baystateparent magazine December 2020 by baystateparent magazine

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Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families Since 1996

DECEMBER 2020

e Hofom r the s y a d i l o h DIY Family Photos

Area’s Most Magical Light Displays

Be More Productive Working From Home

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contents ta b le o f

de ce m ber 2020 v ol u m e 2 5

in every issue 4 5 6 8

Editor’s Note Finally Forever Good to Know

bites

Working from home: what parents have learned

Applying to college in the time of COVID

18 20 22

Hoformthee holidays

Goose’s Goodies: Pecan Tassies

on the agenda

Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families Since 1996

DECEMBER 2020

n u mb e r 8

9 Cyber Savvy Mom 17 16 Very Special People 23 Captured

Herding Goofballs

PRICELESS

East Holiday DIYs

DIY Family Photos

Area’s Most Magical Light Displays

Be More Productive Working From Home

on the cover:

December Adventures

Ayla, 10, and Kaylin Drisco, 8, of Charlton are winners of this year’s Holiday Cover Contest.

The List: 10 Magical Holiday Happenings

Dina Godzik Photography

A hands-on museum for families that blends science, nature, and play.

Our Favorite Subscription Boxes for Kids

How to see Santa … in a pandemic

177 Main Street, Acton MA 978-264-4200 • discoveryacton.org BAYSTATEPARENT 3

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A new cookbook is taking the magic of the holiday season up a notch. Chocolate Frogs, Cauldron Cakes, Treacle Tarts, Butterbeer… mere muggles can create these Harry Potter themed foods with “The Unofficial Hogwarts for the Holidays Cookbook.” Young Potter fans will be eager to hop into an apron and work their magic with a whisk, using step-by-step instructions and recreating scenes in their own kitchens. Available on Amazon.

2020 has taken a toll on everyone, including the beloved (or exasperating?) Elf on a Shelf. Pandemic elf ideas have already taken social media by storm, with that mischievous little doll getting into rubber gloves, hand sanitizer and the like. My favorite so far is from a blogger at passionforsavings.com, whose elf is quarantining in a mason jar for two weeks after arriving from the North Pole. Can you say genius?

editor’s note A few months ago, to celebrate our wedding anniversary, my husband and I got all dressed up and wandered around the Dollar Store. To be fair, we went to a nice dinner first. But once the steak was eaten and the bill was paid we found ourselves just not ready to go home. After all, we’d been cooped up with a three-year-old for the better part of a year. The problem was, there was nothing else to do. Restaurants had only just reopened their doors, and most other venues were still shuttered in the pandemic. I nixed his idea of a moonlit walk because I was wearing heels for the first time in about six months. So a trip to the Dollar Store it was. We killed nearly an hour aimlessly perusing the shelves before heading out with a boatload of snacks and a Matchbox car for our son. A few weeks later, we were telling a family friend about our bungled date night spent roaming the fluorescent-lit aisles of a discount store. “That’s amazing!” our friend replied. “Just think, in 20 years, when the kids are grown and you’re at a fancy hotel celebrating your anniversary, you’ll think back and say, ‘remember that year we went to the Dollar Store?’ What a great memory that will be someday.” The idea that our dud of an anniversary could one day be a treasured memory was something I hadn’t considered when I’d bemoaned the celebration COVID had robbed us of. But our friend was right -- the lens of time often offers a rosier view. When it comes to 2020, there is plenty to lament. Closed down communities, virtual learning, job losses, racial strife, and missed milestones. With a new year peeking around the corner, I think most of us are more than eager to leave this one in the dust. But when we look back on 2020, what else will we see? What stories will we tell? Of course, we won’t forget what we’ve lost, but what else will we remember? And how will it look from a distance? I know every mom and dad out there needs about a six month break from kids after parenting through this pandemic. But for most of us, the shutdown offered the chance to slow down in at least some areas of our lives. Maybe that meant more togetherness, more family dinners, or a reprieve from the daily go-go-go. Maybe you actually sat down and did a puzzle with your kids, or got bikes and discovered a new passion. If you’d have told me in March, when my office closed down and I had to find a way to work from home with spotty internet and a wild toddler, that one day I’d be nostalgic for these times, I’d scoff. But somehow, it all worked out. And now, with a new baby set to arrive next month, I’m grateful for these months of hunkering down with my son -- just the two of us. (And even more grateful for getting to wear sweatpants throughout my entire pregnancy, if I’m being honest.) As 2021 inches closer and you look back on this year you’d probably like to forget, I hope your family finds a little something good to remember. If not, maybe you can spend New Year’s Eve at the Dollar Store. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Amanda 4 DECEMBER2020

We’re counting down to Christmas in my house not just for the arrival of Saint Nick, but also for Pixar’s new movie, “Soul.” Pre-pandemic, I’d promised my horn-loving 3-yearold his first trip to the “big movies” to see the jazzy animated flick. But this fall, Disney announced it would bypass the big screen and stream it on Disney+ Christmas Day. We’ve got the popcorn ready!

What’s the best thing about the age you are now? Who taught you to ride a bike? A new edition of Table Topics invites grandparents and grandchildren to get to know each other in new ways through personal stories and good conversation. What a great tradition to start during family dinners or weekly calls! Table Topics Grandparents & Grandkids (and plenty of other sets) available on Amazon.

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baystateparent president PAUL M. PROVOST

CREATIVE editor in chief AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER 508-767-9526 acollins@gatehousemedia.com

creative director KIMBERLY VASSEUR 508-767-9550 kvasseur@gannett.com

Hi, my name is Isabella and I want to be a part of a family that takes trips together! Isabella is a sweet, caring, and bubbly teenage girl who loves animals. She is a great conversationalist and enjoys speaking to and O learning about new people. H OT NP SO Isabella is always open to R DE trying new activities and A A N S I is a talented artist. She also likes to play soccer and is currently taking a cooking class once a week after school. Isabella’s greatest wish is to have a family of her own where she can have a pet. Isabella, 15, likes going to school and she reports that she has many friends this year that she enjoys spending time with. Her favorite class is chorus and she does well in school with extra supports. Isabella really wants to be a part of a family and loves participating in all kinds of family gatherings. Isabella will do best in a patient family that can give her a lot of individualized L

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sales manager JEREMY WARDWELL 508-767-9574 jwardwell@localiq.com account executive KATHY PUFFER 508-767-9544 kpuffer@localiq.com

account executive REGINA STILLINGS 508-767-9546 rstillings@localiq.com

baystateparent is published monthly and is distributed free of charge throughout Massachusetts. 100 Front Street, 5th Floor Worcester, MA 01608 Do you have a story idea? We want to hear from you! Email your suggestion to acollins@gatehousemedia.com

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attention. Her social worker is open to exploring families that consist of a single mother, two mothers, or a mother and a father. She will do best as an only child or with an older sister in the home. Isabella is legally freed for adoption. Can you provide the guidance, love and stability that a child needs? If you’re at least 18 years old, have a stable source of income, and room in your heart, you may be a perfect match to adopt a waiting child. Adoptive parents can be single, married, or partnered; experienced or not; renters or homeowners; LGBTQ singles and couples. The process to adopt a child from foster care requires training, interviews, and home visits to determine if adoption is right for you, and if so, to help connect you with a child or sibling group that your family will be a good match for. To learn more about adoption from foster care, call the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) at 617-6273 or visit www.mareinc.org.

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good to know Santa’s Hotline is open for the season. The annual holiday

calling service takes you to a recorded message from Santa, then lets little ones leave him a voicemail with their Christmas wish list. When you use your mobile phone, Santa will send a text so you can listen or share your child’s message with the whole family. To give him a buzz, dial (605) 303-4000.

An online platform is making holiday giving in the COVID era a bit easier.

Toys for Tots and donateatoy.org are hosting a virtual toy drive for this season. You can select a toy to donate

to one of thousands of disadvantaged kids nationwide through the contact-free system. For every toy purchased through the website, donateAtoy.org will donate a second toy.

The Boston Children’s Museum just launched in-person learning enrichment pods. Designed to support families looking

for hands-on, in-person learning opportunities during this challenging school year, the pods are small groups of children ages 5-10 who learn together outside of the classroom. The Explore It Enrichment Pods, led by museum educators, run weekdays 2-5 p.m. and complement in-school learning by focusing on STEAM themes.

6 DECEMBER2020

When kids watch a lot of TV, parents may end up more stressed

here's bad news for parents who frequently plop their kids in front of the TV to give themselves a break: It might actually end up leaving moms and dads more stressed. Why? Because the more television that kids watch, the more they're exposed to advertising messages. The more advertising they see, the more likely they are to insist on purchasing items when they go with their parents to the store – and perhaps make a fuss if told "no." All that, researchers say, may contribute to parents' overall stress levels, well beyond a single shopping trip. The findings come from a study published in the International Journal of Advertising, that explores the potential effects of children's television watching habits on their parents' stress levels. "We know kids ask for things, we know it leads to conflict, but we wanted to ask the next question: Could this be contributing to parents' overall stress?" said lead study author Matthew Lapierre. The study suggests that it could. There are a few things parents can do, perhaps the most obvious of which is limiting screen time. "Commercial content is there for a reason: to elicit purchasing behavior. So, if this is a problem, maybe shut off the TV," Lapierre said. Of course, that can be easier said than done, he acknowledged. Another thing parents can try, especially as advertising geared toward children ramps up around the holidays: Consider how they talk to their kids about consumerism. The researchers looked at the effectiveness of three types of parent-child consumer-related communication: • Collaborative communication is when a parent seeks child input on family purchasing decisions – for example, saying things such as, "I will listen to your advice on

certain products or brands." • Control communication is when a parent exhibits total control in parent-child consumer related interactions – for example, saying things such as, "Don't argue with me when I say no to your product request." • Advertising communication is when parents talk to their children about advertising messages -- for example, saying things such as, "Commercials will say anything to

entertainment is changing. With the rise of the DVR and streaming services, many viewers are no longer being exposed to the traditional advertising of network or cable TV. However, advertisers are finding creative ways around that, through tactics such as product placement and integrated branding — incorporating product or company names into a show's narrative — Lapierre said. And advertising toward children

get you to buy something." They found that, in general, collaborative communication is associated with less parent stress. However, the protective effect of collaborative communication decreases as children's purchase initiation and coercive behaviors — such as arguing, whining or throwing temper tantrums — increase. When children have higher levels of television exposure, the protective effect of engaging in less advertising communication decreases. The study is based on data from hundreds of parents of children ages 2 to 12. The researchers focused on younger children because they have less independent purchasing power and spend more time shopping with their parents than older kids. Lapierre acknowledged that the way people consume

remains a multibillion-dollar industry. "In general, more television exposure means more exposure to commercialized content. Even if I'm streaming, if I'm watching more of it, I'm likely seeing more integrated branding," Lapierre said. Advertising aimed at children — which often features lots of bright colors, upbeat music and flashy characters — can be especially persuasive, since, developmentally, children aren't fully capable of understanding advertising's intent, Lapierre said. "Advertising for kids is generated to make them feel excited. They do a lot of things in kids' advertising to emotionally jack up the child," Lapierre said. "Children don't have the cognitive and emotional resources to pull themselves back, and that's why it's a particular issue for them."

New outdoor da Vinci exhibits inspire wonder, play Three new outdoor exhibits inspired by the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci allow visitors to physically interact with the inventor's ingenious designs at the Discovery Museum in Acton. The new exhibits include: The Lever: At over 12’ 5” tall, this giant kinetic lever lets visitors explore the principle of leverage by trying to lift a 4’ basket swing—perhaps holding friends or family members— from three different leverage points across a 20’ beam. As an inventor and engineer, Leonardo da Vinci studied simple machines such as the lever, often using them as the building blocks for his innovative machine designs. Vitruvian Man: The 6’ tall bronze sculpture of one of da Vinci’s most famous drawings helps visitors explore the concepts of proportion and ratios through comparisons of the length of different body parts. The Bridge: da Vinci designed an ingenious self-supporting bridge that could be built without nails, ropes, or other fasteners, relying on friction and gravity to allow users to cross safely. The Museum’s model of the bridge is 4’ long and 3’ wide, a great size for visitors to climb. “Fueled by his own curiosity and without formal schooling, da Vinci created complex and innovative designs out of small-scale observations and long-term explorations,” said Brindha Muniappan, senior director of the visitor experience at Discovery Museum. “We have brought some of da Vinci’s ideas into three-dimensional form to enable visitors to go beyond visual enjoyment of his work to physically interacting with his designs.” The new outdoor exhibits and “Discover da Vinci” online resource page are part of the Museum’s celebration of da Vinci’s work and impact, joining the da VinciWorkshop, created when the Museum opened its all-new building in March 2018. The da Vinci Workshop is an open-ended workspace for using tools, tinkering, design,

and inventing using recycled materials, off-the-shelf supplies, tools, and technology. It includes a working model of da Vinci’s ornithopter—a machine he designed to test human flight—and a WindTable where visitors can test their own designs of things that can fly.

The Bridge JESSICA CRONIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Vitruvian Man

The Lever ERIN ASH SULLIVAN

ERIN ASH SULLIVAN

BAYSTATEPARENT 7

Herding

Goofballs

This Christmas BY JOSH FARNSWORTH ILLUSTRATION BY KIRA BEAUDOIN

or some, it’s the first “Jingle Bells” on the radio station. For others, it’s when all the pumpkinflavored treats start changing with the season to peppermint. For me, it’s September or so when the first eggnog hits the shopping shelves. That first embrace of Christmas comes a little too strong for some, but is always welcome in my house, because it is my – and my goofballs’ – unquestioned favorite holiday. Sorry, Halloween, but thanks for the costume and 40 pounds of candy. The happiness I feel for this holiday, like all things in 2020, is being confronted with a pandemic-sized reality. My family is big, and we celebrate Christmas ever bigger. December 25, 2020 is going to sting a little. Scaling down the yuletide festivities will be a must in 2020. Scaling down the joy for this season? Not. An. Option. My kids deserve a celebratory Christmas. But to make it work, I will need an action plan – one that gives me confidence that Christmas can proceed as close to our regular plan as possible despite a dramatic dip in people there with us. My itinerary once the kids go to bed… Dec. 24 8 p.m.: While tucking kids in bed, show them that Santa tracker to show where that holly jolly individual currently is. Side note: Talking about the map and nearby countries counts as extra

8 DECEMBER2020

school-learning time. Thanks, Santa. 8:15 p.m.: Say goodnight to the kids. Remind them Santa can check his list one last time if they refuse to go to sleep. Sorry, Santa. You can be the bad guy for one night. 9:30 p.m.: Return to bedroom to comfort crying goofballs, whose excitement refuses to allow them to go to sleep. 9:35 p.m.: Listen to Cooper and Milo swear they will never fall asleep. 9:38 p.m.: Listen to them both snoring after the last ounce of sugar-cookie-energy drains from their bodies. 10 p.m.: Begin last stretch of gift-wrapping and begin assembling that one toy that needs some time. Assure wife will be done in 20 minutes. Dec. 25 12 a.m.: Finish watching George Bailey sprint through Bedford Falls while I realize assembly directions make no sense. Make note to suggest kids get engineering degrees to help daddy for future Christmases. 1:30 a.m.: Finally crack the assembly instructions code. Curse decision to not spend the extra $12 to have store put it together days ago. 5 a.m.: Awaken to kids exclaiming it’s Christmas morning, and time for presents!! 5:01 a.m.: Deliver heartbreaking news that Christmas doesn’t start until 6:30 a.m. 5:04 a.m.: Answer question from kids that it is not yet 6:30. 5:08 a.m.: Answer question from kids that it is not yet 6:30. 5:12 a.m.: Answer question

from…you know what? Just repeat this step 50 more times until… 6:30 a.m.: Release the hounds downstairs. 6:35 a.m.: Walk around in shocked amazement that they have successfully destroyed weeks worth of wrapping and boxing. 6:50 a.m.: Coffee finally inhand, begin installing batteries in new toys. Make note to buy stock in Duracell and Energizer next day. 7:30 a.m.: Citing “the Christmas spirit,” allow kids to have one piece of candy with breakfast. 7:32 a.m.: Immediately regret previous decision. 9:30 a.m.: Use crowbar to pry children off new toys to go to father-in-law’s house for socially distant gathering of about nine of us. 10 a.m.: Watch kids disappear under avalanche of more toys. Consider renting U-haul for rest of day. 10:30 a.m.: Break up first fight of day over who is touching whose new toy. 10:33 a.m.: Decide their new toy looks really fun, so make up some lame excuse to confiscate it and play with it for next 15 minutes. 12:30 p.m.: Head to my

parents’ house for Kids Unwrap-athon Take 3. 1:25 p.m.: Sing Christmas songs in order to energize the 10-person party to start dancing and combat the fistfuls of chocolate I see Cooper and Milo sneaking when they think my back is turned. 2:25 p.m.: Win back gift in Yankee Swap, since only a few of us here this year. 3 p.m.: Chuckle warmly as parents unwrap gift that is just a slip of paper saying, “IOU one day of babysitting joy with your grandkids. Redeemable any time. No expiration.” 4:15 p.m.: Consider caroling loudly from middle of street with masks on to neighbors. 6:10 p.m.: Enjoy unofficial 23rd meal of the day, wondering how the heck the kids are still able to take down entire plate of Christmas ham. 7:30 p.m.: Arrive home with ominous warning to kids that Santa will not be arriving tomorrow morning, but they still need to sleep to see their toys again. It’s a classic hostage-taking tactic. 9 p.m.: Drift off to sleep on couch despite excitement to have some alone time. See, who says this year is going to be lackluster and filled with nothing to do?

We may not be able to all be together this year, but I hope however your holiday season comes together, it does indeed come together as festive and fun as possible. This pandemic may try to steal our hearts like a Grinch dashing through Whoville in the night. But much like that green-furred grump, it will fail to stop an amazing Christmas from coming. Christmas failing was, after all, not. An. Option. From my goofball-happy family to yours, I wish you a Merry Christmas. May the New Year kick this one in the teeth and promptly usher it out the side door. And folks…pay the extra $12 to have someone assemble that toy. It’ll bring you yuletide cheer at the end of a very long day.

Josh Farnsworth is a husband, father of goofballs Cooper and Milo, goofball himself, and awardwinning writer and columnist living in Worcester. He can be reached for column ideas at josh. farnsworth@ yahoo.com.

cyber savvy mom

Kids in Tech: Engaging children in STEM education and careers She also recommends community members advocate for policy changes to the local school board and work with STEM advocacy organizations to drive statewide STEM policy measures.

Kids in Tech offers programs at four different sites serving low-income kids in the Lowell area and is growing. KIDS TECH IN FACEBOOK

Fostering an interest in STEM topics at an early age is an important element of a child's ongoing education BY JOAN GOODCHILD, CYBER SAVVY MOM

any studies stress the importance of K-12 STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education. The benefits of incorporating STEMs lessons early in a curriculum include getting young thinkers to feel comfortable with scientific thinking, creative problem solving, collaboration and inventiveness. Olu Ibrahim saw a need in Lowell to educate more children about skills and careers in technology. The need is unquestionable, she notes. In fact, Ibrahim says economic forecasts predict that by 2024, 80 percent of the top 10 most in-demand STEM jobs in the Greater Lowell area will be in technology. Now, as Executive Director of the non-profit Kids in Tech, her organization offers education that serves disadvantaged kids and offers interactive, free after school programs in computers and

technology. “Our programs focus on helping kids develop the necessary tech skills and aptitudes to participate in and be future leaders of the 21st-century innovation economy,” she said. “The goal is to make a difference and impact change.” Since its founding in 2016, Kids in Tech has offered programs at four different sites serving low-income kids in the Lowell area and is growing. Ibrahim says the organization plans to offer programs in more communities across the region and around the country in the future. But Ibrahim says her work on STEM advocacy goes beyond regional boundaries. Every child and family can use more STEM in their lives. She encourages parents in communities everywhere to advocate for more STEM-based curriculum and support, regardless of location. “Work to create local STEM ecosystems--your STEM ecosystem can be made of schools, afterschool programs, summer programs, science centers and museums, for example, that together constitute a rich array of learning opportunities for young people,” she said.

Parents play an important role in STEM enthusiasm Ibrahim said parents are their child’s biggest advocate to remove “pre-existing cultural attitudes” around the STEM field, including who can or should learn these skills. “Many parents feel anxious or lack confidence in their own STEM knowledge; something that may be passed onto their children,” she said. Be mindful of your language and the message you are sending about your own experience with STEM topics and work and strive to connect STEM learning in school to the home. Ibrahim recommends introducing STEM “in the context

of developmentally-informed, playful learning—like block play, gardening, and exploring puzzles—which engages their own and their children’s curiosity and wonder.” STEM skills are in high demand, and STEM industries are expected to grow significantly in the future economy. Engaging and

interesting kids now in these areas can set a foundation that will likely serve them well in the future. Do you have a question or a story suggestion for Cyber Savvy Mom? Contact me at joangoodchild@cybersavvymedia. com.

Making STEM Connections at Home Ibrahim has these suggestions for getting kids interested in STEM Encourage questioning. Asking questions sparks curiosity and that is what having a STEM mindset is all about. Make career connections for your kids. Allow your child to see a link between something they are passionate about and a career. Nothing beats passion. Seek out STEM extracurriculars. Visit a museum, enter a science fair or an engineering competition. Watch STEM educational programming. Documentaries and tv shows on STEM topics can pique your child’s interest in the fields.

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10 DECEMBER2020

It’s been 9 months of working from home. Here’s what parents have learned While families have made positive adjustments to accommodate work from home arrangements, balancing jobs and child care continues to be a challenge BY JOAN GOODCHILD

hen schools and office spaces suddenly closed one day during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, most households were forced to make quick changes. For working parents, it meant not only shifting to long-term workfrom-home arrangements, but also figuring out how to get work done while assisting children who were learning remotely. The mix of school, work and childcare in one household was a difficult adjustment, to say the least. For many during those first few harried months of COVID-19, getting through the end of the year with remote schooling was simply a matter of anxiety-filled survival. “Trying to find a balance is incredibly difficult, if not impossible,” said Kelly Molter, a Shrewsbury mother of two children in third and sixth grade. “We're trying to be fully functioning employees while being there to support our children – each of which require our full attention. It's just not sustainable.” The Molters made some changes to get through remote working and schooling in the spring, but hoped the pandemic would be over by the start of the new school year. By mid-summer, faced with the reality that the pandemic was far from over, they made the choice to have both children learn remotely, and buckled in for the long haul. “Back in the spring we quickly threw workspaces together. But during the summer we made sure that everyone would have a dedicated workspace. We ordered desks, office and school supplies, additional charging cords, blue light blocking glasses. At the moment it seemed a little like overkill, but it turned out to be a

really wise decision,” she said. With dedicated workspaces in place, it is a little easier. But Molter admits that she still struggles with finding balance. She wants to give her all for her employer, but then feels guilty when her kids need her attention navigating their online learning. Molter is far from alone in feeling this way, according to Daisy Dowling, a career coach and author of “Workparent: The Complete Guide to Succeeding on the Job, Staying True to Yourself, and Raising Happy Kids.” “For years, all of us have been encouraged to think of ‘worklife integration’ as the goal, and gold standard. But now, that ‘integration’ has become a complete blurring of personal, professional and parenting lines,” she said. “If you’re working at home, you’re living at work – and you may also be full-time teaching, too. As a result, most of the working parents we teach and coach report tremendous stress and looming burnout – there is no ‘off.’” The trade-off between career and child care This year’s work-from-home and teach-from-home blend is having a negative impact on parental careers, particularly the careers of mothers, according to some research. While working mothers have always struggled with some bias in

the workplace, the pandemic has exacerbated that. In the attempt to accomplish a near impossible task of being available to both a job and a child all day, it is causing friction with employers. The recently released 2020 Women in the Workplace Report by LeanIn.org and McKinsey & Company examines the state of women in corporate America and surveyed more than 300 companies and more than 40,000 employees in professional jobs. Study authors found that mothers are more than twice as likely as fathers to worry that their performance is being judged negatively because of their caregiving responsibilities. Other surveys find working parents do not feel their employer understands or offers the necessary flexibility during this time. According to a Monster. com survey conducted in August, 27 percent of working parents responded with “disagree” when asked if they feel their employer is supporting them during back to school time. Dowling said without regular in-person contact in an office, communications between workers and their employers have declined, if they’re occurring at all. “A significant percentage of the parents we counsel report not having had any direct, frank, constructive or forward looking conversations with their managers

and/or colleagues about their efforts to manage work and caregiving simultaneously, and this is eight months into the pandemic. It’s essential to have those conversations in an upfront, yet solutions-focused way,” she said. Dowling also counsels employers that small actions can make a big difference in the eyes of their workers. Companies that want to keep employees happy should make an effort to be mindful of what working parents are going through at the moment. “One organization I spoke to recently has a new policy that meetings can only start 5 minutes past the hour, to accommodate parents who are dialing young kids into distance learning programs at the same time. Managers should be conscious of setting and respecting boundaries. Try to avoid sending messages outside of business hours, or if you do, label them as ‘For Monday,’or ‘FYI only’ so parents don’t have to be quite as hyper vigilant about work.” Setting boundaries for sanity There’s no question that lessons have been learned in the nine months since parents were first launched into the work-from-home/teach-fromhome conundrum. But there is likely still a long way to go on the road to a solution to the virus, and many families continue to

struggle with balance. If you haven’t already, set boundaries, advised Dowling. “That might mean setting specific work hours, turning devices off at certain points in the evening, or setting a hard stop to the school day or school work after 3 pm. It is essential to be able to have that distinction, and sense of completion. To say: ‘I’m done with work, you’re done with school.’” Laura Burgess, a Hudson mom of a fourth grader and ninth grader, works as assistant dean of the School of Management at Clark University in Worcester. With one child fully remote and another hybrid, she feels it is a luxury now to be able to go into her office on campus once a week, something that wasn’t allowed in the spring. “Going into the office really makes a difference,” she said. “It gives me a day to feel like my old self, really focus on work, and also connect with students and colleagues in person — following many safety protocols — which is nice.” For Burgess, another key to her sanity is a schedule that allows her to mix work with family time. “I blocked off key times on my calendar on days I'm home and in charge of overseeing schooling. For example, my oldest has a lunch break at 11 a.m., so I don't schedule anything from 11-11:30 so I can join him for a walk and just chat about his day so far during his break.” Molter and her husband, Brian, also find planning and scheduling makes life much easier. But she will be the first to tell you, it is still extremely hard on most days. “Our daughter's weekly lesson plans are emailed in advance so we print off worksheets and get organized on Sundays. My husband and I try to touch base each morning and review our meetings for the day to make a plan. But most days inevitably go off the rails and we're still scrambling from one thing to the next.” BAYSTATEPARENT 11

College applications in the Should students mention time of COVID the pandemic? to mention it in your application at all? The answer is both yes and no, because like everything when it comes to applying to college the answer must be based on BY CASEY NEAR personal experience. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COVID-19 affected everyone in OF COUNSELING FOR the world, and, at the same time, COLLEGEWISE no one experienced it in precisely the same way. Students can write he normal process of about COVID in their personal applying to college has statement, but they need to be been upended by the sure to follow the rules of a good pandemic, but one thing college essay: make sure that the that remains constant is the need essay is detailed enough that the to write college essays. Beyond lists of achievements and activities student’s unique experience is really clear, and that it’s written in on a college application, the the student’s own voice. essays allow admissions officers Beyond the personal statement, to get to know a student and view it’s important to remember that further into the type of person there are other places to share they are and want to become about your life this year. In fact, by pursuing a higher education there’s a specific COVID-19 degree. question on the Common App for This year, many students and this exact purpose: to detail how their parents are wondering a your life may have been upended similar question about these by this. If you have an update essays – does the pandemic about this year -- be it losing a belong in them? Or, do you need It’s crunch time for college applications.Should your senior include the pandemic experience in their college essay?

loved one or a parent or guardian lost a job – this is the place to share those details. It’s also OK to leave this COVID section blank. Since COVID-19

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impacted everyone around the world, it will be part of the broad context of admission evaluation at every college this year. That means it's okay for students not to mention it in their applications at all. Nobody is going to forget students are applying to college during a pandemic. Because the pandemic so profoundly impacted student’s abilities to participate academically, socially and athletically at their high schools this year, colleges will be taking that into account throughout application evaluations. Most schools moved online or to take-home packets during the pandemic, and a lot of schools changed their grading policies too. For any university that asks for a school profile, the university will know about grading changes, and how a high school was impacted, because high schools will communicate that information to colleges and universities. And admissions will keep this in mind when reviewing applications. Colleges also know that the SAT and ACT tests were canceled for hundreds of thousands of students, and as a result many colleges have gone test optional for this year’s applicants. If students decide not to submit test

scores on their applications, there is no need to explain why. Many “typical” activities also look different this year because of the pandemic, and that was largely outside of students’ control. What colleges would love to know is what students did with the opportunities that were in their control. The activities section of the application gives students the space to describe how they spent their free time during the quarantine. And here, there is no wrong answer. If a student spent the quarantine baking because a life goal is to open a bakery after earning a business degree, then that is great. Hobbies have always been valued (indeed, MIT has long asked, “what’s something you do just for the fun of it?”), so sharing something you do, well, just for the fun of it is also always encouraged. Overall, what students need to remember is that college applications are an opportunity for them to introduce themselves to colleges, explain their passions and their goals. And that does not have to be defined by the pandemic, but it is okay to explain the impact it has had, if the student so chooses.

Gifts that keep giving Our favorite subscription boxes for kids BY JEANNE COATES PARENT MAGAZINES FLORIDA

ne of the hot new items for the child who has everything is a subscription box. Your child will look forward to a surprise coming in the mail throughout the year. Whether your child is fashion obsessed, loves science, wants to learn coding, is an aspiring chef or explorer, there is a box for that. Here are some of the favorites this season.

hard, these make it simple with safe and fun experiments for kids and parents. Ages: 5-10 or 10 and up Cost: $34.90/month melscience.com GROOVY LAB IN A BOX These boxes are full of everything needed to learn about and do hands-on science, technolo-

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gy, engineering and mathematics (STEM) experiments. Ages: 4-7 (Young Creator) or 8+ (STEMist) Cost: $24.95+/month groovylabinabox.com

You set your price range, they send pieces to your home, you keep what you like and send back the rest. Free shipping, returns and exchanges. No sub- CRATEJOY’S WE CRAFT BOX scription required. A themed story with four or Ages: Sizes 2T-18 Cost: $20/month styling fee cred- more coordinating crafts, easy ited toward anything you keep stitchfix.com/kids

Ages: 0-3 Cost: $36 every 2-3 months lovevery.com CRATEJOY’S GIRLS CAN! CRATE A toolkit for future world changes introducing them

to world changing women. Includes a new fearless female role model, creative play props, 2-3 hands-on STEAM Activities, and a 20 page activity book in each box. Ages: 5-10 Cost: $27.95/month cratejoy.com/subscription-box/ girls-can-crate/ BITSBOX Kids learn to build apps that work on any mobile device.

activity kits that are delivered monthly. Ages: 0-104 Cost: $16.95+/month kiwico.com

LITTLE PASSPORTS Activities that inspire kids to learn about the world with

TOY BOX MONTHLY Receive 4-8 licensed new toys a month, from figurine, dolls, plush and more.

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educational toys and fun characters. Ages: 3-12 Cost: $16+/month littlepassports.com

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Learning First Charter Public School (formerly Seven Hills Charter Public School) is a free independent public school that offers challenging academic programs for children in grades K through 8.

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KIWI CRATE With eight different lines by age or interest, these hands-on to follow photo directions and all materials included. Ages: 3-9 Cost: $25/month cratejoy.com/subscription-box/ we-craft-box

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Ages: 6-12 Cost: $16.95+/month bitsbox.com KIDSTIR Each box includes a shopping list, 3 tasty recipes, a

LOVEVERY THE PLAY KIT Montessori-based toy subscriptions featuring perfect essential play by stage.

Applications are available in our Main Office and online at learningfirstcharter.org starting September 1, 2020. Application deadline: March 3, 2021. Lottery will be held on March 5, 2021. Location: Learning First Charter Public School, 51 Gage Street Worcester MA

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cooking tool, foodie fun magazine, achievement stickers and wordstir cards (a family-friendly game). Ages: 4-14

The Learning First Charter School is a tuition-free public school serving Worcester’s children. With no admission test, the school serves a student body that is representative of Worcester’s diversity. Learning First Charter Public School does not discriminate based on gender, race, religion, gender identity, cultural heritage, linguistic background, political beliefs, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation, marital status, or national origin. In the event that there are more applicants than seats, a lottery will be used to select students.

BAYSTATEPARENT 13

Is Santa Claus coming Visiting Saint Nick amid a pandemic to town? BY AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER

or Bill Barnsley, life is better as Santa Claus. The Sturbridge man so adores playing Father Christmas, he’s practically become Santa over the years. He wears his hair in wavy gray locks and a long beard covers his face all year round. But being Saint Nick wasn’t even on his radar until three holiday seasons ago, when his manager at Walmart volunteered him for the role during one of his shifts. When he slipped on that red suit, Barnsley found it carried tremendous impact. “There are things I can do in that suit -- connections I can make and memories I can create -- that would be impossible otherwise,” he said. “It’s really a magical thing.” As any parent knows, it’s a magical thing for kids, too. Despite a trying year, American

families remain strongly committed to maintaining the warmth and joy of Christmas this holiday season. A recent national survey found that 92 percent of American parents with children under 10 years-old want to hold on to holiday traditions as much as possible this year. And while a COVID Christmas might mean skipping that annual photo on Santa’s lap, there are still ways children can greet Kris Kringle -- 2020 style. Barnsley is one of hundreds of Santas working this year with JingleRing, a platform offering live, virtual visits with Santa (and Mrs. Claus, too!), from the comfort of your couch. Starting at $19.95 for a recorded message and $24.95 for a live call, the experience includes a video recording and a photo from the call, and can accommodate up to four guests (ahem, grandparents). These virtual visits, which can also be booked through sites

including Cameo, Hire Santa, Santa’s Club, and Chatbooks, are exploding in popularity. And while seeing Santa on screen might feel different, in some ways, the trend could be for the better. “A typical meet and greet with Santa means getting the kids dressed, fed and all in a good mood -- all at the same time,” said Barnsley. “Then you wait in line for two hours, take a quick picture and go.” The digital visits are preplanned, take place in the familiar comfort of home, and can be customized to families’ specific wants and needs. JingleRing, for instance, allows you to choose the language Santa speaks, his ethnicity, whether they want a “faith-based” visit, one where Santa reads kids a story, or brings Mrs. Claus. Santa’s coming to retailers on screen, too. At Yankee Candle Village, the flagship store in

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14 DECEMBER2020

Bill Barnsley and Jude McDonald, of Sturbridge, are among hundreds of Santa and Mrs. Clauses who are offering virtual visits with children this season. NIKKI HARVEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Deerfield where Santa usually arrives by helicopter to much fanfare, the jolly old elf will be streaming from his workshop in the North Pole. For $10, guests can walk through a magical winter wonderland and enjoy a live video visit with Santa. Greenscreen photos with Santa and a personalized candle label are included in the experience. Santa won’t be visiting the department store Macy’s this year, either — ending a nearly 160-year-old tradition. The chain’s 2020 Santaland instead is on their website, featuring holiday-related activities at home. Other venues that Santa frequents are offering tweaked face-to-face visits. He’s still appearing at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, retailers known for their annual Santa experience. “With countless activities cancelled and many families dealing with added stress, we feel it’s more important than ever to provide some free Christmas magic and help safely create cherished holiday memories,” said Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. But this year’s free visits are contactless with a plexiglass shield between Santa and the kids. All families will complete temperature screening with a non-contact thermometer prior to entering Santa’s Wonderland, and

online reservations are required. Simon Property Group, which owns nine properties in Massachusetts including the Auburn Mall, Solomon Pond Mall, Emerald Square and the Shops at Chestnut Hill, is offering sociallydistanced holiday experiences that encourage reservations, wearing face masks and other health and safety procedures in order to keep families – and Santas – safe. Of course, families can always turn to the old socially-distant tradition of sending letters to Santa in exchange for one back. The U.S. Postal Service has relaunched its annual Operation Santa campaign. Letters can be addressed simply to SANTA CLAUS, his official Postal Service address is preferred: SANTA CLAUS 123 ELF ROAD NORTH POLE 88888 Write your full name and address in the upper left corner and apply a first-class stamp in the upper right. Letters will populate the USPSOperationSanta.com website, which opens for letter adoption on Friday, Dec. 4. Letters received before Dec. 15 are most likely to receive a response from a Santa volunteer.

7 pro tips for taking the perfect holiday family photo

oliday celebrations may look a lot different this year, but the tradition of taking a holiday family photo continues, and will likely take on even more importance. Whether you’re sending out hundreds of foil-embossed prints or deferring to digital this year, you want photos that capture the heart of your family. “There’s quite a bit that goes into creating an amazing, yet natural holiday photo,” said Debi Cramer, founder and photographer at Plymouth-based commercial and fine art studio ThirtyEighth Avenue Photography who’s offering on-location front porch holiday photos this season. Planning on taking your own family photo? Here are her insider secrets for stunning holiday photos: “Matchy-matchy” is a good thing. Coordinate outfits color-wise. For example, if one person is wearing red plaid, make sure other family members are also wearing red or a complimentary color. Avoid wearing metallic. Solid colors such as white, red, green, gold and black are best. In groups of four, only one person should be wearing plaid or a pattern. And yes, coordinating pajamas work just fine. Don’t be afraid to incorporate textures by wearing a shearling jacket or polar fleece. When it comes to lighting, avoid the sun and flames. If you’re outdoors, don’t shoot into the sun as it washes out the photo. Campfire shots are not recommended as it’s difficult to frame people around a fire, plus there’s a lot of smoke and the glow affects lighting. If you’re indoors, use a flash to avoid a yellow tinge and shadows in your photo. Also, leave any lit candles or lamps out of your holiday shot. Backdrop is key. Simplicity is key when it comes to backdrop. Limit what’s behind you. Multicolored lights on a Christmas tree in the background works well as the lights will fade out. Another great backdrop

example is the side of a barn at a Christmas tree farm. Or, just the trees in the background (check your viewfinder to ensure it doesn’t appear as if branches are coming out of the top of someone’s head). If you wanted to get more elaborate, consider the tree backdrop with everyone seated on the tailgate of a red pick-up truck. Frame it just right. Mind the spacing between family members as they often stand or sit too far apart. Remember to leave enough space above people’s heads in the photo too. Otherwise, when the photo is framed, it cuts across the tops of heads. If you’re indoors, keep it simple and take a tight shot. No need to show the entire home in the photo. Again, be aware of any background items that make it appear too busy or as if the item is part of someone’s shoulder. Mind the pose. Try to avoid the stiff “super posed” portrait of yesteryear. If a large family is gathered, make sure that everyone is looking at the camera. Mind all hand, arm and leg positioning. Raising an arm or waving is not only distracting, it may block another’s face in the photo. In a photo with five or fewer - hugging, holding hands and engaging with one another appears natural. Keep props simple. The family photo can be fun and celebrate the season with some very simple props. The easiest prop is clothing such as scarves, hats and mittens. Other tasteful props include a nostalgic wooden sled, ice skates tied together and dangling over a shoulder, someone holding skis up or ski poles (pointed down). Skip the cheese. A holiday photo really serves as a memory and marks a special moment. You may want to refrain from “cheesy” photos of pets adorned with holiday lights, or dad wearing a Grinch costume, or play-fighting with those ski-pole props mentioned above.

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BAYSTATEPARENT 15

very

special people

Study finds children with autism or ADHD tend to visit the doctor more before age 1. Could this lead to earlier identification? BY AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER

ccording to a new study, children with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) visited doctors and hospitals more often during their first year of life than nonaffected children. Even before being diagnosed, these babies' health care utilization patterns are distinctive, suggesting a potential new way to identify the conditions early, researchers say. The findings from Duke Health researchers, which were

published this fall in the journal Scientific Reports, are evidence that health care patterns gleaned from electronic medical records in a baby’s first year of life might serve as a roadmap to provide timely diagnoses and treatments that could improve outcomes and reduce health care costs. "This study provides evidence that children who develop autism and ADHD are on a different path from the beginning," said Dr. Matthew Engelhard, a senior research associate at Duke and the

study’s lead author. "We have known that children with these diagnoses have more interactions with the health care system after they've been diagnosed, but this indicates that distinctive patterns of utilization begin early in these children's lives. This could provide an opportunity to intervene sooner." Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately 1.5 percent of American children and ADHD about 11 percent. ADHD symptoms are also present in up to 60 percent of children with ASD. Both diagnoses are associated with higher utilization of health care services, and recognizing this pattern earlier, could mean earlier interventions. "We know that children with ASD and ADHD often receive their diagnosis much later, missing out on the proven benefits that early interventions can bring," said Dr. Geraldine Dawson, director of the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development and the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences. Early interventions for autism, which occur at or before preschool age, as early as 2 or 3 years of age,

are more likely to have major longterm positive effects on symptoms and later skills. In this period, a young child's brain is still forming, meaning it is more "plastic" or changeable than at older ages. Because of this plasticity, treatments have a better chance of being effective in the longer term. "Owing to the brain's inherent malleability -- its neuroplasticity -- early detection and intervention are critical to improving outcomes in ASD, especially in terms of language and social skills,” said Dawson. In the study, researchers used ten years of data collected from the electronic health records of nearly 30,000 patients, primarily at Duke University Health System, who had at least two well-child visits before age one. Patients were grouped as having later been diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, both conditions or no diagnosis. The researchers then analyzed the first-year records for hospital admissions, procedures, emergency department visits and outpatient clinical appointments. For the children who were later found to have one or both of the diagnoses, their births tended to result in longer hospital stays compared to children without the disorders. Children later diagnosed with ASD had higher numbers of

procedures, including intubation and ventilation, and more outpatient specialty care visits for services such as physical therapy and eye appointments. Children who were later found to have ADHD had more procedures, notably including blood transfusions, as well as more hospital admissions and more emergency department visits. Studies show that treatments for these disorders work best when they begin early in a child's life, Dawson said. Understanding that there are signals available in a child's electronic health record could help lead to earlier and more targeted therapies. "We are hopeful that these early utilization patterns can eventually be combined with other sources of data to build automated surveillance tools to help parents and pediatricians identify which kids will benefit most from early assessment and treatment," said researcher Scott Kollins. The researchers said they plan to conduct additional analyses to explore more fully what specific health concerns prompted the extra doctor and hospital visits. "We want to understand these distinctions in greater detail and identify them as soon as possible to make sure children have access to the resources they need," Engelhard said.

WhenYour Family Asks HowThey Can Help Consider establishing a Family Special Needs Gift Trust. It enables extended family to set aside part of their estate for the beneﬁt of a family member with a disability. In this season of giving, it’s a wonderful way to help. Contact Meredith H. Greene, Esq. mgreene@ﬂetchertilton.com

WM-0000427442-01

16 DECEMBER2020

Art by Dominic Killiany, an artist living with autism

Bites

goose’s

goodies

Pecan Tassies

These mini pecan pies are just the right size for little hands, or add them to a plate of holiday desserts. The cream cheese crust is tender and flaky, and the gooey filling is chock-full of sweet pecans. Ingredients For crust 1 cup butter, softened 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 2 1/2 cups flour For filling 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar 2 tbsp. melted butter 2 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla Pinch salt 1 1/2 cups rough chopped pecans Directions To make crust In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter. Slowly add in flour, beating, on low, until combined. Cover bowl and chill for 1 hour. To make filling Whisk eggs, brown sugar, butter, vanilla and salt till combined. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease mini muffin tins. Divide chilled dough into 48 even sized round balls. Press a chilled dough ball into tin and shape to make a crust/shell. Sprinkle pecans into shells, then fill shells with filling mixture. Bake for approximately 20 minutes. The tassies are done when the crust is lightly browned and the filling is set. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes, then remove tarts from the pan to rack and cool completely. Store in airtight containers. Goose’s tips If baking in batches keep unused dough refrigerated. Be careful not to overfill with filling as it can make the tarts hard to remove from the pan.

Laurie Silva Collins, known affectionately as Goose by her grandkids, is a nurse, mother and grandmother who is happiest when she’s in the kitchen, cooking and baking for those she loves. She learned to cook from her parents, and has perfected her recipes over the years while raising three daughters… and spoiling seven grandchildren. BAYSTATEPARENT 17

diy

Holiday DIY Easy gifts kids can make

There’s just something special about a handmade gift. For kids, creating gifts for loved ones can be a memorable and meaningful holiday tradition. Check out these DIY gifts children can make. Kokedama, which means “moss ball” in Japanese, is a way of gardening that covers the plant's roots with moss and then a ball of soil and moss around that. Add a string to hang the finished product, and you have a beautiful, easy-to-care for gift. Or, go for something a little more traditional, like a handmade ornament.

Upcycled Ornaments These three make great 2020 mementos as they’re made using the “product of the year” … toilet paper rolls! Christmas Tree Cut two toilet paper rolls in half lengthwise, so you have four equal pieces. Leave one piece as is; this will be your base. Holding the other pieces horizontal, cut a little off each one, trimming a little more as you progress through the pieces. Cut one extra piece a bit smaller to be your stump. Use a hot glue gun to attach the pieces in the shape of a tree to the base. Paint the tree green and allow to dry; leave the stump brown. Embellish with painted or stick-on ornaments, and glue a piece of ribbon or twine to the back to hang the ornament. Snowflake Paint your toilet paper roll and allow to dry. Cut the roll into 10 even pieces. Fold five of the strip into petal shapes, and use hot glue to attach them together at the sides. Fold the other five strips in half, and glue them to the inside of the petal shapes. Decorate with rhinestones and loop a piece of ribbon or twine through one section to hang the ornament. Poinsettia Paint your toilet paper roll and allow to dry. Cut the roll into 8-10 even pieces. Fold the strips into petal shapes, and use hot glue to attach them together at the sides. Once set, dip the front of the petals into Elmer’s glue, then into red glitter. Use hot glue to attach embellishments to the center of the flower. Loop a piece of ribbon or twine through one section to hang the ornament.

Tip

Make Make an Indooran Indoor Hanging Garden Hanging Garden

This garden art formThis has been garden around art form in Japan has been for hundreds around in Japan for hundreds of years. Here is how of you years. can make Here is a miniature how you can plant make fora miniature plant for yourself—or to give as yourself—or a gift. to give as a gift.

You Need

vinyl vinyl • Plastic cover or old • Plastic cover or old ct your ct your tablecloth, to prote tablecloth, to prote work area work area onal) onal) • Garden gloves (opti • Garden gloves (opti or a or a • Small plant (Try ivy • Small plant (Try ivy lents lents baby fern. Avoid succu baby fern. Avoid succu and cacti.) and cacti.) peat peat parts parts l l equa equa • Soil (Use • Soil (Use If you If you moss and bonsai soil. moss and bonsai soil. use ai soil, use can’t find bonsai soil, can’t find bons Set up your Set up your work area. Spread e. e. work area. Spread potting soil with perlit potting soil with perlit out the plasticncover or tablecloth. out the plastic cover or tablecloth. n Add a handful of garde Add a handful of garde Prepare the plant by gentlyPrepare shakingthe plant by gently shaking clay if you have it.) clay if you have it.) or brushing the soil away from or brushing its the soil away from its • 2 buckets • 2 buckets roots. Then gather the soil mixture roots. Then gather the soil mixture • Water • Water in one bucket. in one it feels bucket. Moisten it until it feels ) ) Moisten it until • Moss (dry sphagnum • Moss (dry sphagnum sticky and squishy enough that sticky you and squishy enough that you can pack it between your hands. can pack it between your hands. In the second bucket, soak In thethe dry second bucket, soak the dry sphagnum moss in water for sphagnum about moss in water for about five minutes. five minutes.

18 DECEMBER2020

INTRODUCTION

Tip

This project can be very messy! This project can be very messy! If you want to protect hands If you want to protect hands and clothing, wear garden and clothing, wear garden gloves and clothes that cangloves get and clothes that can get dirty. dirty.

Hold your plant in one handHold and your plant Tie in one twine hand around and the moss, Tie twine around the moss, pack the soil around the roots pack into thea soil around as shown the roots below, into to a keep it in as shown below, to keep it in ball. The size of the soil ballball. will The vary,size of place. the soil Wrap ball will it around vary, the ball place. Wrap it around the ball depending on the size of your depending plant. on the in different size of your directions plant. for added in different directions for added It should look and feel firm.ItIfshould you look and decoration feel firm.and If you support. Knot decoration the and support. Knot the need to, add water to keep need the soil to, add water end.to Then keeptiethe a long soil piece ofend. twine Then tie a long piece of twine moist and workable. moist and workable. to the top of the ball for hanging to theintop of the ball for hanging in a sunny spot. a sunny spot. Wring out the moss and then Wring out the moss and then wrap it around the soil ball.wrap Pressititaround the soil ball. Press it all around. It should also look all and around. It should also look and feel firm. feel firm.

Reprinted with permission from The Highlights Book of Things to Do, a deluxe activity book with over 500 tech-free CARING FOR YOUR PLANT: CARING FOR YOUR PLANT:ideas for building, playing, When the ball feels light, it’s When time the ball feels light, it’s time experimenting, crafting, to water it. Take it down, soak to water the it. Take it down, soak the ball in water, and then placeball it on in a water, and then place it on a cooking, dreaming, and bowl or dish or let it hang outside bowl or dish or let it hang outside until it’s no longer dripping.until it’s no longer dripping. thinking. highlights.com, $24.99. 35

diy

Make a 2020 Time Capsule Remembering the year you want to forget

ure, you’re probably looking forward to moving into the New Year and leaving 2020 in the dust, but the truth is, this past year has been a historic moment in time – one that you might eventually want to remember. Your family can preserve memories of “the year we quarantined” in a time capsule. Making your time capsule: You’ll want to make your time capsule out of a sturdy container

that won’t deteriorate over time. An archival box, plastic storage container, or even a big glass jar are good options. Let the kids decorate the capsule with paint, scrapbook paper, stickers, ribbons, and so on.

some unique, personal things, too. Have children write a letter to themselves or draw a self or family portrait. Handprints or height measurements are always fun to look back on.

What to include: Newspaper clippings or a timeline of events will help you remember what was going on in the world, but you’ll want to include

Include things that were part of your family’s life in 2020. Maybe you have a homemade mask or a lock of hair from a home haircut. You can include an assignment from remote learning or a daily homeschool schedule. Put in some items the kids may not remember but you will — a roll of toilet paper, a small bottle of hand sanitizer, or the words to your favorite “wash your hands” song. Include a list of the movies and TV shows you binge-watched, (“Tiger King” anyone?). You can even print screenshots of memes that capture the times, or Zoom meetups with family and friends.

Storing your capsule: Note the date you sealed the capsule and the date you plan to open it. Keep it in a closet or cabinet; somewhere that it can’t get wet, moldy, or damaged. Or, make it virtual: Create a video time capsule with your smartphone. Record some of your kids’ daily activities. Interview them about their lives. Ask them what they are thankful for and what they wish for. Have them record you answering their questions too! Show and talk about objects that were important in 2020. Transfer the capsule to a hard drive (computer), keep on your phone, or upload to the cloud, Google Drive, YouTube or Facebook.

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Contact the Birthing Center at 978-466-2346, or schedule online at www.umassmemorial.org/appointment. WM-0000451943-01

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agenda

December Adventures the list

Hall of Heroes Springfield Museums, Springfield

Tuesday through Sunday, through Jan. 3 Adults $25, children $13, kids under 3 free Go into the world of your favorite superheroes, crime-stoppers, gadgets and more. Discover your superpowers in interactive displays, check out replicas and rare artifacts from major motion pictures and TV shows, play with props and costumes, and discover fascinating history and memorabilia. You’ll also learn the scientific circumstances that create superheroes, discover the ideals that heroes uphold, and push boundaries as to what it truly means to be heroic. Advance tickets required. springfieldmuseums.org

Winter StoryWalk on the Trails Chestnut Hill Farm, Southborough

Daily, through December Free Enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children’s book are attached to wooden stakes, which are installed along one of the farm’s trails. As you stroll down the trail, you’re directed to the next page in the story. Check the trail maps online before heading out. thetrustees.org

family fun things to do this month and more. See a custom-made, HO Scale, 11-footlong model of the museum created by studio model maker and digital artist of Star Trek, and Star Wars fame. A model of the Zakim Bridge and the Custom House have been added to the collection this year. Experience multiple model train layouts, a Mountain Village, a Village Trolley display, and a Boston Train Layout featuring local landmarks. The displays will showcase a variety of model trains and are sure to spark the curiosity of the whole family. mos.org

Hall of Heroes

Winter Wonderland Fairy House Hike Rocky Woods, Medfield

Friday, Dec. 4, 5-7 p.m. Nonmembers $45, members $36 Enjoy a guided night hike and a Fairy House Workshop while enjoying local craft beer around the campfire. Hike around Chickering Pond then meet back at the campfire for mom and dad to enjoy a beer, and the whole family to create fairy houses. Ticket price includes fairy house supplies, guided hike, and s’mores. If you have something special to add to your house, feel free to bring it with you. Preregistration required. thetrustees.org

Reindeer Quest

Fire Pit Picnics Reindeer Quest Appleton Farms, Hamilton & Chestnut Hill Farm, Southborough Ipswich & Francis William Bird Park, Walpole Weekends through December, 4-6 p.m. Daily, through December Free Get the family outside to discover an elusive herd of wooden reindeer throughout the trails at these Trustees sites. This is a free, self-guided program. At the Bird Park, grab a bell from the office to put around the reindeers’ necks. Directions can be found at the trailhead parking lot kiosks. thetrustees.org

All Aboard! Trains at Science Park Museum of Science, Boston

Daily, through Jan. 10 Included with admission; adults $29, children $24, kids under 3 and members free This annual tradition returns for the third year, featuring classic winter landscapes, miniature trains, snow-covered peaks, engaging activities, 20 DECEMBER2020

Nonmember family $75, members $60 Cozy up on the farm on a winter evening. Each ticket, good for up to 6 people, allows for two hours at a fire pit, complete with benches, wood for burning and a kit for making s’mores. Snacks available for purchase from the farm store, or bring your own picnic. Space is limited, pre-registration recommended. thetrustees.org

First Free Sunday Worcester Art Museum, Worcester

Sunday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free Enjoy free admission for the whole family to the Worcester Art Museum. Explore, experience, and learn about art in new and fun ways. Talk, play, and draw together. Get some tips on ways to look at art. worcesterart.org

Firepit Picnic

on the

The Great Boston Adventure

agenda Brew Moon Hike Chestnut Hill Farm, Southborough

Saturday, Dec. 12, 4-6 p.m. Nonmember adults $25, children $20, members $15/$12, kids under 4 free Join a Trustee ranger and naturalist for a family-friendly evening hike in the farm’s wooded trails accompanied by a beer tasting with a local craft brewery. Bring your favorite picnic blanket and chairs to relax, chat, and enjoy the beautiful farm views. Enjoy flights of beer for sampling, a bonfire, fresh-popped popcorn, lemonade, and s’mores. Pre-registration is required. thetrustees.org

Solstice Evening at deCordova deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum, Lincoln

Friday, Dec. 18, 5-7 p.m. Nonmember carload $32, members $26 As year end approaches, bring beauty and light to the darkest days of winter. Watch the last rays of sunset disappear in the night sky, explore the Sculpture

Park and enjoy stargazing from the Museum Terrace. Self-guided activities will be provided, so bundle up and BYO hot cocoa. thetrustees.org

The Great Boston Adventure: Winter Wonderland City center, Boston

Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 19 and 20 Adults $20, youth 12-18 $15, kids 6+ $10, kids under 5 free/ family pass $60 This all-ages, self-led Winter Wonderland-themed trek around Boston is offered by tour guides The Great Boston Adventure. The holiday edition tour takes families around the city to check out its best winter bedecking and most beautifully decorated places. This is a team game, so invite friends or family members. Teams will get an envelope with sets of places where the best holiday decorations are in the city’s center. Enjoy walking around, taking photos, and figuring out clues to lead you to the secret finish of the game. greatbostonadventure.com

Winter Solstice Lantern Hike Rocky Woods, Medfield

Monday, Dec. 21, 5-7 p.m. Nonmember $30, member $24 Celebrate the winter solstice and light up the darkest night of the year with a homemade tin can lantern. Warm up by the fire with hot cocoa and s’mores. Before the hike gather around the woodstove and make your tin can lantern. Lantern supplies, guided hike, s’mores and hot cocoa included in ticket price. This event runs rain or (lunar) shine. Space is limited; pre-registration is required. thetrustees.org

Lantern Hike

A GOOD PARTY IS ALWAYS IN SEASON!

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on the

agenda

the list

he holidays may look different this year, but there are still plenty of ways to celebrate. From dazzling light displays to quaint Christmas festivities, here are 10 of magical ways to get into the holiday spirit.

Magic of Lights Foxboro

Daily, Nov. 13-Jan. 2 Gillette Stadium plays host to this dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience. Take in spectacular mile-long themed lights displays, including a Blizzard Tunnel, 12 Days of Christmas, Winter Wonderland and the Night Before Christmas, all from the safety of your vehicle. Tickets must be purchased in advance, online only. Admission $25-$50 per car, depending on date. patriot-place.com/magic-oflights/

Bright Nights Springfield

Daily, Nov. 25-Jan. 3 (closed holidays) Over the last 25 years, millions of visitors have taken in the “Bright Nights” at Springfield’s Forest Park. Load up the car for this annual attraction, which has been on People.com’s list of “Top Ten Holiday Happenings in America.” The nearly three-mile tour features more than 650,000 glittering lights. The display is always evolving, so you’ll see familiar favorites and new additions every year. Admission

$23 per car. brightnights.org

Drive-Thru Winter Wonderland - Mendon

Wednesdays through Sundays, Nov. 27-Jan. 3 Guests will stay warm and cozy in their vehicles this year at Southwick’s Zoo annual holiday event. Drive through the zoo to admire festive light displays. Maybe you’ll spot a fallow deer as you make your way through the Frozen Forest. Perhaps you’ll see a Yeti or even the Grinch, himself.Before or after your tour, you can park the car and stroll through Santa’s Enchanted Village for a socially distanced meet and greet with Santa Claus as well as entertainment, interactive musical lights, reindeer games, a petting zoo, and more. Warm up with a hot toddy or s’mores. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance. Admission is $50 per car. southwickszoo.com/winterwonderland/

ZooLights at the Stone Zoo - Stoneham Daily, Nov. 27-Jan. 3 (Closed Dec. 25) Christmas lights and animals? What more could a kid want? ZooLights dazzles visitors of all ages each holiday season. Stroll along tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights spanning the zoo’s 26 acres. Walk through the beautifully lit Yukon Creek and see black bears, a bald eagle, Canada lynx, arctic foxes, and even reindeer. This

Winterlights 22 DECEMBER2020

magical holiday happenings in the Bay State year, visitors will also experience the magic of several beautiful large-scale lantern displays around the zoo, lighting up the night sky. Purchase tickets online. Nonmembers $13.95 or 4-pack for $50, members $12.95/$15. Kids under 2 free. zoonewengland.org/ zoolights

GIngerbread in Wonderland

Festival of Trees & Snow Village Wellesley

Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 27-Dec. 20 Take in dozens of decorated trees and a magical Snow Village at this 12th annual holiday event put on by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society at the Gardens at Elm Bank. Marvel at trees small and tall, which all feature beautiful decor and gifts and are raffled off at the end of the event. Then, make your way to the indoor Snow Village where model trains winding through villages and vignettes, including Christmas in the City (Boston of course!), Fenway Park, and hundreds of decorated houses and lights. On your way out, enjoy enchanting outdoor garden displays and cozy up with s’more by the fire pit. Weekend admission: adult nonmember $25, members $20, kids $5. Weekday admission: adult nonmember $20, member $15, kids $5. Children 2 and under free. masshort.org

Winterlights Stockbridge & Canton

Gingerbread in Wonderland Springfield

Tuesday through Sunday, Nov. 27-Jan. 3 See amazing gingerbread creations inspired by Lewis Carol’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” at this annual competition and exhibit at the Springfield Museums. Whimsical cookie creations made by local bakeries, schools, adults and kids are displayed alongside festively decorated holiday trees, enchanting lights, and a backdrop of beautifully painted murals. Included in museum admission: adults $25, children $13, kids under 3 free. springfieldmuseums.org

Door to Door Holiday Tour - Worcester

Daily, through December Bring a thermos of hot cocoa and Tuesdays through Sundays, load up the car for this city-wide, Nov. 27-Jan. 2, plus Mondays self-guided tour throughout the Dec. 21 & 28 The gardens at two iconic Trustees month of December. Organized by Preservation Worcester, the homes are illuminated with tens Door to Door tour celebrates of thousands of shimmering architecture, history and holiday lights and designed light culture, evoking a holiday spirit installations for this immersive in a way that is safe, fun, and holiday experience. Over 500,000 educational. Find the tour route lights transform the properties at Naumkeag in Stockbridge and the in an online digital booklet, where you’ll find participating Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate in residences and businesses, Canton. Enjoy food, refreshments along with explanations of the and magical outdoor fun. Timed inspiration behind their holiday tickets must be purchased in decor. You’ll find historical and advance. Member admission: architectural information on adults $15-$20, children $5; each featured neighborhood. nonmembers $20-$25/$10. preservationworcester.org thetrustees.org/winterlights

Family Holiday Stroll & Parade of Trees North Andover

Daily, Dec. 3-20 This family event at the StevensCoolidge Place features beautiful lights, dozens of festively decorated trees nestled in a designed lightscape on the grounds. Stroll through the twinkling lights and then vote for your favorite holiday tree. Bring a canned good to leave at your favorite tree as your vote. Refreshments will be available. Pre-registration required. Member admission: adults $9, children $3; nonmembers $15/$5. thetrustees.org

Christmas by Candlelight Sturbridge

Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, Dec. 4-20, plus Dec. 27-30 Enjoy an evening filled with New England holiday traditions, live musical performances, storytelling, sleigh rides, festive foods, a roaring bonfire, and strolls around the decorated Village Common. Take a walk through the living history museum by the glow of candlelight. Catch the nightly tree lighting and marvel at dozens of delicately gingerbread houses. Advanced timed tickets required. Adults $28, youth $14, kids 3 and under free. osv.org

captured

Kennedy, 7, and Camden, 6, McMahon of Auburn. Portraits by Susan Bray.

Temperance Freeman, 7, of Westfield.

Jake Davignon, 6, at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.

other rre tt Hart and br Six-month-old Ba n. lde Ho Harrison, 3, of Kaydence, 3, and W yatt Hagst rom, 6 months, of Millb ury.

Owen, 5, Oliver, 3, and Ethan, 9 months, of Sturbridge.

Wes, 7, Ben, 5, and Maria Brosnan, 2, of Plympton. Bellini Portraits.

Readers share their favorite seasonal pictures for our second annual Holiday Cover Contest. Charlie Freeman, 5 months, of Westfield.

Jed, 7, and Raegan Spencer, 3, of Charlton. Pebbles and Polka Dots Photography.

Adrianna Buss, 7, of Holden.

Delilah Freeman,

5, of West field.

Stowe Myott, 11 months, of Holliston.

Eight-year-old Ayden Blackmore of Worce ster.

Six-year-old Madison Myott of Holliston.

BAYSTATEPARENT 23

LET’S ALL GET

MOVING

AGAIN.

Massachusetts is getting moving again, and UMass Memorial Health Care is here to do our part. We’re the region’s leader in orthopedics, with more doctors, more expertise and more locations than anyone else. And now, you can feel more conﬁdent than ever, knowing we have special COVID-19 safety measures and precautions in place. APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE NOW—

855-UMASS-MD OR VISIT UMASSMEMORIALORTHO.ORG

CALL

CLINTON • LEOMINSTER • MARLBOROUGH • MILFORD • NORTHBOROUGH • WESTBOROUGH • WORCESTER

THE REGION’S LEADER IN ORTHOPEDICS WM-0000437633-01

24 DECEMBER2020

baystateparent magazine December 2020

Articles inside

Good to Know

Cyber Savvy Mom

Editor’s Note

Very Special People