Katy, Texas serves up Happy Holidays

Have you started making a list or checking it twice? More importantly have your children? I know that the December Toy R Us Toy Catalog maybe among the most loved “books” in our household right now. But before you stress over the giving of the gifts why not have a little fun this holiday season?

Share the joys of the season

Stuff the Sleigh of Katy, Texasat the Firethorne Community Center located at 28128 N. Firethorne Rd. Visit the community center for a wish list and deliver unwrapped gifts by Dec. 15. This community toy drive benefits local children with cancer. Monetary donations can be mailed to: Firethrone Community Association c/o Stuff the Sleigh, 4707 Ingersoll, Houston, TX 77027. Checks can be made payable to the Firethrone Community Association. For more information, contact Katie Sparkman at 281-693-0003 or stuffthesleigh@gmail.com. Willowfork Fire Department’s Toys for Tots Drive

Now through 12/16 the Willowfork Fire Dept. located at 24655 Westheimer Pkwy. will be accepting donations of new and unwrapped toys. Groups collecting large amount of toys can arrange for the Department to pick up the donation by contacting the department at 281-395-0011 or Fire Chief Wilson at 832-731-3031. Toys can be dropped off at the Station anytime between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. This event is to benefit the United States Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” drive in the Katy, Texas area.

Holiday performances

• Dec. 17-18 at Taylor High School PAC, 20700 Kingsland Blvd. The Allegro Ballet of Houston presents its 10th Annual full-length production of “The Nutcracker.” There will be three performances, Dec. 17 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 18 at 2:30 p.m. Reserved tickets are available at allegroballetofhouston.com.

Many area churches are also offering special holiday events. Here a just a few:

• Is There Any Wonder? A special worship service on Dec. 18 at Kingsland Baptist Church located at 20555 Kingsland Blvd. at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.
• 10th Annual Live Nativity and Puppet Show on Dec. 18 at Victory of the Lamb Lutheran Church located at 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
• Kidz Christmas on Dec. 23 at Grace Fellowship United Methodist Church located at 2655 S. Mason Rd. at 4:30 p.m. Kidz Christmas is a fun filled family event including music, puppets, a living nativity and more.

Here comes Santa Claus!

Throughout the month of December Santa will be available for a visit and for pictures beginning Nov. 12 until Saturday, Dec. 24. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (hour break at 1 p.m., 45 minute break at 5:15 p.m.) and Sunday, 12-6 p.m. (hour break at 2 p.m.) at the Katy, Texas Mills Mall. For more information, call 281-644-5000.

You can also find Santa at Heritage Square at La Centerra. The jolly old elf will be available from 12/3-12/24 from 1-5 p.m. For more information visit La Centerra online.

La Centerra is also home to many other holiday activities including:

• Family Movie Night and Holiday Quote-Along on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. featuring “A Christmas Story,” hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Complimentary popcorn will be served while supplies last.
• Holiday Brown Bag Lunch and Story Hour with Santa on Dec. 24 12 – 1 p.m. Bring a bag lunch or pick up one from the many restaurants located at the shopping center and enjoy a holiday story hour hosted by Santa himself.

Mark your calendars for these special days in December:

Katy, Texas Independent School District will be out of school beginning with an early dismissal on December 16 and students won’t be returning until January 4, 2012.

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