‘Tis the season for generosity, but who says you can’t get something in return? From Tuesday November 24 through Thursday December 17, bring a nonperishable food donation to a participating BumbleBee Tennis location—one’s at the U.N. Plaza’s Millennium Hotel, the other is in Soho—and your child (age 3 to 9) can score a free introductory lesson.  Sign up in advance on the company’s website. It’s a great way to spread the, er, love. You should also check out our roundup of tennis classes around the city.

On my way to the subway after a screening of Fantastic Mr. Fox (read the review here), I walked up Fifth Avenue and past the Bergdorf Goodman Men’s Store, where the current window display features sets and stop-motion figures from the movie. If your kids turn out to be Fox fans, take them to check out Badger’s office, the three scheming farmers and the underground feast scene up close. (Fun fact: That orange-Crocs-wearing rabbit should seem familiar to local foodies).  Even if you don’t make it to the flick, the windows are a visual treat of their own, and will be on view through January 4.

As you may have noticed, holiday season has arrived in Gotham (we even spotted our first Santa last week!). Window displays are popping up, with Cartier and Lord & Taylor already flaunting their festive decor. On Monday, November 23, Saks Fifth Avenue will debut its storefront, and we got a special behind-the-scenes peek at the creative process, courtesy of David Spaeth of Spaeth Designs and Saks fashion director for windows, Steve Swirczek.

By now you’ve heard that children’s TV pioneer Sesame Street turns 40 this month. Although the show is filmed at Kaufman-Astoria Studios in Queens, the folks at the Brooklyn Public Library are hosting a major exhibit showcasing Jim Henson’s beloved Muppets. Head to the Central Library at Grand Army Plaza this Saturday, November 14th for the kickoff party, where kids can partake in Sesame-inspired crafts, watch a screening of The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland and meet the little red guy himself.  Speaking of Elmo, he appears on a new, limited-edition BPL library card available at any borough branch. Get one while supplies last, or you’re sure to have a little grouch on your hands.

Independent book shops can’t get enough attention as far as we’re concerned. Show them some love at the city’s first Indie Bookstore Week, which begins Sunday, November 15 and runs through Saturday, November 21. There are plenty of children’s events; highlights include: Brooklynites Randall and Peter de Sève present their picture-book collaboration The Duchess of Whimsy at Greenpoint’s Word (Sunday, November 15 at 2pm) and grilled cheese—a key plot point in the story—will be served; arts-and-crafts time at Dumbo’s powerHouse Arena with Alex Beard, author-illustrator of The Jungle Grapevine (Sunday, November 15th at 4pm); and a Bank Street Bookstore reading by Thad Krasnesky (Wednesday, November 18 at 4:30pm), author of a book about a power-tripping three-year-old called I Always, ALWAYS Get My Way. Bet that sentiment sounds familiar.

We already touted the USS New York as a great Veterans Day destination. But since the weather on Wednesday may turn out to be wet, today may be the perfect day to visit the brand-new battleship docked in Midtown West. With temperatures near 70, a walk down by the waterfront sounds heavenly. We may play hooky and join you.

If your kids have the day off from school today. there’s plenty to keep them busy at spots around the city. After you tote ‘em to the polls (be sure to read our take on the candidates first), head to Lefferts Historic House where kids can cast their own ballots in an Election Day Celebration. Once your kid has voted, hang around for some patriotic cake and to hear the winner announced at 4pm. Happy voting!