Holiday Gift Guide
Letter From The Publisher
Greetings,
Welcome to the November issue of PB Parenting Magazine, where we embrace the beauty—and yes, the occasional stress— of the holiday season!
Looking for thoughtful and unique holiday gifts?
Turn to our local holiday gift guide on page 12. This curated collection features meaningful finds from local businesses right in our community. Supporting local is part of who we are at PB Parenting, and we’re excited to share these special picks with you.
In this issue, we’re here to help you get ready for the holidays with a range of practical tips and heartfelt ideas. Dive into expert home organizing advice from professional organizer Amy Bergman to keep your space clutter-free and festive. Discover creative ways to instill gratitude in your family, making the season even more meaningful with simple acts of thankfulness and connection. Plus, learn essential strategies from the American Heart Association for protecting your loved ones from the flu to keep everyone healthy during this bustling time of year.
Thank you for making PB Parenting Magazine your trusted source for family, community, and celebration. We’re delighted to share this holiday journey with you and look forward to a season filled with joy, togetherness, and warm memories.
Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving from our table to yours!
Happy Parenting,
Volume 13, Issue 11 | November 2024
PUBLISHER
Felonice Merriman
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Jennifer Preville GRAPHIC DESIGN/PRODUCTION
Felonice Designs, LLC
Stephanie Davis
COVER & PUBLISHER PHOTO BY: Lynn of Lynn Studios www.lynnstudios1.com
WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS
Amy Bergman
Emma Edgar Felonice Merriman
PB PARENTING BY MAIL11924 W. Forest Hill Blvd. Suite 10A-146 Wellington, FL 33414 To advertise: 561-223-9223
to editing.
We bring world-class specialty care to you because your matterschild most
We offer appointments with board-certified physicians, diagnostic and imaging services, rehabilitation and walk-in urgent care (services vary by location).
To learn more please visit nicklauschildrens.org/Locations
Locations in Boynton Beach , Palm Beach Gardens , Palm City and Wellington
The Only Children’s Health System in South Florida.
PB Picks Holiday Fun!
Colorful Christmas at the Crayola Experience Orlando November 23-January 5 Deck the halls with tons of COLOR!
Colorful Christmas is back. From Nov. 23 -Jan. 5, come enjoy holiday fun the Crayola way! Make handmade gifts from the heart, complete a seasonal scavenger hunt, pose in holiday photo-opps, and more! It's a holiday hullabaloo with SNOW much to do!
Learn more at https://www.crayolaexperience. com/orlando/things-to-do/ colorful-christmas
Use code PBParenting for $5 off!
DM Snacks - 24 Days of Gourmet Nuts & Snacks Advent Calendar | Premium Holiday Countdown Gift Box
Celebrate the holidays with our 24 Days of Gourmet Nuts & Snacks Advent Calendar, featuring a new snacksized surprise every day! Indulge in premium flavors like Salted Roasted Cashews, Smokey BBQ Peanuts, Sour Cream & Onion Pepita & Cashew Mix, Wasabi Green Peas, and more. This advent calendar offers both indulgent and nutritious snacks, from trail mixes to spicy soy sticks, making it the perfect gift or personal treat to enjoy throughout the Christmas countdown.
Learn more here https://dmsnacks.com/collections/allholidays/products/24-days-of-nuts-snacks
Enter to win! One lucky reader will win a family four pack to visit the Crayola Experience enter at https://www.pbparenting.com/home/contests/
BY AMY BERGMAN
It’s finally holiday season! While you may have been pretty good with tidying up all year long, now is the time to target some keys areas in your home to get ready to host gatherings, celebrations and guests. And even if you don’t plan on hosting this year, now is a great time to declutter and refresh your home. Here is a room-by-room breakdown of how to organize your home for the Holidays. Of course, all of this cannot be accomplished in one day, so block off the time you will need to get it all done before the holidays. Maybe you can divide and conquer with different family members taking on different spaces, it doesn’t all have to be done by you!
ENTRY WAY - Wondering where to start? One of the best home decluttering tips you can follow is to tackle the entryway early! From backpacks to shoes and sports equipment, all sorts of messes
can pile up in this area, making your home feel extra cluttered. Find a space in your laundry room or garage where these items can be temporarily stored out of the way while guests are over to open up the front space of your home. Create a space where guests can easily put down their bags or gifts and take off their shoes.
BATHROOMS - Next, minimize your bathroom messes, especially in the bathrooms that your guests will use most. This is a great opportunity to reassess and purge kids’ bath toys, outdated décor and old towels. Create a guest basket that you can put out and put away in between holiday gatherings.
KITCHEN & ENTERTAINING SPACES - In the kitchen, make room in the refrigerator for leftovers.
Clean out the pantry, removing expired food and snacks to make room for holiday treats and ingredients. Next, use this time to make grocery and meal prep lists. Here is how to create Budget Friendly Grocery Shopping & Meal Planning for the Holidays. Now is also a great time to pull out any special holiday platters, serving pieces and dishes. Using disposable? Make sure you have what you need before the stores run out. For adult celebrations, set up your bar now. Whether you have a full bar or are working with a small bar cart, you want to be able to show off your drink station to all of your guests. Start by getting rid of nearly empty bottles, consolidate multiples, and move top-shelf beverages to the front. An organized bar with themed cocktails will help contribute to a holiday party family and friends won’t soon forget!
KIDS ROOMS & PLAY SPACES
- Moving into the kids’ rooms and play spaces, declutter their toys and crafts supplies. One huge motivation for decluttering toys can be explained that you need room for all the new ones coming soon. Encourage
Join us for fun and engaging programs for kids!
your kids to help with this, designate some items they can “pass on to others” whether it be a friend, family member or by donating to those in need. Speaking of gifts, now is the perfect time to set up a dedicated space for gift wrapping. Gather all your gift bags, wrapping papers, bows, scissors, and tape, these may take up more space than you think. For some great tips, read my recent blog posts on how to organize you gift wrap or how to cut down on card clutter.
OUTDOORS
- Here in South Florida and in other parts of the country, we use our outdoor spaces to entertain. What can you declutter on your back patio or front porch? Have some kids’ toys or lawn equipment migrated to areas you will need to host guests? What space do you need to clear and what can you bring outside now to use for outdoor gatherings? Maybe some extra folding chairs or a table? Will you need to think about an additional food station or bar outside?
GUEST BEDROOMS
- Guest bedrooms can turn
into a catch-all for junk throughout the year, which can make decluttering for the holidays seem like a daunting task. Pull everything out of the rooms where your guests will be staying, sort what you want to keep and what can go, and then donate items you no longer need! Some items may really “belong somewhere else” in the home and just need to be put away. Now is a great opportunity to go through your linens, making sure what you have matches and fits the beds you will be using. A good rule of thumb is to have at most TWO sets of sheets for each bed, anything more is just superfluous.
GARAGE - While you are in the garage pulling out all of those holiday decorations, take some time to do a little purge of items you know you no longer need/want and then put away some items that may have not been returned to their storage space in the past few months. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to park in your garage this holiday season, making more room in your driveway for guests?
Getting your home decluttered and organized
for the holidays not only creates a welcoming environment for family and friends but also reduces stress during this busy season. By taking the time now to sort through your belongings, create designated spaces, and establish a maintenance routine, you’ll find that your home feels more peaceful and joyful. Embrace the spirit of the holidays by giving yourself the gift of an organized space, allowing you to fully enjoy the moments that matter most. Start today, and watch how a little effort can lead to a more enjoyable and memorable holiday season!
XOXO, Amy
Amyzing Spaces provides professional organization for your home & office! Amy Bergman is a professional organizer serving Palm Beach County who has always had a passion for organizing & simplifying things in life. She would love to help you make your space Amyzing!!! Check out her website at www.amyzingspaces. com, and you will see how she works with her clients to organize spaces in their homes & offices, creating systems that work for them so they can achieve more calm in their space and be even more productive & efficient with their time.
'Tis the season to spread joy and support local businesses! In our holiday gift guide, we've curated a selection of great ideas to help you support local businesses while checking off your shopping list.
artNEST
We give children limitless possibilities to express themselves and learn all aspects of art, we keep the learning fun…Give the Gift of Art! You can purchase a gift certificate to anything we offer such as classes, workshops, camps, parties etc. Located in Delray and Boca! For more information visit www.artneststudios.com or call 561-562-8897.
Ballet Palm Beach
Take your family to see the Nutcracker this Holiday Season.
Performances will be Dec. 6th-8th at the Kravis Center for Performing Arts.
Also for your little budding ballerina, give the gift of ballet classes! For more information go to www.balletpalmbeach.com.
Cox Science Center and Aquarium
There are many great gifts available at the Cox Science Center! Give your loved ones passes to visit, an annual membership, or stop in our Science Center store to purchase a
wide variety of science goodies. Bring the gift of exploration home with interactive science kits or a plethora of small treasures. Members save 10% on purchases. Store items may be ordered by telephone at 561-832-1988 or via email at kzambrana@coxsciencecenter.org. Memberships may be purchased on our website www.CoxScienceCenter.org.
Genie's Gymnastics
At Genie’s Gymnastics the children come first. We focus on their specific goals, and have a lot of fun while working towards excellence. Girls and boys gymnastics and cheerleading classes available. Centrally located between Jog Rd and Hagen Ranch behind the chevron gas station. Call 561-8680288 or visit www.geniesgymnastics.com for more details.
Kids Choice Sports, Dance & Fitness
We offer a wide range of programs including Gymnastics, Cheer, Dance, Martial Arts and more for children of all ages
and Personal Training for adults in Boca Raton, FL. Classes would make a great gift for any young child! For more information call (561) 998-4225 or visit www.gokidschoice.com.
The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts - Tickets are a gift that one size fits all! The Kravis has so many great shows for all ages this seaon including popular Broadway Musicals such as Peter Pan, Funny Girl, Les Miserables, Moulin Rogue and more Check out their whole lineup and purchase tickets at www.kravis.org/
Loggerhead Marinelife Center Go green this holiday season by gifting a sea turtle “adoption” to your own special hatchling! A sea turtle adoption is a unique and meaningful way to show how much you care (for the person and for marine life). No matter what sea turtle adoption package you purchase, you will have a way to show your love for ocean and sea turtle conservation. It could be in sticker, hat, photo, or magnet form. You can adopt a sea turtle for as low as $40. You can find more info at www.marinelife.org/adopt.
Maltz
Jupiter Theatre and Goldner Conservatory at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre are great gift giving experiences! For the theatre lover - the gift of tickets to see a show Upcoming Shows include Disney's Frozen, Dueling Yule-ing Pianos, and Classic Christmas by Candlelight.
For your budding actor or actress, the gift of classes. The Goldner Conservatory at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre is a premier professional Conservatory that offers the highest caliber of artistic education to students of all ages. To learn more go to /www.jupitertheatre.org.
Picasso’s Creative Workshop
Create personalized gifts at Picasso's Creative Workshop. Have fun painting and creating your own masterpiece to give to your love ones. Or give the gift of creativity, gift certificates available and make great gifts! Located at 7451 S Military Trail, Lake Worth. Call us today to learn more! For more information call 561-439-4000 or visit www.gopicasso.com.
Sandoway Discovery Center
Become a member or adopt
an animal for the holiday season! Membership has its perks! Enjoy free admission year round, special events and more! Sandoway also offers two animal adoption packages for $25 or $50. Animals include Maggie the Gopher Tortoise, Nurse Sharks, Opossums, Sting Rays and more For more information call 561-274-7263 or visit www.Sandoway.org.
Schoolhouse Children’s Museum
Membership or daily passes make a great holiday gift for the children in your life. We are more than just a museum – come find out! We offer an array of education programs including FREE weekly programs, affordable art classes, and specialty workshops for children ages 1-7. For more information, please call 561-742-6780 or visit www.SchoolhouseMuseum.org.
Make your Holiday Gifts with Sparkle
Inspo! They offer exciting family-friendly jewelry making times at their studio where you can come in and make any type of jewelry you would like (necklaces, bracelets, key chains, hair jewelry, earrings). Sparkle Instructors are also ready to provide you with step-bystep instruction along with helpful tips and techniques. They have hundreds of unique beads and charms in our Sparkle Bar inventory where the sky is the limit to what they can dream up and create. By appointment only. Learn more at https://sparkleinspo.com/
Eau Spa at Eau Palm Beach -
Indulge in the gift of relaxation and rejuvenation this holiday season at the Eau Spa at Eau Palm Beach Resport. Find
out why Forbes Travel Guide has rated them five stars two years in a row. The spa features a selection of luxurious spa experiences and pampering packages designed to bring bliss and tranquility to your loved ones. Eau Spa offers the perfect escape from the holiday hustle and bustle. Treat someone special to a spa day like no other and let them unwind in style. Go to www.eaupalmbeach.com/eau-spa for more information,
Young Singers of the Palm Beaches
A Palm Beach County Holiday Tradition join Young Singers for its 22nd Anniversary Winter Tapestry, a musical celebration weaving together holiday favorites and new surprises. Sat. Dec. 14 at 7:30 PM. Tickets $15-65 at www. kravis.org/events/yspb-winter-tapestry/ or call 561-832-7469.
BY EMMA EDGAR, AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
As the holiday season begins, one undeniable reality is that flu season has also arrived. While it’s important to protect ourselves and our kids from the flu, taking proper precautions can also protect those who are most at-risk for flu complications.
Typically, flu season lasts from October to May with symptoms including fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, a sore throat, and body aches. According to the American Heart Association, the flu can be especially dangerous for those who have a weakened immune system, heart disease, diabetes or are over the age of 65. In fact, studies show flu illness increases heart attack six times for those at-risk individuals. This is why it is especially important to take steps to prevent catching it in the first place.
Here are five tips to protect yourself, your family and those you love during flu season.
Get vaccinated
Getting the flu vaccination is the most effective
way to protect yourself and others against the flu. The vaccination will help you be less susceptible to contracting the infection.
Wash your hands regularly
Clean hands protect against many infections, including the flu. Wash your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds – about as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” in your head – to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Germs are most likely to enter your body through the eyes, nose, and mouth. You can reduce the risk of infection by keeping your hands out of your face.
Avoid close contact with sick people
The flu is contagious and spreads very easily in large crowds and tight spaces. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, droplets can affect anyone nearby who breathes them in.
If
you don’t
feel well, stay home
If you start to feel sick, it’s best to stay home until you’re well again! That can help prevent the spread of flu and ultimately save lives. It’s always better to be cautious and not risk the chance of spreading any illness.
The American Heart Association has even more flu prevention information at https://www.heart. org/en/health-topics/flu-prevention.
Emma Edgar is a youth market director for the American Heart Association. She works with schools across the Treasure Coast to help students build active and healthy habits. Reach out to Emma to learn more about the Kids Heart Challenge at Emma.Edgar@Heart.org.
Ways to be Thankful
• For Children (and Adults) of All Ages •
Thankful: adjective thank·ful : glad that something has happened or not happened, that something or someone exists, etc. : of, relating to, or expressing thanks Does it seem that children today don’t know the meaning of being thankful? We live in a consumer based, technology driven world and sometimes life flashes by so quick. We are in such a hurry that we often don’t have to stop and be polite and thankful for the world around us.
Here are some tips on how to help your child show thankfulness and maybe a refresher for adults too!
1. Just say thank you: Practice using role-play using good manners and saying “thank you” using stuffed animals and action figures.
2. Start a tradition: Not just for Thanksgiving Day but every week. At dinner time ask everyone to share at least one thing they are grateful for.
3. Be an example to younger children. You may not know it but they are watching you. Adults and older children can set a good example.
4. Hug Someone! Tell them that you are thankful for them being in your life.
5. Say thank-you with cookies. Prepare and deliver a homemade “thank you” to your local fire or police department, or your pediatrician’s or dentist’s office.
6. Help out without being asked. Make it a
7. Thank a teacher or coach. Send a handwritten note to let them know how much their efforts make a difference.
8. Volunteer a Saturday. Think food pantry or animal shelter, and try to make it a regular commitment.
9. Pay it forward in the drive-thru lane. Use your own money to pay for someone else’s meal.
10. Create a Thanksgiving scrapbook. Ask everyone to jot down their thoughts or contribute a photo on Thanksgiving day. Be sure to update it and add to it each year.
11. Encourage generosity. Together donate toys and clothes to the less fortunate.
12. Thank your children when they do something kind or good. Show thankfulness to the ones closest to you (spouse, friends, relatives) so they know gratitude isn’t just for strangers.
13. Make a gratitude jar. Have everyone write down something they are thankful for on a slip of paper and put it in the jar. Open it at the end of the year to relive those special moments.
14. Share stories of gratitude. Read books or watch shows together that teach the value of being thankful.
Happy
TRAVELS &
Places to go
Thanksgiving Travel: Tips and Insights for a Smooth Journey
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family and friends to express gratitude and share a delicious meal. However, it's also one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, often accompanied by congested highways and crowded airports. Whether you're traveling across the country or just a few miles away, preparation and a positive outlook are key to ensuring your Thanksgiving travel experience is as stressfree as possible. In this article, we'll provide valuable insights and tips to help you navigate Thanksgiving travel and make the journey a part of your holiday celebration.
1. Plan Ahead:
• Start planning your Thanksgiving travel well in advance. The sooner you book flights, accommodations, or rental cars, the better deals you're likely to find.
• Consider flexible travel dates. If possible,
opt for less congested travel days to avoid the peak holiday rush.
2. Stay Informed:
Keep an eye on weather forecasts and potential disruptions. Being aware of any adverse weather conditions at your departure and arrival locations can help you prepare for delays or adjust your travel plans accordingly.
3. Pack Wisely:
• Pack light and efficiently. If you can, opt for carry-on luggage to avoid waiting at baggage claim.
• Don't forget essential items like chargers, medications, and important travel documents.
4. Travel Early or Late:
If you're driving to your Thanksgiving
destination, consider starting your journey early in the morning or late at night. The roads are typically less crowded during these times.
5. Be Patient:
• Expect delays and be patient.
Thanksgiving travel can be hectic, and it's essential to maintain a positive attitude, especially when dealing with long lines and crowded spaces.
• Have entertainment options readily available, whether it's a good book, music, or games to keep yourself and your fellow travelers occupied.
6. Travel Light with Food:
• If you're bringing food to the Thanksgiving gathering, pack it in spillproof containers and transport it safely to avoid messes in your vehicle or luggage.
• Remember that some items, like homemade pies, might be subject to security regulations when flying.
7. Consider Alternative Transportation:
If possible, explore alternative means of travel, such as trains or buses. These options can offer a more relaxed and scenic journey.
8. Embrace the Journey:
Rather than focusing solely on reaching your destination, consider the journey as part of your Thanksgiving experience. Take in the changing landscapes, enjoy the company of your fellow travelers, and savor the adventure.
Thanksgiving travel can be both exciting and challenging, but with careful planning and a positive outlook, you can make it a memorable part of your holiday celebrations. Whether you're traveling to a distant family gathering or embarking on a short road trip, the key to a successful Thanksgiving journey is preparation, patience, and a grateful heart. Safe travels, and may your Thanksgiving be filled with warmth and cherished moments with loved ones.
NO
EVENTS & Things to Do
SCHOOL Tuesday Nov. 5, and the week of Nov. 25
Check out the Cox Science
Fall & Thanksgiving Break Camps: Science Adventure
November 5th - Ecosystems Engineers (Science Adventure Camp, ages 5-6 and 7-11): Hunker down as we travel around the animal kingdom to learn about the extraordinary homes that animals build for themselves. From bird nests, to beaver dams, to the burrows of a tortoise, get ready for quite the tour! No house-warming gift required. Non-member price: $61 | Members price (10% discount): $54.90
November 25th - 29th - Legend of the Lost Idol:
An Archaeological Adventure (Science Adventure Camp, ages 5-6, 7-8, and 9-11): There have been rumors that the Cox Science Center and Aquarium hosts an ancient artifact thought to be lost to time. Legend says that those who uncover it will be showered with fame and fortune beyond belief. Become an archaeologist and seasoned treasure hunter as we uncover the secrets surrounding the artifact in this scavenger hunt-themed camp. (No camp on November 28th) Non-member price: $244 | Members price (10% discount): $219.60
8
join the jolly crew from the North Pole to usher in the arrival of Santa! Celebrate the grand arrival with Company dancers and capture your Christmas memories with the perfect backdrop holiday photo backdrop. The Gardens Mall 3101 PGA Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 FREE EVENT
Indoor Playground at Kids Choice! Back by popular request. For ages walking through 4 years old. Mondays 10 AM - 12 PM. Play indoors in Kid Choice's indoor playground, swing on the bars, balance on the beams, roll on the mats and bounce on the trampoline. $10 plus tax. Learn more and register at www.gokidschoice.com/ indoor-playground.
New
Exhibit DINO
SAFARI a Walk through Adventure opens at Cox Science Center and Aquarium ! Grab a passport to Pangea and stand beside giant moving dinosaurs from around the world on a familyfriendly walk-through expedition. Get up-close with fascinating prehistoric creatures, from the mighty T. Rex to the amphibious Spinosaurus. At Dino Safari, experience animatronic dinosaurs, cutting-edge research, and exciting activities that
immerse you in the age of dinosaurs. Discover how these creatures lived, evolved, and behaved, with a storyline guided by real science and an easy-toaccess audio guide in English and Spanish. Don't miss Mister Din-o-mite on and his fun Comedy Magic Show on Nov. 16th and 23rd at 12:30 & 1:30 PM. The show is free with paid admission and includes audience participation and giveaways. Learn more at https://www.coxsciencecenter.org/
Join the Schoolhouse Children's Musem every Thursday at 3PM for Let's Pretend! A children's drama class where pretending is encouraged, using different props and materials each week. Watch as your little ones explore creativity, and make new friends through the power of play! Call 561-742-6780 and register your little one today! To view their entire calendar of classes go to https://www.schoolhousemuseum.org/p/73.
The School District of Palm Beach County Job Fair - Tues. Nov. 12th • 8:30 AM - 12 PM
Transportation, Maintenance and Plant Operations, School Food Services, School Police and more will be hiring. The event will be at
the Fulton-Holland Educational Services Center located at 3300 Forest Hill Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33406.
Manatee Season
A fun-filled, family-friendly venue offering events year round!
VisitManateeLagoon.com 561-MAN-ATEE (626-2833)
Kickoff at Manatee Lagoon -Saturday, Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors can enjoy free face painting, cornhole and other games. This year’s kickoff theme is safe boating. The first 200 visitors will receive a free waterproof phone pouch with information on how to report a manatee in distress if seen in the wild.This event will feature environmental exhibitors from the Carter Viss Foundation, Friends of Manatee Lagoon, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Lake Worth Water Keeper, Palm Beach County Environmental Resource Management and The Reef Institute. "Sea" you there!! Learn more here - https://www.visitmanateelagoon.com/ manatee-season-kickoff/
Ballet Palm Beach Presents THE NUTCRACKER
December 6 – 8
Friday at 7 p.m. Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
The timeless Christmas classic returns during Ballet Palm Beach’s THE NUTCRACKER. Share in Marie’s adventures as she is swept away by the Nutcracker Prince into an enchanted winter wonderland. Dancing snowflakes, tin soldier battles and more festive surprises await during this lavish, magical production. Dreyfoos Hall 701 Okeechobee Blvd. West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Tickets start at $20. For information about prices and how to purchase tickets, please call Ballet Palm Beach at 561.630.8235 or visit www. balletpalmbeach.org.