Design Crafters

Many people seem to think the zoo is only someplace you go to during the warm weather in the summer. Some people even believe the zoo is closed during the winter season in the colder climates. That may be the case for some smaller zoos, but not in the case of the Salt Lake City Hogle Zoo.

This season the Hogle Zoo has extended its hours and has been transformed into a “winter wonderland aglow with two million sparkling Christmas lights. There are over 150 colorful animated animals swinging through the trees, jumping across lawns and hiding in unexpected places”.  I’m definitely going to check it out this year and bring my digital camera. I have a feeling I’ll need to bundle up though.  Thank goodness for warm apple cider and hot chocolate. If you’re lucky, you live near a zoo that’s doing some fun Christmas events as well.  If you’re real lucky, you live in a warmer climate ;0)

Some zoos are also setting up a real looking manger with camels, donkeys, sheep, etc. Kids are often allowed to even pet the manger animals. Watch out for the spitting camels though.

When at a zoo, you can almost always find great “kodak moments”. If you’re a zoo lover, why not hop on down to the zoo and create your pictures for your photo Christmas cards there.  If it’s too late for this year, there’s always next year.

For the past few days I’ve been writing on the subject of “what to do with the kids during Christmas break”. You’re probably ready for a new topic. Therefore today will be the last of my suggestions for now.

I’m sure by now you may be wondering “what does this have to do with photo Christmas cards?” Well… This Christmas may provide many “Kodak moments” that would be perfect to use for any upcoming photo Christmas cards. Having a game plan for the kids will also help relieve you of some stress. You need happy kids for happy pictures. But if you’re stressed the kids tend to be too. So less stress equals better photo Christmas cards.

Anyhow, let’s continue onto ideas to keep the kids entertained during the holiday break.

As I was writing on this topic I realized I need to follow my own advice and figure out what resources I have in my area to occupy my own child during Christmas break.  So I simply hopped online and found things I didn’t even realize were around me.

My first suggestion would be to make a list of all the activities you can think of. Then hop online and do a search for activities in your immediate area.

Some of the ideas I came across were:

- The Rec. Center (Swimming, etc.)
- Natural History Museum (Dinosaur Museum)
- Library
- Educational Websites
- Educational TV shows
- crafts, etc.

So get online. You’ll be amazed what you’ll come up with.