Christmas puppet show

Saturday Morning Alive!, featuring the "Kingdom Karactors," will host a Christmas puppet show, "A Reason for Christmas." The program will be held Dec. 13, 10:30-11:30 a.m., at Brewton Parker Auditorium, 2140 E. Oglethorpe Highway (Rt. 84), in Hinesville Ga. Admission is free. For more information, go online, kingdom-karactors.com


A downtown kinda Christmas

Make it a two-fer event Dec. 6! Attend the annual Christmas on The River Celebration, presented by the Savannah Waterfront Association, that will features a holiday parade, arts & crafts, food and entertainment on historic River Street. (912) 234-0295.

Then, climb the steps and cross Bay Street for the Annual Christmas for Kids in City Market - with cookie decorating, ornament making activities, cloggers, a petting zoo, photos with Father Christmas and live music from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (912) 525-2489.


Pet Rescue fundraiser offers free pet and kid friendly fun

The Home for the Holidays Festival offers all types of silly fun for the whole family. Bring your pet and your family for photographs with Santa Paws; do your holiday shopping; see a pet fashion show; watch a "Silly Pet Tricks Contest," and get your face painted.

The event will promote adoption of homeless animals and educate the public on being a better pet guardian.

Bring your extra change to the event to help the group pay for necessary vet care and sterilization of animals. There will be also pets for adoption.

The event is free on Nov. 22 from 1-5 p.m. at the Cresthill Baptist Church on Whitfield Avenue. For more information, contact Lisa Sinclair, (912) 354-7184, or go online, www.coastalpetrescue.org.


Sugar plum fairies usher in Festival of Trees and Lights

Parent and Child, a non-profit agency dedicated to the welfare of children, is sponsoring the Festival of Trees and Lights hosted by the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort. Sugar Plum Fairies will usher in this premier gala on Nov. 21. This enchanting black-tie event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will include a silent and live auction and dinner. Professionally decorated trees and wreaths will be available for preview and sale to the general public Nov. 22-Dec. 7. (912) 238-2777, ext. 4.


Colonial Christmas at Wormsloe

Caroling, burning of the Yule Log, games and refreshments will be held colonial-style at Wormsloe Plantation on Dec. 14 from 2-5 p.m. The plantation is located at 7601 Skidaway Road. Regular admission will be charged. (912) 353-3023.


Christmas Candle Lantern Tour at Fort Pulaski

This annual event recreates Christmas of 1861 at Fort Pulaski. Tours conducted at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Advance reservations required. Tickets are $3. (912) 786-5787.


When backbone doesn't matter

"Spineless Critters" is an educational event for children 5-8 and their parents. Get a close look at some of the spineless wonders found on the Georgia coast. Touch a hermit crab, discover where the gills are on a horseshoe crab and count the number of tube feet on a seastar! This evening of fun and hands-on activities is Dec. 5 from 7-8:30 p.m. Reservations are required prior to Dec. 3. Event costs $8 for a parent/child team; $3 for each additional child. Call (912) 598-2335.


Telfair holiday celebration for friends and family

Bring your children to meet Artist Harriet DeLong's whimsical paper mache Holiday Mice at the Telfair Museum Holiday Celebration for Friends and Family. On Dec. 7 from 2-4 p.m., holiday music and the laughter of children will fill the gracious historic homes-turned-museums.

The Gadsden Elementary School Chorus, along with soloists Verdise Bradford and Gracie Leigh will sing holiday favorites. There will also be harp and piano music.

St. Nicolas, a.k.a. artist Albert Seidl, will be on hand to meet and greet children.

There will be Chanukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa crafts for children, the lighting of the Christmas tree, photos with Belkie the Bear and gift bags.

The Owens Thomas House will be decorated in period Christmas decor.

If you're not already a member of the Telfair, call (912) 232-1177, ext. 26, to join. Family/joint memberships are $60. The Telfair is located at 121 Barnard St. The Owens-Thomas House is located at 124 Abercorn St. For more information, call (912) 232-1177.


December means it's ice skating time at the Civic Center

From Dec. 4-Jan. 4, the Savannah Civic Center is transformed into an ice skating rink. For $6, kids and adults receive skate rental and an hour and a half of skating.

Before school is out, ice skating sessions are at 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. during the week and on weekends from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. On Jan. 4, the last session is at 8 p.m. On Christmas Eve the last session is at 6 p.m.; closed Christmas, open New Year's Day. Hours expand when school is out for the holidays; call for times - (912) 651-6556.


"Adventures in Shakespeare" could perform for your school or group

Swords! Romance! Adventure!

"Adventures in Shakespeare" presents scenes and stories from "Taming of the Shrew," "Romeo and Juliet," "Macbeth," and "Hamlet" - along with information about the Bard and his poetry. Appropriate for all grades, "Adventures in Shakespeare" appears by appointment only through the end of November.

A study guide is provided including wide-ranging pre-show and post-performance activities.

Maximum group size is limited to 250 students. The cost is $1.50 per child with a minimum of $150 fee per performance. For additional information or to make your reservation, please call Regina or Lawrence at (912) 651-6782.


Yoga for kids

We are all born natural yogis. The younger we are, the more pliable and flexible our muscles and joints are. Goodhearted Kids Yoga encourages kids, teens and parents, to explore their natural abilities in an active, safe, and fun way that honors the diversity of each kid's flexibility and strength. This class is a fun, playful environment where kids can move energy through their bodies and bring calm into their minds.

The program, for kids ages 5-12, will meet Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Candler Hospital, Center for Well-Being, Professional Building, 5th Floor. Fee is $30 for 4 sessions or $50 for 8 sessions.

Classes are also held the first Saturday of the month through December from 10-11 a.m. at the same location. Call (912) 692-MIND to register.


Teach your baby sign language

Savannah Speech and Hearing Center's baby sign classes are designed for any parent and baby ages 6-12 months to learn to sign language. Your baby will surprise you with how much they have to tell you. Each four-week session starts on the first Tuesday of each month and is limited to 6 families. Classes run from 12:30-1:30 p.m. There is a $50 fee that includes materials.


MOPS meetings on the Islands

Islands Mothers of Preschoolers meets the first and third Wednesday of the month from 9:15-11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of the Islands, located at 6613 Johnny Mercer Blvd. Moms with children newborn through 5 years are invited to join the group for food, fun and friendship. Childcare provided. The fourth Tuesday of each month the group paints pottery together. For more information, call (912) 355-8350 or (912) 897-4748.


MOPS in Georgetown

Georgetown Mothers of Preschoolers next meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the Georgetown's Northside Clubhouse in the Village Green Subdivision. For more information, call (912) 631-3554.

Send your information for Parent's Notebook by e-mail to tmruther@savannahnow.com.