When your little prince demands you tie his shoes, you wait on him hand and foot. (How else would you get to school on time?)

The next time he barks, look to the new line of children’s shoes from Royal Elastics. Instead of laces, the togs have elastic bands that comfortably secure little piggies in place, allowing for easy slip-off/slip-on/race-out-the-door action.

Four skater-dude styles come in sizes 10.5 to 6, making them ideal kindergarten kicks. The black leather Icon sneaker has huge cush factor for monkey bar crash landings. For dressier occasions, the Brother Roland low-tops walk a unique line with camo lining and a cork sole.

All of the designs are scaled-down versions of the brand’s adult line, so you can grab yourself a grown-up pair. And given the precious little time you have to get dressed every morning, that’s, er, knot a bad idea.

Available online at store.royalelastics.com, $50-$60.

FEAST
Family-Style Dinner
What: An a la carte menu the whole clan digs, plus Samara Lamm of The Kid’s Place 4 Fun keeps ’em busy with Hanukkah and Christmas-themed crafts.
Why: Chef Rachel Klein busts out latkes and her bubbe’s matzo ball soup recipe.
When: Fri., 5:30-8 p.m.
Where: Aura, 1 Seaport Ln., Seaport District. Reservations (recommended) to 617-385-4300 or online at opentable.com.

FROST
Cookie-Decorating Workshops
What: Tiny toques add creative touches to snickerdoodles and snowman-shaped sweets.
Why: They’re almost too cute to eat.
When: Thru Dec. 21. Wed., 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Smolak Farms, 315 S. Bradford St., North Andover (978-682-6332). Cost is $3.

TWIRL
Urban Nutcracker
What: BalletRox turns the holiday classic on its head with hip-hop dancing and Duke Ellington tunes.
Why: More than 80 children pitter-patter across the stage.
When: Thurs. & Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 1:30 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30 p.m.
Where: Wheelock Family Theatre, 200 The Riverway. Tickets at 617-879-2300 or online at web.ovationtix.com. Adults and children, $25-$50.

Photo: Courtesy of Royal Elastics