Hello / One to Remember

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one to remember

ABOVE // Amanda Collins Bernier with her sons Max and Owen. M Y 5-YEAR-OLD SON JUST SENT OFF HIS FIRST-EVER LETTER TO SANTA. He’s old enough now to scribble out his wishes, and big enough to understand how the mail works (though he’s a bit worried about the mailman navigating the icy North Pole). As I marveled at his new “bigness,” something struck me: this is definitely a Christmas that he Subscribe to our will remember.

Email Newsletters That thought filled me with awe—then panic. More than dfwchild.com/subscribe ever, I have to make it special, I told myself. The realization that my oldest is reaching the age where his Follow Us on Instagram @dfwchildmag childhood experiences will become crystalized memories has crossed my mind more than once lately. Recently, I was telling my mom how I remembered my own kindergarten experience—

Find Us on Facebook the cubbies, the playground, the crafts and circle time. “Do you facebook.com/dfwchild remember what you got for Christmas that year?” she asked excitedly, clearly remembering something special. But as hard as Email Us I tried to recall, I had no idea.

Let us know what’s on your mind. editorial@dfwchild.com Come to think of it, save for a beloved doll or the year I got a real, live bunny, I don’t really remember any of the presents I got for Christmas. Instead, I remember leaving out cookies and milk and scanning the sky for signs of reindeer, the smell of the breakfast casserole my mom made every Christmas morning, and the buzz of our house later that afternoon, packed with relatives and friends. So as I prepare for perhaps the first holiday season that my son will really remember, I’m trying to keep this mind. The magic is in the presence, not the presents. That being so, we’ve packed this issue with plenty of ideas for you to make memories with your kids this season. This issue also features dozens of activities for this most wonderful time of the year—from dazzling lights and visits with Santa to ice skating and holiday trains. And the fun continues as we turn the calendar page to a new year, with live shows and rodeos kicking off 2023. If you’re interested in the different options for your child’s education in DFW—and there are many—check out our annual Private Schools List on page 20. This issue is filled with so much more—resources, support and solutions to the daily challenges of raising kids. So in between all the magic and memory-making, we hope you’ll enjoy the read.

PUBLISHER/ ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Joylyn Niebes

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER/ EDITOR IN CHIEF Lauren Niebes

EDITORIAL Managing Editor Amanda Collins Bernier Contributing Editor Emily McDaniel Contributing Writers Gina Mayfield Kelly Wooley DIGITAL Digital Manager/ Publishing Coordinator Susan Horn Web + Calendar Editor Elizabeth Smith

ART Art Director Reneé Higgins ADVERTISING Account Executives Carly Brasseux Alison Davis Nancy McDaniel Advertising Coordinator Isabel Pisani

ADMINISTRATION Business Manager Leah Wagner

HOW TO CONTACT US: Address: P.O. Box 2269 Addison, Texas 75001 Phone: 800/638-4461 or 972/447-9188 Fax: 972/447-0633 or 972/447-0425 Online: dfwchild.com DFWChild is published bimonthly by Lauren Publications, Inc. DFWChild is distributed free of charge, one copy per reader. Only authorized distributors may deliver or pick up the magazines. Additional or back copies are available for $2 per copy at the offices of Lauren Publications, Inc. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. DFWChild is ©2023 by Lauren Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission prohibited.