Reflections on Westwood Winterfest: Annual Event Kicks Off This Saturday

The Holiday Season is here, and what better way to kick things off than to celebrate at the , which takes place this Saturday, Dec 3! 

I have two kids, ages 4 and 6, and for four years we have been going every year. I will try and explain it to you, so you know what to expect. 

First, it’s at . You can roll your stroller right in if you have little kids. My favorite part of Winterfest is the entertainment for all the children.

However, my daughter loves the arts and crafts, so I will start there. She was so proud one year when I volunteered to help with the crafts table. We made fruit loop bracelets, snowflake crowns and a little holiday magnet. 

Every year, there are slightly different arts and crafts. Last year they decorated cookies, and I think she had her nails painted too. 

Both of my kids loved the kids' games. There are some great high school volunteers that help the Westwood Young Women’s Club (WYWC) organize all of the different kids activities. 

Winterfest is getting even more fun for activities, because now both My Gym and Mini Athletes come to help the kids play.

In the hallway next to the sled and holiday decorations sits a librarian reading stories by the fireplace. In the two other big rooms there are shows going on. For one, Mackseedoodle will be on hand from 10:15-11:15 a.m.  

MackseeDoodle is an interactive musical performance for children of all ages. They play both original compositions as well as well known songs on topics such as exploration of imagination, diversity, healthy choices, bullying and adventure. 

Miss Janet’s Dancers perform at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. I love watching the talented ballerinas. From 11:30-12:30, the locally famous Miss Tina Stone will play their favorite songs and encourage dancing and singing along. 

The kids also love the photos with Santa. My daughter sat on Santa’s lap with her Grandpa last year. It’s such a great picture; I framed it and hung it in her bedroom.

What's more, every year, the kids search for Pocket Pal. She strolls through Winterfest with her pockets full of prizes for the kids.

And if you are hungry, you are in luck. B.good milkshakes will be available, as well as light snacks and homemade “nut-free” treats at the Westwood Young Women’s Club bake sale table.

This indoor festival is a Westwood tradition. Some of you have been going for over 20 years. It used to be called Breakfast with Santa. The volunteers are both from the high school and the Westwood Young Women’s Club, helping to raise money for local charities. Winterfest will also have a collection for new, unwrapped toys as well as a winter coat & winter wear drive. The event is wheelchair accessible.

The first year I went to Winterfest, I didn’t know anything about the Westwood Young Women’s Club. Now that I have been in the club for three years, I understand that the women in the club prepare for this festival for months.  It’s great to see it be a success every year.

I joined the Westwood Young Women’s Club because I moved to Westwood in 2007 and as a working mother, I had very little time to meet anyone. I am so glad I joined them. 

Now when I go to the store, or walk into my child’s school, I recognize many of the other mothers. The club really helped make Westwood feel like home to me. We have monthly meetings, and they are all focused on raising money for those locally in need. We organize spring and fall fundraisers, summer concerts, and Winterfest, but with all of this work we also become friends. 

The club has been around since 1959. When I moved to town, a few people suggested that I join it to meet other people, and I am so glad I did. If you are interested in joining the WYWC, please visit wywc.org.