Christmas Fun for a Good Cause

Karing for Utah Kids, a local charitable organization, is hosting Saturday with Santa tomorrow, Dec. 4, at Cottonwood Heights Elementary, 2415 E. 7600 South. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. Come for free pictures with Santa (bring a camera), free entertainment, and more free fun. Money raised from the handmade bear and blanket sale benefits local children's charities, including Rocky Mountain Candlelighters for Childhood Cancer and subbing for Santa projects.

Also, Utah's fine Festival of Trees tradition continues through tomorrow. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets at the door cost $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 2-11. Family tickets cost $15 and will admit six immediate family members. All money raised goes to help children in need at Primary Children's Medical Center.

Feast with the Beasts

If you don't like parades but need to kill time before heading to Grandma's, bundle up and head over to Hogle Zoo for the Thanksgiving Feast with the Beasts. The event is from 9 a.m. to noon. It's too cold for the elephants to go outside tomorrow, but you can see all kinds of other creatures dining on their special holiday meals. Don't forget to dress for the weather! 

Snakes and Such

If your kids love snakes and lizards and all things reptilian, consider attending the Wasatch Reptilian Expo this weekend at the Utah State Fairgrounds. You probably won't see me there, but I know lots of little ones who love this sort of thing. For more information, visit www.wasatchreptileexpo.com.

Birthday Bashes that Won't Break the Bank

Utah means large families, which means throwing a lot of birthday parties with many guests. Celebrating your child’s big day doesn’t have to break the bank, however. Here are some tips to save money on the next birthday bash:

1. “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Re-think”
This motto is generally intended for environmental waste, but can be applied to party waste, as well. Buy a “Happy Birthday” banner that can be used at parties for all family members. Re-think themes by buying colored plates, etc. in bulk so they can be used at more than one party, fitting in with various superhero and princess themes. 

2. Combine Parties
This can be tricky, but it’s a big money saver. Siblings, cousins, friends or neighbors can both have their bash at the same party destination if or share a bounce house, etc. Make separate invitations so guests who only know one birthday child aren’t confused or intimidated. Also, make a cake for each child to blow out candles.