My sisters and I usually go in on gifts for the nieces and nephew for special occasions such as birthdays and Christmas. This year my younger sister commented that her kids were having a tough time coming up with Christmas present ideas, which reinforced that our family is blessed with good tidings and ‘things.’ So I decided to come up with a ‘gift experience’ rather than toys or games for the three younger children (ages 8, 7, 4). My husband and older sister (their other aunt) were totally for this idea. So next we had to come up with some ideas!

After tossing around, and nixing, a few options, we settled on….Disney on Ice tickets! The kids were thrilled to open the presents and learn of our outing. I think they were a little bummed we have to wait until March but as we explained, it will be Christmas again when we go! I love these type of outings with my nieces and nephew as I believe in the importance of spending quality time together….and while quality time doesn’t always have to mean being on the go to events such as this, these are fun memories to make too!

If you’re looking for something to do with children and teens during the winter months, there are some entertaining events approaching in the new year. Here are a few suggestions to get started:

Disney on Ice – This Disney show celebrates “100 years of magic” as the ice-skating spectacular highlights many of the favorite characters. The  core group, as I call them, of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pluto and Goofy will be joined by more than 50 other characters, including Alladin, Belle, Elsa and Olaf. The show is at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Event dates: March 10-13, 2016.

Cinderella – This Rodgers & Hammerstein’s play weaves the original story we know with some updated twists and fun in this musical event. I love plays and musicals, especially Broadway events that bring some of my favorite stories to life. I’m hoping to see this play when it comes to the Detroit Opera House. Play dates: February 16-28, 2016.

The Snow Queen – In this play, the Snow Queen wants to make winter last forever (I shudder at the thought!). Two children embark on an adventure and make new friends as they try to save the world. This play is hosted by Stagecrafters in Royal Oak as part of their youth theater productions. I’ve been to several other youth theater productions at the Baldwin Theatre and enjoyed every one. And while you may think a play with children won’t be that great, you’d be wrong as the stage set, acting, costumes, lighting and more live up to the great reputation of any Stagecrafters’ play. Tickets are very reasonable and the run time is usually 1 hour, 30 minutes – perfect for young children to sit through as they’re sure to be very engaged. Play dates: March 3-6, 2016.

Are you my mother? – I love this children’s book so I think the play version should be great! This play follows baby bird to find her mother but first she encounters several other animals. This is part of the Children’s Series at Meadowbrook Theatre in Rochester (on Oakland University’s campus). Play date: April 2, 2016

Curious George: The Golden Meatball – Our favorite, curious monkey hits the stage for a new musical in another play in the Children’s Series at Meadowbrook Theatre. Play date: April 23, 2016

The Lightning Thief – This adaptation from the popular book by Rick Riordan follows the adventures of Percy Jackson, son of Perseus and a mortal woman, as his friends and him try to find Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt. This is another production from the Children’s Series at Meadowbrook Theatre. Play date: May 7, 2016