Two Upcoming Christmas Events:

Yes, I know Thanksgiving is still a week away, but I found the info on two local events the kids and I enjoy and I thought I would share them!

Living Nativity:

This is one of our favorite Christmas activities to attend as a family and it really focuses on the true meaning on the season. I don't know which day we will attend (depends on the kids basketball schedules and the weather) but we will definitely go. I tend to like to go earlier rather than later, but that is just me. Definitely dress for the weather!

9th Annual Presentation of "The Living Nativity" Loveland United Methodist Church 10975 S Lebanon Rd. Loveland, OH 45140 www.lovelandumc.org Saturday December 4th and Sunday December 5th from 4:30-7:30 PM

An outside guided walking tour through 21 stations featuring a dramatic presentation through drama and song of the sotry of Jesus' birth. Live animals, including donkeys, goats, sheep and alpacas! Hot cocoa and cookies will be served inside. This is our free gift to you! Sign language interpretation available at Sat. tours.

Ohio National's Victorian Holiday Village:

This is something else the kids and I went and did last year, the trainrdie in the parking lot was HYSTERICAL, I have never been so "scared" on a train in my life, of course the kids LOVED it! Again, this is outside, so you have to dress for the weather, but there was a great opportunity for photos with santa (it was a 5x7 print and FREE and santa was decent looking)....probably more for the 10 and under set, although I took Grant and Jacob with me last year......I will most likely go on the Thursday it is offered......and get there close to when it starts.....we forgot our canned goods last year and no one said anything.....but I plan to try and remember to bring something this year!

From their website: Back for its ninth year, Ohio National's Victorian Holiday Village is a holiday tradition for Greater Cincinnati families. Since 2002, nearly 20,000 guests have visited the annual free holiday event and enjoyed its complimentary cocoa, cookies, free 5x7 photos with St. Nick and more. This year, Ohio National's Victorian Holiday Village will be open the following evenings:

• Friday, December 3 from 6-8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, December 4 from 5-8:30 p.m.
• Thursday, December 9 from 6-8:30 p.m.
• Friday, December 10 from 6-8:30 p.m.

The lights, child-sized houses decorated with holiday scenes and family-centered holiday fun takes place over a four-night period in early December on the grounds of Ohio National Financial Services at the intersection of I-71 and Pfeiffer Rd. Staffed by Ohio National associates who volunteer their time, the Victorian Holiday Village continues the company's commitment to community outreach and service.

Returning this year is the Century House. A miniature scale replica of a Habitat for Humanity home, this Victorian Holiday Village home celebrates Ohio National's 100th anniversary commitment to build 10 new Habitat for Humanity homes in the Cincinnati community over the next five years. Ohio National announced this gift, the largest ever one-time donation to Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity, in 2009. To date, two homes are complete and two more are nearing completion (with November dedication dates pending) in Cincinnati's Avondale neighborhood.

Back by popular demand will be the ONtime Express, a miniature train that takes guests from the parking garage to the Village, and balloon artist elves. The Village will remain lit throughout December, but the refreshments, photos and entertainment will only be provided during the four nights above.

While admission to the event is free, all guests are asked to bring a nonperishable food item (no glass containers, please), which will be donated to the FreestoreFoodbank. Since 2002, Ohio National associates and Village guests have donated nearly 16,000 pounds of food to the FreestoreFoodbank. In addition, Ohio National will make its seventh consecutive donation to the FreestoreFoodbank to mark the opening of the Victorian Holiday Village.

Ohio National's Victorian Holiday Village will be open rain or shine. Please note that due to the outdoor terrain and gravel path, the Village is not handicapped accessible. On-site covered parking for 800 vehicles is available. Ohio National is located at the southeast corner of the Pfeiffer Rd. (Exit 15) and I-71 interchange. Pfeiffer Rd. is the first exit south of the intersection of I-71 and I-275. For more information, please visit www.ohionational.com.