It’s New Year’s Eve, which means you will most likely be celebrating in style. For my family “style” means a night at the Disneyland Resort. Since we’re staying at the Disneyland Hotel (my own dime) we can have a few drinks and not have to worry about driving. Plus, there’s plenty to do for the kids, because, hello, it’s Disneyland.

How do you spend New Year’s Eve with the family?

Whatever your plans are for ringing in the new year, please have fun and be safe! See you next year (that never gets old)!

Sincerely,

Your friends at UpTake (that’s us)

Photo: Lobby of the Disneyland Hotel by W.Honea

The NORAD Santa Tracking Map by Google

It’s time! Santa time, that is. The big guy is getting ready for the big trip, and you can track them! Big time!

In a non-stalker way, of course.

If you and the family want to follow Santa’s journey around the world, complete with video feeds, bells and whistles, then check out the good people at NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command – it’s like an acronym), who have combined their military might and technological savvy to track Santa Claus as he does his gift-giving thing. Also, cookies.

You can have the action sent to your smart phone, follow along on Google Earth, Twitter and/or Facebook. It’s the magic of the season meets the magic of technology. That’s a lot of magic, people.

Photo taken from the NORAD site.

Huskies at Northerly Island

It’s December and it is snowing in Chicago.  For many, this news might signal that it is time for hibernation and/or plentiful hot toddies, but for the adventurous, it means the start of Polar Adventure Days at Northerly Island.  Northerly Island is a 91-acre peninsula that used to house Miegs Field, Chicago’s third airport, but now it’s a nature preserve that hosts lots of bucolic activities. Read More »

Nantucket Harbor at Christmas Time

Imagine the most quaint, historic little town imaginable, a place that is equally charming and upscale.  Then, imagine that place decorated for Christmas.  That is exactly the scene at Nantucket Noel, a month-long holiday celebrate which is in full force over the Nantucket Stroll weekend (which is when we visited).

Visit the quaint Main Street in Nantucket, where each business, in conjunction with local nonprofit organizations, has decorated a tree in front of the store.  Check out the Nantucket Whaling Museum, where eighty trees, all uniquely decorated, are on display.  My kids loved walking up and down Main Street and through the museum, pointing out their favorite trees.

During the stroll weekend, there is something for everyone, including art gallery parties, craft shows, shopping discounts, tasting menus at local restaurants, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus via Coast Guard ship.  My kids happily waited in line to greet Santa at the Jared Coffin House – despite the line.  Nantucket Noel is really the epitome of the spirit of Christmas, and our whole family loved it.

Not every restaurant and hotel is open in December, so it’s best to check well in advance before making plans.  Ferries do run, but on an abbreviated schedule, so make sure you make reservations for both legs of your journey.  During Nantucket Noel, we stayed at Harborview Place – a community of absolutely gorgeous vacation homes located right in town.

Photo credit: Jodi Grundig

Disclosure: The Nantucket Chamber of Commerce and Harborview Place provided transportation and accommodations for our stay.