enjoy the holiday: gingerbread houses & giving back at Make Meaning Bethesda Row

The holiday season is busy–busy.

But it’s so important that we take time every so often to breathe.

I mean really, truly breathe.

Enjoy time with friends.

Enjoy time with family.

And enjoy time spent doing holiday activities that we love.

Who cares if the laundry’s piled up, the house is a wreck, and dinner’s cold by the time everyone’s at the table?

Not I! (Not this month, at least. . . )

This week, I had the opportunity to enjoy the holiday a bit with some local friends, and it reminded me of how important it is to carve time out of our busy schedules to do just that–enjoy time together.

I’m betting that there are tons of holiday crafty-fun options no matter where you are; calling the local recreation department or library is a great place to start.

Even if you just invite a friend or two over for hot cocoa while you address holiday cards? It’s something. It’s still time together.

If you’re local to the DC Metro area, though, I have a great option for you. It’s totally affordable, super-sweet, and it packs a powerful punch.

Here’s the skinny. . .

Enjoy the Holiday–Gingerbread Houses and Giving Back at Make Meaning Bethesda Row:

Make Meaning is an entertainment and events destination focused on fun with creativity. They offer a ton of hands-on activities including cake decorating ,glass making, soap making, jewelry making, candle making, ceramics and book making for kids and adults of all ages.

When we visited Make Meaning in Bethesda this week, we decorated Gingerbread Houses.

The kids (and adults!) loved it. We had an absolute blast, and I cannot wait to return.

Check out some Instagram shots of our night:

best. photo. everrrrrr. thank you @jessicamcfadd for taking it and @makemeaning for hosting our crazy crew this week for gingerbread decorating! #regram #makemeaningbethesda #bffs #gingerbread #holidayspirit #holidays #funfriends #bloggers #dc #moco

A photo posted by amy mascott (@teachmama1) on Dec 12, 2014 at 4:10am PST

our gingerbread houses ROCK the house. thank you @makemeaning #makemeaningbethesda #holidays #gingerbread #familyfun

A video posted by amy mascott (@teachmama1) on Dec 12, 2014 at 4:14pm PST

before. and. . . after! had so much fun at @makemeaning tonight with my #dc blog family! really a fabulous way to spend an evening–friends, creativity, and tons of crazy cool kids. best part? no mess to clean up! wooot! thanks for all of the laughs and for sharing your awesome kids with us tonight! @justicefergie @jessicamcfadd @urbanmama1 @techsavvymama @msthienkim xoxo #makemeaningbethesda #gingerbread #candy #familyfun A photo posted by amy mascott (@teachmama1) on Dec 12, 2014 at 5:56pm PST

And? The insane thing is that they’re running a super promo: from December 15-24th, you can decorate one Gingerbread House for $9.99 (regularly $49.99).

So really, that’s a great deal. Remember, it’s about carving out time for you.

It’s taking time out of your schedule to be with friends and family and to enjoy time together–no matter what you decide to do.

The deets on the Make Meaning Bethesda Row Gingerbread House deal:

Limit one per person and while supplies last. Space is limited. First come, first served. No reservation necessary.
Valid weekdays only. Monday 10a-5p, Tuesday-Friday 10a-7p
This promo is special only for our readers, but you can share the coupon with others. SO YAY! (You won’t find info on the Make Meaning website.)
Here’s the coupon. Download and print: Make Meaning Bethesda Gingerbread House Special

And?

When a Make Meaning activity is purchased during the weekdays between 12/8-24, an activity is also provided to a child at The Children’s Inn at NIH.

I love, love, love that.

So you’re enjoying time with friends and family, crafting and creating, and then Make Meaning donates an activity to children who are out of their element, far from home, and most likely not feeling too well.

It’s the very least we can do.

So that’s it–just a really nice evening spent away from work, school, and everyday chaos, enjoying time with family and friends.

How will you enjoy the holiday? Do you have time set aside this month for family? Friends? Would love to know because the more we talk about stepping away and doing things that make us happy, the better!

Want a few more holiday-inspired gift ideas or activities? Check out:

fyi: This is a sponsored post, on behalf of One 2 One Network and Make Meaning, Bethesda Row. Forever and always I recommend only products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” For more information, please see teachmama media, llc. disclosure policy.

I am thankful for our friends at Make Meaning, Bethesda Row and to One 2 One Network for including me in this exciting campaign!