Oklahoma City family fun comes in many packages this time of year. 

Seeing Santa, attending winter festivals, visiting light displays: there are still so many ways to spend the remaining week before Christmas and the time together can seem like an unexpected gift after the rush of December's first weeks. If you're looking for an activity to enjoy together, click here for MetroFamily's holiday guides. Our calendar also hosts a variety of events too and can be found here.

School is out and children aren't the only ones who need a break from the usual routine. The holiday season is beautiful but as parents, it seems to characterize all that we do during the last three months of the year. If you're looking for a Winter Break camp for your children to help with childcare or break up the days, click here to see MetroFamily's list; there are still several with dates for next week.

Another way to take a break from all the hustle and bustle is to delve into the season's more spiritual aspects. Volunteering in the spirit's season of goodwill can make the season meaningful no matter how busy you've been lately; click here for a list of organizations looking for helping hands large and small this year. Christmas church services are listed on MetroFamily's website as well. 

As for my family, we're celebrating our baby's first Christmas with a break in routine: beaches, sand and seashells. Sun or snow, quiet dinners or loud gatherings, no matter how you're planning to celebrate this year, we wish you a very merry Christmas, filled with joy and peace.