PB Parenting - Dec. 2023

Local Holiday Gift Guide Winter Break Camp Family Events Calendar

The best beginnings begin with us.

So, you’re having a baby. Of all the important decisions you’ll be making over the next few months, where you have your baby is the most important of all! Jupiter Medical Center is dedicated to making sure you have everything you need to feel confident bringing your bundle of joy into the world.

For a virtual tour, visit jupitermed.com/maternity, or for more information call: 561.263.2181

Contents Letter From the Publisher P. 4 PB Picks - Holiday Gifts P. 6 Holiday Events in Palm Beach and Treasure Coast P.8 PB Parenting's Local Holiday Gift Guide P. 14-17 Winter Break Camps P.18 Getting Holiday Ready - A Room by Room Guide P. 20 Olive Oil Gingerbread Cookies P.22 Palm Beach County: Events and Things to Do P. 24

ON THE COVER Only in Florida can we play barefoot in the 'snow!" The forecast is calling for intermittent snow flurries at McKee Botanical Garden’s Annual Festival of Lights! Learn more at www. mckeegarden.org and check out all the holiday fun on page 8. | PBParenting.com | December 2023 3

Letter From The Publisher

on page 18.

Greetings, Can you believe 2023 has flown by? It feels like just yesterday we were gearing up for the first day of school, and now we're on the brink of Winter Break! If you're looking for engaging activities for the kids, be sure to explore our Winter Break Camp Guide

As we approach 2024, let's take a moment to revel in the joy of the holidays, cherishing quality time with family and celebrating the essence of this special season. Living in South Florida offers us the luxury of warm weather, and there's no shortage of both indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy. Flip through our curated list of favorite holiday happenings to make the most of this spectacular time. I'm personally excited to take the kids to experience a Winter-themed Laser Light Show at the Cox Science Center or stroll through McKee Garden's Festival of Lights, where the holiday spirit illuminates every corner. Discover all the festive fun on page 8!

Don't forget to explore our Holiday Gift Guide, featuring fantastic gift ideas from local businesses.

It's an opportunity to find the perfect gift while supporting our community simultaneously.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year from the entire publishing team at PB Parenting—Jennifer, Stephanie, Lynn, and myself.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our readers and community partners for contributing to our status as a premier resource for parenting information in Palm Beach.

Happy Parenting,

4 December 2023| PB Parenting |

PB Parenting Palm Beach County’s Parenting Resource

Volume 12, Issue 12 | December 2023 PUBLISHER Felonice Merriman ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Jennifer Preville GRAPHIC DESIGN/PRODUCTION Felonice Designs, LLC Stephanie Davis COVER PHOTO BY: McKee Botantical Gardens PUBLISHER PHOTO BY: Lynn of Lynn Studios www.lynnstudios1.com WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS Amy Bergman CONTACT PB PARENTING

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Suite 10A-146 Wellington, FL 33414 To advertise: 561-223-9223 EMAIL - info@pbparenting.com

PB Parenting Magazine is published monthly in Palm Beach County, Florida. Copyright 2012-2023, all rights reserved by PB Parenting, LLC. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of the portion of the advertisement occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.

PB Picks Top Holiday Gifts for Foodies

Holiday Gift Guide

The countdown begins at the most wonderful time of the year! Damn, Man introduces the 12 Days of Winter Wonder - Savory Meat Sticks and Nut Medley. Each day presents a new snack surprise of either gourmet nuts or savory meat sticks. With 6 tins of delicious, flavored nuts and 6 meat sticks ranging from original to spicy, you’ll get to enjoy a variety of salty and savory snacks, all packaged together in a winter wonderland scene straight from the Alps. You’ll think every day is a holiday with the 12 Days of Winter Wonder - Savory Meat Sticks and Nut Medley!

The countdown includes 2 oz. tins of Salted Pistachios, Honey Sea Salt Almonds, Salted Walnuts, Butter Cinnamon Pecans, Cranberry Nut Blend, and Lightly Salted Cashews, as well as 2 Pepper Meat Sticks, 2 Spicy Meat Sticks, and 2 Original Meat Sticks. Retails for $50 at www.dmsnacks.com.

Make pantries plentiful for anyone on your “nice” list by gifting Colavita’s popular Ultimate Gourmet Selection Gift Basket. Carefully curated with an array of items for any home cook or proper foodie, Colavita’s gift baskets bring holiday cheer to every kitchen! It's our largest gift basket overflowing with a wide array of items, the selection provides plenty of possibilities to master the art of Italian cooking. Check out page 22 for a great recipe to compliment and use some of the products in this basket. Retails for $179. Check this and other baskets out at www.colavitastore.com/collections/gift-sets.

6 December 2023| PB Parenting |

DREAMING OF GOING BEYOND CRUISING ALTITUDE LEARN

WHAT’S

POSSIBLE

Application Deadline is January 26, 2024 Apply at MyPBChoiceApp.com

Winter in a Sunny Wonderland! While the first snowflakes are falling up North, we are warm and sunny here in South Florida. December is a great time to get out and enjoy some of the winter and holiday fun South Florida has to offer. Winter break is an excellent time to check out the fantastic area we live in that we get to call home. Many of our favorite places to visit will be hosting fun holidays and winter-themed activities to keep the kids busy during the holiday season.

Cox Science Center and Aquarium has a full schedule of holiday events and activities planned so you can be merry and bright all season long!

Winter Wonderland Laser Lights and Bites Starting Dec. 1 Winter Wonderland Laser Lights and Bites at Cox Science Center and Aquarium is back and brighter than ever! Guests of all ages can sing and dance along to holiday favorites during our outdoor Laser Concert spectacular. Explore outdoor exhibits, mini golf, and entertainment like never before with dazzling lights, science-themed activities, 8 December 2023| PB Parenting |

food trucks, and laser shows on our Cox Amphitheater stage. www.coxsciencecenter. org/Winter-Wonderland.

Noon Year's Eve at Cox Science Center - Ring in the new year on our 5-acre Science Trail when the clock strikes NOON! Live Science demos, music and dancing, DIY confetti poppers and more. Families will toast to the new new year with dry ice apple cider. For more information www. coxsciencecenter.org/noon-years-eve.

Ballet Palm Beach THE NUTCRACKER December 2-3, 2023 A magical holiday tradition beloved by all returns to the Kravis Center stage. Featuring music by Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker tells the story of Marie who, when given an enchanted nutcracker doll as a Christmas gift, has no idea of the adventure that awaits her! Toy soldier battles, giant mice, and a blustery snowstorm led by a majestic Snow Queen await families of all ages to this magical night of memories. Learn more and purchase tickets www.balletpalmbeach.org.

THOUSANDS OF LED LIGHTS | HOLIDAY DISPLAYS | FESTIVE DECORATIONS INTERMITTENT SNOW FLURRIES | LARGE-SCALE MODEL TRAIN DISPLAY | ORGAN MUSIC LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT | OUTDOOR HOLIDAY MOVIES | TASTY HOLIDAY TREATS

MEMBERS ONLY NIGHTS: DECEMBER 13 & 14 OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: DECEMBER 15–17, 19–22, 28–30 HOURS: 6 PM–8 PM, LAST ADMISSION 7:30 PM Large-scale Model Train On Display December 19–22 and December 28–30

www.mckeegarden.org

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS CANDY CANES & SUGAR PLUMS

DON’T BE A GRINCH

CANDYLAND

NORTH POLE

POLAR EXPRESS

MARCIA & BILL BLACKBURN

JEAN & JIM UELTSCHI

GINGERBREAD

MISTLETOE

SNOWMAN

RUDOLPH & FRIENDS

TOY SOLDIER

TERENCE CHANNON

SPONSORED IN PART BY THE STATE OF FLORIDA, DEPARTMENT OF STATE, DIVISION OF ARTS AND CULTURE, THE FLORIDA COUNCIL ON ARTS AND CULTURE, AND THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS.

GARDEN ELF

Holiday time means fun time at Schoolhouse Children’s Museum & Learning Center. They have a calendar of activities that are loaded with holiday and winter fun. Here are some highlights that are available for all ages: Gingerbread Cookie Decorating, Holiday Music Circle, Grinchmas, "Trixie the Holiday Pixie" and more! For more information and a complete calendar of events go to www.schoolhousemuseum.org.

Come Brighten up your holidays during McKee Botanical Garden’s Annual Festival of Lights.

The event is held from 6 to 8 pm and is open for McKee Members Only on Wednesday, December 13 and Thursday, December 14. The event is open to the public and McKee members on Friday, December 15 through Sunday, December 17, Tuesday, December 19 through Friday, December 22, and Thursday, December 28 through Saturday, December 30 from 6 to 8 pm nightly. The last admission is at 7:30 pm on each of these nights.

The Garden’s majestic palms, exotic plants, trees,

Holiday activities!

waterfalls, tranquil streams, and historic structures like the Hall of Giants and Spanish Kitchen will be illuminated with thousands of professionally installed LED lights, festive holiday decorations and lighted displays. Enjoy entertainment provided by local school and church groups and other vocalists.

The forecast is calling for intermittent snow flurries. Be sure to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy outdoor classic holiday movies and tasty treats from the Garden Café. By popular demand, the 1924 Wurlitzer Band Organ will be on display December 19 through December 22. The large-scale model train will be showcasing new features and will be on display from December 19 through December 22, and December 28 through December 30. Note: Off-site parking and shuttle buses are located at 146 Vista Royale Blvd. (less than a mile south of McKee Botanical Garden).

The Garden will close at 5:00 pm and will reopen at

SAT, JAN 27, 2024 • 10AM-2PM

Stay tuned for dates and details on Holiday festivities at the museum.

• Gingerbread Cookie Decorating • Holiday Music Circle • Grinchmas • Professional Storyteller - Trixie the Holiday Pixie • Fabulous Fun Friday - Holiday Theme book reading • And much more...

Come Play With Us!

A celebration of real heroes, princess and fairytale characters, and superheroes Boynton Beach Amphitheatre in Centennial Park

6:00 pm for these special events. Garden admission for the holiday events is a separate admission than during regular business hours. Admission: $15 Adults, $13 Seniors (65+)/Youth (13-17), $10 Children (2-12). McKee members and children under 2 free. For additional information, visit our website at www.mckeegarden.org.

generous individual. He reconciles with his nephew and neighbors and even becomes a father figure to his assistant's son, Tiny Tim. Learn more www. lakeworthplayhouse.org.

MIA’S MOVIE NIGHT at Manatee Lagoon.

Outdoor movie-watching has never been more inviting than by our Lagoon waterfront! Come A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Lake Worth Playhouse and get grinchy with us under our beautiful Now - December 3, 2023 Price: Show Only - $38 banyan tree to relax and enjoy a free evening of (All Seats) Price: Dinner/Show - $114/$64 - On-Line fun movie watching at Manatee Lagoon. There Dinner and Show sales will end the day prior to will be food trucks on site to choose from serving show date selected at 2:30 pm for 8pm shows and delectable delights during the event. And what 10:30 am for 2pm shows. Approx. run time 1 hr/45 night would not be complete without a cup of minutes includes a 15 minute intermission. hot cocoa to sip as we sit back and enjoy one of In "A Christmas Carol," Ebenezer Scrooge is visited the timeless Christmas movies “The Grinch”. Please by four ghosts: Jacob Marley, Christmas Past, bring a blanket or chair to sit on our lawn. When: Christmas Present, and the Spirit of Christmas Yet to December 8th, 2023 Where: The Banyan Tree at Come. Confronted with his own mortality and the Manatee Lagoon Time: Show starts at 6:00 pm, dire consequences of his selfish, penny-pinching gates open at 5:30 pm Cost: FREE ADMISSION. For behavior, Scrooge transforms into a kind and more information www.visitmanateelagoon.com.

“Glorias” will fill you with holiday cheer. Featuring over 300 singers, Handbells from the United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches, and a live pit of talented instrumentalists including the massive sound of the George W. Mergens Memorial Digital Organ. Dec. 16 at 7:30 PM. Available through Kravis Center’s box office, by calling 561-832-7469, or online at www.kravis.org/events/yspb-wintertapestry/ or www.yspb.org.

Boca Holiday Festival Rings In The Season At Mizner Park! December 8-9. Ice Skating, Live 21st Anniversary Season: Winter Tapestry Shows, Rides, Photos with Santa, Yummy Food Young Singers of the Palm Beaches WINTER and more. Use code: PBPARENTING for $5 off TAPESTRY has become a local holiday tradition! Entry + Unlimited Rides Wristband (BEST VALUE) Step out of the holiday stress and into Dreyfoos Hall Ticket Only at www.bocaholidayfestival.com. to be transported to a musical winter celebration.

Young Singers’ WINTER TAPESTRY concert will be However you decide to spend or celebrate the a true tapestry of sounds and genres, featuring holidays and winter break, a variety of musical colors – from traditional Christmas carols to modern holiday favorites. Bells, Holiday Cheer, Eight Days of Lights, Reindeer and

PB Parenting sends you warm seasons greetings & best wishes for the New Year!

75+ Stocking Stuffers Toddler Stuffers 1. Bath toys 2. Bubble bath 3. Bathtub crayons 4. Character socks (check Target’s dollar spot they usually have some) 5. Bubble wands 6. Band-aids with their favorite character 7. Board books 8. Dish set with their favorite character 9. Bouncy Balls 10. Large non-toxic crayons

44. Cell phone cover 45. Gift card to bowling alley, ice skating rink or mini golf 46. Makeup 47. Fun looking pens 48. Perfume or cologne 49. Nail polish in funky colors 50. Lanyard for keys/school ID 51. Keychain 52. Wallet 53. Chocolate or their favorite candy 54. Fast food gift cards 55. Gum

Kid Stuffers 11. Stickers 12. Fidget Toys 13. Noise makers (for New Year’s Eve!) 14. Mini cereal boxes or snacks 15. Glow sticks 16. Astronaut ice cream 17. Lip gloss/lipstick 18. Mini nail polish 19. Fruit snacks 20. Matchbox cars 21. Slap bracelets 22. Lego mini figures 23. Fun shaped erasers 24. Glow in the dark stars and planets 25. Dress up jewelry 26. Travel games 27. Small stuffed animal 28. Crayons 29. Coloring Book 30. Silly putty 31. Washable Markers 32. Watercolor paints 33. Yo-yo 34. Piggy Bank 35. Night Light 36. Kaleidoscope 37. Hair bows 38. Hair brush 39. Character Underwear 40. Toothbrush

Mom Stuffers 56. Coffee shop gift card 57. Scented hand lotion 58. Scented hand soaps 59. Keychain charms of kids with initials 60. Gift card for a pedicure 61. Gourmet coffee 62. Specialty tea 63. Scented candles 64. Portable Cell phone charger 65. Chocolates 66. Bath bombs

Teen Stuffers 41. Earbuds 42. Music gift card 43. Pop Sockets

Dad Stuffers 67. Coffee shop gift card 68. Drill bits 69. Tool keychain 70. Mini flashlight 71. Gift card to bowling alley 72. Wallet 73. Tape measure 74. Drink Koozies 75. Car charger for cell phone 76. Beef jerky 77. Car wash gift card 78. Golf tees 79. Golf balls 80. Tire pressure gauge Everyone Stuffers 81. Hot Cocoa Packets 82. Candy 83. Christmas Ornament 84. Slipper Socks 85. Gift Card for favorite store

'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.

Adrenaline Entertainment Center Give the gift of FUN! What child wouldn’t love to receive passes to Adrenaline, which offers 45,000 sqft of Extreme Play and high energy fun through a wide variety of activities like basketball, dodgeball, rock climbing, performance trampolines, foam pits, battle beams and more! 7645 Lake Worth Road, just east of the Turnpike. 20% off with code PBPARENT. For more information call 561-4401400 or visit jumpadrenaline.com/lake-worth. 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.

14 December 2023| PB Parenting |

Ballet Palm Beach Take your family to see the Nutcracker this Holiday Season. Performances will be Dec. 2nd-3rd 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 Pediatric Dentistry gymnastics and cheerleading Specializing in Dentistry forAdolescents Infants, and Children, Adolescents for Infants, Children, those with Special Health Care classes available. Centrally Specializing in Dentistryand those with Special Health Care needs located between Jog Rd and Hagen Ranch Michael J. Roseff, DMD, Michael J. Roseff, DMD, LLC LLC behind the chevron gas station. Call 561-868Pediatric Dentist Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry 0288 or visit www.geniesgymnastics.com for Delicious Town Center Flickr Twitter FL 33472 Retwee Canyon Boynton Beach, more details.

8784 Boynton Beach Blvd, #103, Boynton Beach, FL 33472 ph# 561-732-8333

N! E OP

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to reserve your party today!

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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

561-732-8333 roseffpediatricdentistry@comca www.roseffpediatricdentistry.com fax# 561-732-8375

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information call (561) 998-4225 or visit www. gokidschoice.com.

Kids Need More Art Give the gift of creativity!

Kids Need More Art is located in Juno Beach and has fun classes for all ages. Or let your little one create a unique masterpiece to give to a family member during their Secret Santa Workshops.

Learn more at www.kidneedmoreart.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 Hamilton, Six, Beetlejuice, Mean Girls 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.

16 December 2023| PB Parenting |

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 - A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens will be presented from November 28th - December 10th. It is a great show for ages 6 and up. This is a great outing for the whole family and includes visual projections, original special effects and skilled actors!. 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.

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 21st Anniversary Winter Tapestry, a musical celebration weaving together holiday favorites and new surprises. Sat. Dec. 16 at 7:30 PM. Tickets $15-65 at www.kravis.org/ events/yspb-winter-tapestry/ or call 561-8327469.

Gymnastics • Cheer • Dance Martial Arts • Ninja Zone • Personal Training Classes • Summer Camp Birthday Parties • Parents Night Out 6500 South Rogers Circle #1000 Boca Raton • 561.998.4225 www.gokidschoice.com

Register at www.active.com/wellington-fl/ running/distance-running-races/11thwellingtonjingle-bells-5k-2023

Mommy & Me • Preschoolers Boys Gymnastics • Camps Tumbling • Cheerleading RecreationalandCompetitiveTeams

For more info call Mention 561.868.0288 PBParenting& receiveaFREE 6752 Lantana Rd Ste B • Lake Worth trial class! BetweenJogRoad&HagenRanchRoad

www.geniesgymnastics.com

| PBParenting.com | December 2023 17

Breakers West Country Club Winter Kids’ Camp Remember the magic of camp? Your kids will, too. Camp at Breakers West means days filled with friendship, adventures and exciting learning opportunities. Our certified camp counselors stimulate kids’ minds, trigger their creativity and keep them active - both indoors and out. Daily Golf, Tennis, Swimming, Arts & Crafts and More! Ages 4 to 12. Campers will also enjoy game room fun at the Kids’ Club.

December 26 - 29 & January 2 - 5. 8:45am – 3:00pm. Before and After Care available; fees apply. To register online, please visit breakerswestclub.com/activities, call 561-6536330 or email bw.camp@thebreakers.com.

Cox Science Center and Aquarium Experience the wonders of winter through interactive science and tech camps! For young scientists ages 5-6 and 7-11, each exciting camp offers hands-on exploration of a variety of STEM topics. The days are packed with engaging lessons, exciting labs, crafts and outdoor activities led by our expert Science Educators. Camps are December 18 December 2023| PB Parenting |

26-29 and January 2-5 and 8. Located in West Palm Beach. For more information visit www. coxsciencecenter.org/camps or call 561-8322026.

Genie’s Gymnastics Camp Genie’s Gymnastics Camp is very flexible, you can do it daily, weekly or any combination from 9am-4 pm.

Early drop off and late pick up available. 5-15 years. 5 Days $235, 4 Days $195, 3 Days $150, 2 Days $105, 1 Day $65. Camp includes gymnastics as well as activities such as arts and crafts, painting, Spanish classes, board games etc. For more info call 561.868.0288 or www.geniesgymnastics.com.

Kids Choice Sports, Dance & Fitness Winter Break Camp is December 26-29 and January 2-5 and 8 from 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (1/2, 3/4 and full day options). Ages 5+. Kids Choice offers campers fun and games, art and crafts, free play, movies, sports like karate, soccer, cheerleading, dance and of course, LOTS of gymnastics! Early drop off and late pick ups are available. Lunch will be provided for ¾ and full day campers, and snacks will be provided for all

campers. For more information on prices and to register please call 561.998.4225, email info@ gokidschoice.com or visit www.gokidschoice. com/school-break-and-day-camps. 6500 West Rogers Circle, Boca Raton.

Lake Worth Playhouse Join us for Winter Break Theatre Camp at The Lake Worth Playhouse.

In 4 short days, campers will study character development, perform scene work, create props and set pieces, source costumes and put on a show for family and friends on the last day of camp! Camp will run January 2 - 5, 2024 from 9 AM - 4 PM and is geared for kids aged

7 - 15. Tuition is $300 per camper and can be purchased online at www.lakeworthplayhouse. org/camps/ or by calling our Box Office at 561586-6410.

Space of Mind Dec 26 - Jan 5 - Jump into an aweSOMe week of imagination and discovery! We'll dive into the creative and culinary arts for a week of Winter Break fun. Self-discovery is the main focus of our program, and we are committed to developing social, emotional and life skills for every camper. Ages 7-14. Located in Delray Beach. For more information visit www. findspaceofmind.com or call 561-894-8772.

| PBParenting.com | December 2023 19

BY AMY BERGMAN With the fast-approaching holiday season, it’s important to get your home ready for the holidays. Whether you are hosting visitors from out of town, guests for a party or festive meal, or a group of neighbors for a cookie swap, now is time to declutter and tidy up.

participate, include them in this process, let them feel like they have some control. The goal is to dispose of toys that are broken and donate toys that are gently used.

For clothing, sort by anything the kids may have outgrown through the years, anything Most of us focus our tidying up to the torn or damaged, and clothes they no longer “common areas” of the home (foyer, living wear. The next step is to throw away the room, etc.). But, as a professional organizer, clothes that cannot be repaired and donate there are three spaces I suggest purging gently worn clothing to their local donation before the holidays: the kid’s room, the kitchen center. and the primary bedroom. Here are some amazing tips on how to purge and get things The Kitchen ready.

This may be the most intimidating of the three spaces, but it’s the most beneficial space to The Kid’s Room tackle before holiday cooking begins. Start by The first step is to focus on the toys and going through their pantry and refrigerator clothing. Most likely, there will some new toys and throwing away any expired foods. If you coming into the space so let’s make space have food items in your pantry you know for them now. If the kids are old enough to you won’t use before they expire, donate it 20 December 2023| PB Parenting |

to a local food bank. Next, strategically place utensils where they make the most sense is key to quick and easy cooking and baking.

Finally, restock your baking supplies and any unique holiday ingredients.

The Primary Bedroom Purging the closet is the perfect time for you to create a wish list for your loved ones. Get rid of items you no longer wear, don’t fit, or are damaged beyond repair. Throw away the clothes that are damaged and donate the clothes that are gently worn to their local donation center. Take a moment to put together a few outfits that you know you will need to wear to upcoming holiday gatherings and events (family meals, school concerts, work parties, etc.). This is also the perfect time to hang ALL of your hangers backwards (this will help you to see what items you actually wear over the next few months).

Of course, there are many other spaces in our home that could use a good tidying up before

the holidays, but perhaps by starting with these three areas you will be inspired to tackle the rest! And as always, I am here to help with the process! We can do this together, and I look forward to sharing even MORE holiday hacks on Facebook and Instagram in the coming weeks, follow me so you don’t miss anything!

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.

Submit an application at www.mysota.net/applicants

(561) 290-7661 www.mysota.net /sotacharters The hallmark of GSOTA’s charter program is our K-8 Technology Course Schedule with instruction at all grade levels in: • Coding/Programming (includes robotics, game design, raspberry pi, etc.)

• Digital Art (includes digital drawing, animation, 3D design, web design, etc.)

• Maker Innovation (includes 3D printing, engineering, resourceful design, etc.)

Delving into these domains equips our students with resources for future success in the Digital Age workplace.

Visit our Campus!

OPEN HOUSE DATES: JAN. 25 • FEB. 28 • MAR. 26 5:00 - 6:00 PM

We look forward to meeting you!

At GSOTA, learning is more than the attainment of knowledge; it is a journey of discovery, application, and conversion of information into effective, meaningful life skills and practices. We provide: • Rich and comprehensive academics in an innovative setting with balanced preparation for standardized tests.

• Development of personal accountability, social aptitude, empathy, positivity, resilience and self-efficacy.

• Attention to social-emotional wellness and mindfulness as part of whole-child development.

• Inclusiveness and participation with each student as a unique and important component of the community. | PBParenting.com | December 2023 21 • Open door for parent involvement with consistent two-way communication and partnership.

Olive Oil Gingerbread Cookies Get into the holiday spirit with our Olive Oil Gingerbread Cookies! These delectable treats are baked with Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil to reduce fats and bad cholesterol. The glaze made from Perugina Milk Chocolate is irresistible.

Equipment for the Cookies: Your favorite cookie cutters (we used spoonshaped and gingerbread shaped ones) Baking sheet Parchment paper

For the Cookies: 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 2 tbsp ground ginger 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp ground cloves ¼ tsp ground allspice 1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp fine sea salt 1 egg ¾ cup packed light brown sugar 1/3 cup Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1/3 cup blackstrap molasses

For the chocolate glaze: 3 ½ oz Perugina Milk Chocolate

22 December 2023| PB Parenting |

Equipment for the chocolate glaze: Digital thermometer Double boiler (OR microwave) Heat resistant spatula Instructions for the cookies: 1. In a large bowl sift together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, ground clove, allspice, baking soda, and salt.

2. In the bowl of a standing mixer beat the egg 8. Do not let the temperature of the chocolate and light brown sugar until fluffy, then beat in the exceed120°F for dark chocolate. When the olive oil and molasses until well combined. chocolate has fully melted, remove the bowl from heat. Wipe the bottom of the bowl to get rid of 3. Beat in the flour mixture in two additions until any condensation. well combined. The dough should be slightly stiff.

Turn out onto a clean table, give it a couple of 9.Stir in the remaining third of the chocolate a turns and form the dough into a ½ inch flat slab, little at a time. Let it melt before adding more. wrap with plastic. Chill for at least 1 hour, but you could store in the refrigerator overnight and bake 10.Check the temperature again. You are aiming the next day. for a range of 88°F to 91°F. If it is warmer, keep stirring and let it cool some more. If it is cooler, 4. Preheat oven to 350º. On a lightly floured place over the simmering water for 30 seconds surface, OR between plastic wrap, roll out dough to a minute to reach 88° to 91°F. Remove the to ¼ inch thick. The dough will become stickier bowl from heat once you have reached the right as it warms up, so feel free to work with only part temperature. of the dough, while keeping the remainder in the refrigerator until ready to cut. Cut out shapes 11. To test the chocolate, spread a small spoonful using your favorite cookie cutters and carefully on a piece of wax paper. If it looks dull or streaky, arrange the cookies 1 inch apart on parchment re-temper the chocolate. If it dries quickly with paper-lined baking sheets. Brush off any excess a glossy finish and no streaks, the chocolate is in flour. temper.Note: To keep the chocolate in temper, it must be used before it cools and sets. If it cools 5. Bake until cookies are golden brown around and solidifies, it can be re-tempered by heating the edges, about 10 minutes rotating pans it for 5 to 10 seconds at a time, stirring and halfway through. Allow to cool for 5 minutes on checking the temperature again. Always aim for baking sheet and transfer to cooling racks to cool 88°F to 91°F. Dip cookies in chocolate. completely.

Microwave instructions: Instructions for the chocolate glaze: To heat chocolate in the microwave, place all the 6. Finely chop the bar of Perugina chocolate. chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.

7. Place two-thirds of the chocolate in the top bowl of a double boiler. Fill the bottom pot with about an inch or two of water. Place the bowl of chocolate on top, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Bring the water to a simmer. The chocolate will begin to melt. Place a candy thermometer or digital thermometer in the chocolate and stir frequently with a rubber spatula.

Microwave on high for 15 seconds at a time, stirring in between microwave sessions.

When the chocolate is mostly melted, stir to incorporate and melt the rest of the chocolate.

Proceed to step 11 above. https://colavitarecipes.com/recipe/olive-oilginger-spice-cutout-cookies/

Check out pageS 8-13 For more Holiday Events

EVENTS

& Things to Do

Kids Rush Deal at Adrenaline Entertainment Center Weekdays only MONDAY-FRIDAY starting at 10 AM -1PM For each toddler, Ages 6 and under are $10, For each toddler, one guardian jumps for $2. For more info www. jumpadrenaline.com/lake-worth Sensory Saturdays at Loggerhead Marinelife Center Saturday, Dec. 2nd @ 9am to 10am. LMC’s new way to experience our facility with minimal crowds and sensory triggers. Learn more at https://marinelife. org/events/ MINDFUL MOMENTS ADULT YOGA at Manatee Lagoon Join us for adult yoga against the calming backdrop of Lake Worth Lagoon. Classes are led by certified instructors. Participants must be 18 or older. Date and time: Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 5:45 - 6:45 p.m., Saturday mornings, 8 - 9 a.m. Location: Outdoors near the observation deck Cost: $5 (pre-registration required, register here https://www.visitmanateelagoon.com/event/ adult-yoga) A fun-filled, family-friendly venue offering events year round!

VisitManateeLagoon.com 24 December 2023| PB Parenting | 561-MAN-ATEE (626-2833)

artNest is bringing their Mini Gingerbread House Pop-up BACK! After a huge success last year, we're going to be offering another specialty Gingerbread Pop-Up this year! Drop your kids off at artNEST to create some incredible and uniquely sweet houses & cookies just in time for Holidays. This is a seasonal MUST...and the best of all, they will clean up so you don't have to! Pop-up includes a Pizza Dinner. Bring along a reusable water bottle. Dop off only Ages 3-8. Delray Studio: Thursday. December 14th from 4:00pm-7:00pm.

Boca Studio: Wednesday December 13th from 3:30pm-4:30pm. Click here to sign up! - https://linktr.ee/artneststudios Send Holiday Greetings at the Mandel Public Library –For kids of all ages! Stop by the library’s holiday corner to write a letter to Santa or make a holiday card for family and friends, then drop it in the holiday mailbox. Children who write letters to Santa and provide a home address will receive a letter back from the jolly old elf himself! No registration required.

Click Here for more information https:// wpbcitylibrary.libcal.com/event/11540306 or call (561)–868-7703.

Sandi Lights Up The Night – Sandi and her tribe come to life and illuminate Downtown WPB nightly with lights and bling. Guests can

enjoy a magical music and light show every 15 minutes each night that will enchant kids of all ages. Click Here for more information https:// www.wpb.org/government/community-events/ events/holiday-in-paradise/sandi-tree-lighting.

December 11 - 14 from 5:00 - 6:30 pm join

Winter Break is Dec. 25 -Jan 8, 2022 Check out Page 18 for some great camp ideas!

Friday Dec. 29th at 5 PM at the Square Afrique Ngozi Dance & Drums Kwanzaa Performance = Afrique Ngozi Dance & Drums is bringing an immersive cultural celebration of Kwanzaa to The Square. This family-friendly event will explore the seven principles that make up Kwanzaa and feature live West African dancing and drumming. Learn more here https://www.thesquarewestpalm.com/kwanzaa

Mandel JCC at both their Palm Beach Gardens and Boynton Beach locations for the Hanukkah Festival of Food Trucks! Each night features two main course food trucks, one dessert truck, a special children's activity, and a Hanukkah craft. We will also be collecting donations of new, unwrapped toys for those in need this season.

Learn more at https://www.jcconline.com/ Sun. Dec. 17th at 7 am - 11th Wellington Jingle Bells 5K -This is the coolest Toy Drive in Town. Prizes for Male Female Age Group, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Elves & Stroller Division. The 11th Annual Wellington Holiday Run 5K (Certified

by USA Track and Field) will be held on Sunday December 17, 2023 at 7:00 am around the inside of the Village Park campus, located at 11700 Pierson Rd Wellington, FL 33414. Register at www.active.com/wellington-fl/running/distancerunning-races/11th-wellingtonjingle-bells5k-2023

Noon Year's Eve at Cox Science Center - Ring in the new year on our 5-acre Science Trail when the clock strikes NOON! Live Science demos, music and dancing, DIY confetti poppers and more. Families will toast to the new new year with dry ice apple cider. For more information www.coxsciencecenter.org/ noon-years-eve. | PBParenting.com | December 2023 25