So much to do and so little time! With the big holidays around the corner, its time to start down sizing the grand to-do lists to enjoy what's already created or scheduled. If there is something you just can't cross off your list, why not move it to next year? Here is a short list of a few winter holiday activities - in or near Sonoma County - you can shift to a later date:
Cookie Decorating - If you ran out of time to make Christmas cookies, consider saving that sugar cookie recipe for Valentine's Day. Smiling Tree Farm in Santa Rosa will offer a cookie making workshop for moms and tots in early February. (See website for updates in the New Year.)
Skunk Train - Missed the Christmas Ride? Mendocino's Skunk Train offers more than just a "polar express." Year round rides include a summertime expedition in open air cars. Towering redwoods and cascading valleys will lift your spirits throughout the year.
(Tree) Farm - While taking the family out to a tree farm is a wonderful way to get kids outside and on the ranch, you can visit dozens of Sonoma County farms any day of the year. Local farms offer blueberry harvesting, butterfly watching, apple tasting, pumpkin picking, animal petting, cheese or ice cream tasting and more. Check out the Sonoma County Farm Trails guide for information about a farm in your area.
Window Stars & Walnut Candles - This handmade holiday season has many families crafting home made gifts and decorations. Why stop with the Winter Holidays? Many holiday crafts make lasting lovely window hangings or mantle pieces. Your colorful window star or glowing walnut candle will provide you joy and warmth throughout the seasons.
Hand Crafted Gifts - Regretful that you didn't make more of your holiday gifts? Take the "Hand Made Pledge" today and resolve to make this coming year's birthday presents. Check out Petaluma-based "Just Something I Made" for ingenious crafting ideas. Sign up for Sharon Eisley's January Fairy Doll House Making workshop. Or consider buying hand made items from local artisans or crafty mamas.
Comments
Our family enjoyed the Skunk Train Christmas ride, what a great idea to try the Skunk Train on the off season! My sons enjoyed driving through the shadows of the redwood forest on an old fashioned train - I'm sure they would love to take a second trip!
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