Holiday Hayride and Campfire

Friday, Dec. 13, 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach FL 33442

Start a holiday tradition by taking a hayride around the park and enjoying an old-fashioned marshmallow roast around a campfire. Advance tickets required priced at $3.50. For more information, call 954-357-5100.

Winter Wonderland

Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m.

Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach FL 33442

Winter is coming to Deerfield Beach! The celebration of the season features a 70 ft. snow slide, a visit from Santa, train rides and various other festive activities. The event and activities are free. Food will be available for purchase from food trucks and local vendors. For more information, call 954-480-4494.

Holiday Family’s Day

Saturday, Dec. 14, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Sample-McDougald House

450 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Miss Christmas Joy reads “Twas the Night before Christmas” with activities and gifts for the children. Free for children under the age of 12.

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 to 11 a.m.

E. Pat Larkins Community Center

520 Dr. MLK King, Jr. Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

He’s making his list and checking it twice! This is your chance to see and have breakfast with the one and only Santa Claus! This event will also include prizes in a live action game show. Tickets are $7 per person and are on sale now at the Emma Lou Olson Civic Center and the E. Pat Larkins Community Center. Mark your calendars and bring family and friends to this festive morning with Santa Claus! For more information, visit www.pompanobeachfl.gov or call 954-786-4111.

Christmas Light Tour

Monday, Dec. 16, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreation Center (departs from)

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Get into the glow of the holiday. Join the group to go to Tradewinds Park’s Holiday Fantasy of Lights exhibit and tour local neighborhoods. The price is $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under.

Holiday Family Night

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Sample-McDougald House

450 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Join your friends and neighbors and enjoy the “Home for the Holidays” celebration, which includes a musical holiday night with sing-along and caroling, a special visit from Santa arriving in the famous 1915 Pompano Beach Fire truck at 7 p.m., children’s activities & gifts provided by Miss Christmas Joy, light bites, open bar and tour of fully decorated holiday home. $15 per person free entry with membership purchase or renewal at door and free for children under the age of 12.Visit www.samplemcdougald.org for more information.

Ice Cream Social with Santa

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreation Center

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Come celebrate the season. Make your own ice-cream sundae, meet Santa, sing your favorite Christmas songs, arts & crafts and bounce houses. This is a free event.

The Therapy Room: Winter Holiday Survival Tips for Anxiety and Depression

The winter holidays cause many to experience unwanted stress, anxiety and depression. Many factors trigger such reactions and include unrealistic expectations of self and others, financial pressures, making too many commitments to family, co-workers and friends, and, sometimes, even focusing on the inability to be with those you believe you would prefer to be with.

Certain individuals feel anxious or depressed around the winter holidays due to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is also referred to as seasonal depression. SAD is a kind of depression that tends to occur as daylight grows shorter in the fall and winter months and, therefore, is a result of inadequate exposure to sunlight.

The symptoms of SAD include tiredness, fatigue, sadness, irritability, poor concentration, muscular pain, insomnia, appetite changes, excessive alcohol consumption, social isolation and loneliness. Lifestyle changes that are proven to decrease SAD symptoms include spending more time outdoors, exercising and maintaining healthy eating habits. Psychotherapy, light therapy, acupuncture and medications are additional options to consider to decrease SAD symptoms.

Organizing and balancing the demands of holiday gifts and food shopping, family obligations, social gathering events and even house guests contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, being overwhelmed and increased tension.

If someone dismisses depression, they may actually develop stress responses and experience physical and emotional symptoms, such as headaches, over-eating, insomnia or excessive alcohol consumption. Some individuals also experience anxiety and depression after the New Year due to high expectations leading to extreme disappointments.

Many of us think about loved ones who have passed away during the winter holidays. Love does not end in death and it is important that we keep such loved ones alive by the way we live. Include memories of them during your holiday gatherings and celebration by decorating a wreath with items that remind you of them, display happy memory pictures, make their favorite dish for your family and friends to enjoy, or light a candle and reflect on the light they continue to bring to your life.

For those suffering from winter holiday anxiety or depression, benefits may be realized by increasing social support, asking for help and sharing family holiday responsibilities, such as food shopping and preparation, maintaining a budget for gift purchases and making, and taking, time to relax. Psychotherapy and support groups can help you gain insight into your holiday blues, relieve stress and bring a layer of needed social support.

Tips to prevent stress, anxiety and depression during the winter holidays:

• Set realistic goals and make realistic expectations

• Do not take on more responsibilities than you can manage — delegate!

• Do not set yourself up for disappointment and sadness

• Volunteer and help others — you will be helping yourself as well!

• Limit or do not drink alcohol — excessive alcohol consumption increases feelings of depression

• Reach out and make new friends — spend time with supportive people

Winter holidays bring anxiety and depression into many lives and can be managed by implementing the above tips. Also consider seeking individual psychotherapy or group support if these symptoms become overwhelming and too much of a burden. This winter holiday season make time for yourself and consider doing something new — change is possible!

Dr. Julia Breur, Ph. D., LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a private clinical psychotherapy practice in Boca Raton, Florida. Further information available at www.drjuliabreur.com.

A Civil War Christmas:
An American Musical Celebration

Friday, Dec. 15, 1 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

“A Civil War Christmas” (known as the American version of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol”) weaves a tapestry of fictional and historical characters, such as President and Mrs. Lincoln – together with holiday music, marches, hymns and spirituals of the period – to tell a story of companionship and communal hope arising from one of our nation’s darkest hours. This is a delight for people of all ages and contains many of the classic Christmas songs that we all know and love. The show will continue to Sat. Dec. 23. Students, $15, adults, $35.To purchase tickets, visit ccpompano.org/event/a-civil-war-christmas.

21st Annual Holiday in the Park

Saturday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mitchell Moore Park

901 NW 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Free family holiday event. Lots of entertainment and games for kids. Free toys and food for registered families. For more information, e-mail passtheblessings@bellsouth.net.

“Celebrate Children’s Christmas”

Saturday Dec. 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church

Briggs Hall

1920 SE 4 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Visit from their Santa Claus (arrives at 12:30 p.m.) delivering gifts for the children, photo opportunity and much more attractions for the family. Includes a delicious snack and lunch! For more information, call the office at 954-427-0222, Katia at 561-674-4864 or e-mail communitych1920@gmail.com.

Winter Frost Festival

Saturday, Dec. 16, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Highlands Community Center

511 NE 44 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join the City of Deerfield for an afternoon full of wintery fun! Their annual celebration of the season features food, games, music, refreshments and holiday treats. Event is free. For more information, call 954-429-1847.

Cookies & Milk with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 16, 3 to 5 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

SW corner of Federal Highway & Copans Road

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Santa will read kids a story and eat cookies with them. Holiday activities and giveaways too. Don’t miss Paws & Claus on Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a chance for your precious pets to get a photo with Santa too.

Free Chanukah Concert

Saturday, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m.

Sanborn Square, Downtown Boca Raton

72 N. Federal Hwy,

Boca Raton, FL 33432

The community is invited to a free Chanukah Concert starring Yoel Sharabi. The event will feature a Menorah Lighting Ceremony with local dignitaries and free hot latkes. The event is co-sponsored by Boca Beach Chabad and the Boca Raton Bowl. For more information, call 561-394-9770.

Christmas Lights Tour

Monday, Dec. 18, 6 to 9 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Get into the Glow of the Holiday. Join as they cruise through Tradewinds Park Christmas Light Exhibit and tour local neighborhoods. Adults: $5, Children 12 & under: $2. For more information, call 954-480-4481.

Books & Toys and Ice Cream Social

Wednesday, Dec. 20, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Center

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Please join Commissioner Gloria Battle and the City of Deerfield Beach in a Book and Toy drive for children less fortunate in our community. A book and toy will be handed out at the event, which includes ice cream. Collection bins will be available at City Hall located at 150 NE 2 Ave. and Constitution Park, located at 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd., in Deerfield Beach. All residents and local organizations are encouraged to help in this effort by donating new, unwrapped books and toys. The city will be collecting the items until Friday, Dec. 15. For more information, contact the City of Deerfield Beach at 954-480-4263.

Boca Holiday Parade

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Sanborn Square

72 N. Federal Hwy.

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Begins at Federal Highway & SE 7 Street. Goes north to Mizner Park Amphitheater. Local bands, choirs, dancers, floats. Expect over 1,000 participants. For more information, call 561-367-7073.

Winter Wonderland

Saturday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Villages of Hillsboro Park

4111 NW 6 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Enjoy two giant snow hills, a trackless train, a giant snow globe, holiday treats and a wood workshop courtesy of Home Depot and, of course, Santa!

Snow Day

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2 to 6 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Climb a rock wall, jump in one of the bounce houses, ride a train, get your face painted, make arts & crafts, decorate cookies and play in the snow! Bring your camera to take pics with Santa.

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 9, 9 to 11 a.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

He’s making his list and checking it twice! This is your chance to eat breakfast and play games with Santa Claus. Please consider donating a toy for the less fortunate. $7 for admission. For more information, call 954-786-4111.

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to noon

LHP Fire Department

3740 NE 22 Ave.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

This event is being hosted by the Lighthouse Point Fire Rescue Department. Open to all Lighthouse Point children 12 and under! Please be sure to bring a new, unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots!

Boat Parade

Sunday, Dec. 10, 5 to 9 p.m.

Starts at Lake Santa Barbara

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. Boats leave Lake Santa Barbara and heads north to Hillsboro Boulevard. Enter your boat for free. Chance to win 1 of 3 cash prizes! Captains get goody bags filled with great items from chamber members PLUS a free DVD of the boat parade, T-shirts and social media exposure for your business. Places where you can view the parade are Sands Harbor Resort (this is where the judges will be), Two Georges at The Cove, Houston’s, The Rusty Hook, Harbors Edge Park and Alsdorf Park. Get a registration form from rbunker@paymaster.com.

“Season of Wonders”

Sunday Dec. 10, 10 a.m.

Community Presbyterian Church

1920 SE 4 St,

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Presentation of the cantata. This expressive work is filled with classic carols as well as newly composed anthems and encourages us to ponder the miracles surrounding the birth of Jesus. For more information, call 954-427-0222.

Chanukah celebration

Tuesday, Dec. 12, 5 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

(in the courtyard near the carousel)

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

The Chabad of North Broward Beaches is doing a menorah lighting with Mayor Lamar Fisher. Music, doughnuts, latkes, arts and crafts for the kids! If you need a Menorah Kit, please email rabbi@JewishLHP.com.

Save the Date:

“Celebrate Children’s Christmas”

Saturday Dec. 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church

Briggs Hall

1920 SE 4 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Santa Claus arrives at 12:30 p.m. delivering gifts for the children. photo opportunity and much more attractions for the family. includes a delicious snack and lunch! For more information, call the office at 954-427-0222, Katia at 561-674-4864 or email communitych1920@gmail.com.

Cookies & Milk with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 16, 3 to 5 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Santa will read kids a story and eat cookies with them. Holiday activities and giveways too. Don’t miss Paws & Claus on Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a chance for your precious pets to get a photo with Santa too.

Christmas Services

Cathedral Church of God

365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Christmas Day – 9:30 a.m.

For more information, call 954-427-0302.

Christian Love Fellowship

801 SE 10 St., Suite 4

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Christmas Day – 10 a.m.

For more information, call 954-428-8990

Community Presbyterian Church

1920 SE 5 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Christmas Eve – 7 p.m. (candlelight service)

• Christmas Day – 10 a.m.

For more information, call 954-427-0222

Cross Community Church

841 SE 2 Court

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Christmas Day – 2 p.m.

For more information, call 954-427-3045

St. Peter’s Anglican Church

1416 SE 2 Terr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Christmas Eve – 10:30 p.m., Midnight Mass

• Lessons and Carols, Holy Communion, refreshments

• All are welcome.

• Christmas Day – 10 a.m.

For more information, call 954-695-0336.

First Baptist Church

701 NE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Christmas Eve – 6 p.m. (candlelight service)

• Christmas Day – 10:30 a.m.

For more information, call 954-427-1216

Grace Baptist Church

501 NE 48 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

• Christmas Eve – 6 p.m. (candlelight service)

For more information, call 954-421-0190

St. Ambrose Church

380 S. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Christmas Eve – 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 8 p.m. & Midnight

• Christmas Day – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 noon & 6 p.m.

For more information, call 954-427-2225

Zion Lutheran Church

959 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Christmas Eve – 7 p.m. & 10 p.m.

• Christmas Day – 10 a.m.

For more information, call 954-421-3146

Chanukah Services

Chanukah at the Beach

Sunday, Dec. 25, 4 p.m.

S. Ocean Way, between SE 1 St. and SE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Latkes, jelly doughnuts, dreidels, arts andc rafts for kids and music. Presented by Chabad of North Broward Beaches. For more information, visit www.jewishlhp.com.

Chanukah event

Tuesday, Dec. 27, 4:45 p.m.

Chabad of Deerfield Beach

1874 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Live music, doughnuts, latkes, driedels, chocolate gelt, grand menorah lighting and more. $5. For more info, visit www.chabaddeerfield.com.

Grand Menorah Lighting

Wednesday, Dec. 28, 5 p.m.

Pompano Beach Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

In the courtyard, near the carousel. Join Mayor Lamar Fisher with music, hot latkes, doughnuts, dreidels, crafts for the kids. Presented by Chabad of North Broward Beaches. For more information, visit www.jewishlhp.com.

Chanukah New Year’s Party

Saturday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m.

Hooper Home

2370 NE 26 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

For the community… Kosher buffet, open bar and more. Presented by Chabad of North Broward Beaches. For more information, visit www.jewishlhp.com.

Holiday Heritage Party

Thursday, Dec. 15, 6 to 9 p.m.

Sample-McDougald House

450 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Open House tours features 12 historically decorated trees and 30+ unique quilts on display. Beer/wine bar and appetizers. Special choir presentation as La Bri serenades with Christmas \Carols in the courtyard. Also, Santa arrival by firetruck! Ticket price is $35. Tickets may be reserved on line at www.SampleMcDougaldhouse.com or call 954-691-5686 for additional information. [Also 100th Anniversary Christmas Ornaments are on sale all month. Designer artist Pat Anderson will visit, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 5:30 to 8 p.m. to sign and/or personalize ornaments. $5 admission].

Winter Frost Festival

Saturday, Dec. 17, 3 to 5 p.m.

Highlands Community Center

411 NE 44 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33064

Enjoy food, hot chocolate, arts and crafts, and games. For more information, call 954-429-1847.

Winter Wonderland

Saturday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to noon

Villages of Hillsboro Park

4111 NW 6 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Slide down two giant snow hills, ride on horse-drawn hayrides, enjoy refreshments and holiday treats, see a giant snow globe and get a visit from Santa. Free. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Holiday Ice Cream Social with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Johnny Tigner Community Center

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Make your own ice-cream sundae, win prizes by singing your favorite Christmas songs, create arts & craft projects and meet Santa. Free. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

BYOD(OG) to Meet Santa

Saturday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Dog owners are invited to bring their furry best friends to take free photo with Santa Claus. Dogs must be on leash and safe for Santa to handle. Designated water stations will be located throughout the shopping center and clean up baggies will be available in Center Court. Please pick up after your pet. Enjoy live musical performances, face painting, games, snow flurries and more. Bring a camera for photo opps. Carousel will be open for $1 per ride. Free. Adult supervision required. For information, visit www.pompanociticentre.com.

Chanukah at the Beach

Sunday, Dec. 25, 4 p.m.

S. Ocean Way, between SE 1 St. and SE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Latkes, Jelly Doughnuts, Dreidels, Arts and Crafts for Kids and Music. Presented by Chabad of North Broward Beaches. For more information, visit www.jewishlhp.com.

Grand Menorah Lighting

Wednesday, Dec. 28, 5 p.m.

Pompano Beach Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

In the Courtyard, near the Carousel. Join Mayor Lamar Fisher with music, hot latkes, doughnuts, dreidels, crafts for the kids. Presented by Chabad of North Broward Beaches. For more information, visit www.jewishlhp.com.

Chanukah New Year’s Party

Saturday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m.

Hooper Home

2370 NE 26 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

For the community… Kosher Buffet, open bar and more. Presented by Chabad of North Broward Beaches. For more information, visit www.jewishlhp.com.

Cocktails with Santa

Thursday, Dec. 8, 6 to 8 p.m.

Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

This is the night for adults to have some good cheer for a great cause. Help out the Historical Society and mingle with your neighbors. Cost: $10 donation. For more information, email elilly707@aol.com or call 954-429-0378.

Snow Day

Saturday, Dec. 10, 2 to 6 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Rec. Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Day full of activities and rides for all ages, arts and crafts, entertainment, a fun visit from Santa and snow. Photo opportunities will be available. Free Event. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Scuba Santa

Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center

501 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Have your pictures taken underwater with Santa. Must be able to swim and hold your breath for at least 5 seconds. Fee: $5 per picture. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Pompano Beach Boat Parade

Sunday, Dec. 11, 6 to 8 p.m.

Participating vessels are decked out for the holidays. The parade begins at Lake Santa Barbara and cruises the Intracostal Waterway to Hillsboro Blvd. bridge. See more, Pg. 8.

Christmas Light Tours

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6 to 9 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Rec. Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Cruise through Tradewinds Park Christmas light exhibit and tour local neighborhoods. Adults $5/Children 12 & under, $2. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Holiday Heritage Party

Thursday, Dec. 15, 6 to 9 p.m.

Sample-McDougald House

450 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Open House tours feature 12 historically decorated trees and 30+ unique quilts on display. Beer/wine bar and appetizers. Special choir presentation as La Bri serenades with Christmas Carols in the courtyard. Also, Santa arrival by firetruck! Ticket price is $35. Tickets may be reserved on line at www.SampleMcDougaldhouse.com or call 954-691-5686 for additional information. Also 100th Anniversary Christmas Ornaments are on sale all month. Designer artist Pat Anderson will visit, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 5:30-8 p.m. to sign and/or personalize this year’s hand-painted ornaments. $5 admission.

Winter Frost Festival

Saturday, Dec. 17, 3 to 5 p.m.

Highlands Community Center

411 NE 44 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33064

Enjoy food, hot chocolate, arts and crafts, and games. For additional information, call 954-429-1847.

Winter Wonderland

Saturday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to noon

Villages of Hillsboro Park

4111 NW 6 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Slide down two giant snow hills, ride on horse-drawn hayrides, enjoy refreshments and holiday treats, see a giant snow globe and get a visit from Santa. Free event. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Holiday Ice Cream Social with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Johnny Tigner Community Center

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Make your own ice-cream sundae, win prizes by singing your favorite Christmas songs, create arts & craft projects and meet Santa. Free event. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Worth the Drive: Bethlehem Revisited

Dec. 9 to 13, evenings

First Church Coral Springs

8650 W. Sample Rd.

Coral Springs, FL 33065

Re-creation of Bethelehm including shops, Roman soldiers and manger scene. For times or information, visit www.firstchurchcoralsprings.org or call, 954-752-0333.

Deerfield Beach

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 3, 9:30-11 a.m.

Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Family of 4-$10, $5 ea. additional person. For more information, email elilly707@aol.com or call 954-429-0378.

Ocean Way Holiday

Saturday, Dec. 3, 5 to 9 p.m.

International Fishing Pier

200 NE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Unveiling of holiday light display. Enjoy performances by local schools, kids’ activities, photos with Santa, tasty holiday treats, snow showers for the night, new life size snow globe, ice skating at the beach, and a visit from Rudolph and friends! Free event. Items available for purchase.

Cocktails with Santa

Thursday, Dec. 8, 6 to 8 p.m.

Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

This is the night for adults to have some good cheer for a great cause. Help out the Historical Society and mingle with your neighbors. Cost: $10 donation. For more information, email elilly707@aol.com or call 954-429-0378.

Snow Day

Saturday, Dec. 10, 2 to 6 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Rec. Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Day full of activities and rides for all ages, arts and crafts, entertainment, a fun visit from Santa and snow. Photo opportunities will be available. Free Event. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Scuba Santa

Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center

501 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Have your pictures taken underwater with Santa. Must be able to swim and hold your breath for at least 5 seconds. Fee: $5 per picture. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Christmas Light Tours

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6 to 9 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Rec. Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Cruise through Tradewinds Park Christmas light exhibit and tour local neighborhoods. Fee: Adults $5/Children 12 & under $2. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Winter Wonderland

Saturday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to noon

Villages of Hillsboro Park

4111 NW 6 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Slide down two giant snow hills, ride on horse-drawn hayrides, enjoy refreshments and holiday treats, see a giant snow globe and get a visit from Santa. Free event. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Holiday Ice Cream Social with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Johnny Tigner Community Center

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Make your own ice-cream sundae, win prizes by singing your favorite Christmas songs, create arts & craft projects and meet Santa. Free event. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Lighthouse Point

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to Noon

Lighthouse Point Fire Station

3740 NE 22 Ave.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Open to all Lighthouse Point children 12 and under. Hosted by the Fire Rescue Department. For more information, call 954-943-6500.

Lighthouse a’glow

Wednesday, Dec. 7, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Frank McDonough Park

3500 NE 27 Ave.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Come out to meet Santa, enjoy some holiday refreshments and caroling. For more information, call 954-943-6500.

Pompano Citi Centre Events

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

• Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Enjoy a continental breakfast with Santa Claus. Listen as he reads a favorite holiday story. Kids can enjoy milk and cookies provided by Subway, do holiday crafts, take pictures with the “Snow Princess” and take home a special gift from under the Christmas Tree. Tickets available online, in advance only. $5 per child/$10 per adult, limited quantity. To purchase, visit www.pompanociticentre.com.

• Family Fun Day with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 10, 11a.m. to 2p.m.

Enjoy live musical performances, face painting, games and more. Be on the lookout for some “snow” every hour. Bring cameras to snap free pictures with Santa Claus. Carousel open for $1 per ride. Admission is free. Adult supervision required.

• BYOD(OG) to Meet Santa

Saturday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bring your furry best friends to take free photo with Santa Claus. All dogs must be on a leash and safe for Santa to handle. Designated water stations will be located throughout the shopping center and clean up baggies will be available in Center Court. Please pick up after your pet. Enjoy live musical performances, face painting, games, snow flurries and more. Bring a camera for photo opps. Carousel open for $1 per ride. Free. Adult supervision required. For information on all events, visit www.pompanociticentre.com.

To be productive today, you must have learned to use computers and phones. You must be so fluent in using them that you can do anything while still using it. I just read in a recent study that most moments are captured by a person through a phone camera. For example, if you were to go to a sports game and there is a high fly ball to center field – snap, snap, snap – or if you go to a park and there is baby taking her first steps – snap, snap, snap. Those moments are seen and captured forever.

The good thing about being so tech savvy is that we accomplish a lot more in less time. We can send things across the globe in a flash. We can do amazing research on anything and have instant answers to any question we have on any subject. All this has made us much more productive than we ever were. It has made anything possible. So many wonderful things have started because of technology. Relationships, friendships, partnerships, cures are just a few examples of some of the great things the modern world has brought us.

With all that said, there are some negative things as well. I won’t go through the list, but I will point out one which I think we can work on. And that is the lack of personal attention and focus which, before technology, we were forced to have. Say you wanted to tell something to your mom, you would go down the block to your mom’s house and tell her in person. Today, you would text five words. Say you wanted to tell your child “I love you.” In the past, you would have had to tell them in person while looking in their eyes. Today, you text them while you are at work ‘Iluvu.’

We have lost all personal communication and have forgotten how to enjoy each other. We have forgotten how to sit across from each other and be the social, loving and caring creatures that we are!

We need to fix this, but the question is how?

Sunday, Sept. 27, Jews across the world began the seven day Holiday of Sukkos [or Sukkot]. After Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, the Torah says we must dwell in a Sukkah. (A Sukkah is a hut. It has four walls and a roof made from tree branches). How does one fulfill the mitzvah of dwelling in the sukkah? One should eat, drink and live in the sukkah, both day and night, as one lives in one’s house on the other days of the year: for seven days, a person should make his home his temporary dwelling, and his sukkah his permanent dwelling.

“In Sukkot, you shall dwell for seven days,” instructs the Torah, “…in order that your generations shall know that I made the children of Israel dwell in a sukkah when I took them out of the land of Egypt.” (Lev. 23:42-43).

According to Chabad.org, our sages, noting the Torah’s use of the verb “to dwell” in the above verses, define the mitzvah of sukkah as a commandment that, for the duration of the festival of Sukkot, the sukkah is to become our primary dwelling place. Everything ordinarily done in the home should be done in the sukkah.

So every autumn, just as the weather is turning inhospitable, we move outdoors. For a full week, we exchange our regular home for a home which leaves us at the mercy of the elements, demonstrating our trust in G-d’s providence and protection, as our ancestors did when “following Me in the wilderness, in an uncultivated land.” (Jeremiah 2:2).

Dwelling in the sukkah for seven days is a beautiful and inspiring experience. Perhaps this is the solution to our problem. Leave the modern world and enter into the ancient world. Surround yourself with family and friends … talk to them, spend time with them, learn with them, sing with them, eat with them, play with them, read with them. Experience G-d’s timeless solution to a modern problem. Happy Sukkos.

Rabbi Tzvi Dechter is the Director of Chabad of North Broward Beaches located at 4081 N. Federal Hwy., #100A, Pompano Beach, FL 33064. For all upcoming events please visit www.JewishLHP.com.