Monday, December 16, 2024

FREE New Year Coloring Packet and Holiday Break Thru January 5

 2025 is almost here! 

Are you ready for the new year? There's plenty of free New Year celebrations and activities to delight young and old. 

YouTube is highlighting fireworks shows around the globe for New Year's Eve. Preview last year's Magic Kingdom New Year's Eve 2024 Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks Show:



USA Today has "Your New Year's Eve TV Guide 2024" or try Entertainment Weekly's guide to New Year's Eve specials to get your New Year's Eve party started. 

For FREE fun activities to make and shre, print out Happy New Year Coloring Sheets at AUL or TpT. This packet updates yearly for FREE:









Educator Helper will be taking a blog break through January 5 for the holidays to enjoy some much-needed time with family and friends.

May your holiday season be merry and bright!

Beth, Educator Helper 

Saturday, December 7, 2024

FREE Christmas Activities & the Gaylord Christmas Experience


Looking for a new Christmas tradition? Wanting to add to or update your traditional Christmas experience?

Gaylord Texas Christmas offers a holiday event that is fun-filled for adults and children. All events are located on the grounds of the hotel and include:

  • ICE! a roomful of ice carvings, ice bar and other cold activities

  • Cirque "The Spirit of  Christmas" interactive play in the stage/theater area




  • Snow Flow Ice Mountain tubing 

  • Ice Skating

  • Gingerbread Decorating Corner
  • Rudolph's Holly Jolly Breakfast
  • Build-A-Bear Workshop
  • Christmas Carousel
  • Mrs. Clause Stories
  • Snowball Building
  • Reindeer Games Scavenger Hunt
  • Elf Training Academy
  • Ice on the Block
  • Wildlife Rescue AR Experience
  • Christmas Village with Emporium


  • Holiday Heist Escape Room
  • Trains Christmas Scene

  • Christmas Decorations Galore






  • Christmas themed drinks and food treats
  • and so much more...





The best part of Gaylord Texas Christmas is it is all under one roof and indoors. It was a nice temperature indoors so no need to bundle up unless visiting ICE! Many activities are geared for children, but adults will have no problem finding plenty of fun things to do, as well. There is a lot of adult holiday fun from alcoholic specialty drinks to chef inspired Christmas creations to shopping adventures. Don't forget to hunt for the hidden bar! The staff is fabulous and the spirit of Christmas is contagious. 

There are some downsides, of course, such as waiting on the tram to get to the Cirque show. It was beautiful weather at the time, so waiting outside was no problem, but if cold weather then pack your winter gear. 

Don't forget your wallet! Another downside is cost. Rooms are on the high end, and no discounts could be found or are offered. Our room was nice, comfortable and clean but small. There are plenty of other overnight options close by, and visiting the Gaylord Texas Christmas event can be a day trip rather than overnight stay. Valet parking is pricey, so self-parking saved half the cost. Lexus owners park free since the company sponsors the event. 

If visiting only the Christmas Village then park at the Convention Center, which is free, rather than using the hotel valet service or self-parking garage, which is on the opposite end of the large complex. This will save you lots of steps but be aware doing so will bypass the hotel lobby decorations and some other festivities, along with some of the hands-on events set up for kids. Some of the Christmas activities are free, but the costs to participate will quickly add up if bringing children. 

Gaylord Texas Christmas is a fun event for all ages!

Check the Gaylord Texas Christmas website to plan your itinerary.

Here's some fun FREE Christmas activities to pack along on your holiday roadtrip:















Get the full packet at AUL or TpT.

Merry Christmas!
Beth, Educator Helper



Sunday, December 1, 2024

FREE Holiday Christmas Ornaments and Coloring Activities

These old-fashioned FREE ornaments at AUL or TpT are holiday favorites to make and display!

Fill your tree with 44 ornaments to color, cut, glitterize and hang. Comes with ornaments that can be used with individual student photos for making memories:




Get FREE at AUL or TpT



Also FREE at AUL or TpT:



Have some FREE holiday fun from Educator Helper!
Beth