It is no secret that I absolutely love doing anything that pertains to the holidays. So, when I heard about Binder Park Zoo offering dinner with Santa and their Holiday Lights program, I knew I had to manage it into our crazy-busy family schedule.

So, last Friday, the kids, my husband and I, headed to the Zoo. Dinner was catered by Fazoli's and, I'm not sure if it was the good food, the promise of an excellent dessert, or Santa watching from a few feet away, but both kids cleaned their plates and had an excellent time!

I'm sure the highlight of the evening for my kids was to see the man-in-red himself, Santa Claus. I'm sure Mr. Claus was highly entertained when my son asked him where his reindeer were; he didn't see them on the way in. Santa responded, "the nice folks at Binder Park Zoo let me stable the reindeer in the warm barn with the giraffes." It turns out that Santa's reindeer and giraffes have a great time together! That had the kids wondering if Rudolph got to play with the new baby giraffes.

After dinner, we took a stroll through the Zoo and very much enjoyed the beautiful light displays. We all got a kick out of the winter animals roaming and playing in the snow! They act totally different than during the hot summer days!

So many other exciting activities had my children, and my husband and I, enchanted with the Holidays that night. I think one of the best parts for me, was when the kids rode the carousel, and my husband and I joined them on one of the benches; it was the perfect family moment.

If you haven't been out to Holiday Nights at the Zoo, the Zoo is open now through December 23 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Admission is just $5 per person ($4 for members) and children 2 and under are free...

We are already planning to go again next year. Since the kids are growing up so fast, it was wonderful to have an evening of family time where we all had fun together. This is definitely a Christmas tradition we want to continue!

It looks like winter is here! The official first day of winter is December 21 but if you were to look outside, you would know it's winter! The cold temperatures and all the snow predicted ensures us a Bing Crosby style Christmas. I know my kids are thoroughly excited to play in the snow and I, for one, will enjoy this winter blast...for now. Our tree is fully decorated, I am continually trying to sneak moments to wrap presents and baking between it all! I love Christmas and am looking forward to spending time with the family. With all of the excitement for the day, my very favorite time is at the end of the night; the kids are laying on the floor watching a Christmas movie, my husband and I relaxed on the couch and all just seems right with the world. So, a week from today I will be doing just this. I am curious as to everyone else's favorite holiday moment... No matter the holiday that you celebrate, I wish you and yours a very happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year.

I love the holidays; any holiday! So, it is no surprise that I love Thanksgiving, Christmas and this whole time of year. Next week I will take a break from writing this blog because I will be in the kitchen cooking up a storm! And as much as I will want to, I’ll have to refrain because my computer will most likely get something spilled on it!

This weekend I will probably see all of you in the grocery store, stocking up! It’s going to be quite the adventure at Meijer’s and I’m certain I’ll be leaving my little ones at home. However, Saturday night is the Holiday Parade Downtown. The parade begins at 5:40 along Michigan Avenue. I look forward to it every year and can’t wait to see it this time around. The season is just beginning and I can’t wait to experience it with my family.

What’s your favorite holiday pastime?

The world moved around me so fast that all I could do was stare in amazement. Traveling through the ancient Roman ruins to following the Christmas Star, I was worlds away; yet still in Battle Creek.

Kingman Museum hosted an-invite only reception last week celebrating the new planetarium. During the event guests were invited to see sneak-peeks of the shows to come! And let me tell you, I was fascinated! I know it’s something my children will love and I cannot wait to take them to Mystery of the Christmas star! I myself am looking forward to seeing it!

To see for yourself be sure to catch one of the regularly scheduled shows and visit www.kingmanmuseum.org for more information.