A few weeks ago my co-worker called me in a panic. “Jen! How do we turn off the Christmas music?” Our regularly programmed radio station had begun its nonstop Christmas-a-thon and my co-workers just weren’t ready. I explained how to turn off the station, but secretly I couldn’t wait until next time I got into my car so that I could turn it on. I personally think there’s no such thing as starting Christmas too early. I’d listen to Christmas music all year if I could.
I’ve been to my first holiday party and have one every weekend until Christmas. I still managed to find time to see Santa at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond. I planned to be a cool mom and not force my kid to sit on Santa’s lap. With me there next to him, I figured he’d be fine and we’d have our magical snapshot. That was not the case. As soon as we climbed the stairs and Santa looked his way, it was over.
We had better luck this week with the Great Tree in the Walnut Room at Macy’s in Chicago. The hostess faced my son’s high chair so that he could see the tree and he was dazzled for a few minutes, until they brought out bread, and that was apparently more interesting than a giant conifer full of glittering stars and pine cones. We’ll get ‘em next year.
I have a few more Christmas adventures planned for this week. My vet’s office, Glenwood Village Pet Hospital, is hosting pet photos with Santa from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 13 at the clinic, 555 E. Glenwood-Lansing Road in Glenwood. Pets will receive a free treat after their photo shoot with the man in red, portrayed by veterinarian Terence Locke. Humans can enjoy refreshments and bring an unwrapped toy to donate for Toys for Tots. For information, call (708) 758-2400.
The General Pulaski Knights of Columbus 3323 will host a pancake breakfast with Santa Claus from 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 16 at St. Columba Social Center, 13323 S. Greenbay in Chicago's Hegewisch neighborhood. Kids will receive a free gift and photo with Santa. Local Girl Scout troops will be on hand to help out. Dine on pancakes, eggs cooked to order, French toast, sausage, milk, coffee and orange juice. My son should be fine as long as we don’t go near Santa.
At my Gymboree class this week, I picked up a flier about a benefit for Jill Prusak, a Gymboree and Kindermusik educator in the south suburbs and Northwest Indiana. She has been undergoing intensive treatment for a malignant brain tumor and ocular lymphoma.
The benefit is from 5 to 9 p.m. Jan. 27 at Morgan’s Thunder Bowl, 18700 Old LaGrange Road in Mokena. Advance tickets are $25 and include dinner buffet, beer and wine, three games of bowling and rental shoes. Purchase them by Jan. 20. Tickets at the door are $30.
They are also seeking donations for silent auctions and raffles.
For information, email benefitforjill@gmail.com.
Until next week, may all your Christmas plans be bright.
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