin in slow circles or sway back and forth. Or sit them in your lap and bounce them on your knees in time to the music.
18. Stack & Attack
Stacking cups, stacking rings and blocks are a favorite for your almost one-year-old. In fact, any items that can be put on top of one another and knocked back down without breaking are fair game. Try plastic storage containers, empty yogurt containers, or small boxes and bring in your little destructor to hulk-smash them down.
19. Bath Splash
A few plastic cups, clean sponges and washcloths add baby thrills to the nightly bath. Use the cups to show how they can be filled with water and them emptied. Squeeze the sponges and washcloths on baby’s belly. Show baby how to smack the water to make a big noise.
20. Make Noisemakers
Fill a clear plastic container with dry beans or rice. Give it a shake and roll it along the floor to show your baby how to make music with it. Add a few colored pom poms to the container to make the shaking even more interesting for your baby.
Got a paper plate? If so, you can easily make this fun instrument
Give your kids a crash course in music appreciation, and fill an afternoon with creative fun by helping them make a DIY tambourine. Scroll down to find out what you’ll need (a few supplies and lots of imagination!) to make this paper plate tambourine, and your baby Beethovens will be hosting their own jam sessions in no time. Feeling crafty? Check out these other homemade instruments that actually work.
What You’ll Need to Make a DIY Tambourine
1. Stiff paper plates (we used Chinet lunch plates)
2. Curling ribbon— any color
3. Silver jingle bells
4. Marker pens
5. Stickers
6. Scissors
7. Fishing line
8. Hot glue gun (parental supervision required)
9. Hole punch
Design the Paper Plate Tambourine
Let your kids design their own tambourine using markers and stickers. Each plate will be a side of the instrument.
Assemble the DIY Tambourine
Step One
Measure and punch along the edge of the two paper plates. One spot at a time, use a pen to line up the location of the holes on each side of the tambourine.
Step Two
Using the fishing line, thread two jingle bells through each hole. Continue until every punched hole has two bells strung tightly.
Step Three
Curl strips of ribbon with the scissors and then using just a dab of hot glue, insert and secure the strips to the bottom of the tambourine.
Play the Tambourine
They’ll love the impromptu jam session that occurs right after the project is complete!
Everything you need to know about Christmas tree pick up service, recycling your tree and even recycling those Christmas tree lights
It was a holly, jolly Christmas admiring your perfect pine, but now it’s time to give back to Mother Nature and recycle your Christmas tree. It’s super easy to be green by recycling your Christmas tree to help aid the growth of new plants. Read on for the details on how to best bid farewell to your fir via Christmas tree recycling. We even tell you how to recycle your Christmas lights.
What You Need to Know Before You Recycle Your Tree
First, prepare your real Christmas tree for recycling by removing all lights, tinsel, ornaments, garland, nails, wire, the tree stand and any additional decorations or non-organic materials. Basically, your tree should be as bare as if it was still in the forest.
Good to Know: Flocked trees (with fake snow) are accepted for recycling through the city of San Diego, but artificial trees may not be recycled.
Christmas Tree Pick Up: Curbside Collection Service
If you’re a San Diego County resident with yard waste collection service, you can have your tree picked up on your designated yard waste collection day. Be sure to cut trees that are over four feet long in half, or cut as much as necessary so your tree fits into your recycling container.
Note: don’t use paper or plastic bags to contain your yard waste/tree because the bags contaminate the mulch and compost that’s made from recycling this greenery.
You may also see below on where to haul your tree directly to Miramar Greenery for recycling.
Mr. Jingle's Christmas Tree Removal Service
Mr. Jingle's offers a tree removal service wherein they'll come to your house, remove the water from your tree, take your tree to be recycled and even vacuum inside before they go. Just make sure you've removed all of the ornaments and lights from your tree before they arrive.
Check with your local Boy Scout troop to see if they’re offering curbside pick-up to recycle Christmas trees in their vicinity. Many troops will ask for a small donation $5-$10 to pick-up your tree in front of your house and you simply leave the donation in an envelope attached to the tree.
Where to Take Your Christmas Tree to Be Recycled
From Dec. 26-Jan. 23 San Diego city residents only can take Christmas trees to be recycled (during daylight hours only) at the following locations:
Carmel Valley: Carmel Valley Recreation Center, 3777 Townsgate Dr., lower parking lot
Encanto: Cielo Dr. at Woodman St.
Golden Hill: Golden Hill Recreation Center, 2600 Golf Course Dr.
La Jolla: Kate Sessions Memorial Park, Mt. Soledad Rd.
Logan Heights: Memorial Recreation Center, 2902 Marcy Ave.
Miramar: Miramar Landfill & Greenery Recycling,Convoy St. (north of state Route 52)
Mission Bay: Sea World Dr. at Pacific Hwy.
Mountain View: Ocean View Blvd. at 40th St. (north side)
Oak Park: Chollas Lake, 6350 College Grove Dr., in Gloria’s Mesa parking lot
Ocean Beach: Robb Field Recreation Center, 2525 Bacon St.
Otay Mesa/Nestor: Montgomery Waller Community Park (lower parking lot on the southeast corner of Palm Ave. & Beyer Blvd.)
Rancho Bernardo: Rancho Bernardo Recreation Center, 18448 W. Bernardo Dr.
Rancho Penasquitos: Canyonside Recreation Center, 12350 Black Mountain Rd.
San Diego State University: Parking Lot 17C off Alvarado Rd.
Scripps Ranch: Scripps Ranch Recreation Center, 11454 Blue Cypress Dr.
Tierrasanta: Tierrasanta Community Park, pool parking lot, 11220 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
University City: Standley Community Park, parking lot, 3585 Governor Dr.
After Jan. 23rd you can recycle your tree and other household greens at Miramar Greenery, where trees are accepted throughout the year. The facility accepts regular trees and flocked trees at the following location:
Miramar Greenery (inside the Miramar Landfill, North of state Route 52) 5180 Convoy St. San Diego
The City of Escondido also offers two drop-off locations for tree recycling and curbside tree pick-up with your regular greens collection Dec 26.-Jan 11.
Look for the signs at each drop-off location and place your tree in the large recycling containers provided.
Kit Carson Park: 3333 Bear Valley Parkway, South entrance, first parking lot on right, across from adult softball complex
Jesmond Dene Park: 2401 North Broadway, parking lot next to ball fields
How to Recycle or Donate Your Christmas Lights
Visit Waste Free San Diego and enter your zip code to see where you can donate or recycle holiday lights you no longer want. Enter the term “Christmas lights” in the find an item section to begin your search.
You may also visit HolidayLEDS online to take part in their Christmas light recycling program. Simply ship them your lights anytime, year round, and they’ll email you a coupon to use at HolidayLEDs.com for LED Christmas lights once they receive your shipment and you complete the short Christmas light recycling form.
Ask Alexa to pump up the holiday spirit and amuse your family using these fun Amazon Alexa Christmas skills
Want to keep the kids happy and entertained for the rest of the season? Let Alexa delight the children like your own personal holiday elf! All you have to do is ask. We’ve rounded up a few awesome Alexa Christmas skills to make your days and nights with the kids merry and bright—and hopefully out of your hair for a few minutes while “Santa” finishes wrapping all those gifts.
Need some help filling your playlist with Christmas songs? Using the iHeartRadio skill, iHeart Santa, kids can answer a series of questions posed by Santa to have a custom-curated list of holiday songs created for them.
“Alexa, play Christmas music.”
Nothing helps lift your spirits like some jolly Christmas tunes. Just say the word and Alexa will cue up your favorite songs of the season through Amazon Music. Even if you don’t happen to be a Prime Member, you can just enable the Christmas Radio skill and ask Alexa to play it. Bonus tip: ask Alexa to sing you a Christmas carol and the kids will love the response.
"Alexa, open Christmas Song Quiz."
Are you a Christmas Carol master? Step right up and test your knowledge. Alexa will read you lines from Christmas songs and ask you to guess the song titles, or ask you to finish the line. How many can you guess?
“Alexa, ask Christmas Countdown how long until Santa comes.”
If your excited tots wake up each morning in December wondering if Christmas has finally arrived, Alexa can help them keep track with the Christmas Countdown skill.
"Alexa, turn the Christmas tree lights on.”
Whether you want to be able to turn your Christmas lights on and off remotely or you’re hoping to light your home up like you're in the Great Christmas Light Fight, Alexa can help. Plug any light strand into an Alexa-compatible smart outlet and you can control them using your voice. If you want to get a little fancier, you can upgrade to Alexa-compatible smart Christmas lights that can be programmed with specific effects.
Want an easy way to help your kids understand the importance of giving and helping others? Alexa can help with the Christmas Kindness skill. When you enable the skill Alexa will prompt you with suggestions on random acts of kindness.
With so many ways to engage in holiday festivities with Alexa, this home assistant may as well be your very own "keep the kiddos busy" advent calendar for the whole month of December!
“Alexa, play Santa Claus.”
Want a direct line to the big man? Alexa has the hook-up. Kids can say "Alexa, ask Santa Claus if I'm naughty or nice" to find out which list they’ve made after being quizzed on a series of questions on their behavior.
“Alexa, start The Night Before Christmas.”
Get the kids ready for bed and those sugar plum visions with the classic tale of how Santa and his reindeer arrive. Alexa also has some other holiday stories up her sleeve.
“Alexa, play Christmas sounds.”
If you need a break from "Rudolph" and "Jingle Bells" but still want to fill your home with the sounds of the season, you can enable the Christmas sounds skill and Alexa will spread the holiday cheer with sounds like bells ringing and horse hooves clomping.
Speaking of Christmas Eve, if you want to get those kids off to bed so you can enjoy some quiet time and a glass of wine, convince them that Santa is on his way by enabling the NORAD Tracks Santa skill.
Don't worry, Alexa won't spoil all the Christmas magic. If anything, the home assistant has you covered by answering all those difficult questions you might not be ready to answer this year. Some other challenging Christmas questions Alexa can answer include “How old is Santa Claus?” and “What is the true meaning of Christmas?”
“Alexa, tell me some Christmas jokes.”
Everyone loves a good old cheesy joke, especially about Christmas. There are lots of great Christmas jokes and riddles out there and Alexa knows plenty of them. See how much Alexa can make you laugh!
The 2022 guide to buying a Christmas tree in San Diego is here—whether you’re looking for a pre-cut tree or a U-cut Christmas tree—it’s all inside
Christmas tree farms have that magic ability to instantly ignite memory-making opportunities and put a smile on your kiddos’ face. Most lots and farms offer real Christmas trees for sale the day after Thanksgiving and is considered the unofficial kick-off to holiday celebrations before visiting San Diego holiday lights, taking a photo with Santa, and of course, attending all those must-see nearby holiday events. These family-owned, U-cut Christmas tree farms know how to make the journey of tree-picking merry and bright. From full-service Christmas tree farms near San Diego to our favorite San Diego Christmas tree lots—here’s where to pick the perfect pine (or fir!) near San Diego.
This ten-acre, family-owned farm in El Cajon offers native California Monterey Pine trees and also provide the saw for cutting and the twine to secure the tree to your car. In addition to the U-cut Christmas tree experience, there’s an abundance of pre-cut tree varieties (Douglas, Grand, Noble & Nordmann Fir) as well as potted trees (including Rosemary) and wreaths to choose from. Shaking is free, and for a small fee, netting and stands are available as well. Don't forget to pick up your mistletoe and cinnamon brooms here too!
The drive to Sand Haven Pines Christmas Tree Farm in Perris is worth the time and effort. Here you can cut down your pick of a beautiful Monterey Pine tree, the kids get a free candy cane and you'll get a free cup of coffee. If you need a hand, the staff will also cut and carry your tree, shake it clean, net it for transport, drill a hold in it for the tree stand, install the tree stand, flock your tree if desired, and even tie it to your car for the trip home. A variety of potted Christmas trees are also available—so you can plant it in your yard after the holidays and enjoy it forever. Don't forget to print out the discount coupon found on their website.
Tree cutting and wine? Yes, please! Check out this Ramona farm where there's also a whimsical winery on-site—the Principe di Tricase Winery where you can taste wine by the glass or the bottle. They have Monterey Pine and Leyland Cypress varieties with sizes ranging from 3 to over 12 foot tall trees, and once you've picked your perfect pine or fir, you can cut it down yourself or, they’ll come cut it for you. In addition to cutting your tree, they offer shaking, drilling and netting for free. There's also a petting zoo, small train ride, children's workshops, hot cider, mulled wine, coffee and hot cocoa bombs, and live music on the weekends.
Another Ramona-based Christmas tree farm, this spot has been doling out Christmas trees for the past ten years. In addition to Grand, Doublas, Nobels, and Frazier firs that are trucked down from Oregon, you can cut your own Monterey Pine Christmas tree on the farm. They provide handsaws but you can also call in an expert to help or cut it down for you. If you like the idea of a potted Christmas tree (you can plant it after the holidays if you'd like), they have Monterey, Aleppo and Deodar Cedar varieties. Netting is available for $2.
Mr. Jingle's Christmas Trees is a pop-up tree lot as opposed to a farm, but if you're not up for chopping down your tree this year, this is a great place to pick out a fresh Christmas tree closer to home. With three locations in San Diego: Clairemont/Pacific Beach, Balboa Park, and La Jolla, there are plenty of options to pick up your Christmas tree nearby. Mr. Jingle's offers Douglas, Nordmann, and Noble firs in a wide variety of sizes (from 2-to-17-feet), as well as wreaths, garland and decorating accessories. They also offer online ordering and tree delivery or pick-up.
Another pop-up Christmas tree lot, Pinery Christmas Tree lots are conveniently located all over San Diego in Bonita, Del Mar Horsepark, Rancho Bernardo, Murrieta, and Mission Valley. This year they're offering the options to shop on location or to opt for home delivery. Here you'll find fresh cut Nordmann, Noble, Grand and Douglas fir varieties. Make sure to print their $5 off coupon from their website.
Locations: Bonita, Del Mar Horsepark, Rancho Bernardo, Murrieta, and Mission Valley Online:pinerychristmastrees.com
Tips For a Successful U-Cut Christmas Tree Experience
If you usually get your tree from a lot but are ready to head out into the field, we’ve got a few tips for you:
1. Leave the compact car at home and instead bring the family truck or SUV to accommodate your freshly chopped tree. Bring a tarp, old sheet or blanket to put in the trunk to catch the needles and sap. You can also put the sheet to use on the roof of your car if you are going to tie it down.
2. Most farms have some rope or twine but it never hurts to bring your own to make sure you can tie it down securely before you head home. Even if it costs extra, spring for the wrapping on-site if the farm offers this service.
3. Bring snacks and water. Cutting down your own tree is some serious sweaty business, so be sure to eat and stay hydrated (for both kids and adults).
4. The farms usually provide a small hand saw for your use. If you have a better tool at home, bring it.
5. Charge those phones and cameras because you’re going to want to capture this family tradition.
The company has just released its Countdown to Christmas Lineup and the festivities start as early as Oct. 21! Not only that, get ready to settle in for a new batch of Miracles of Christmas Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Lineup, too!
Here’s the complete list of all the upcoming movie and their descriptions (thank you, Hallmark Channel!) so you can start planning all those festive movie nights.
Countdown to Christmas Lineup
(All premieres are at 8PM EST unless otherwise noted.)
The Christmas CEO, 2021 (Hallmark)
Friday, October 21: Noel Next Door
Starring: Natalie Hall (Charmed), Corey Sevier (Immortals)
A hard-working, single mom gets into a war of words with a neighbor who she feels is ruining Christmas, only to find that this misunderstood grouch just may steal her heart.
Saturday, October 22: We Wish You a Married Christmas
Starring: Marisol Nichols (Riverdale), Kristoffer Polaha (Jurassic World Dominion)
Becca and Robby are a married couple having a hard time connecting with each other as the holidays approach. Just before Christmas, they head to a cozy Vermont inn at the advice of their marriage coach so they can recharge. Their weekend away gets unexpectedly extended when a mishap puts their car out of commission and just may put them on the road to a very happily married Christmas.
Sunday, October 23: A Kismet Christmas
Starring: Sarah Ramos (Parenthood), Carlo Marks (Chesapeake Shores), Marilu Henner (Taxi)
Sarah is a children's book author who returns to her hometown, where she reconnects with her family and Travis, her teenage crush. She soon discovers that a long-held family legend might actually be true.
Friday, October 28: A Cozy Christmas Inn
Starring: Jodie Sweetin (Fuller House), David O'Donnell (In Search of Fellini)
Real estate exec Erika, travels to Alaska during Christmastime to acquire a bed and breakfast, only to discover that it's owned by her ex. While there, she finds herself falling in love with the town and quite possibly him.
Saturday, October 29: Jolly Good Christmas
Starring: Reshma Shetty (Blindspot), Will Kemp (Christmas Waltz)
David is an American architect who recently moved to London for a prime opportunity in a prestigious firm. With just three days before Christmas, he crosses paths with Anji, a professional shopper, who raises an eyebrow over his choice of a gift card for his girlfriend. David ultimately decides to hire Anji and, thanks to a series of unexpected events, finds himself on a wild adventure across Jolly Old London as Anji helps him search for the perfect present.
Sunday, October 30: Ghosts of Christmas Always
Starring: Kim Matula (LA to Vegas), Ian Harding (Pretty Little Liars), Beth Leavel (This Is Where I Leave You), Lori Tan Chinn (Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens), Reginald VelJohnson (Die Hard, Family Matters)
Katherine is a Ghost of Christmas Present and she must help one soul, Peter, rediscover his Christmas spirit. But this year has something unusual in store.
Friday, November 4, 2022: A Magical Christmas Village
Starring: Alison Sweeney (Days of Our Lives), Luke Macfarlane (Bros), Marlo Thomas (That Girl)
When Summer's mother Vivian moves in with her and her young daughter Chloe, her orderly existence is upended. Upon arrival, Vivian sets up an heirloom miniature Christmas village resembling their town, and tells Chloe it grants Christmas wishes. As Chloe begins setting up the figurines, real-life events seem to mimic the scenes she creates. With a little help from the magic of the Christmas village, the family will be brought closer together and just maybe, Summer will learn to open her heart to love again.
Saturday, November 5, 2022: Lights, Camera, Christmas!
Starring: Kimberley Sustad (Travelers), John Brotherton (Fuller House)
When a holiday rom-com movie shooting in her town needs a costume designer, Kerry, a local shop owner, steps into the role. While working on the movie, she rediscovers her passion for costume design and finds herself falling for Brad, the film's famous leading man.
Sunday, November 6, 2022: All Saints Christmas
Starring: Ledisi (Selma), Roger Cross (Murdoch Mysteries)
Lisette is a popular R&B singer who's getting ready to travel home to New Orleans for Christmas. When the media mistake a photo of her with her music producer ex as an engagement announcement, her family insists that he join her on the trip.
Friday, November 11, 2022: In Merry Measure
Starring:Patti Murin (Frozen, Chicago Med), Brendan Penny (Chesapeake Shores), Jennifer Robertson (Schitt's Creek)
When pop star Darcy returns home to spend Christmas with her sister and niece, she unexpectedly finds herself coaching the high school choir with her one time rival, Adam.
Starring: Rachel Skarsten (Batwoman), Dan Jeannotte (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), Greta Scacchi (The Terror)
Claire is an MI5 agent who goes undercover as the royal nanny. She must overcome the challenges of her assignment, like resisting the charms of Prince Colin, while keeping the family safe at Christmas.
Sunday, November 13, 2022: Christmas at the Golden Dragon
Starring:Kara Wang (Good Trouble), Osric Chau (The Flash), Sara Canning (Nancy Drew), Antonio Cupo (Blood & Treasure), Barbara Niven (Chesapeake Shores)
When Romy and Rick's parents surprise them with the news that they will be closing the Chinese restaurant they have owned and operated for decades, the siblings each find themselves reevaluating their futures. Also impacted by the news are the landmark restaurant's loyal patrons and staff, who have all come to depend on the restaurant over the holidays.
Friday, November 18, 2022: Inventing the Christmas Prince
Starring: Tamera Mowry-Housley (The Santa Stakeout), Ronnie Rowe Jr. (The Porter)
Shelby is about to quit her job as a rocket engineer when her daughter becomes convinced that her Scrooge-like boss, Evan, is the Christmas Prince from a story Shelby invented years ago.
Saturday, November 19, 2022: Three Wise Men and a Baby
Starring: Paul Campbell (Turner & Hooch), Tyler Hynes (Letterkenny), Andrew Walker (Merry & Bright), Margaret Colin (Chicago Med)
Three brothers get the surprise of their lives when they are forced to work together to care for a baby over the holidays. As they slowly get the hang of things, they find themselves on unexpected journeys of self-discovery and begin to rebuild their relationships as brothers, as well as the damaged romantic and professional relationships in their respective lives…all while rediscovering their love of Christmas.
Sunday, November 20, 2022: When I Think of Christmas
Starring: Shenae Grimes-Beech (The Detail), Niall Matter (The Predator), Beth Broderick (Sabrina the Teenage Witch)
Sara Thompson returns to her hometown to help her mother move and is surprised to find her ex-boyfriend Josh Hartman is back home. The two had once planned a life in music together but Sara left to study law. The former flames slowly reconnect and try to heal wounds, both old and new. When Sara makes a surprising discovery, she and Josh forge a bold plan for the upcoming Christmas concert that will lead them all back to their musical roots and make this a holiday to remember.
Thursday, November 24, 2022: My Southern Family Christmas – premieres at 8p ET/PT
Starring: Jaicy Elliot (Grey's Anatomy), Bruce Campbell (Ash vs Evil Dead), Ryan Rottman (Guidance), Moira Kelly (The Cutting Edge,), Brian McNamara (Magnum P.I.)
Under the guise of a journalist, Campbell has a chance to get to know her biological father for the first time – without him ever knowing who she really is. As she spends time with him and his family, as well as with the town's record keeper, she realizes that families are messy, wonderful things. In the end, Campbell must decide if she's going to keep her identity a secret or reveal the truth to her father – a decision that will change their family Christmas forever.
Friday, November 25, 2022: #Xmas – premieres at 6p ET/PT
Starring: Clare Bowen (Nashville), Brant Daugherty (Pretty Little Liars)
When Jen gets the chance to enter a brand's design contest, she poses as a family influencer, enlisting the help of her best friend, Max, and her baby nephew. When her video is selected as a finalist, Jen is torn on whether to go on with her perfect "family" or reveal the truth.
Friday, November 25, 2022: A Royal Corgi Christmas– premieres at 8p ET/PT
Starring: Hunter King (Life in Pieces), Jordan Renzo (The Spanish Princess)
Reluctant Crown Prince Edmond returns home just before Christmas in anticipation of being named successor to the throne. To ingratiate himself to his mother the Queen, he gifts her with "Mistletoe", a rambunctious Corgi in need of some serious training. After several doggy disasters, Edmond turns to Cecily, a canine behavior expert from America for help –but to his great surprise, Cecily demands that he take an active part in the daily dog training sessions. Sparks fly between them as the pair work together to get Mistletoe ready to present at the annual Christmas Ball. Just as the precious pup captures their hearts, they discover that love can grow in the most unexpected places, leading them to question what they really want.
Saturday, November 26, 2022: A Tale of Two Christmases – premieres at 6p ET/PT
Starring: Kat Barrell (Wynonna Earp), Chandler Massey (Days of our Lives), Evan Roderick (Arrow)
Thanks to some Christmas magic, Emma gets to experience two different Christmases – one where she stays in the city and celebrates with a new crush and his friends, and one where she returns home for all the traditions with her family…and Drew, a longtime friend who may have feelings for her. Emma's double holiday ultimately helps her discover what will truly make her happy in life as well as in love.
Saturday, November 26, 2022: Haul Out the Holly – premieres at 8p ET/PT
Starring: Lacey Chabert (The Wedding Veil), Wes Brown (Sweet Pecan Summer), Ellen Travolta (Charles in Charge), Peter Jacobson (House), Melissa Peterman (Reba), Stephen Tobolowsky (One Day at a Time, Spaceballs)
Emily arrives home, hoping to visit her parents, only to discover that they are leaving on a trip of their own. As she stays at their house for the holidays, their HOA is determined to get Emily to participate in the neighborhood's many Christmas festivities.
Hallmark
Sunday, November 27, 2022: A Christmas Cookie Catastrophe – premieres at 6p ET/PT
Starring: Rachel Boston (SEAL Team), Victor Webster (Workin' Moms)
Annie Cooper has big shoes to fill when she takes over as CEO of her late grandmother's smalltown cookie company and is doing her best to help their struggling business get back on track. That task gets more daunting when her grandmother's secret recipe is stolen during the Christmas party. As Annie tries to crack the case and uncover the culprit she works with Sam, the owner of a local bakery, to recreate the recipe in the hope of saving the company and her job. As Annie and Sam bake batch after batch in pursuit of the perfect one, they begin to learn that their lives go together like milk and cookies.
Sunday, November 27, 2022: A Holiday Spectacular – premieres at 8p ET/PT
Starring: Ginna Claire Mason (Wicked), Derek Klena (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), Eve Plumb (The Brady Bunch), Ann-Margret (Bye Bye Birdie, The Kominsky Method) Featuring the Radio City Rockettes
In 1958, Maggie is an heiress from Philadelphia who puts her high-society wedding plans on hold in order to sneak up to New York City and make her secret dream come true: dancing live on stage in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall.
Friday, December 2, 2022: A Big Fat Family Christmas
Starring: Shannon Chan-Kent (Woke), Shannon Kook (The 100), Tia Carrere (Wayne's World), Jack Wagner (When Calls the Heart)
Liv is a photojournalist eager to make it on her own. To get a dream assignment – shooting the Chang family's annual holiday party for a cover story – she doesn't reveal that they are in fact, her family. When she finds herself growing close to Henry, the coworker covering the story with her, she wants to confide in him but doesn't want to jeopardize her big break.
Saturday, December 3, 2022: A Fabled Holiday
Starring: Brooke D'Orsay (Royal Pains), Ryan Paevey (General Hospital)
Talia and her childhood best friend Anderson unexpectedly reunite in a curiously familiar looking town full of Christmas spirit that restores its visitors when they need it most.
Sunday, December 4, 2022: Undercover Holiday
Starring: Noemi Gonzalez (Selena: The Series), Stephen Huszar (Tribal)
When returning home for the holidays, newly minted pop star Jaylen tells her protective family that Matt is her new beau, when in reality, he's her overzealous security guard.
Friday, December 9, 2022: The Most Colorful Time of the Year
Starring: Katrina Bowden (30 Rock), Christopher Russell (Day of the Dead)
Ryan is an elementary school teacher, who learns that he is colorblind. Michelle, an optometrist and mother of one of his students, helps bring color into his life in time for the holidays.
Saturday, December 10, 2022: Christmas Class Reunion
Starring: Aimee Teegarden (Friday Night Lights), Tanner Novlan (The Bold and the Beautiful)
High school classmates, who once dubbed themselves the "cursed class," reconnect at Christmas for their 15-year reunion. Over the course of their time reconnecting, the classmates challenge each other to remember who they were, who they are, and who they want to be.
Sunday, December 11, 2022: The Holiday Sitter
Starring: Jonathan Bennett (The Christmas House, Mean Girls), George Krissa (Road Trip Romance), Chelsea Hobbs (Poisoned in Paradise: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery)
Sam is a workaholic bachelor who babysits his niece and nephew before the holidays when his sister and her husband have to go out of town. Completely out of his element, he recruits help from their handsome neighbor Jason and finds himself in an unexpected romance.
Friday, December 16, 2022: Holiday Heritage
Starring: Lyndie Greenwood (Sleepy Hollow), Brooks Darnell (The Young and the Restless), Holly Robinson Peete (Our Christmas Journey,)
Ella returns to her hometown to mend fences with her fractured family. With the help of Griffin, her ex-boyfriend, she encourages her family to celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa and to heal their past wounds before it's too late.
Saturday, December 17, 2022: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
A former actress trying to break into directing tests her skills with a town's annual Christmas Eve courtroom production in which the true authorship of the famous poem "A Visit from St. Nick" is debated.
Sunday, December 18, 2022: Hanukkah on Rye
Starring: Jeremy Jordan (Supergirl), Yael Grobglas (Jane the Virgin), Lisa Loeb
A matchmaker connects Molly and Jacob, but their new romance is put to the test when they realize that they are competing deli owners. Will a Hanukkah miracle keep them together?
Miracles of Christmas Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Lineup
(Premiere times are 10:00pm ET/PT)
A Christmas Treasure, 2021 (Hallmark)
Saturday, October 22: We Need a Little Christmas
Starring: Erica Durance (Supergirl), Patrick Sabongui (The Flash), Lynn Whitfield (Greenleaf)
Julie is adjusting to being a single mother to a grieving child while facing her first Christmas without her husband when she develops an unexpected friendship with her older neighbor Irene.
Saturday, October 29: Christmas Bedtime Stories
Starring: Erin Cahill (Every Time a Bell Rings), Steve Lund (Schitt's Creek), Charlie Weber ("How to Get Away with Murder)
When Danielle's husband goes missing in action during his deployment, she is left to raise her daughter on her own. Three years later, as she acclimates to life without him, she begins to tell her daughter bedtime stories of her father.
Saturday, November 5, 2022: A Maple Valley Christmas
Starring: Peyton List (Star Trek: Picard, Mad Men), Andrew Walker (Dying for Chocolate: A Curious Caterer Mystery)
Erica is a rancher who has spent her whole life working the family farm with her mother and sister. When Aaron arrives and disrupts her plans, she starts to question what it is she actually wants.
Saturday, November 12, 2022: Our Italian Christmas Memories
Starring: Sarah Power (Good Witch), Beau Bridges (The Fabulous Baker Boys)
The Colucci siblings, in an effort to jog the memory of their grandfather who is struggling with dementia, set out to recreate their late grandmother's legendary pasta sauce.
Saturday, November 19, 2022: Long Lost Christmas
Starring: Taylor Cole (Making Spirits Bright), Benjamin Ayres (Burden of Truth)
Hayley is an interior designer who plans to surprise her recently widowed mother Patricia with the perfect holiday present: the extended family she knows her mom yearns for.
Saturday, November 26, 2022: Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas
Starring: Holland Roden (Mayans M.C.), Tyler Hynes (Letterkenny), Tenille Townes (The Lemonade Stand) From Executive Producer Blake Shelton
Four days before Christmas, Elizabeth Athens receives a voicemail from a number she doesn't recognize. In his message, a man she doesn't know makes one final plea to the love of his life for a second chance. This is the fifth installment of the popular movie franchise, based on Blake Shelton's song "Time for Me to Come Home."
Saturday, December 3, 2022: The Holiday Stocking
Starring: Nadine Ellis (Our Kind of People), B.J. Britt ( Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Karon Riley (The Black Hamptons), Tamala Jones ( Castle), Mykelti Williamson (Fences, Law & Order: Organized Crime)
In this Hallmark Mahogany presentation, RJ is a new angel, who is given the chance to address his one regret, that he didn't help his sisters reconcile while he was still alive. Returning to earth as a stranger, he gets each of them to revive The Holiday Stocking, their parent's old tradition to encourage charity at Christmas.
Saturday, December 10, 2022: The Gift of Peace
Starring: Nikki Deloach (Five More Minutes), Brennan Elliott (UnREAL)
Artist Traci is a once-devout Christian who has stopped believing in God after her husband tragically died despite her prayers. As her second Christmas without him approaches, she tries going to a support group for inspiration and comfort.
Saturday, December 17, 2022: Five More Minutes: Moments Like These
Starring: Ashley Williams (Sister Swap: Christmas in the City), Lucas Bryant (Haven)
The second holiday story inspired by Scotty McCreery's song "Five More Minutes," a young widow's Christmas wish for her son is answered in unexpected ways when she returns to their old home for the holidays.
If you’re the person who starts blasting Christmas tunes right after Halloween and you’re ready to up the ante, we’ve got the challenge for you. Hotels.com is giving away 25 free hotel nights, but you have to survive 24 straight hours of holiday music to claim the prize!
“Last Christmas” may not have been a “White Christmas” but it’s still “The Most Wonderful Day of the Year.” “Do They Know It’s Christmas” without “Silver Bells” and “Underneath the Tree?” If All You Want For Christmas is a Not-So-Silent Night then head to Hotels.com to enter. The entry includes your written submission on why you would survive and thrive in a room blasting Christmas tunes. Video optional, but encouraged!
The lucky(?) participant will stay a night in the extremely festive holiday hotel suite, where the music never stops. In the morning, Lance Bass will croon you a wake up call if you’ve somehow managed to fall asleep to “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer.” Once the 24 stay is completed, the winner will receive the 25 nights deposited into a rewards account, a $1,000 travel stipend and a $500 room service credit.
If you don’t manage to secure this one-of-a-kind experience, Hotels.com has plenty of other holiday stays to choose from. And check out our list of winter wonderlands where you can carol to your heart’s content!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year: the Christmas (music) season! We’ve rounded up the top holiday songs and albums to get you into the Christmas spirit, whether you’re baking cookies, decorating the house or wrapping presents. From Paul McCartney to Bing Crosby and Mariah Carey, there’s something for everyone on this list. (Psst … scroll down to the bottom of the article for a Spotify playlist with all the songs mentioned.)
“White Christmas” by Bing Crosby
Christmas wouldn’t be the same without this absolute classic by Bing Crosby. In fact, his version, originally released in 1942, is actually the world’s best-selling single, with an estimated 50 million copies sold worldwide.
“Last Christmas” by Wham!
Dripping with ‘80s vibes, it’s tough not to break into song and dance when “Last Christmas” comes on. It’s been covered countless times by everyone from Jimmy Eat World to Carly Rae Jepsen, but the George Michael original will always have a special place in our hearts.
"Christmas" by Michael Bublé
Michael Bublé is basically the modern-day king of Christmas, and his festive 2011 album makes the perfect holiday soundtrack. If you’re having a holiday party, pop this YouTube video on your tv: it’s the full Christmas album paired with a burning yule log.
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by She & Him
This spare version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is just the thing to listen to while sipping on apple cider or mulled wine. If you’ve seen the movie Elf, you’ve already heard Zooey Deschanel’s singing; either way, her musical side project with singer-songwriter and guitarist M. Ward is well worth a listen.
“The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole’s buttery smooth voice makes this a favorite Christmas song for many. It was written by Robert Wells and Mel Tormé in the dead of summer in an attempt to “stay cool by thinking cool.”
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
This pop diva bop has become a modern classic of the Christmas genre, a real feat considering most of the popular holiday tunes are much older. It’s even the best selling Christmas single by a female artist overall.
“Carol of the Bells” by Pentatonix
We love this unique take on the classic “Carol of the Bells” by Pentatonix. The original song was based on a Ukranian folk chant, so it’s only fitting for an a cappella group to cover it.
“Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms
First released in 1957, this swingin’ Christmas song is always a hit. It gets bonus points in our book for reminding us of a certain iconic scene in the movie Mean Girls.
“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams
This song is our favorite way to kick off the Christmas season—it’s the perfect soundtrack for decorating the house. The rollicking melody will have everyone in your family singing and dancing along.
“Jingle Bells” by Frank Sinatra
Originally written in 1857, “Jingle Bells” is a perennial Christmas favorite. This jazzy version by Frank Sinatra adds something new to the song while still staying true to its roots. Check out the colorful new official video, perfect for budding Sinatra fans.
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee
This version of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” was recorded in 1958 and still holds up amazingly today, with a robust brass section and expert vocals by Brenda Lee. Believe it or not, Lee was just 13 years old at the time of recording!
“I Wish It Was Christmas Today” by Julian Casablancas
Fans of The Strokes, take note: this song by the band’s lead singer Julian Casablancas is a must-listen. It’s a nice palate cleanser if you’ve grown tired of the usual Christmas classics.
"Hey Guys! It’s Christmas Time!" by Sufjan Stevens
Prolific singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens has released five EPs of Christmas songs, but this one might be our favorite. It’s a laid-back yet catchy song celebrating the joys of Christmastime alongside sleigh bells and electric guitar.
There has been a lot of questioning about the legitimacy of Santa in our house. It started last year. We tracked him on the Eve and searched the internet for “actual footage” of Rudolph. Our son was only four years old and I thought we had more time. When I discussed this with other families, I got a variety of responses. Some shrugged it off and said they don’t do the Santa thing because they don’t like lying to their children or the patriarchy of it. There were the families that recommended all the ways I could prove his existence. Then there were the parental’s that firmly declared a halt to playdates with our son for fear he would expose their children to this curiosity. “The threat of Santa is how we get through the season.”
I get it. I do. I understand that the idea of sitting on a strange man’s knee telling him what a good girl or boy they’ve been in exchange for gifts can be jarring. I see this and don’t dismiss it. I also know that Christmas is not about Santa on a religious note, and frankly, he tends to overshadow the real man of the hour anyway. Woman of the hour too. I mean, Mary rode on a donkeyfor five days—pregnant! Way more impressive than a fat guy flying in a sleigh for a day. Am I right?
However, to me, it wasn’t about greed and spoils. The Santa I grew up with lived in the small town of Bristol, Rhode Island. He goes by Gerry.
Mickie and Gerry were friends of the family for as far back as I can remember. Always involved in the community and often seen breakfasting at the King Phillip Inn on Sundays. I remember my parents confiding in me the big secret—they were the real Mr. and Mrs. Claus. “Maryellen, you can’t tell anyone.” I nodded, and my world spun faster. I. Knew. Santa. Mind. Blown.
Their license plate said “Ho Ho Ho,” and they were never skimpy with candy canes. The beard? Oh, it was real alright! As was their generosity. Booked from November to January, morning until night, they didn’t accept payment for their visits, only donations to a charity.
I usually knew when they were coming over. The excitement was apparent by children and adults alike. Christmas carols playing and candles lit, I’d wait. Anticipation consumed me. I got butterflies as soon as I heard the bells. They had this way of entering. A subtle shaking of jingle bells before making their entrance. Not too loud or over the top. No annoyingly fake ho, ho, ho-ing. Rather than overwhelming energy, they were calm and mystical. The air seemed to sparkle around them. Santa was soft-spoken and understated. Still, I could be shy around him. Luckily, Mrs. Claus took the reigns and steered me in the right direction. She did most of the talking with a kind smile and lots of questions. The elves definitely answered to her; that much was clear. Santa, too, no doubt.
Some might say that knowing Mickie and Gerry in real life should have ruined the experience for me. Quite the opposite. It was never Mickie and Gerry playing Mr. and Mrs. Claus. No, t’was Mr. and Mrs. Claus that played Mickie and Gerry. Or so it seemed. Seeing them out and about town or talking with them at family gatherings, Gerry had the same twinkle in his eye wearing jeans and a sweater that he did in his fur-trimmed, red suit. Mickie was as sassy, sweet and in charge as when she wielded sugary treats.
The older I got, the more I had the privilege of getting to know them. You know, the undercover them. They are Jewish and frequented the restaurant where I worked. Whenever the Rabbi joined, Mickie would whisper, “Don’t tell him I order the pork.” Naughty Mrs. Claus! Girl, I got you.
The restaurant was below the 2nd Story Theatre. Most diners ate before the play, so the joint was empty for the show’s run time. In December, Mickie and Gerry… ahem… Mr. and Mrs. Claus would sneak in the side door between gigs, ringing their signature bells and help themselves to a full meal. Well into my twenties, I still got butterflies. It had nothing to do with gifts. Obviously, I knew who was supplying those long, long ago. But I still believed. I believed in them what they were doing. The joy they were spreading, and the magic of Christmas.
That is what Santa represents to me, and why my heart aches as my son heads down the road to not believing. I appreciate and value his curiosity, and will stop myself from plotting drastic action to prove otherwise, but for now I stand by my statement. Yes, Francis, there is a Santa Claus. His name is Gerry.
I am an actor in New York City, currently cast in my most fulfilling role to date - mom! When I’m not chasing my son around the playground, I’m busy writing, cooking and trying to remember what I went upstairs for.
Well, folks, it’s that time of year again: when you and your family take a festive group outing to one of Portland’s many holiday shows! Perhaps it’s an evening venture to a stage performing Christmas tales of old, or to see a local spin on classic holiday stories. Either way, it is sure to be a merry time! Let us enliven your winter spirit with our picks for this season’s must-see Portland holiday shows!
Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree
Come and visit Sunset Presbyterian Church’s choir, three-hundred strong, for your classic holiday tunes! This show features a beautifully crafted Nativity scene and is made possible through a masterful cast of singers, dancers, and local actors. You will be entranced by the live orchestra and humored by the dancing Santas in this festive feature, so be sure to carve out a space in one of these upcoming evenings to make memories with friends and family.
Join the Oregon Children’s Theater for a performance that will be sure to create a special family memory. This year’s performance, titled “Happy Everything!”, features teenagers from the cast of OCTC’s show “Impulse!”, and includes the caroling classics that will be sure to inspire that beloved Christmas spirit. Head to the Oregon Children’s Theater website for details about the cast and ticket prices! If you have a credit from a show during the 2019-2020 season, Oregon Children’s Theater will allow you to redeem it for this show.
Here for only one whirlwind weekend, the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus is returning this Christmas season with the event “Gather”! This show will feature classic winter songs and holiday staples that will tickle your festive spirit and brighten the beginning of your December. Be sure to check for tickets on their website as they will be going-going-gone, and you surely won’t want to miss this special occasion.
The Oregon Ballet Theatre has been preforming its beautifully choreographed showing of the Nutcracker every holiday season since 1989 (barring COVID-season, of course). Never fear - they are back this 2021 Christmas season to bless Portlanders near and far with Tchaikovsky, snowflakes and all things Sugar Plum Fairy! Don’t miss this elegant Christmas classic by heading to the Oregon Ballet Theatre’s website for tickets - be sure to note which shows include the live orchestra!
The Oregon Symphony is putting on a host of Christmas-themed events this year, and many only are showing for one night! Whether it’s for “Comfort and Joy: A Classical Christmas” or “A Merry-Achi Christmas”, the Oregon Symphony’s large spread of seasonal showings will bring on the holiday spirit, full-swing. So dress your family up in your Sunday’s best and head to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall for a musical evening you’ll be sure to enjoy.
