The Hilton Anatole Does Christmas Big

Like everything else about this legendary Dallas convention center, "Christmas at the Anatole Hilton" is a big and diverse event that entertains visitors of all ages. Decor throughout the eight-acre property ranges from multi-tonne slabs of the Berlin Wall, to bronze lifesize elephants, Ming vases worthy of owner Trammell Crow (a big Asian art collector) and in this season, 30-foot-tall Christmas trees covered with gumdrops.

Even Republican elephants get decorated for Christmas holidays

We've found that many families enjoy convention center hotels because there are so many facilities, and weekend or holiday pricing is such good value. And with one million Christmas lights, an outdoor skating rink, live entertainment, visits from local celebrities from the Dallas Stars and Dallas Zoo, a Christmas break at the Hilton Anatole is no exception.

Gift shop becomes a Gingerbread House decorated with real Oreos

For 2013, festivities begin Friday, November 29 and continue until Saturday, January 4. Christmas at the Anatole is free to hotel guests and those dropping by the hip Gossip Bar, terrific Media Grill sports bistro, or friendly Starbucks cafe.  "Sparkle!" charges a nominal fee, notes Harold Rapoza, general manager, Hilton Anatole. "We think it's important around the holidays to be able to offer family-friendly fun at a cost that won't break the bank, as well as offer something for everyone," and the hotel has surely done it well. 

Christmas at the Anatole Activities and Attractions

Free to hotel guests and anyone passing through are the many Christmas and winter tableaux: Rudolph and his animatronic reindeer friends prancing in their stalls; Santa's workshop where elves are busy at work; the tallest nutcracker in Texas towering more than 40 feet; and a gift shop turned life-size gingerbread house with its own Christmas tree draped in gum drop ornaments.

Son and grand niece enjoy Hilton Anatole decor

Allow enough time to take the hotel's fun 1-mile ArtWalk. Yes, there's an audio track you can stream from www.AnatoleArt.com that takes just 27 minutes, and while the kids get their bearings at the large white marble Buddha or the Jade Entrance filled with remarkable jade sculptures, they will keep everyone moving around the hotel, indoors and out, until your mile-long stroll has given everyone a fascinating glimpse of Trammel Crow's magnificent art collection (and a little exercise too.)

Sparkle is the Extra Glitter at the Anatole

With an admission of just $9/adults 18+ and $7/ages 7-17 (free 6 and younger), we found the "Sparkle" attractions to be great value. Stay a few nights or, if you're local, come back every day of the kids' vacation and you can catch an outdoor flick on "Movie Mondays," a big game on "Football Sundays," or use the Candyland Bounce House and fun, inflatable slide all day and night long.

Interestingly, the hotel wrangled 20 kids from ages 3-7 last June to get ideas for "Sparkle" the holiday season extravaganza. Dubbed the Children’s Advisory Panel by hotel management, the group shared ideas for the fee-based activities and attractions they wanted to see at the hotel.  For this year, they include:

Reindeer Barn in the Hilton Anatole

Outdoor Skating Rink

The skating rink resembles a small town pond with a railing height that's perfect for little ones to grab. Open daily, skate rentals are $6. Special events include Friday Date Night Skating and, weather-permitting, clinics run by the legendary Dallas Stars.

Musical Performances

Every evening, the outdoor stage will showcase entertainers ranging from the Dallas Electric String Quartet and Lone Star Attitude to school choirs; events take place indoors in case of inclement weather.

Origami Lessons

Founders of "Paper for Water," Isabelle and Katherine, ages 9 and 7, respectively, will conduct origami ornament lessons. For each ornament purchased from "Paper for Water," 100% of the proceeds go directly toward Living Water International to build clean water sources in third world countries.

Playing in the vast Anatole Hilton Lobby

Holiday Guest Animals

The Dallas Zoo will bring by a few of their favorite animals, including penguins and baby cheetahs, to visit on select Sundays.

Bark in the Park

Costume contests and four-legged fun in the hotel's huge back park.

Le Theatre De Marionette

"The Little Drummer Boy" to be performed using life-size, holiday-themed marionettes. Priced at $15 for children and $18 for adults.

Breakfast with Santa is very merry

Breakfast with Santa

Photo ops galore when Santa makes guest appearances over the hotel's breakfast buffet.

Hotel Stay Bundled with Christmas Holiday Guest Packages

During the winter holiday season, the Hilton Anatole "Sparkle!" Hotel Package starts at $109/night. This includes a night's stay at one of the Hilton Anatole's 1,600 rooms decorated with fine Asian artwork, breakfast for four and four complimentary tickets to "Sparkle!" The hotel will also provide free parking and internet.

The super "Sparkle!" Hotel Package which starts at $139 adds in admission to The Verandah Health Club, where there's a great big pool that kids will love plus workout facilities galore for those over age 16. Additionally, the "super" offer includes skate rental for four (and the rink is right outside the heated indoor pool, very nice touch!)  plus a commemorative "Sparkle!" ornament. Don't miss the many Holiday Spa offers with winter-themed treatments and savings.

To keep up with key dates and receive additional information regarding "Sparkle!" and Christmas at the Anatole festivities, visit ChristmasattheAnatole.com.

Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade to Show on ABC-TV

If you’re feeling a lot like Christmas or need a big dose of Christmas cheer, you can find it bundled up with Disney magic on December 25th, when ABC airs the “2013 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade” on TV.

Our friends at Disney were good enough to send us many fun pictures from the taping of the show, which was done both at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California and at Walt Disney World in Orlando.  Among the cast of hundreds, including princes, princesses, demons and droids, was Neil Patrick Harris, who is the show’s host and a major talent.

 

Neil Patrick Harris takes call from Walt (?)

Appearing with NPH wil be the newscaster Lara Spencer (perhaps performing with the cast of “Newsies” who are said to be in the show), plus musical talents Ne-Yo, The Wanted, and the Italian pop group Il Volo.

The 30th annual holiday special will air nationwide at 10 a.m. EST and 9 a.m. CST, MST and PST on ABC-TV Dec. 25, 2013 on ABC-TV.  The special also will air in Canada on CBC Network, and across the globe on the American Forces Network.

The Christmas Day Parade occurs live at both resorts and includes hundreds of characters

Credits: The images include fun shots by Paul Hiffmeyer taken at Disneyland during the November 9-10, 2013 taping, and by Mark Ashman taken December 6-7, 2013 at Disneyworld.

Same Sex Couples Now Count as "Family" in View of US Customs

According to their press office, on December 13, 2013, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency sent a Final Rule to the Federal Register to broaden  the definition of  “members of a family residing in one household” to more accurately reflect relationships for U.S. citizens, residents and international visitors who are traveling together as a family.

Using a Global Entry Card allows travelers to submit Customs Forms Online at Port of Entry

In a move that may seem long overdue, the expanded definition will allow long-term same-sex couples and travelers in a variety of other "domestic relationships" to file a joint customs declaration for items acquired abroad.

No more sitting on the plane wondering how many of these Customs Forms to fill out, trying to divide the souvenirs so that no one in the party will be 'caught' with too many purchases and be required to pay duty on them.

According to the CBP, the enlightened agency that brought us the Global Entry pass, they have decided that the term “domestic relationship” will now include foster children, stepchildren, half-siblings, legal wards, other dependents, and individuals with an in loco parentis or guardianship relationship.

More controversial, perhaps, the official "domestic relationship" also now includes two adults who are in a committed relationship including, but not limited to, long-term companions and couples in civil unions or domestic partnerships where the partners share financial assets and obligations, and are not married to, or a partner of, anyone else.

The term "members of a family residing in one household," says CBP, "will continue to encompass relationships of blood, adoption, and marriage" although we're not sure why they've bothered with this particular play on words.

The rule becomes effective January 14, 2014 and should allow more returning U.S. citizens, residents and international visitors a less stressful entry with less paperwork according to the CBP. 

Tropical All-Inclusive Resorts Holding Big Vacation Sale till New Year's

The holiday season is almost here and, in a Raggs to riches story that seems appropriate, the very classy Palladium Resorts hotel group is having a winter sale for very last-minute bookers. (Not to mention how appropriate this is for those who can't figure out what to give the family who has everything.)

Families love the new Raggs treats given out at Palladium Resorts

If you are feeling spontaneous and won't be too dismayed by the sky-high airfares we've been seeing, you have until New Year's Eve to book a tropical resort getaway. Then all you'll have to do is put new goggles under the Christmas tree for everyone in the family.

Here are some of the best offers in Jamaica, the Pacific coast of Mexico, and the Cancun area.  

Can't stop those Raggs characters from playing rock n'roll and dancing everywhere they go.

Montego Bay, Jamaica up to 55% off

The beautiful five star Grand Palladium Jamaica Resorts in Montego Bay await you with all the luxuries you can imagine for a holiday dream vacation.  Book now until January 2, 2014.

·         55% off all-inclusive vacation rates.

·         Travel valid between December 22, 2013 and January 2, 2014

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico up to 45% off

Enjoy a wonderful family break at the idyllic Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa near Puerto Vallarta, or a romantic getaway at The Royal Suites Punta Mita by Palladium (only adults). Book now until December 31st, 2013 for this discount.

-     Up to 45% off on vacation packages when booking online. 

-     Travel valid now through April 30th, 2014 (except Dec 6, 19, 20 & from April 13-20, 2014.)

Riviera Maya, Mexico up to 20% off

If you're closer to the Atlantic Ocean than the Pacific, choose this offer at the 5-star Grand Palladium Mayan Riviera Complex. Booking open now through December 31, 2013.

-     Get up to 20% discount.

-     Travel from February 9-April 30, 2014 (except from April 13-20, 2014) 

Palladium is a long time provider of classy all-inclusive resort vacations, but this is the first year they have partnered with "Raggs." If you're not familiar with the cute puppies who star in "Raggs," an Emmy award-winning live action TV series that airs in English on PBS and in Spanish on Telemundo, they are brightly colored, singing and dancing bundles of energy (including one in a wheelchair.) 

Raggs is the blue puppy and star of the series.

That's why we like the new "Play at Palladium with Raggs" program, which weaves their story into children's programs and family activities.  Play at Palladium with Raggs includes exciting character meet-and-greets; dining and musical experiences; activities and fully-produced live musical stage starring the puppies shows at the resorts’ on-site theaters.

For more information on these offers and the new programs at Palladium, please get in touch with your travel agent or visit www.palladiumhotelgroup.com.

US Department of State Promotes a $60 Passport Expediting Service

Good holiday news for document-challenged Americans heading overseas, to Canada or the Caribbean this winter.  The U.S. Department of State has begun offering expedited passport services for a fee to U.S. citizens, including to our students who may be enrolled in Study Abroad programs through school.

State Dept site Travel.State.gov guides you through the Passport Application Process

Do you have an exciting international trip coming up?  Need a passport or have one expiring within the next six months? Whoops, time to act!

Time is still of the essence if you need a passport, but the State Department is offering for-a-fee ways to expedite the usual 4 to 6 week processing time. Best news yet -- expedited passport applications may be submitted at one of more than 7,800 acceptance facilities, many of them neighborhood paost offices, around the country.

First time passports, passport renewals, additional visa pages, and data corrections all qualify for expedited service. Applicants must pay an additional $60 expedite fee and allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery.  Not instantaneous as we've come to expect from so much in life, but better than the uncertainty of the standard long wait.

Applicants with immediate/emergency travel plans may apply directly at one of the Department’s 25 passport agencies and centers across the country. Depending on the agency, your e-ticket or proof of travel occurring within 14 days may be required. Please refer to Travel.State.gov for agency-specific information regarding what is required for an appointment. Applicants must call the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 877/487-2778 to make an appointment at a passport agency.

The State Department points out that commercial Passport Expeditor or Passport Courier services are private, third-party companies, some of which are registered at passport agencies and allowed to submit expedited passport applications on behalf of their customers. They add that you won't get your passport any faster through paying an expediter than through paying the federal government, but the option is available.

Families needing information on how to apply for or renew a passport should visit Family Travel Forum for more information. It's a complicated and time-consuming process but if you're careful and follow the rules, it works well.

You can also call for information during weekday working hours;  the National Passport Information Center runs a toll-free help line at 877/487-2778 or at 888/874-7793 for the hard of hearing.