Making memories and making a difference this holiday season

I think about all of the great opportunities around the holidays to make memories and to practice the generosity and kindness I tend to push to the back burner the rest of the year and I'm almost overwhelmed. Maybe if I didn't wait until the end of the year to take advantage of these opportunities I wouldn't feel this way. In any case, there are a bounty of opportunities in the neighborhood and beyond this holiday season. Here are a few I know about. Please share the ones you know about here as well.

Gardenland Express at the Botanical Gardens - Nov. 25-Jan. 3 enjoy the Gardens' annual holiday flower and train show. 9am - 5 pm daily. Regular admission plus $13 for adults, $5 for kids and free for members. www.mobot.org.

Holiday Cards by Our Little Haven - located in the CWE, this great place provides love and support for the youngest and most vulnerable amongst us who are recovering from abuse, neglect, abandonment or early childhood trauma in the greater St. Louis region. Check out their affordable holiday cards and support this wonderful neighborhood organization.

http://www.ourlittlehaven.org/olhpage.asp?SID=6524

Maryland Plaza - Saturday, Dec. 5th (3-5pm), enjoy caroling, hot chocolate, a visit from Santa Claus and much more at Maryland Plaza. Visit Santa's workshop from noon to 5 - admission for kids is a new, unwrapped $5 toy for the Salvation Army. http://www.marylandplaza.com/pdf/HOP-flyer.pdf

A Man for All Seasons - The St. Louis Actors studio presents this award winning play on Dec. 4-20th at the Des Lee Auditorium at the History Museum. http://www.stlas.org/detail_Man_for_Seasons.html

Wild Lights at the Zoo - Enjoy an illuminated holiday wonderland at the zoo Nov. 27-29, Dec. 4-6, 11-13, 18-23, 26-30. Light displays, free activities and attractions, rides, hot chocolate and snacks. Tickets sold each night until 8:15. http://www.stlzoo.org/events/calendarofevents/wildlights

And as you're cleaning out closets this winter and making way for the new, don't forget there are salvation army and St. Vincent De Paul drop off sites on Forest Park Pkwy.

Check back often for more updates!