Holidays

This challenge was first presented to me this New Year’s Eve but the OneWord365 movement began a decade ago. It distills New Year’s Resolutions from a long list of to-dos to one word of intentionality… a mantra, a prayer, a way of thinking as you set off into the unknowns of 2020. In other words, it’s more a way to be than a goal to do.

The OneWord365 website encourages you to choose just one word… one word you can focus on every day, all year long; one word that sums up who you want to be or how you want to live.

It will take intentionality and commitment, but if you let it, your one word will shape not only your year but also you. It will become the compass that directs your decisions and guides your steps.

Discover the big impact one word can make. One word. 365 days. A changed life.

Find all the details at OneWord365.com.

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Make a New Year's resolution to get outdoors more this winter. One place to start is the big ice skating rink in downtown Akron. After you've recycled your Christmas boxes and gathered up the stray ribbons for the trash, take a break (but don't break anything!) with a spin around the ice. ...

Santa invited children to gather ’round and help him to light the Christmas tree in the courtyard at Stan Hywett Hall & Gardens on the night of Nov. 22. This ceremony kicked off a self-guided tour of One Million Lights, photo ops in the giant interactive snow globe in Gingerbread Land, and a preview of DECK THE HALL 2019: A Classic Comic Hero Christmas.

Nineteen rooms in the Manor House are themed with the stories of classic comic heroes, including favorites like Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman, Spiderman, and The Hulk. And while they are slightly outside of the “classic” comic hero time frame, the Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers are also highlighted as nostalgia for a younger generation.

This exhibit will be open to the public on select nights: 5-8 p.m. on Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Dec. 5-8, Dec. 12-23, and Dec. 26-30. The estate remains open until 9 p.m. on all Deck the Hall nights.

Stan Hywett Hall & Gardens is located at 714 North Portage Path in Akron. Tickets: Free-$22. Purchase in advance at stanhywet.org or by calling 330-315-3287.

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Almost no movie is more aligned with Cleveland than "A Christmas Story." Take a few minutes to read about this iconic film and how it continues to live in the hearts and minds of Northeast Ohio residents. ...

Before the holidays become a blur of gift lists and obligations, make a plan to make them special. While long-held traditions like watching live performances of “The Nutcracker” or “A Christmas Carol” certainly hold their place, why not break the mold and start a few offbeat holiday traditions with your friends and loved ones? Northeast Ohio has plenty of fun and entertaining options from Thanksgiving through the New Year. ...

AKRON – A Northeast Ohio holiday favorite returns to Weathervane with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Founders Theater, November 26 – December 22. Showtimes are Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. There are also four weekday matinee performances at 10:00 a.m. on November 26, and December 3, 9, and 17.

Tickets are $21 for adults and $17 for children 17 and younger. Standard ticketing fees apply. Tickets can be purchased by calling 330-836-2626 or going to www.weathervaneplayhouse.com.

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, the Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to vibrant life in this delightful musical parable. Joseph, his father’s favorite son, is a boy blessed with prophetic dreams. When he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, Joseph endures a series of misadventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged. Back by popular demand on the Weathervane Playhouse stage, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has become an Akron holiday-season tradition!

As in previous years’ productions of the musical, the 2019 production will also employ the complement of a youth chorus. Students from local schools will perform in rotation with the young actors in Weathervane’s production.

2019 YOUTH CHORUS SCHEDULE:

WOODLAND ELEMENTARY
Tuesday, November 26 @ 10:00 a.m.
Friday, November 29 @ 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 30 @ 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 1 @ 2:30 p.m.

ELLET YOUTH CHOIR
Tuesday, December 3 @ 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, December 5 @ 7:30 p.m.
Friday, December 6 @ 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 7 @ 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 8 @ 2:30 p.m.

MILLER SOUTH
Monday, December 9 @ 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, December 12 @ 7:30 p.m.
Friday, December 13 @ 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 14 @ 7:30 p.m.

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How much are you into Christmas? What's your Santa vibe? Are you good with kids? Sounds like you could be a perfect volunteer on THE POLAR EXPRESS train this season at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. ...