Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Halifax, NS

We decided over a year ago to live without cable television. This decision was based in part on finances and part we just did not want the kids watching too much television. In theory I would love my children not to watch television at all. For them to be blissfully ignorant of the whole matter, laughing, playing and being kids. However, my sanity, writing, design work and cleaning are all important too. Besides that there is the element of "normal" and being somewhat knowledgeable of "pop culture" has its level of importance for kids, at least eventually. Besides there are things that television can expose and teach my children that I cannot. I could attempt to recite the ABC's in different fashions, but I am not quite sure I would have the same effect as The Letter Factory or Pooh Bear's ABC's.

So my children watch a limited amount of television. An hour a day usually is the maximum exposure. Lately they have been enjoying CBC Kids in the mornings. All Canadian broadcasting of preschool programs, without commercials. It has been a way for me to shower, work on my writing assignments or my blog and clean up a little. I have witnessed our preschooler incorporate story lines into her own play and it has enhanced her imagination.

Monday night she received an extra special treat. One of the best parts of the season as a child for both my husband and I, was watching the Christmas Specials on television. We both grew up without cable, until we were older and loved watching the programs on CBC. Every year CBC airs the classics and some new Christmas movies. This year we decided to allow our preschooler to stay up past her bedtime to watch two Christmas classics.

She was beside herself with excitement. Not only did her little brother have to go to bed, she received a bowl of popcorn, snuggled up with Mommy & Daddy on the couch, totally set to watch, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "Frosty the Snowman". She was totally into it and enjoyed both shows. She was so tired once they were over, her Dad carried her to brush her teeth then into her bed.

It was so amazing to watch my little girl taking in those Christmas specials for the first time. She is growing so fast! Next year she will be in school and allowing her to stay up late may not be an option however this year it was perfect.

What is your favourite holiday special? Have you shared it with your child yet?