Grapevine Texas and the Reasons to ESCAPE there.

So sometimes in the midst of all this holiday hustle and bustle, you think about just wanting to escape, or at least I know I do.  What if you could escape and still take care of some your holiday traditions, holiday shopping, and kick back and relax. 

Grapevine Texas, the Christmas Capitol of Texas, also sits right in the heart of the fifth largest wine producing state in United States; I know need I say more?  Well now probably not, but I am going to give you a list of six reasons that will make you itching to escape to Grapevine Texas. 

Bethlehem Village of Hope in Delta Missouri

Every year I gather my flock and head down highway 25 south to Delta MO to visit Bethlehem Village of Hope at the First Baptist Church of Delta.

Several years ago, I stumbled across an ad in local paper for this event and it caught my eye, so I told my Mom that I was taking her there for her birthday, well she went along, as she really had no choice.  Then the next day she went back taking a dozen or so people with her, and we all have returned year after year. 

The First BaptistChurch of Delta, MO builds a small replica of Bethlehem, and what it might have been like the night that Jesus was born.  As you enter, you will receive a bag of shillings, with the bag of shillings, you are to pay your taxes upon entering the city, then you have money (shillings) to buy trinkets and treasures from the local Bethlehem merchants, and of course, as you are leaving the city you pay your respects to the Newborn King Baby Jesus.  While Jesus is cute and the reason for the season, D-man insists I tell you that you get to pet the sheep, the donkey, and see some camels. 

6 Ways to Give Back this Holiday Season

The Salvation Army logo (Anglophone Version) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Well folks, it is no lie that my household has been turned upside down, backwards, and well just plain messed up over this past year.  However, with all that has happened in my life it has made me think harder about what is important in life.  Not to toot my own horn, but I have always had a passion for charity, heck that is why I started Adventures Among Us in a roundabout way, to give back to those who needed knowledge and ideas of cool things to do as a family. 

Anyways with our boat rocking, or some days sinking, the kids and I have become more grateful for the things that we do have.  No matter where we are in life, there is always someone that has less than us, and while our world was upside down there are others that did not have shoes to put on their feet, food to feed their children, and many other basic needs that we are well blessed with. 

My first real HOLIDAY post of the season is a focused on places that GIVE BACK to the communities around them.  While my kiddos have a Christmas list longer than the San Francisco Bay Bridge (which I must disclose will be narrowed down greatly) we also have a list of places that help those with a list of needs!    

14 FREE Family Friendly Holiday Activities in Kansas City Missouri

City Lights Tree Lighting at Barney Allis Plaza

Mayor's Christmas Tree 

The holiday lighting display encompasses Barney Allis Plaza and several nearby buildings including the Downtown Marriott Hotel, which features spectacular computer-generated holiday images across its 22-story facade.  Santa Claus will lead the parade to Barney Allis Plaza for the City Lights ceremony on November 16, 2012.  Immediately after the festivities, Santa will lead the parade to Cosentino's Downtown Market for children's activities.

This event is FREE call 816-421-1539 www.downtownkc.org for more information. 

Legends Tree Lighting Ceremony at Legends Outlets Kansas City, 1843 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66111

In its eighth year, the Legends will kick off the holiday season with its annual tree lighting ceremony on November 17, 2012.  As the region’s only international synchronized light show, watch thousands of twinkling lights dance in tune with holiday music during the Legendary Light Show.  Newest shopping additions include Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Cole Haan, Under Armour, White House | Black Market Outlet, J. Crew | crewcuts and Chico’s Outlet. 

 This event is FREE call 913-788-3700 for more information. 

Northern Lights at Zona Rosa at the Zona Rosa Shopping Center, 8640 N. Dixson Ave., Kansas City, MO 64153

Zona Rosa commences the holiday season with a special lighting ceremony to spotlight the large crowns hung above the streets, as well as the featured Christmas tree in the Town Square.  Lights will be turned on just before 6 p.m on November 17, 2012 and remain on through mid-January.

This event is FREE call 816-587-8180 or visit www.zonarosa.com  for more information. 

Country Club Plaza Lights at Country Club Plaza, 4750 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64112

The Plaza Lights have been a Kansas City holiday tradition for more than 80 years. Thousands of lights outline the Spanish-influenced architecture of this prestigious shopping and dining district. Lights glow from November 22, 2012 until mid-January 2013. Sporting Kansas City stars Matt Besler, Kei Kamara and Jimmy Nielsen will “flip the switch” as the honored guests of the official Plaza Lighting ceremony on Thanksgiving evening at 6: 50 p.m. Lights remain on through mid-January. Shopping additions include Kate Spade New York, H&M and Moosejaw.

This event is FREE call 816-753-0100 or visit www.countryclubplaza.com for more information. 

 

Mayor's Christmas Tree, at Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108

The 100-foot-tall Mayor’s Christmas Tree, one of the nation’s tallest, is the centerpiece for an illuminating holiday celebration. The tree is a symbol of the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund, which is dedicated to assisting the city's less fortunate. Tree on display from November 23, 2012 through Jan. 1. Browse seasonal gifts at Holiday Magic, tween gifts at Club 223 and one of only two Crayola Stores in America.

This event is FREE call 816-274-8444 or visit www.crowncenter.com for more information. 

Christmas Card Lane at West of Ridgeview and north of 151^st Street, Olathe, KS 66062

Ooh and aww in the comfort of your car over one KC’s most festive neighborhoods, which features more than 200 decorated homes in the city of Olathe. This celebration earned its name by the larger-than-life greeting cards that line the streets.

This event is FREE and runs November 23, 2012 through January 1, 2013 visit www.kansastravel.org  for more information. 

Windows on Main at Kansas City Power & Light District, 13^th & Walnut streets, Kansas City, MO 64106

In its third year, the Kansas City Power & Light District’s shiny new tradition—Holiday Windows on Main, blends art, light and motion. Local artists partner with downtown businesses to create festive window displays on Main Street storefronts inspired by those in Times Square. Shop at local boutiques at The Garment District, which is home to eight stores all under one roof.

This event is FREE runs November 16, 2012 through Early January 2013 for more information call 816-842-1045 or visit www.powerandlightdistrict.com.

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Stop at Independence Square, Independence, MO 64050

Keeping in line with an American tradition that started nearly 50 years ago, this year’s Capitol Christmas tree will journey across America. Traveling more than 3,000 miles with stops in 30 cities, Kansas City is part of this year’s route. The Capitol Tree will be part of Independence’s lighting ceremony on Nov. 17. The Capitol tree will then be delivered to the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol by November 26 with an early December lighting ceremony.

This event is FREE call 720-289-9366 or visit www.CapitolChristmasTree2012.com for more information. 

Hall of Trees at Hall of Waters, 201 E Broadway St., Excelsior Springs, MO 64024

Walk through a winter wonderland of Christmas trees decorated beautifully by various businesses or organizations in Excelsior Springs.

This event is FREE, runs November 17, 2012 through January 1, 2013, call 816-630-6161, or visit www.ci.excelsior-springs.mo.us for more information.