Well, we made it approximately 48 hours into Jamie's return to daycare before the inevitable happened: fever, cough, and one very clingy toddler. David, of course, was traveling for work, because Murphy's Law is alive and well in our household. Thank goodness for the Blueberry Pediatrics app! It got us a nebulizer prescription at 8:30pm without leaving the couch. If you're not already using it, consider this my official "mom trying to keep everyone breathing comfortably" recommendation.
Between the nebulizer treatments, we managed to decorate the tree and get our beautiful Christmas card photos back from Emma Loo Photography. I keep looking at them and feeling like we have our lives together, which is hilarious given that I still haven't carved out time to get them mailed. So if you're waiting by your mailbox... don't.
In happier news, Jamie had his very first taste of hot cocoa this week. It was small-batch cocoa from French Broad Chocolates in Asheville because apparently, I am raising a very bougie baby who starts at the top tier. Pro tip from my (not bougie) Massachusetts childhood: skip the marshmallows and add marshmallow fluff to your cocoa instead. You're welcome.
If your week looks anything like ours - equal parts chaos, sick days, and trying to squeeze in tiny magical moments đź’« - here are a few simple ways to get out of the house and find some joy in Charlotte.
Know another Charlotte parent who needs easy ideas this week?
Your roundup of family-friendly events and activities happening this week.
If your calendar is currently looking a little wilder than you’d like to admit, take a deep breath. We are right in the thick of the holiday season in Charlotte and while the sheer volume of festive options can feel overwhelming, it also means magic is accessible on just about every corner.
The trick isn’t to do everything; it’s to find the little pockets of joy that actually fit your family’s vibe this week. Maybe that means a quiet carriage ride, a chaotic but adorable dog parade, or just eating massive amounts of melted cheese. Whether you are looking for a big community celebration or a tiny moment to sip cocoa while the kids stare at lights, this week delivers.
✨ Don’t miss these favorites:
Holiday Toddler Storytime: Hanukkah at North County Regional Library, a gentle morning filled with stories, songs, and toddler friendly holiday joy.
Chickadee Hill Farms Tree Festival, complete with a mini-pony experience, hot cocoa, and a magical Santa visit kids will talk about for days.
Bavarian Holiday Fest in Downtown Belmont, a European-inspired market with artisan goods, polka music, Bavarian treats, and a gingerbread heart cookie decorating station.
Community Menorah Lightings (Waxhaw, Matthews, Davidson, StoneCrest, Symphony Park, and Birkdale) each offering its own warm, connected moment to celebrate Hanukkah across the region.
Take a breath, pick your favorites, and build the week that feels right for your family.
Your featured park, playground, or indoor play spot.
It might feel counterintuitive to think about swim lessons in December, but stepping into the warm pool at Aqua-Tots has become our favorite way to escape the winter grey. We just wrapped up nearly a year of classes, and the transformation has been incredible! Jamie went from nervously clinging to the wall to fearlessly launching himself off the side. I am breaking down exactly what lessons look like for toddlers and why sticking with the routine through the colder months was the best decision we made for his confidence.
Honestly, we've mostly been eating in our kitchen this week because Jamie’s been sick. But it felt like the right week to share a spot we love year round, since we’ve been daydreaming about easy outings once everyone is healthy again. Rhino Market in SouthPark has a magically cool patio in the summer and is one of the rare places where you can actually enjoy being outside with kids. And in the winter, we settle in at a table inside with bagels and iced coffee while Jamie happily roams around and decorates the Connect Four discs with cream cheese. It’s one of our easiest, lowest stress family stops no matter the season.
A quick tip, insight, or reflection from a local expert or parent.
How To Make Light Up Christmas Balls for Your Yard
This week’s tip isn’t baby related, but it is a fun family activity that gets everyone into the Christmas spirit!
We finally cracked the code on those glowing Christmas balls you see hanging high in the trees around Charlotte. Turns out they’re way simpler than they look, and we made a step by step guide with photos so you can try them too. If you’ve ever driven past Hillside and thought, how in the world do they do that, this one is for you.
A sneak peek at upcoming events and seasonal fun around Charlotte.
PuppetPalzooza is back!
PuppetPalooza is returning to ImaginOn this January, and it is shaping up to be one of the most joy filled family events of the season. An entire day devoted to puppetry, from roving giant puppets to nonstop performances from some of the most creative troupes in the region, means kids can wander, watch, make, and play at their own pace. With puppet karaoke, a hands-on maker station, a parade to close out the day, and a balcony exhibit of beloved Children’s Theatre puppets, it feels like the kind of whimsical event that quickly becomes a yearly tradition.
Mark your calendar for January 31. It is the perfect winter weekend outing to look forward to!
May your week be filled with more magic than chaos, hot cocoa that hits the spot, and the grace to embrace whatever timeline your holiday to-do list is actually on. Remember that "good enough" is actually pretty great. Catch you next week!
đź’š Emily Founder, The Charlotte Sprout
P.S. If you try any of these spots, tag us on Instagram @charlottesprout! I love seeing your family adventures (and secretly judge how much better your kids behave in public than mine does).
Help The Sprout grow. If one idea made your week easier, please forward this email or tag @thecharlottesprout so more Charlotte parents can find us. 🌱
.png?upscale=true&width=600&upscale=true&name=ChatGPT%20Image%20Oct%2020%2c%202025%2c%2009_53_40%20PM%20(1).png)
.png?upscale=true&width=400&upscale=true&name=ChatGPT%20Image%20Oct%2020%2c%202025%2c%2009_53_40%20PM%20(1).png)
