Author: Family Times

After the excitement of ringing in the New Year, many of us are faced with the January Blues. The festive feel of the holiday season is gone, and the winter days can be gloomy. However, each month of the new year brings something to celebrate. Whether it’s enjoying food, honoring animals, or just being silly, here are 12 unique and fun days to commemorate as you keep the party going long into the new year! Jan. 13: National Rubber Ducky Day We celebrate the rubber ducky on Jan. 13 after the date appeared circled on a calendar in a 1973…

By Chris Xaver Family Times is 20! To celebrate, we will pick one article from our archive each month – including this one, which appeared in our January 2015 issue. View our other anniversary content here. The best part of slow cooking is the smell. You place all the ingredients in the crock, set the temperature and start basking in the wonderful aromas. The smell teases you for hours while you’re doing other things, reminding you not to go too far. Of course, you can set it and forget it, but the recipe I’m providing doesn’t lend itself to a…

by Katy M. Clark When my daughter was born on a cold December night, I was overwhelmed with love. I cuddled with her as my husband and I listened to Christmas music. We found an ornament in the hospital gift shop with her name on it. We dined on a Christmas dinner that year that someone else prepared. Having a baby in December? It was better than I expected. Fast forward 10 years and nearly as many birthday parties later. December birthdays can be sweet, but they can be hard when it comes to throwing birthday parties. Luckily, I have…

Syracuse Stage Adds Pay-What-You-Will Performances A program at Syracuse Stage is expanding. The theatre recently received a $20,000 grant from M&T Bank, allowing it to add more pay-what-you-will performances to the 2022/23 season. “There’s nothing like the joy that live entertainment brings,” said Steve Gorczynski, Central New York regional president at the bank, in a press release. “It’s a chance to join with family and friends, to unplug from our screens and to celebrate our vibrant arts community. We are proud to help bring that shared experience to as many members of our community as possible.” The pay-what-you-will program was…

By Laura Livingston Snyder Family Times is 20! To celebrate, we will pick one article (or a few) from our archive each month – including this one, which appeared in our December 2016 issue. View our other anniversary content here. When I think about the perfect holiday, it’s casual and involves fuzzy socks and pajamas, not pantyhose and Spanx. If you’re like me, then an important part of enjoying your season is figuring out how to maximize your fun and minimize your hassle. So, consider these ideas for keeping your spirits high and your sanity intact throughout the month of December.…

The holiday season is here, and there are many ways to celebrate locally. Here are a few: Light Displays Bright Nights Where: Utica Zoo, 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica. When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 18. More information: uticazoo.org/brightnights. Christmas Festival Where: Abbott Farms, 3275 Cold Springs Road, Baldwinsville. When: Dec. 3, 10 & 17. More information: abbottfarms.ticketspice.com/christmas-2022. Holiday Nights Where: 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. When: Fridays and Saturdays, through Dec. 17. More information: rosamondgiffordzoo.org/events. Jungle Bells: Holiday Lights Where: Animal Adventure Park, 85 Martin Hill Road, Harpursville. When: Thursday-Sunday (through Dec. 31). More information: theanimaladventurepark.com. Lights on the…

For more than three decades, families around Central New York been making Lights on the Lake part of their holiday traditions. The event returns to Onondaga Lake Park this month. Here is everything you need to know: What’s New The show will feature several new pieces, including a gingerbread person jumping on a trampoline. Dates and Hours Lights on the Lake officially opens Nov. 14, and continues through Jan. 13. Cars can drive through the show from 5-10 p.m. each day – but keep in mind, weekends tend to be busiest. Admission Tickets must again be purchased in advance online,…

Here are some places where you can host your next holiday party Apex Entertainment  Where: 9090 Destiny USA Drive, Syracuse More information: apexentertainment.com/syracuse/parties-events. Bella Domani Catering & Banquets  Where: 5988 E. Taft Road, North Syracuse. More information: belladomani.net/specialevents. Billy Beez Where: 9090 Destiny USA Drive, Syracuse. More information: billybeezus.com/location/destiny-usa. CopperTop Tavern Where: 3372 Milton Ave., Syracuse (event house). More information: coppertoptavern.com/private-events. Dave & Buster’s Where: 9090 Destiny USA Drive, Syracuse More information: daveandbusters.com/corporate-christmas-holiday-party/syracuse. Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse Where: 2950 Erie Blvd E., Syracuse. More information: delmonicositaliansteakhouse.com/syracuse-ny. Dinosaur BBQ Where: 246 W. Willow St., Syracuse. More information: dinosaurbarbque.com/syracuse/catering. Escape the Mystery Room…

Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways Introduces Subscription Box Service Local families now have another option when it comes to subscription boxes. The Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways (GSNYPENN) Council recently introduced GirlCratery™, a new service for girls ages 5-11. Each monthly box has a theme (such as geocaching, baking and camping), and includes an activity that can be completed at home. The cost for a three-month subscription is $99, and past boxes are available for $28.99. “GirlCratery brings the magic of discovery to school aged children,” said Julie Dale, GSNYPENN CEO, in a press release. “While there are several kid-themed…

By Sami Arseculeratne Family Times is 20! To celebrate, we will pick one article from our archive each month – including this one, which appeared in our November 2006 issue. View our other anniversary content here. Every season has its “honey-do” list, but winter’s chores may be the most important of all to your home and your family’s well-being and comfort. Taking time for routine maintenance before the cold weather arrives will save time and keep you inside, warm and dry, when the severe weather hits. (Enlist the family for help when tackling more dangerous tasks, like climbing ladders, or hire…