GET CREATIVE WITH GINGERBREAD
Keiki in the holiday spirit who want to get creative have two opportunities to craft gingerbread houses.
>> First, head out to the Gingerbread House Craft Activity tomorrow at Aina Haina Public Library.
The afterschool activity is open to children ages 8 and older, and limited to 25 spots.
Children will be given a supply kit with foam pieces and stickers, and the rest is up to their imagination.
Children’s librarian Tiffany Yasaka said the event is an opportunity to draw new families to the library.
“We want to encourage kids to come after school and do activities,” Yasaka said. “We want to bring people in and show them the different services that we have.”
>> Next week, hit the Gingerbread Ohana Fest on Dec. 14 at Windward Mall.
Families will be provided a gingerbread house kit, complete with gingerbread, icing and candies, to create the sweetest of dwellings.
There will be two sessions: 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. and 2:30-5:30 p.m. Cost is $25 per house and $45 for two.
Live entertainment, keiki crafts and activities, and photo opportunities with Tutu Claus will be available.
Also, high school teams will be competing in the Meadow Gold Dairies Haumana Gingerbread Challenge. The theme is children’s storybooks and nursery rhymes.
The event benefits the Laulima Giving Program, which helps needy families in Hawaii. Call 843-2502 or visit koka.org.
GINGERBREAD HOUSE CRAFT ACTIVITY
>> Where: Aina Haina Public Library, 5246 Kalaniana‘ole Highway
>> When: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Friday
>> Cost: Free
>> Info: 377-2456 (registration required)
DEAF KEIKI CONNECT WITH SANTA
Santa Claus will be communicating with children on Dec. 12 — but no words will be spoken. Instead, exchanges will be made in American Sign Language.
The 28th Annual Deaf Santa Celebration brings together a deaf Santa who will sign with deaf keiki, allowing children to relay directly to Santa what they want for Christmas. His elves also will be signing.
“It’s an authentic and special moment that children should have with Santa at that age,” said Pearlridge marketing director Diana Su-Niimi.
About 175 children attend the festivities, including kids from neighbor islands, she said.
“Children look forward to seeing each other and signing with one another,” she said.
Taiko drummers will provide entertainment for all — children can feel the vibrations they create — and the Department of Public Safety Sheriff Division’s K9 team will also make an appearance. Children can sign to the dogs and pet them.
DEAF SANTA CELEBRATION
>> Where: Pearlridge Office Center, 98-211 Pali Momi St.
>> When: 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 12
>> Cost: Free
>> Info: 203-2358, pearlridgeonline.com