Where to Find Santa

In New Jersey

Christmas 2013

Jersey Family Fun

Happy Holidays Can you believe the holiday season is upon us? We haven’t carved the turkey but already Santa is appearing in our local malls. What do you think about that? Read Jessica’s take on it in her article. Then, take a look at all the opportunities your family has to spend some time with Santa this Christmas. Many are free. So get your cup of hot cocoa and prepare to take a little time with us. We have a lot to share. A special thanks to our team for helping us put this together and our advertisers for their support as well. Without either of them, this would not be possible.

Happy Holidays,

Jennifer Auer Jersey Family Fun (Chief Mom)

In this Guide

Is it too Soon For Santa? Easy Steps to Prove Santa is Real

Getting the Best Santa Photos New Jersey Holiday Parades New Jersey Tree Lightings

More Local Santa Appearances

http://bit.ly/18cob5R

Is it Too Soon for Santa? By Jessica Lopa

It's hard to accept that Santa, and all that comes with him, has taken over our stores and malls so early this year. It can even be quite annoying to turn on the radio and hear Christmas music or see a Christmas movie on television. (However, Elf and Christmas Vacation are perfectly acceptable year round!). We haven't even planned our Thanksgiving meal yet and our kids want to make Christmas gift lists! How do we as parents make this a teachable moment?

I am not going to lie, even though I am overwhelmed by the Christmas cheer so early this year, I still brought my children to see Santa arrive at our local mall. Even though I may feel it is too early, why should I deprive my children of the joy and excitement of seeing Santa for the first time this season? The elation in their faces was enough for me to realize I made the right decision. We engaged in all the fun holiday activities at the mall, and my 4-year old even hugged Santa (which was a huge change from the screaming of last year!).

I know many parents feel like protesting any and all holiday events right now, but I am here to say let's make this a teachable moment instead. Let's take the opportunity to make this a positive thing instead of negative. Here are some of my suggestions in turning these jingle bells into a sleigh:

Teachable Moments for the Holiday

Take the kids to see Santa's arrival. Take pictures and enjoy the smiles on their faces and glow in their eyes. They will only be kids for a short time so enjoy the magic of the season. Wait on professional photos until after Thanksgiving.

Start a Santa photo countdown in your house. This can also be used as a reward system for good behavior. If your child behaves (within reason of course) until Thanksgiving, then they can take pictures with Santa.

Explain the importance of giving back. With the season starting earlier, this gives families plenty of time to raise awareness and money for worthy causes such as Toys for Tots and Make a Wish Foundation.

Volunteer!! The longer holiday season gives families ample opportunities to volunteer their time. Visit our Make a Difference series to find articles on volunteering in your community.

Attend the local holiday events and collect the crafts and bells, but put them away until after Thanksgiving. We have already collected bells and art projects, but they have been placed in a box to be taken out after Thanksgiving. This helps teach children about patience as well.

Focus on Thanksgiving! Obviously you can't ignore that Christmas trees are everywhere, but explain to your kids that although the trees are very pretty, and Christmas is coming soon, we first need to celebrate Thanksgiving. Explain to your children what this holiday is about and how important it is. It’s a great time to read fun Thanksgiving books and make silly turkey crafts. Check our website for ideas.

There are just a few ways to put a positive spin on the early Christmas season. So parents, please don't get mad at Santa! Embrace the holiday season and find new ways to teach your children about helping others and giving back.

)

Experience this magical showcase of unique, one-of-a-kind gingerbread houses while supporting a good cause! Submit your vote to choose the best entries!

Meet Santa and his team of elves, as well as the Gingberbread Man and his Baker!

Enjoy live music & holiday carols by local artists and choirs...and then enter for a chance to win a spectacular 4’ Gingerbread House

constructed with gingerbread, candy and fresh flowers!

Sweet treats and hot cocoa available for purchase at Santa's Sweet Shop!

Admission Donation: $2 per guest

All proceeds from the event will be donated to From Houses to Homes, a not-for-profit organization committed tobuilding safe & durable homes for poor families in Guatemala.

www.fromhousestohomes.org

friday, december 20

(5-9 pm)

saturday, december 21

(12-9 pm)

For more information or to submit your gingerbread house, please visit www.pinkdahliaevents.com

Hosted by Pink Dahlia Floral & Event Design

VFW Lodge, 750 Route 10 West,Whippany, NJ 07871

FREE Kids Candy Cane Hunt (7 & Under)

Dec. 1, 1:30pm @ 120 Cranbury Neck Rd.

Santa 11am-3pm: Nov. 30 & Dec. 1; Dec. 7 & 8; 14 & 15. Kids activities in-clude a hay bale maze, pedal tractor ar-ea and much more! Enjoy a wagon ride around the farm.

U-Cut Christmas Trees

120 Cranbury Neck Rd.,

Bring Your Family & Friends!

Walk our fields to pick the Perfect Christmas Tree!

Santa photos Dec. 2012 by

Michael Mancuso/The Times www.simonsonfarms.com 609-799-0140

Column photos Opening Day 2012

Easy Steps to Prove Santa is Real

Every year, as my boys get older it gets a little harder to keep them believing in the magic of Santa and hold onto their innocence. As another Christmas approaches we share the tips we use.

What we do to prove Santa exists

Sign up with our local town to send a letter to Santa and receive one back. Arrange with our county recreation department for a phone call for Santa. Visit different locations to take our pictures with him. Sprinkle Reindeer food on the front lawn. Leave cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for Rudolph. (After the kids go

to bed, I'll eat them up and leave the crumbs behind. Presents are signed from Santa Some gifts are wrapped, not so perfectly, to make it seem like the elves

wrapped them. I'll use brown chalk to mark out hoof prints on the front steps. Last year we were introduced to the Portable North Pole & The Santa

Video, two great companies helping kids believe in Santa Claus.

The Portable North Pole offers personalized phone calls, video messages, and more for your child from Santa. You tailor the information to your child. You can read here what happened when Santa called my 4 year old.

The Santa Video, uses a picture you send them, to make it appear that Santa was really in your home. Imagine the look on your child's face when you show them the video of Santa putting presents under your tree or eating the milk and cookies you left. Take a look below the ad for more information and to see how easy it is to get your own video.

Getting the Best

Photos with Santa By Anne

I remember the first three times I brought my twins to see Santa. The result was the same each and every time. I had a picture of two, red-faced little boys with a howling face. They were terrified. I came to realize that little ones will not always be happy and excited to meet Santa! Some day we’ll look back and have a good laugh at the Santa pictures with the boys screaming at the top of their lungs. But today, here are some ways to help make the experience a little easier and more fun for toddlers.

Tips for the Best Photos with Santa

Read to your child about Santa before meeting him

Santa is an abstract person to kids. He wears bright colors and has a resounding, “Ho, Ho, Ho”. Reading to your child about Santa will help them feel like Santa a real and safe person. It will help him be less scary.

Do a sight-seeing tour

If you live close to a mall this is easy. Take your child to see other kids with Santa. Let them see that kids are excited to see him. Allow them to ask questions. Show them how much fun it is to tell Santa what they want for Christmas. (Hopefully, you will not do your tour when a 2-year-old is crying on Santa’s lap).

Show them pictures of your experiences with Santa

Kids relate better visually – especially as toddlers. Show them pictures of your youth. When they see that Mommy or Daddy saw Santa when they were little, it is more likely to sink in as something safe. Talk about what happened when you saw Santa. Tell them what you remembered asking Santa for.

Be realistic

If your child is terrified of strangers you need to be really realistic about what type of picture you are going to get. Try to stand next to Santa and step aside at the last minute. You have a 3-4 second window for a good photo. But don’t be too upset if the picture is showing a screaming kid on Santa’s lap. While it may not be funny now, as the years pass on they do become more humorous.

If you really want a great Christmas picture you may find that plain pictures (not in dressy clothes) make some of the best pictures. Try taking your children’s pictures in their comfortable Christmas pajamas. They will be more relaxed and will have fun and you will get fantastic pictures!

2013 Holiday Parades in New Jersey

Please visit the link or confirm with your town if Santa will be present.

Saturday, November 23

Thanksgiving Parade, Trenton (Mercer Co.)

Sunday, November 24

Boonton Christmas Parade (Morris Co.)

Friday, November 29

Holiday Firetruck Parade, Barrington (Camden Co.)

Santa Parade, Haddonfield (Camden Co.) Millville Christmas Parade, Millville

(Cumberland Co.) Santa Parade, Red Bank (Monmouth Co.)

Saturday, November 30

Wallington Holiday Parade (Bergen Co.) Audubon Fire Department Christmas

Parade (Camden Co.) Holiday Parade, Collingswood (Camden

Co.) Christmas Parade, Stone Harbor (Cape

May Co.) Holiday Parade, Stone Harbor (Cape May

Co.) Santa Parade, Pitman (Gloucester Co.) Christmas Parade, Swedesboro (Gloucester

Co.) Holiday Parade, Newton (Sussex Co.)

Sunday, December 1

Snowflake Parade, Millburn (Essex Co.) Holiday Parade, Flemington (Hunterdon

Co.) Winter Parade, Metuchen (Middlesex Co.) Christmas Parade, Lacey (Ocean Co.)

Thursday, December 5

Tree Lighting & Santa Parade, South Amboy (Middlesex Co.)

Friday, December 6

Tree Lighting & Parade, Haddon Twp (Camden Co.)

Christmas Parade, Middle Township (Cape May Co.)

Christmas Parade, Ocean City (Cape May Co.)

Saturday, December 7

Holiday Parade, Burlington City (Burlington Co.) *Rain Date December 8***

Santa Parade, Delanco (Burlington Co.) Fire Department Christmas Parade,

Blackwood (Camden Co.) Christmas Parade, West Cape May (Cape

May Co.) Christmas Parade, West Cape May (Cape

May Co.) Santa Parade, Woodbury (Gloucester Co.) 34th Annual Ship Bottom Christmas Parade

(Ocean Co.) Santa Parade, Hawthorne (Passaic Co.) Salem Christmas Parade (Salem Co.) Christmas Parade, Sandyston (Sussex Co.)

Sunday, December 8

Pine Hill Christmas Parade, Pine Hill (Camden Co.)

Santa Claus Parade, Lakewood (Ocean Co.)

Wednesday, December 11

Santa Parade, North Hudson Communities (Hudson Co.)

2013 Tree Lightings in New Jersey Please visit the link or confirm with your town if Santa will be present.

Saturday, November 23 Cape May (Cape May Co.) Kenilworth (Union Co.)

Monday, November 25

Cherry Hill (Camden Co.) Kenilworth (Union Co.)

Tuesday, November 26

Brick (Ocean Co.)

Wednesday, November 27 Lakewood (Ocean Co.) Kenilworth (Union Co.)

Friday, November 29

Hasbrouck Heights (Bergen Co.) Collingswood (Camden Co.) Haddonfield (Camden Co.) Downtown Hightstown (Mercer Co.) Palmer Square, Princeton (Mercer Co.) Red Bank (Monmouth Co.) Point Pleasant Beach (Ocean Co.) **Rain

Date November 30**

Saturday, November 30

Bordentown City (Burlington Co.) Glassboro (Gloucester Co.) Lambertville (Hunterdon Co.) Highland Park (Middlesex Co.) Keyport (Monmouth Co.) Shrewsbury Boro (Monmouth Co.) Patterson (Passaic Co.) Washington Boro (Warren Co.)

Sunday, December 1

Cliffside Park (Bergen Co.) Cresskill (Bergen Co.) Mahwah (Bergen Co.) Ridgefield Park (Bergen Co.) Glen Ridge (Essex Co.) Secaucus (Hudson Co.) Weehawken (Hudson Co.) Avon by the Sea (Monmouth Co.) Bradley Beach (Monmouth Co.) Colts Neck (Monmouth Co.) Eatontown (Monmouth Co.) Little Silver (Monmouth Co.) Long Branch (Monmouth Co.)

Chester (Morris Co.) Wharton (Morris Co.) Ringwood (Passaic Co.) Byram (Sussex Co.)

Monday, December 2

Bordentown Township (Burlington Co.) Keansburg (Monmouth Co.) Long Branch (Monmouth Co.) West Milford (Passaic Co.) Phillipsburg (Warren Co.)

Tuesday, December 3

Fair Lawn (Bergen Co.) Gibbsboro (Camden Co.) Sea Isle City (Cape May Co.) Hoboken (Hudson Co.) Robbinsville (Hunterdon Co.)

Wednesday, December 4

Somerdale (Camden Co.) Jamesburg (Middlesex Co.) Howell (Monmouth Co.)

Thursday, December 5 Folsom (Atlantic Co.) Mullica (Atlantic Co.) Port Republic (Atlantic Co.) Mantua (Gloucester Co.) Edison (Middlesex Co.) South Amboy (Middlesex Co.) Holmdel (Monmouth Co.) **Rain Date

December 9** Long Branch (Monmouth Co.) Lincoln Park (Morris Co.) Wayne (Passaic Co.)

Friday, December 6 Brigantine (Atlantic Co.) Buena Vista (Atlantic Co.) Garfield (Bergen Co.) Ho-Ho-Kus (Bergen Co.) Leonia (Bergen Co.) Lodi (Bergen Co.) Midland Park (Bergen Co.) Oradell (Bergen Co.) Rivervale (Bergen Co.) Rochelle Park (Bergen Co.) Cinnaminson (Burlington Co.)

Florence (Burlington Co.) Hainesport (Burlington Co.) **Rain Date,

December 8 *** Haddon Twp (Camden Co.) Winslow (Camden Co.) Wash. Mall, Cape May (Cape May Co.) Rotary Park, Cape May (Cape May Co.) North Wildwood (Cape May Co.) Montclair (Essex Co.) Roseland (Essex Co.) West Orange (Essex Co.) Deptford (Gloucester Co.) Carteret (Middlesex Co.) Milltown (Middlesex Co.) Metuchen (Middlesex Co.) South River (Middlesex Co.) Woodbridge (Middlesex Co.) Asbury Park (Monmouth Co.) Belmar (Monmouth Co.) Hazlet (Monmouth Co.) Highlands (Monmouth Co.) Middletown (Monmouth Co.) Sea Bright (Monmouth Co.) Wall Twp (Monmouth Co.) **Rain Date

December 9** Butler (Morris Co.) Rockaway Twp (Morris Co.) Lavallette (Ocean Co.) Santa Visit, Manchester (Ocean Co.) Ocean Twp (Ocean Co.) Clifton (Passaic Co.) Haledon (Passaic Co.) Woodland Park (Passaic Co.) Hambug Boro (Sussex Co.) Hampton (Sussex Co.) Fairview YMCA, Stillwater (Sussex Co.) Wantage (Sussex Co.) Roselle Park Boro (Union Co.) Hope (Warren Co.)

Saturday, December 7

Egg Harbor City (Atlantic Co.) Linwood (Atlantic Co.) Moonachie (Bergen Co.) Park Ridge (Bergen Co.) *Rain Date

December 8) River Edge (Bergen Co.) Burlington City (Burlington Co.) *Rain Date

December 8*** Delanco (Burlington Co.) Medford (Burlington Co.) Monroe Twp (Gloucester Co.) Wenonah (Gloucester Co.) High Bridge (Hunterdon Co.)

Kingwood (Hunterdon Co.) Spotswood (Middlesex Co.) **Rain Date

December 8** Allentown (Monmouth Co.) Asbury Park (Monmouth Co.) Atlantic Highlands (Monmouth Co.) Lake Como (Monmouth Co.) Matawan First Aid (Monmouth Co.) Ocean Grove (MonmouthCo.) Mendham Borough (Morris Co.) Randolph (Morris Co.) Roxbury (Morris Co.) Beach Haven (Ocean Co.) Beachwood (Ocean Co.) Jackson (Ocean Co.) Franklin (Sussex Co.) Montaque Twp (Sussex Co.) Mountainside (Union Co.) Oxford (Warren Co.) *Rain Date, Dec. 8* Washington Twp (Warren Co.)

Sunday, December 8 East Amwell (Hudson Co.) East Amwell (Hunterdon Co.) Lebanon Boro (Hunterdon Co.) West Windsor (Mercer Co.) Dunellen (Middlesex Co.) Allenhurst (Monmouth Co.) Brielle (Monmouth Co.) Interlaken (Monmouth Co.) Oceanport (Monmouth Co.) East Hanover (Morris Co.) Hopatcong (Sussex Co.) Fanwood (Union Co.) Union Twp (Union Co.)

Monday, December 9

Hopewell Twp (Mercer Co.) Old Bridge (Middlesex Co.) Montville (Morris Co.)

Tuesday, December 10 Springfield (Union Co.)

Wednesday, December 11 Hillsdale (Bergen Co.)

Friday, December 13 Lakehurst (Ocean Co.)

Saturday, December 14 Paramus (Bergen Co.) North Haledon (Passaic Co.)

2013 Other Local Santa Appearances

Saturday, November 23

Santa Visit, Dunellen (Middlesex Co.) Tuesday, November 26

Santa Visit, Brick (Ocean Co.) Friday, November 29

Santa Arrival, Point Pleasant Beach (Ocean Co.) **Rain Date Nov. 30**

Saturday, November 30

Santa Visit, Bordentown (Burlington Co.) Island days of Holiday Events, Stone Harbor

(Cape May Co.) Santa, Glassboro (Gloucester Co.) Lights on Main, Harrison Twp (Glo. Co.) Free Santa Pictures, Jersey City (Hud. Co.) Santa Visit with Movie Lambertville

(Hunterdon Co.) North Pole Tent at Simonson Farms

(Middlesex Co.) Santa Visit, Shrewsbury Boro (Mon. Co.) Santa Visits Viking Village, Barnegat Light

(Ocean Co.) Holiday Jubilee, Somerville (Somerset Co.) Christmas on the Farm, Heaven Hill Farm,

Vernon (Sussex Co.) Sunday, December 1

Christmas Train, Magic Talking Tree, Stories with Mrs. Claus, Historic Smithville (Atlantic Co.)

Photos with Santa, Cliffside Park (Ber. Co.) Santa Visit, Cresskill (Bergen Co.) Xchange Winter Wonderland Tree

Lighting, Secaucus (Hudson Co.) Kids Candy Cane Hunt at Simonson Farms

(Middlesex Co.) Santa Visit, Bradley Beach (Monmouth Co.) Santa on fire truck, Ringwood (Passaic Co.) Santa Comes to Town, Raritan (Som. Co.) Santa Visit, Byram (Sussex Co.) Christmas on the Farm, Heaven Hill Farm,

Vernon (Sussex Co.) Monday, December 2

Winter Wonderland, North Brunswick Food donation requested (Middlesex Co.)

Tuesday, December 3

Caroling & Santa Visit, Fair Lawn (Ber. Co.)

Wednesday, December 4

Santa Visit, Somerdale (Camden Co.) Santa Visit, Howell (Monmouth Co.)

Thursday, December 5

Santa Visit, Holmdel (Monmouth Co.) **Rain Date Dec. 9**

Friday, December 6

Christmas Train, Magic Talking Tree, Mrs. Claus Story Time, Smithville (Atlantic Co.)

Santa Arrives, Smithville (Atlantic Co.) Santa Visit, Buena Vista (Atlantic Co.) Santa Visit, Garfield (Bergen Co.) Santa Visit, Oradell (Bergen Co.) Santa Visit, Rivervale (Bergen Co.) Santa Visit, Rochelle Park (Bergen Co.) Santa Visit, Cinnaminson (Burlington Co.) Santa Visit, Winslow (Camden Co.) Santa Visit, Roseland (Essex Co.) Santa at Ven Vleck House (Essex Co.) Visit with Mr and Mrs. Claus, Highlands

(Monmouth Co.) Santa Visit, Manchester (Ocean Co.) Santa Visit, Hope (Warren Co.)

Saturday, December 7

Christmas Train, Magic Talking Tree, Mrs. Claus Story Time, Smithville (Atlantic Co.)

Breakfast with Santa, Hamilton Mall Fee (Atlantic Co.)

Santa Visit, Moonachie (Bergen Co.) Santa Comes to Town, Montclair (Ess. Co.) Santa at Ven Vleck (Essex Co.) Santa Visit, Monroe Twp (Gloucester Co.) Cookies with Santa, Glen Gardner

(Hunterdon Co.) Cookies with Santa, High Bridge (Hun. Co.) Santa Visit, Kingwood (Hunterdon Co.) Santa Visit, Lebanon Twp (Hunterdon Co.) Free Pictures with Santa, Allentown

(Monmouth Co.) Santa Visit, Jefferson Twp Food donation

requested (Morris Co.) Santaland, Roxbury $5 suggested

donation for photo (Morris Co.) Santa Christmas Party, Clifton (Pas. Co.) Santa Parade, Hawthorne (Passaic Co.) Holiday Celebration, Montague Twp *Must

Pre-Register* (Sussex Co.) Cookies with Santa Montaque (Sus. Co.)

Santa Visit, Sandyston (Sussex Co.) Christmas on the Farm, Heaven Hill Farm,

Vernon (Sussex Co.) Sunday, December 8

Christmas Train, Magic Talking Tree, Mrs. Claus Story Time, Smithville (Atlantic Co.)

Victorian Christmas, Smithville Park (Burlington Co.)

Winter Festival, Sayreville (Middlesex Co.) Santa Visit, Peapack Gladstone (Som. Co.) Santa Arrives, Sparta (Sussex Co.) Christmas on the Farm, Heaven Hill Farm,

Vernon (Sussex Co.) Holiday Celebration, Tree Lighting,

Fanwood (Union Co.) Santa Visit, Union Twp (Union Co.)

Tuesday, December 10

Lunch with Santa, Wall Twp Fee (Monmouth Co.)

Holiday Spectacular, Springfield (Union Co.) Friday, December 13

Christmas Train, Magic Talking Tree, Stories with Mrs. Claus, Historic Smithville (Atlantic Co.)

Children's Christmas Party, Weehawken (Hudson Co.)

Saturday, December 14

Christmas Train, Magic Talking Tree, Mrs. Claus Story Time, Smithville (Atlantic Co.)

Winter Carnival, Paramus (Bergen Co.) Winter Festival with Santa, Pemberton

(Burlington Co.) Santa Brunch, Gloucester Township Toy

donation requested (Camden Co.) Breakfast with Santa on the Battleship (fee),

(Camden Co.) Santa Family Workshop at the Zoo, Cape

May (Cape May Co.) Skate with Santa, Jersey City $4 skate

rental, free admission (Hudson Co.) Santa Visit, East Hanover (Morris Co.) Christmas on the Farm, Heaven Hill Farm,

Vernon (Sussex Co.) Santa Visit, Linden (Union Co.)

Sunday, December 15

Christmas Train, Magic Talking Tree, Mrs. Claus Story Time, Smithville (Atlantic Co.)

Santa at Ven Vleck House (Essex Co.)

Breakfast with Santa, Keyport **Must Preregister** (Monmouth Co.)

Breakfast with Santa, Sandyston FEE (Sussex Co.)

Christmas on the Farm, Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon (Sussex Co.)

Kids Christmas Party, Wantage (Sus. Co.) Tuesday, December 17

Pizza with Santa, Lakehurst (Ocean Co.) Thursday, December 19

Santa comes to Mt Laurel (Burlington Co.) Friday, December 20

Christmas Train, Magic Talking Tree, Mrs. Claus Story Time, Smithville (Atlantic Co.)

Gingerbread Dreams: Building Hope from Love (Morris Co.)

Saturday, December 21

Christmas Train, Magic Talking Tree, Mrs. Claus Story Time, Smithville (Atlantic Co.)

Santa on fire truck,Glen Rock (Bergen Co.) Santa on fire truck, Hainesport (Bur. Co.) Santa on fire truck, Audubon (Camden Co.) Santa Visit, Morris Twp (Morris Co.) Gingerbread Dreams: Building Hope from

Love (Morris Co.) Sunday, December 22

Christmas Train, Magic Talking Tree, Mrs. Claus Story Time, Smithville (Atlantic Co.)

Santa Visit, Morris Twp (Morris Co.) Santa on fire truck, Wantage (Sussex Co.)

Monday, December 23

Santa Comes to Avon, Avon by the Sea (Monmouth Co.)

Tuesday, December 24

Santa Gift Delivery, Lakehurst (Ocean Co.) Friday, December 27

Christmas Train, Magic Talking Tree, Mrs. Claus Story Time, Smithville (Atlantic Co.)

Saturday, December 28

Christmas Train, Magic Talking Tree, Mrs. Claus Story Time, Smithville (Atlantic Co.)

Sunday, December 29

Christmas Train, Magic Talking Tree, Mrs. Claus Story Time, Smithville (Atlantic Co.)

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