First Night Alexandria- a celebration of the New Year through the performing arts…..fun, inexpensive, and safe. See www.firstnightalexandria.org

Twenty APIA aupairs enjoyed a performance of” The Living Christmas Tree-Christmas is Relative” this week as well as dinner together in a local restaurant. It was great to be together.

Here is our aupair, Phyli, from South Africa, presenting about her country to Bishop Ireton students. This  is Phyli’s second time representing her culture at Bishop Ireton. She is a great example of global awareness in action

Things to do for our Au Pairs:

Friday, Nov.  25. City of Alexandria Christmas Tree Lighting at Market Square. Enjoy the music, caroling plus Santa Claus- Free-7-9pm

Dec 1- Torpedo Factory Center  Holiday Open House

Zoolights at The National Zoo in Rock Creek Park-FREE- Friday and Saturday nights for now and from Dec. 13-Jan.  1 every night except Dec. 24, 25 and 31. from 5pm-9pm.

Dec 2-4th- Holiday on the Avenue in DelRay. Go HolidayMarket@The DelRayArtisans.org.

Dec. 2 and 3- 41st Annual Campagna Center and Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. Go to www.scottishchristsmaswalk.com

Dec. 2 and on- Visit The National Christmas Tree and Pathway to Peace display on The Ellipse near The White House from dusk to 11pm. There is entertainment on weekends from 4-8:30pm. Call 202-208-1631 for more information. The nearest Metro stations are  Metro Center, Federal Triangle and McPherson Square.

Dec. 3- Holiday Boat Parade of Lights at the waterfront at dusk.

Dec. 17 and again on Dec. 18-“Great Joy”-A Gospel Christmas – presented by Alfred St. Baptist Church at TC Williams High School 6pm each evening. FREE

Dec.  18 – Colonial Handbell Choir Concert at The Lyceum on South Washington St 2pm performance and 4pm performance. FREE.

More concerts every week at Market Square on King St in Old Town

Dec. 4 from 2-3 and 3-4; Dec 10 from 1-2; 2-3 and 3-4. All FREE

The Second Annual Handmade Holiday Craft Fair, to be held on Sat. Nov. 19 from 10am-4pm at TC Williams High School, 3330 King St.

Our aupairs can shop for gift items and even assist their host family’s children in choosing items that they too can give as gifts to their families.

Thursday, November 24th starting at 10am for all our VAO aupair runners!

Start at George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mt. Vernon Avenue in DelRay

You can run with a stroller and/or with a dog!

For information, to register or to volunteer, go to www.alexandriaturkeytrot.com

Great fun was had by all at our November cluster activity held at US Bowling. Great prizes!

“Day of the Dead”- at the Museum of the American Indian Oct 29-Nov. 1

“Dios de los Muertos”- 8pm-11pm at The Torpedo Factory, Alexandria. See events@torpedofactory.org. Student discount available.

Alexandria Film Festival- November 3-6. See www.AlexandriaFilm.org

Flu season is about to begin. Be aware that APIA health insurance will not pay for the shot.

If a host family recommends that their aupair gets the shot, they should cover the payment. If the aupair wants the shot, and the host family has no opinion,  she should pay for it. Shots are generally in the $25.00-$35.00 range.

Shots are available at most Target, Giant, Safeway and CVS stores, including those with Minute Clinics.

The City of Alexandria also sponsors clinics for shots.  Hours are Mondays-9am to 11am- and Mondays 2pm-6pm, by appointment only on Mondays-Tuesdays 1pm-4pm and Wednesdays 8am-11pm. Both Tuesdays and Wednesdays are walk in dates only, so arrive early.  There is also a charge for the shot for adults in the $30 range. Go to 4480 King St, second floor. Call 703-746-4980 to make any appointment.

Here are some activities for our aupairs to consider for American Halloween:

Boo At the Zoo!- October 21-23 5:30pm-8:30pm. The National Zoo hosts its Halloween experience for kids.

Immanuel-on-the-Hill Pumpkin Patch- Pick out your kids’ pumpkin from Oct 2-31st. See www.icoh.net 3606 Seminary Rd.

Del Ray’s Annual Halloween Parade- Oct 30 at 2pm. See www.delray.com. For kids and adults!

Clarendon Ballroom Halloween Monster Bash- Oct. 28 8pm at 3185 Wilson Blvd. Costume contest with cash prizes. 703-469-2244.