Best viewing; for starters....

New to astronomy. In fact, have never looked through a telescope (other
than a rifle type) in my life. I am 35. Sad, I know....

Have been thinking about astronomy for a couple of months and decided
two weeks ago to buy a telescope with hopes of spending some "calm"
time with my three sons, 16, 9, & 7. I did a little research and
decided on the Orion Skyquest XT8 Dobsonian (w/ 5 filters, 25mm, 10mm,
and Barlow 2X). Ordered it from Orion; it's on back order; should
receive it 2nd week of January. Seemed like a nice starter for the
price (just under $500 including shipping). Rather or not I made a wise
choice, it will have to do...

I have been scouting the perimeter of my neighborhood (NO (westbank),
La.) and have found, not good, but an acceptable viewing area. My back
yard will not do; I'm one block from a fire station and it's extremely
well lit all night. (knocking them out with BB's works only
temporarily.........just kidding)

By mid January, I will be, as I am now, wondering what will be
available for viewing. I know it sounds ridiculous; the sky is filled
with stars; which I am particularly fond of. I just don't want to bore
the kids with zooming in on single point of light that when magnified,
still looks like a single point of light.

The question finally revealed: Please reply with information (or a link
to a web-site) that defines what objects (planets, comets, etc...) will
be visible to a beginner in mid January using the above stated gear,
from the above stated location.

Thanks in advance...

V/r

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