Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Dallas, TX

As a new parent, starting, continuing and creating family traditions have all turned into a blur. There is so much to think through, that I still wonder... how did Mom do it all? The most important thing, is that I can't remember what I got for Christmas each year... but I do remember the time spent together. For me, the holidays are synonymous with family traditions. I think of my childhood, and reflect on the childhood I want my children to grow with. While some things require advance planning, most of them do not. Either way - they tie us all together.

Some of our favorite holiday traditions include getting a picture with Santa. I never questioned why he wasn't at the North Pole making my gifts, but rather, how long do I have to stand in this line? While the experience can get weary on little feet, the pictures will surely be memorable.

I grew up in New York City, and one of my most cherished memories is of my Mom taking us to Macy's to window shop. The snow... the beautiful displays set to music - it was all very dreamy and mesmerizing. We're starting this tradition right here in Dallas, by joining more than 350,000 spectators at the Neiman Marcus Adolphus Children's parade on December 6th. The Christmas parade, benefiting Children's Medical Center, is an annual extravaganza and tradition for many Dallas families first Saturday of December each year.

I seldom ice-skate. My ankles are not forgiving. But during the holidays - they make an exception. It could be because it reminds me of snow, winter, and wearing ear muffs. Ice-skating at the Galleria is the next best thing, for several reasons. For one, it's closer than Rockafeller center. Two, there is a beautiful Christmas tree standing at the center rink, and circling it makes it challenging. The holiday music, and the atmosphere of shoppers, bystanders, and fellow first-time skaters and pro sweeping past you - all make for a memorable family event. Visit early to avoid long lines, and your little ones will love you. And do indulge on a peppermint hot cocoa from La Madeline's afterwards to warm you up.

As a child, I also remember visiting the theater during the holidays. And it quickly turned into a tradition for my husband and I to spend an evening out on the town supporting the arts. Last year, my extended family joined us to watch The Texas Ballet Theater perform the Nutcracker at the Music Hall in Fair Park. We all had a wonderful evening together and was amazed at how hypnotized my toddler and infant son were. Especially my daughter, who wore her tutu and pink glitter shoes to the show. Although they fell asleep half-way through the performance, it was the sincere closeness of watching my parents take in the music... and then stealing glances of my daughter and son pointing and oooing at the dancing swans...