Options for Relaxing This Holiday Season

November 26, 2011

Mention "The Holidays," and everyone instantly knows what you're talking about. You aren't referring to Easter or Halloween or Flag Day. A lot of holidays take place this time of year, and we sometimes have a tendency to mentally lump them together. For me, things seem to speed up when Thanksgiving hits. Christmas is here before I know it, and New Year’s is right on its heels. This time of year can definitely be a cause for stress, but the arrival of the Holidays also brings with it a kind of solace. Food, family, friends, and faith! We've worked hard all year. It's time to rest from our labors (until it’s time to put presents under the tree, at any rate). What do you do to relax?

Music and storytelling are two passions of mine, and I escape into them more than ever during the winter months. What’s really marvelous is to see them blended together in a production of A Christmas Carol or The Nutcracker, for instance. Year’s end also seems to be the perfect time for enjoying some beautiful classical music—at home or via a spellbinding performance. Handel’s Messiah perhaps? Studies suggest that classical music has the ability to improve your mood. Sounds good to me.

The point is this; It’s important to remember to relax, and there are plenty of opportunities to unwind this holiday season. Many options are free or low-cost. Here are a few ideas:

What: Holiday Harmony Spectacular
Where: Unity Village, Lee’s Summit
When: December 3rd at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
How much: Tickets range from $12 - 22

What: Christmas In the Park (a fun display of Christmas lights)
Where: Longview Lake, Lee’s Summit, MO.
When: November 25th - December 31st from 5:30 p.m. -10 p.m. during the week and on Sunday and 5:30 p.m. -11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday
How much: Free (but charitable donations are encouraged)

What: Boulevard Brewery Tour
Where: Boulevard Brewing Company, Kansas City, MO.
When: Ongoing
How Much: Free + the cost of anything you choose to purchase! A great way to get into the spirit of the holidays. Try their Nutcracker Ale. For adults only.

What: Outdoor Skating Fun On the Ice Terrace
Where: Crown Center, Kansas City, MO.
When: November 4th-March 18th 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
How much: $6 + a $3 skate rental fee

And don't forget to take the little ones to see Santa while you're relaxing at Crown Center! Explore Santa's Crayola Christmas Land and Santa's Gingerbread Village—both free of charge. These seasonal exhibits are open during regular shopping hours from November 25th - December 31st.

Chances are you know about some hidden gems in the community that haven’t been mentioned here. We invite you to share! What do you recommend for relaxation this time of year?

Amanda W.
North Independence Branch