Are You Hosting the Family?

As Christmas quickly approaches the stresses of getting everything done may consume you. Some soldiers are making the trek home for the holidays, while others are hosting their families (have fun with that). If you happen to have family coming in from out-of-state early, you know that you're going to be doing some touring around town. Trying to find quality Christmas activity for your family in the Northwest is easy, and it won't break the bank. The one question that might pop up is "Where can we go see some pretty lights?" Ok; men, don't shrug your shoulders and huff, take one for the team. If your family is not about freezing their butt off, jump in your vehicle and make your way to the14th annual Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park, located just west of 152nd Street and Pacific Avenue in the Parkland/Spanaway community. This is the largest holiday drive-through display in the Northwest. You will be taken aback by intricate displays and gleaming Lights. While on the this two mile drive you can flip your radio to FM 93.7 and listened to holiday music performed by local high schools. To learn more go to www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/parks/flights.htm

If the weather is good and the family is up to get some exercise, make you way to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium to see the half-million beautiful lights that will captivate your family. On this trip there will be live entertainment, refreshments, as well as family photos. To learn more go to http://www.pdza.org/page.php?id=435

If you want to step it up a notch and spend some money, take the family to the Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky's score and fabulous sets make Pacific Northwest Nutcracker, a pleasure for the family to see and hear. This event will be a great way to celebrate the holidays. The prices range from $40.00 to $100.00 dollars. For more information about this event go to http://www.pnb.org

When all else fails get on a boat and float away. If your family likes boat rides then the Argosy Christmas Ship, out of Seattle, might be the ticket to holiday enjoyment. During this voyage on the Puget Sound you will sail to different communities and your family will be entertained by the choir that sings. This will event will only run through December 23rd. To learn more about this event go http://argosycruises.com/themecruises/xmasSchedule.cfm

Being a host for the family during the holidays may present it difficulties, but if you plan ahead you just might be able to pull it all off. Being a soldier, and possibly facing a deployment in the near future, this Christmas it is a time to take it all in. During the holidays not every soldier has a place to go. I know family time is personal, but if you know a soldier that is having Christmas by them self, extend your hand.