Merry Christmas to All, and to All...

...mommies a BIG glass of wine! We did it! We made it through the holiday craziness, and then for that amazing day filled with children's laughter, smiles, and OK, probably a few tears. Just one more week of no school, and back to the old routine. Time to think of a new discipline strategy since that handy elf is headed back to the North Pole, and threats of no Santa probably won't work 12 months out!

Just remember, there are 12 days of Christmas, starting today, so don't rush to get back to normal...enjoy this special time with your children: laugh with them, play with them, and enjoy some things on the Buzz list with them.

We hope you had (or are having) a VERY merry Christmas!!

Blessings,
The Buzz

A few more days for holiday activities...check out our Holiday 2011 page!

Monday, December 26

• Head to the Schiele Museum this afternoon at 1pm to learn about some Kitchen Chemistry. More info...

• Today is the first day of Kwanzaa. Check out this great list of activities for each day. More info... 

• Head to Piedmont Town Center today at 4pm for a not-so-typical Battle of the Bands showcasing the marching bands from NC State and Louisville in town for the Belk Bowl. More info...

• Tonight's the last night to see the lights of Christmastown USA in McAdenville. Starts at 5:30pm. More info...

• It's time for the home opener for the Charlotte Bobcats as they take on the Milwaukee Bucks. More info...

Tuesday, December 27

• Celebrate the second principle of Kwanzaa today at the West Boulevard library at 5pm. More info...

• Daughtry and Edwin McCain headline the Belk Bowl FanFest this afternoon 2pm-7pm outside BofA Stadium. Fun for the whole family. More info...

• Bank of America Stadium is the site for Belk Bowl 2011...NC State vs. Louisville at 8pm. More info...

Wednesday, December 28

• Today is the last day to see the Organic Gingerbread House at the Ritz Carlton. More info...
• Check out the Kwanzaa painting projects offered today at Painting with a Twist. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Miami Heat More info...

Thursday, December 29

• Today and tomorrow at 1pm are the only non sold-out shows left for The Velveteen Rabbit at the Children's Theatre of Charlotte. Get your tickets now! More info...
• Time's running out to enjoy Carolina Christmas at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The lights go out on Saturday. More info...

Friday, December  30

•  Enjoy Family Storytime this morning at Imaginon at 10:30am. More info...

• Tonight and tomorrow night are your last chances to see Holiday Lights in the Garden at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens. More info...

• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Orlando Magic More info...

Saturday, December  31

• Radio Disney presents a Noon Year's Eve Celebration at Northlake Mall this morning 9:30am-12:30pm. More info...
• Don't miss the Kids New Year's Party this morning 10:30am-12:30pm at Chick-Fil-A Cotswold. More info...
• Enjoy FREE admission to the Harvey B. Gantt Center today 11am-4pm for Kwanzaa 2011 at the Gantt Center. More info...
• Take part in the Noon Year's Eve Party at Painting with a Twist. More info...
• Enjoy First Night Charlotte beginning with First Night Kids which starts at 12 noon. More info...

Sunday, January 1 - Happy New Year!!

• Plan your menu accordingly...don't forget black eyed peas for good luck, more info..., and greens or cornbread for wealth. More info...
• New Year's resolution to exercise more? Head to Latta Plantation Nature Center for their First Day Hike beginning at 2pm. More info... 

Save the Date:

February 1-5 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus More info...
February 11 CMOMs Consignment Sale More info...
March 24 Harlem Globetrotters More info...
March 30-April 1 Sesame Street LIVE: Elmo's Super Heroes More info...
April 5 Fresh Beat Band Live (Durham) More info...

Almost Here...

Feels like it has been forever since I've posted. Perhaps it's because this has been the LONGEST (but lots of fun, of course) week ever!! Work parties, playgroup parties, preschool parties, ornament exchanges, shopping, wrapping, etc., etc.!! Luckily the shopping's done and this Mommy is heading to the beach for a few days before the real craziness begins. It has been super fun so far watching all 3 children really "get" Christmas this year...both the real meaning, and the Santa stuff. Now that school's out, we hope you can enjoy even more on the Buzz list this week. Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Don't forget about our Holiday 2011 page for ongoing events.

Monday, December 19

• Head to Sugaw Creek Recreation Center for the Christmas Creek Holiday Celebration at 11am. More info...

• Looking for something for the kids to do while you finish up your shopping? Check out Painting With A Twist's Holiday Kids Camps this week Monday-Thursday, and next week Tuesday-Thursday. For ages 6(or7) to 17. More info...

• Now through Saturday, check out The Ice Palace at Northlake Mall. More info...

• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Atlanta Hawks More info...

Tuesday, December 20

• Check out Holiday Family Storytime today at 11:30 at Imaginon. More info...

• The last installment of the Neighborhood Theatre's A Cinematic Christmas beginning at 5:30pm. Perfect for the whole family and FREE!!! More info...

• Hanukkah begins tonight, and to celebrate the first night, South Park Mall hosts a Menorah Lighting at 5pm in Circle Court. More info...

• Charlotte Checkers vs. Oklahoma City Barons More info...

Wednesday, December 21

• Ages 6 to 12 are invited to experience Christmas around the world at Passport to Christmas at the JAARS center in Waxhaw. 8:30am-12:30pm. More info...
• Don't miss the Musical Petting Zoo today 12:30-2pm at Imaginon. More info... 
• Bundle up for a sunset hike during On a Winter's Solstice this afternoon at 4pm at the Latta Plantation Nature Center. More info... 

Thursday, December  22

• Enjoy Brunch with Santa this morning at 10am at the Tom Sykes Recreation Center. Space is limited. More info... 
• Get out and gt some fresh air at the Nature Discovery Hike & Scavenger Hunt this morning at the Reedy Creek Nature Center at 10am. More info...
• A must for all families with Santa-loving children. Check out Portable North Pole to have a special message sent to your child! More info...

Friday, December  23

•  As part of Carolina Christmas at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, you can enjoy Drive-In Movie Night with How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Tomorrow night, too.
  More info... 
• Head to Concord Mills and check out Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops. Fun goes through tomorrow. More info...

Saturday, December  24

• Let the kids use some of their Christmas Eve excitement to make Holiday Ornaments at Lakeshore Learning for FREE! 11am-3pm. More info...
• Looking for a Christmas Eve Church Service? Check out this list from our news partner, The Charlotte Observer. More info... 
• Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers More info...

Sunday, December  25 - Merry Christmas!!

• No interest in cooking for Christmas this year? Check out Open Table to see where you can make a reservation. More info...
• After your holiday meal, burn some of those calories by ice skating at WBT Holiday on Ice. Open tonight 5-10pm. More info...

Save the Date:

December 27 Belk Bowl 2011 More info...
February 1-5 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus More info...
February 11 CMOMs Consignment Sale More info...
March 24 Harlem Globetrotters More info...
March 30-April 1 Sesame Street LIVE: Elmo's Super Heroes More info...
April 5 Fresh Beat Band Live (Durham) More info...

Lights! Lights! Lights!

Week before the week of Christmas...here we go!! We headed out on Friday late afternoon to see some Christmas lights. If you're looking for some good amateur displays, I highly recommend the following:

• 7400 block of Sherwood Forest Drive, Charlotte, 28226
• 4019 Lake Charles Way, Indian Trail, 28079 (see video above)
• 10732 Honeynut Drive, Charlotte, 28277

Sure do wish I had the energy and the passion these folks have. My neighbors would hate me, I'm sure, but my kids loved every minute of our outing!!! Do you know of other houses or neighborhoods to visit? Send the address to queencitybuzz@gmail.com, and we'll post your suggestions on our Facebook Page.

Blessings,
The Buzz

** Rather than repeating the same info each week, check at the top of the page and click on "Holiday 2011" to see a list of ongoing holiday activities in the Charlotte area.

Monday, December 12

• CMS's Parent University presents Enrichment Activities for Your Child on a Budget tonight at 6:30 at First Ward Elementary. See p. 14 of the course guide. More info...

• Head to the Schiele Museum in Gastonia this evening for Schieleville with Santa, ornaments, story time and more! More info...

Tuesday, December 13

• All ages are invited to a Holiday Workshop this afternoon at Winghaven Gardens at 3:45. Please preregister. More info...

• Movie Theaters at Stonecrest and Concord Mills will be showing George Balanchine's The Nutcracker LIVE tonight at 6pm. More info...

• Don't miss the Neighborhood Theatre's A Cinematic Christmas beginning at 5:30pm. Perfect for the whole family and FREE!!! More info...

Wednesday, December 14

• If you homeschool, the Gaston County Museum hosts a Victorian Winter Holidays Homeschool Day, this morning at 9:30am. More info...
• The Stanley Christmas Parade is today at 3pm. Starts on Main Street. More info...
• Miss the movie theater showing last night? Tonight at 8pm, PBS will air George Balanchine's The Nutcracker live from Lincoln Center. More info...

Thursday, December  15

• Don't miss the water fun to be had this afternoon as you Swim with Santa at Ray's Splash Planet. 5:30-7pm. More info...
• The Matthews Concert Band plays at the Matthews Community Center Theater tonight at 7:30pm. More info...

Friday, December  16

• Sky High Sports: The Trampoline Place opens today in Pineville. The Buzz can't wait to try out the fun!! More info...

• More than just lights tonight. Catch the Yule Log Parade & Ceremony beginning at 5:30 in McAdenville. More info...

• Charlotte Checkers vs. Chicago Wolves More info...

Saturday, December 17

• A few seats are still available for Breakfast with Santa today at 10:45 at the Matthews Community Center. More info...
• Charlotte Children's Choir presents Songs of the Season today at 11am at Park Road Baptist Church. More info...
• The Charlotte City Ballet Company presents Holiday Enchantment today at 3pm and 7pm. More info...
• Enjoy a Christmas Candlelight Tour today 3-9pm at Historic Brattonsville. More info...
• Head to Lakeshore Learning today 11am-3pm to make a Playful Penguin Puppet. Fun and FREE! More info...

Sunday, December 18

• Enjoy the sounds of Jim Brickman's A Christmas Celebration this afternoon at the Knight Theater. More info...
• Charlotte Checkers vs. Oklahoma City Barons More info...

Save the Date:

December 27 Belk Bowl 2011 More info...
February 1-5 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus More info...
February 11 CMOMs Consignment Sale More info...
March 24 Harlem Globetrotters More info...
March 30-April 1 Sesame Street LIVE: Elmo's Super Heroes More info...
April 5 Fresh Beat Band Live (Durham) More info...

It's Beginning to Look...

Hope everyone had a great first few days of December. We have our tree, our outdoor lights and decorations...basically looks like Christmas threw up at our house. Ready to sit back and enjoy it all...right after I finish the laundry, the shopping, the wrapping, the Christmas card list, the stocking stuffers, the cooking, the baking, the school parties, the work parties, the neighborhood parties, the mommy parties...maybe I'll "sit back" in January!! But I am ENJOYING the craziness like I said last week!!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Want to order a letter from Santa? More info...

Monday, December 5

• Take your little ones to learn about Backyard Birds this morning at 10:30 at the McDowell Nature Center. More info...
• NarroWay Productions presents The Real Christmas Story with shows through the 18th. More info...

• Charlotte Checkers vs. Lake Erie Monsters More info...

Tuesday, December 6

• The 62nd Belmont Christmas Parade begins today at 4pm. More info... 
• CMS's Parent University presents Communities, Parents and Schools Working Together to Prevent Bullying tonight at 6:30 at Northwest School of the Arts. See page 6 of the course guide. More info...
• Blumenthal Performing Arts presents Live from WVL Radio Theatre: It's a Wonderful Life. Shows through December 18th. More info...

Wednesday, December 7

• Head to the Carl J. McEwen Historic Village in Mint Hill and visit The Village Christmas Shop or take part in Historic Christmas Tea. Events today through Saturday. More info...
• Do you homeschool? Visit Latta Plantation today for Christmas in World War II and  observe Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. More info...

Thursday, December 8

• Ages 3 to 5 are invited to Winghaven Gardens this morning at 10am for Midwinter Tree Treats for the Birds. Please register. More info...
• Head to Chick-Fil-A at Cotswold this evening and hear the Dickens Carolers while you enjoy supper. 5-8pm. More info...

Friday, December 9

• Head to the Gaston County Museum for their Annual Holiday Open House this afternoon 3-7pm and FREE! More info...
• The Velveteen Rabbit opens today at the Children's Theatre of Charlotte. Shows through December 30th. More info...
• The School of Theatre at Matthews Playhouse presents Babes in Toyland. Shows through Sunday. More info...
• Theatre Charlotte presents A Christmas Carol with shows beginning tonight and going through the 18th. More info...
• Ages 7 to 13 are invited to Kids Night in Nature tonight at the McDowell Nature Center. 6-9pm; please register. More info...
• This weekend and next, don't miss NC Dance Theater's presentation of The Nutcracker at Belk Theater. More info...

Saturday, December 10

• Lace up your shoes for the Inaugural Speed for Children in Need 5K at Charlotte Motor Speedway. More info...
• Have Breakfast with Santa this morning 8-10am at the food court at Carolina Place Mall. More info... or at the Matthews Community Center at 10:45am. More info...
• Today at 9am and 1pm you can see a holiday performance by Charlotte City Ballet at the center court of Southpark Mall. More info...
• Enjoy Christmas with the Polks today 11am-3pm at the James K. Polk Historic Site. More info...
• The Harris YMCA School of Dance presents The Nutcracker  More info...
• Don't miss The Singing Christmas Tree for KIDS .More info...
• Jami Masters School of Dance presents Happy Holidays at the Halton Theater today at 11am and 3pm. More info...  
• Head over to the Cotswold Chick-Fil-A this morning to decorate wooden gingerbread houses and meet the famous Santa Cow during Santa's Workshop. 10-11am. More info...
• Starting today you can vote for your favorite creation at Gingerbread Lane at the Ballantyne Hotel.More info...
• Check out the Colonial Christmas and Candlelighting this afternoon at the Schiele Museum, 2-6pm. More info...
• Downtown Huntersville hosts A Huntersville Christmas today 5-8pm. More info...
• It's A Candlelight Christmas tonight at Latta Plantation, 5-8pm. More info...

Sunday, December 11

• Check out Christmas Fantasy 2011 this afternoon at 4pm at the Community Performance Center in Rock Hill. More info...
• Head to the Harris YMCA this evening at 7pm for their Christmas Candlelight Service. More info...
• Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons More info...

Save the Date:

December 27 Belk Bowl 2011 More info...
February 1-5 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus More info...
February 11 CMOMs Consignment Sale More info...
March 24 Harlem Globetrotters More info...
March 30-April 1 Sesame Street LIVE: Elmo's Super Heroes More info...
April 5 Fresh Beat Band Live (Durham) More info...