December 2007

Wow!  It’s hard to believe that December 2007 is here! Whoosh! The year simply flew by, but not without lots of fun for our family. Just in the last week of November, we managed to attend two unique events at the Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield.  That was phenomenal for us! Between the Shaolin Warriors and the Kingston Trio we were awestruck!

Looking ahead, I see that there are back-to-back family events almost every weekend in December.  We have already enjoyed the Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas celebration on Dec. 2, an annual event when the town re-creates the scene from Norman Rockwell’s famous painting. Snow covered the ground and the mood was festive.

Coming up, on Friday, Dec. 7, we’ll attend the Renaissonics concert at 8 p.m. at The Clark in Williamstown.  It’s part of the annual Williamstown Holiday Walk Weekend. This unique ensemble performs “carols for dancing” from the court and country traditions of England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Two Renaissance dancers in full costume will join the ensemble.

“Mom, do you think that we could maybe go early and eat dinner in a restaurant if I can show enough good points on my responsibility chart?

(Gee, I guess this new chart is starting to work its magic!) Yes, I think we can do that.

On Dec. 8, we’ll head to the Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield, to watch Berkshire Theatre Festival’s Babes In Toyland at 2 p.m.  While there, I’m sure we’ll visit the galleries decorated for the Festival of Trees.

How about this? The gallery inside Kidspace at MASS MoCA, North Adams, has a unique display, called It’s Rude to Stare.  Boy!  How many times do we as parents say that to our kids?  The gallery includes oversized sculptural figures made from wood, bronze, and steel, plus found objects such as wooden blinds and a furnace shovel. Artist Richard Criddle uses his own childhood memories to re-create these half-myth, half-real, life-size figures.  As I described this at home, both husband and son agreed that this artist really “thinks outside the box.” 

“Let’s go Mom!  I have to see this! Can we go tomorrow?”

Robert, relax, we have until the end of February 2008 before it moves to another museum.

The end of the month is for most the traditional school vacation time. From Dec. 21 to Jan. 2, kids have a multitude of things to enjoy in the Berkshires. First, it’s the beginning of winter and that means fun in the snow.  It’ll be our time to sled down a neighborhood hill or snow tube at area slopes like at Bousquet Ski Resort, Pittsfield or Ski Butternut, Great Barrington.  Hmm, I also think this is going to be the right time for our son to experience his first ski lesson.  Catamount Ski Resort in Egremont, Ski Butternut, Bousquet and Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, Hancock all offer rentals (which we’ll need as Robert doesn’t own skis or boots), as well as a full range of ski slopes for beginners to experts. 

“Mom, Can I try snowboarding this winter too?”

Let’s try skiing first and see how you do, before you try snowboarding. OK?

Finally, in closing out our activities for the month, no doubt we’ll attend a performance of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol, at the Unicorn Theatre in Stockbridge. This production, playing from Dec. 13-30, has received great reviews, including one from Berkshires resident James Taylor!  We’ll consider tickets to this performance a birthday gift for Robert, who turns 10 years on Dec. 27.  Whoosh! There goes the time again!

Gee! I’ve been so busy planning what and where that I almost forgot:

              Merry Christmas and happy holidays everyone!