December is dedicated to Command and Family Readiness.

Included in this e-mail are details on family activities and services in December that were brought to our attention. If you have specific questions about any of the following resources, please use the contact information identified in the listing.

Fleet and Family Support Centers wish you a safe and happy holiday season!
Fleet & Family Support Centers (FFSC) are located at Naval Base San Diego (NBSD), Naval Base Coronado (NBC), Naval Base Point Loma (NBPL), and in the following housing areas: Murphy Canyon, Village of Serra Mesa, Bayview Hills and now in Gateway Village! We offer great services, programs and workshops (free to all active and reserve military, retirees, and family members). Want to learn secrets of stress management and parenting? Want to enhance your communication skills? Dont know where to go for resources or questions? Want to make your money work for you? Retiring or leaving the military and need to find a job? Are you a military family member searching for work? Fleet & Family Support provides Deployment Readiness programs, Return & Reunion briefings, Ombudsman training, GMTs and more! Make the Fleet & Family Support Center your one-stop shop for all of your quality of life needs! All services are free and confidential. Please call our 24-hour toll-free number 1.866.923.6478 to schedule an appointment for: Clinical Counseling Relocation and Assistance

 Resume Assistance Financial Consultations For more information, please visit us on the web at www.cnic.navy.mil/navylifesw . For the latest news and updates on events, please check out our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/FFCPSanDiego . Become a fan too! To watch videos about our programs, please check out our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/NavyFFR .

Fleet & Family Support Center Open House Naval Base Point Loma
Thursday, December 1 from 1130-1430 at NBPL, FFSC, Bldg. 212 Our Open House entertainment includes a DJ, a Jumpy Jump and Santa! Santa will be passing out toys until his bag is empty. Be sure to bring your own camera to take your picture with him. For more information, please contact 619.553.7505.

Family Readiness Express (FRE)

Pomerado Terrace (10425 Scripps Ranch, San Diego, 92131) from December 7-16 This RV-style, mobile Fleet and Family Support Center offers convenient, easy access to resources, information and programs including transition assistance, family employment, personal financial management, exceptional family member program, relocation, deployment and referral for counseling/life skills and recreation. Our staff is available to provide support and service to active duty members and their families Monday through Friday from 7:30am 4:30pm. There are many exciting events happening at the FRE during the month of December! Stop by and learn about our services. If you would like additional information or have any questions, please email FamilyReadinessExpress@mwrsw.com or find us online at www.cnic.navy.mil/navylifesw or http://www.facebook.com/FamilyReadinessExpress. We look forward to seeing you! Next stop...Eucalyptus Ridge (124 Gold Bar Lane, Lakeside, 92040) from January 16-27 with new hours of 8am 4pm.

Financial Counseling Appointments Now Available at Gateway Housing FFSC

Are you like most Americans, unsure of exactly where your money is going, and wondering if you will ever get that credit card paid off and finally have some money for savings? Now there are limited appointments with a financial counselor who can help you create a written spending plan designed uniquely for your needs and goals. Appointments are available on the second and fourth Monday evenings. For a personal, private, confidential appointment, call Centralized Scheduling at 866-923-6478 and request an appointment with Deborah.

FFCP Military Family Career Guidance & Placement Interviews

Ready to get into the work force? Maybe you're not sure where to start. Interview with the Fleet, Family & Child Programs (FFCP) Career Guidance and Placement Managers and have your resume reviewed, education and experience declared, and career goals expressed. Your FFCP Career Guidance and Placement Managers advocate for you and work to locate and place you into a portable career, enhancing your family readiness. Call 858-277-4259 today for more information or to make your appointment! LOCATION: DAY OF THE WEEK: TIME: NBSD FFSC Every Friday 0900-1200 Bayview Hills Branch 1st & 3rd Friday/Month 0900-1200 Village at Serra Mesa 2nd & 4th Thursday/Month 0900-1200 Family Readiness Express 3rd Thursday/Month 0900-1200 NBC FFSC 2nd & 4th Wednesday/Month 0900-1200 Gateway Village 2nd & 4th Friday/Month 0900-1200

San Diego Area Career Fairs 2011

WHEN WHERE WHAT 1 Dec Liberty Station NTC Promenade Hiring Our Heroes 11:00 3:00 2875 Dewey, San Diego, 92106 Recruit Military http://recruitmilitary.com/expos/401-San-Diego/candidates/information

8 Dec Malcolm X Library Blue Collar Career Fair 11:00 1:00 5148 Market Street, San Diego, 92114 Diversity Solutions (619) 277-9099 For more information, please contact Briana Kruger at 619-556-9047 or briana.kruger.ctr@navy.mil

IA Family Holiday Zoo Event Current IA Family Members Only

Lottery began on Monday, November 21st at 8:30am and will end on Monday, December 5 th at noon. Event takes place on Sunday, December 11 th from 9am-2pm This season we are hosting our 5th Annual IA Holiday ZOO event just for you at the San Diego Zoo. Enjoy a day at the zoo and experience all the excitement of the animals. We will all meet at noon for the holiday party. Lunch will be catered and there will be family photos with Santa, and gifts for the kids, along with an interactive animal show for all to enjoy. Please enter the lottery by providing your name (first and last), number of children attending (including ages and genders), cell phone and home numbers, housing area for Lincoln families / address for non-Lincoln families and an email address to Alex Armenta at alexander.armenta.ctr@navy.mil . The lottery began on Monday, November 21st at 8:30am and will end on Monday, December 5th at noon. For additional information, please contact Cindy at Lincoln Military Housing at cfarless@lpsi.com or at 858.505.4136 ext. 223.

Old Town Bonfire Nights

Every Friday and Saturday through the month of December from 6-8pm Participate in an old fashioned gathering around the fire pit with live music at the Old Town State Historic Park Plaza. For more information, please visit http://www.oldtownsandiegoguide.com/events.html .

Oceansides Tree Lighting Event

Thursday, December 1 from 6-8pm This annual tree lighting event is sponsored by the City of Oceanside Parks and Recreation Division and will take place at the Regal Cinema Complex at 401 Mission Ave. This free event is open to the public and includes singers, music, snacks and Santa. For more information, please visit http://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/cals/Default.asp or contact 760.435.5041.

Coronado Chamber of Commerces Annual Holiday Open House and Parade

Friday, December 2 from 3-8pm Join the Chamber of Commerce in kicking off the holiday season with one of the most popular events of the year. Entertainment includes: Snow Mountain where machine-made snow provides a unique experience to Coronados warmer climate, Santas arrival at the Ferry Landing, Orange Avenue Merchants Open House, a Christmas parade, Christmas tree lighting, and live holiday music! For more information, please visit http://www.ecoronado.com/events/coronado-chamber-ofcommerce-s-annual-holiday-open-house-and or call 619.435.9260.

Lemon Grove Community Bonfire

Friday, December 2 from 6-8pm Join the City of Lemon Grove rain or shine for this FREE community event to celebrate the holiday season at Civic Center Park, 3200 Main Street, Lemon Grove, 91945. Among the bonfire, there will be fun for everyonegames, face painting, laser tag, live music, and horse drawn carriage rides. Free refreshments will also be served on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, please visit http://www.ci.lemongrove.ca.us/documents/Recreation%20Services/Community%20Events/bonfire_flyer_FINAL.PDF or contact 619.825.3800.

Balboa Park December Nights 2011

Friday, December 2 from 510pm and Saturday, December 3 from noon 10pm In the spirit of the holidays, participating Balboa Park museums open their doors free of charge from 5-9pm on both evenings. December Nights, San Diegos largest free community festival, is expected to attract more than 300,000 visitors over two days. Entertainment, wonderful food and holiday cheer are all part of this classic and elaborate San Diego celebration. For more information, please visit http://www.balboapark.org/decembernights .

Chula Vista Starlight Parade

Saturday, December 3 starting with the Mayors Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:30pm The Starlight Parade is back for its 50th year with a Centennial theme; the nighttime parade ushers in the holiday season with floats, marching bands, classic cars, community groups and so much more. Come early to grab a seat along the parade route from H to E Street and stay for the Childrens

Holiday Time in Memorial Park where the little ones can get their faces painted, take pictures with Santa Claus and listen to festive turn-of-the-century-costumed carolers. For more information, please visit http://www.thirdavenuevillage.com/events/starlight-parade-2011.

MWR Family Holiday Party

Saturday, December 3 from 9am-1pm at NBSD, Admiral Robinson Recreation Center The 2011 Family Holiday party is one party not to miss! Entertainment includes : a Fun Zone of inflatables and rides, face painters, balloon artists, arts and crafts, hayrides, strolling carolers and music to set the holiday mood, open play bowling, video games, a family Resource Fair and more! MWR will also host a festive snow park with REAL snow and Santas Village for picture taking; be sure to bring your own camera. While supplies last, MWR and LEGOLAND will offer a FREE LEGOLAND ticket for all kids in Santas Village! For more information, please visit http://mwrtoday.com/sandiego/events/2011/family-holidayparty/ or call 619.284.4054.

Childrens Christmas Carnival

Saturday, December 3 from 10am-2pm at Bob Hope Theater, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar This free carnival features face painting, a petting zoo, games, rides, a free movie, and more! This event is open to all military families & DoD Civilians, ages 2-12 years. For more information, please visit http://www.mccsmiramar.com/pdfs/ChildrensXmasCarnivala.pdf .

Encinitas Holiday Parade

Saturday, December 3 starting with a Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5pm The Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place with Santa in the Lumberyard on Coast Highway 101 at 5pm followed by the parade at 5:30pm from D St. all the way down to J St. For more information, please visit http://www.ci.encinitas.ca.us/CE/Government/CityD/ParksAndRecreation/CitySponsoredEvents/ or contact 760.633.7260.

Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village

Saturday, December 3 from 4-7:30pm The Little Italy Association presents the kick-off to its annual holiday shopping, dining and pampering season with the annual Little Italy Lighting & Christmas Village held at the Piazza Natale on the corner of W. Date & India Streets. Come one and all; family, friends and pets are welcome. Also, Jolly Ole Saint Nick will be arriving on Little Italy Fire Engine 3 while attendees are serenaded to the musical talents of various entertainment. The Association will be giving out free Italian cookies, cider and coffee.

For more information, please visit http://www.littleitalysd.com/events/little-italy-tree-lighting/

48th Annual North Park Toyland Parade

Saturday, December 3 starting at 11am Unwrap some magic this holiday season and partake in the festive fun in the historic neighborhood of North Park. Friends and family are welcome to bundle up and delight in San Diegos most joyful parade. Gliding down University Avenue between Utah and Iowa Streets, this cheerful pageant will feel like a Winter Wonderland, as melodious marching bands, upbeat dance groups, cool vintage cars, beauty queens and city officials (and more!) warm your spirits. Santa Claus will be riding atop his merry red sleigh and bells will be ringing as loved ones snuggle up in the bright, frosty air. For more information, please visit http://www.toylandparade.com/

The City of San Marcos

FREE Holiday Tree Lighting: Saturday, December 3 The Holiday Tree Lighting will be held outside City Hall (City Hall is located at 1 Civic Center Drive San Marcos, CA 92069). Entertainment starts at 5:30 pm followed by Tree lighting at 6:45 pm. Musical entertainment and the arrival of the Jolly Old Man make this event special! Santas Magical Village: Saturday, December 3 (3-8pm) and Sunday, December 4 (9am-4pm) Come visit this special village where the magic of the season comes alive. Stroll through the streets where children can create ornaments, decorate cookies, and make holiday decorations while parents shop at arts and crafts booths! Have your picture taken with Santa and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer! Enjoy free entertainment throughout the event. Santas Magical Village is located at San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069. For more information, visit http://www.san-marcos.net/index.aspx?page=244

4th Annual Kringle Mingle

Sunday, December 4 from 2-6pm Cardiff 101 Mainstreet invites you to a special holiday celebration for the entire community at Cardiff Town Center, 2087 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA Free to attend! Enjoy a variety of engaging musical performances throughout the evening, a gift fair for you holiday shoppers, yummy treats from local restaurants to tantilize your taste buds, a childrens crafting table, a festive holiday scene complete with a decorated tree and a photo op with Santa. For more information, please visit http://www.cardiff101.com/kringlemingle/

The 54th Annual La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival

Sunday, December 4 at 2pm Spread some holiday cheer at the La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival in downtown La

Jolla. This years Classic Christmas event includes marching bands, floats, equestrian units, vintage automobiles and an appearance by Santa Claus. For more information, please visit http://ljparade.com/Home.html

Trees for Troops Christmas Tree Giveaway

Thursday, December 8 starting at 1300 outside the MCRD Home Store garden center One tree per family on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, please visit http://www.mccsmcrd.com/treesfortroops/index.html

Christmas in the Park - Poway

Saturday, December 10 from 3:30-8:30pm Are you looking for a great way to get into the holiday spirit and create family memories that will last a lifetime? Witness Christmas traditions come to life during Poways free Christmas in the Park at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd, Poway, 92064. Entertainment includes: Christmas tree lighting at 5:20pm, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by train at 5:30pm, pictures with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, horse drawn hayrides, face painting, a petting zoo, dancing performances, and more! For more information, please visit http://www.poway.org/Index.aspx?page=14&recordid=5011 or contact 858.668.4576

Holiday Performance by the Navy Region Southwest Band

Saturday, December 10 starting at 3pm Naval Air Station North Island cordially invites you to a free holiday performance by the Navy Region Southwest Band; they will be playing holiday classics at Lowry Theater. Following their performance, guests are invited to enjoy a holiday movie on the big screen and visit with Santa Claus! For more information, please contact 619.545.8042

Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights

Saturday, December 10 starting at 7pm More than 100 vessels take to the water and more than 60,000 people are expected at San Diegos Mission Bay Park for this free, distinctly California celebration; it features boats decorated for the holiday season that will sail around Mission Bay starting from the Quivira Basin area. The best

viewing is from Riviera Shores, Crown Point, Santa Clara Point, the east side of Vacation Island and west side of Fiesta Island. For more information, please contact 858.488.0501

Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights

Saturday, December 10 from 7-9pm Boats of all sizes, decorated in holiday lights and ornaments circle Oceanside Harbor while onlookers watch from the beach, Oceanside Harbor, restaurants and boats. Its also a great time to have a beach fire and celebrate. To avoid the hassle of getting a parking spot, come early. For more information, please visit http://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/cals/Default.asp or contact 760.722.5751.

40th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights 2011

Sundays, December 11 & 18 from 5:30-9pm With more than 80,000 spectators expected, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights features boats decorated for the holiday season. This years San Diego Bay Parade of Lights celebrates The Sounds of Christmas with boats of all kinds judged for creative lighting, decorations and crowdengaging fun. More than 100 vessels will take to the water for the parade. Fireworks begin at 5:30pm with the Light Parade beginning immediately following the fireworks.

Approximate Times at Locations around the Bay The parade takes approximately 1 1/2 hours to pass any given point along the parade route. The approximate arrival time of the parade at various locations are: * Shelter Island (start of parade) - 5:30pm * Harbor Island - 6pm * The Embarcadero - 6:30pm * Seaport Village - 7pm * Ferry Landing Market on Coronado - 7:30pm

For more information, please visit http://www.sdparadeoflights.org/index.html .

Poinsettia Bowl Gaslamp March

Monday, December 19 at 6pm Marching bands and spirit squads from the participating universities will parade from each end of 5th Avenue performing holiday classics, and meeting up at Market Street for a heart-pounding Battle of the Bands! After the dust has settled at Market Street, bands will continue on with their parade of holiday favorites. The event is free for spectators. For more information, please visit http://www.poinsettiabowl.com/events/poinsettia-bowl-marchthrough-the-gaslamp.html .

Dance Place San Diegos Free Day of Dance Point Loma

Monday, Dec 26 from 8am-7pm Join Malashock Dance, San Diego Dance Theatre, and the San Diego Ballet as we offer an entire day of FREE dance instruction for all levels! Classes ranging from modern and jazz to tap and ballet will be offered free of charge to anyone who wants to participate. Come to Dance Place San Diego on 12/26/11 and celebrate the holidays with dance! For more information, please visit http://www.malashockdance.org/the-school/free-day-of-dance2011

Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade Americas Largest Balloon Parade
Wednesday, December 28 starting at 10am As always, this exciting family event brings together world-class marching bands, magnificent floats, entertaining drill teams, and a procession of enormous balloons more than any other parade! Over 100,000 street-side spectators will enjoy the parade along with a nationwide television audience. Street-side viewing is free. After the parade, activities will continue on the Broadway Pier with games and entertainment at the annual Family Festival. For more information, please visit http://www.holidaybowl.com/events/port-of-san-diego-big-bayballoon-parade.html .