The most wonderful time of the year is drawing to a close. It’s time to take down the tree, put away the decorations, and settle back into a routine. Unfortunately, some people (kids) can find it very difficult to let go of the tinsel. It’s not hard to see why because it’s been nothing but Christmas, Christmas, Christmas everywhere you go since November 1. Besides the giant sugar habit they have to kick from all the cookies, cocoa, and candy they’ve consumed, they also have to let go of the holiday magic that’s been on full throttle for the past two months. Such is the case with the pesky Elf on the Shelf. Apparently shoving him into a box for a year’s worth of solitary confinement doesn’t go over well with the six-year-old set.

I’ve learned through experience that coming down off the Yuletide high can be tough on the tinies and is best done gradually. Ease them off the holly jolly and back into just plain jolly with one of these family-friendly events.

If ‘The Nutcracker’ left you wanting more dance in 2018, then start off the new year right and don’t miss Plano Metropolitan Ballet’s ‘Fairy Tale Ballet, Sleeping Beauty.’ In this original production, eight ravens team up with Maleficent as she plots against Princess Aurora. Will good overcome evil? Find out if the princess find her “happily ever after” with the help of her three fairy friends. More than 50 dancers ranging in age from 10 to 18 will take to the stage in this lavish production. See it at the Courtyard Theater in Plano weekends through Jan. 20.

Show the kids some of the cool stuff you played with at Dallas Center for Architecture’s exhibition, Building Toys and Toy Buildings: Architecture Through A Child’s Eyes. The show includes a variety of vintage and modern toys and looks at the various toy buildings in existence, with a special emphasis on doll houses, including one of the first Barbie Dream Houses and a house built by an architect for his daughter in the 1970s. The exhibit itself is hands-off, but visitors can design and build their own houses with blocks, TinkerToys and LEGOs in a special “Construction Zone.”

Got a ‘Star Wars’ lover? Take a closer look at those galaxies far, far away this Saturday night at a Star Party at Rafes Urban Astronomy Center in Denton. You and your mini astronomers can enjoy space activities, star talks, food and see objects in space through their telescopes. Admission is only $5 for kids and $9 for adults, but bring cash because they don’t accept credit cards.

Start the new year off with laughter at Frisco Improv Players’ A Night of Comedy. The comedy troupe specializes in family-friendly, interactive, game-based shows similar to what you’d see on “Whose Line is it Anyway?” Get your funny bone tickled this Friday night at the Black Box Theater at Frisco Discovery Center.

Photo: The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection

Want to make a big impression with the wee ninja in your life? Take them to the Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum for a look at suits of armor worn by Samurai warriors during the 17th and 18th century. You can even see the armor worn by the Samurai’s horses. This Saturday is Family Day at the museum. Enjoy free admission, family-oriented guided tours, and art activities from 1-3 p.m.