Holiday Traditions

Happy holidays Omaha Stalkers! I wanted to share with you all my most recent night out on the town, discovering what Omaha has to offer. Since the holidays are upon us, I decided that it would be fun to share in the tradition that the Omaha Community Playhouse offers every year in their adaptation of A Christmas Carol.Before I tell you about the show, let me share a little bit about the Playhouse itself. It is considered the premier community theater in the nation and has been around since 1924. I learned this past week that it has hosted some famous actors throughout the seasons, including Henry Fonda! They put on a great show and they get a ton of support from the community, volunteers,and local corporations.

My mom and I went to see the 7:30 performance last Friday night and it was everything I remembered from when I was a child and more. The show has been running every year since the mid-1970s and it has truly become a part of Omaha's holiday traditions. The playhouse itself was decorated with Christmas trees and lights and there were even gingerbread cookies on sale for refreshments. The show is great for families. It features quite a few singing and dancing numbers that will get you into the holiday mood, and even Old Scrooge will bring a smile to your face. There are a few scenes that may be a little scary to the younger crowd, Marley and the Ghost of Christmas Future, namely, so just be prepared for that. Otherwise, the show offers the same message that is good to hear and keep with you throughout the year, and that is to be kind to everyone and charitable where you can, no matter what time of the year it is. And as a perfect reminder, as we entered the playhouse, there were several barrels scattered throughout the lobby that ConAgra Foods set out to collect donations for their Child Hunger Ends Here! campaign. These barrels can be found at the Holland Center and the Orpheum Theater as well. Another of the local sponsors was Rotella's Bakery. At the end of the show, they offered a free loaf of their homemade Italian Christmas Bread to each ticket holder as a gift of thanks (and it was delicious!) There are shows every weekend through Sunday, December 23 so check out their website to order your tickets now! http://www.ticketomaha.com/productions/A-Christmas-Carol

In the spirit of charity, it is also that time of year for the Channel 94.1 Diaper Drive that supports the women and children of the Lydia House. They have a new drop-off location this year at the Linden Market HyVee on 132nd and Dodge. The donations can be dropped off this weekend between December 14th and the 16th. For drop-off hours and details, please check out the Channel 94.1 December Diaper Drive Page:http://www.channel941.com/articles/130985488.html

Some other fun holiday events in town include the 2012 Holiday Lights Festival, which goes through January 6, offers family-friendly events every weekend and the mood is set by the 40 blocks of lights in Downtown Omaha. Some of the activities that are available include the Pacific Life Sounds of the Season which are various local choral groups that will be performing at different spots in the Old Market and Gene Leahy Mall throughout the rest of December. For a full schedule, just check out this link. http://www.holidaylightsfestival.org/pacific-life-insurance-company-sounds-of-the-season/

I have to give another shout-out to ConAgra for their outdoor Ice Rink they sponsor each year on their campus. For a $5 rental fee, you get your skates and the proceeds go to the Food Bank for the Heartland. They also encourage skaters to bring non-perishable food items for the Food Bank as well. For more information on their hours, parking, and the Food Bank, please follow this link.http://www.holidaylightsfestival.org/conagra-foods-ice-rink/

As always, Omaha has so much to do, regardless the season. There are so many awesome ways to experience the Big O! that are unique to the holiday season and I encourage you to check out the ones I have named or find some of your own and share with other Omaha Stalkers!

I wish you all a merry and bright holiday season! I hope you are able to share it with family and friends, whether it be in town or away. Safe travels to you and we will be back in the New Year!