December 21 – First day of winter Animals handle cold winter weather in a variety of ways. Some travel to a warmer climate. Others grow thicker fur coats so they can stay warm and active during the winter. Many animals hibernate during the coldest weather – they spend the warmer months eating and storing as much body fat as they can and then live off this extra weight as they sleep.

Visit Earthplace, Westport’s own Nature Center, which has hiking trails suitable for young children, a great playground (open to the public after nursery school hours) and a wonderful place to learn about our local animals.

Or visit our Westport LIbrary, which has wonderful programs, books, films, art and toys for all to enjoy.

December 25 – Christmas Every family and culture has their own Christmas traditions. Embrace those of your host family and share some of your own.

December 26 – Kwanzaa –This festive, non-religious African-American celebration was started in 1966. It lasts for seven days. On each day a candle is lit and the day focuses on one of seven principles.

December 31 – New Year’s Eve. Westport celebrates the New Year with First Night, an evening of family fun activities throughout downtown Westport from 4-10 p.m..  Jugglers, musicians, face painters, dancers, comedians and all sorts of other artists will be performing.  One button purchased admits you to all of the performances.  Visit http://www.firstnightww.com/ for the schedule of events, information and where to purchase your button.

Chances are you will have to work tonight, so after the kids go to bed, sit down and watch Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve and think about how to make 2014 better. Before they go to bed, you and the children can choose simple “New Year Resolutions.” Or create a keepsake of the year that is ending by making a time capsule or a scrapbook of memories. Include what are cool, slang words, popular activities, clothes, games, names of popular songs or games, and a picture of the hottest toy. If you are making a time capsule, put a date on it and decide when they will open it – in a year, 5 or even 10. Don’t forget to include a photo of you and the children! Tomorrow, the first day of the New Year, is a federal holiday.