Holiday Guift Guide 2012 by Parent Guide Magazine

GRATEFUL MOMENTS | HOLIDAY TRADITIONS | CHRISTMAS GONE TO THE DOGS

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Favorite Holiday Tunes

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Publishing Group SPECTRUM COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA GROUP Publisher JACK HALL Executive Editor GEODIE BAXTER PADGETT Creative Director PAPANDE NEWMAN Web Editor CLAUDIA COKIS Assistant Editor LAUREN LIEBERMAN Mailing/Dist MD@PARENTGUIDE.COM Social Media CLAUDIA COKIS Marketing/Partnerships MP@PARENTGUIDE.COM Products/Reviews EDITOR@PARENTGUIDE.COM Parent Advisor LINDA SILVA, L.M.H.C.

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Editors Note Can’t Miss Holiday TV Classics One night during the holiday season, while I was doing my writerly thing, a cacophony of silly giggles rang out from the living room. When I got up to see what was causing my two impossible-to-impress tweenagers and their father to all be laughing at the same time, a smile spread across my face. The three of them were bunched up together under a blanket watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Of course, as soon as the infectious “Snoopy’s Theme” played (by Schroeder on his tiny piano), the two boys leapt up and pranced around the room, striking poses and looking just as goofy as the Peanuts characters dancing on the TV. The boys laughed so hard they fell on the floor, and I couldn’t help but feel good that something other than a video game (which I limit as much as possible) had drawn them in and entertained them. Later, I marveled how those holiday specials that I grew up with (some from the 1960s) still resonated with my techno-speak kids, even though the animation was nothing like what they were growing up with. There was no 3-D Santa sleigh taking you on a roller coaster ride through the skies or sparkling CGI Christmas worlds filled with thousands of elves in those classic shows. They were clean fun, simple animation (or Claymation) with good storylines and catchy tunes that earned a place in our hearts and in our rituals for the holidays. Besides “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” some of my other favorites included “Rudolf the RedNosed Reindeer,” “The Year Without a Santa Claus” and “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” Of course, I also fell in love with several live-action movies such as “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Miracle on 34th Street” and the Emmy-winning special “The House Without a Christmas Tree”—all which filled me with joy and the holiday spirit every time I saw them. In the past, I had quietly checked the dates that the specials were playing and turned them on for a little seasonal cheer. But now, I realized that, just like when I was a child, these classics were part of family holiday rituals. And it was time I made them part of my family’s holiday ritual. So this year, I’ll be checking the airdates (or renting them through Netflix), making some hot cocoa and planning a fun, family night where we can all prance around the house like goofy cartoon characters at Christmastime. Why don’t you join us?

Geodie Baxter Padgett Executive Editor 4

parentguide.com

Holiday 2012 CONTENTS Features

Departments Money Talks: Dave Ramsey gives financial advice on how to save up for your next car. A Dad’s Life: Kurt Goerke shows us how Christmas is really for the dog in all of us.

Editor’s Note

Annual Holiday Wish Guide

Holiday Book Guide

Giving Back

20 Terrible Gifts for Kids, Teen and Adults

Short History of Holiday Music, from Hymns to Rock n’ Roll

Teachable Moment: Susan Bartell shares what she’s grateful for at this special time of year. Family Life: Traci McGrath offers holiday traditions from parents involved with Simplicity Parenting.

INSIDE Holiday Wish Guide ParentGuide® 5

DISCOVER THE SAVINGS! DISCOVER THE FUN!

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Holiday Wish Guide ParentGuide速 7

Holiday Wish Guide Babies and Toddlers Gifts

Personalized Baby Gifts Stylish Pacifier Pods

Keep pacifiers clean and easily accessible with the new Pacifier Pod from Kalencom. It makes a great stocking stuffer. A Velcro strap secures the pod to diaper bags or strollers and comes in a variety of trendy patterns. The Pacifier Pod is available for $10 from www.kalencom.com.

Turtle Tunes

for

Baby

This cute, plush turtle comes with a brightly-colored musical shell that babies can touch to play different musical notes. It encourages vision development, audio awareness and comes with three musical modes. It's available at Target, Amazon and Toys R Us for $29.99.

parentguide.com

Baby Be Hip offers dozens of baby items with preppy monograms and trendy personalized designs. Their bucket gift sets include matching burp clothes, towels or blankets. Prices range from $44-$250 online at www.babybehip.com.

Marquis

Waterford

Baby's 1st Christmas 2012 Ornament

Commemorate babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Christmas with this beautiful ornament that combines artisan craftsmanship with the radiance of fine crystal. The three-and-a-halfinch ornament will make a stunning and sentimental addition to any tree. $29.95 Visit macys.com to see all Waterfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ornaments.

Product Reviews I

Geodie Baxter Padgett

Kids Gifts

Warming, Snuggle Mate

The Warming Ewe is a snuggly bedmate for kids that can warm up chilly nights. This little lamb comes with a removable insert that can be quickly microwaved before bed. It's available for $29.95 from www.gardeners.com.

Koosh Ball Launchers

Guard the galaxy with these oh-so-fun Koosh ball launchers. The Koosh Galaxy Solar Recon ($26.99) features glow-in-the-dark blasting power and super cool lights and sound. The Koosh Star Scout (12.99) launches quickly and is easy for kids to use. Ages 4 and older for both. Visit HasbroToyShop.com or check your local toy retailer.

Elf Magic

Featuring adorable stuffed elves for children, complete with a magical world and lore, Elf Magic delivers fun to children at the holidays. $29.95 for a 10-inch plush Elf Magic Elf straight from the North Pole. For ages 3 and older. Visit Elf-Magic.com to learn more and purchase.

Personalized Coloring Books

The personalized coloring book, “My Very Own Name,” teaches children letter recognition and how to spell their name. It also includes personalized mazes and puzzles and can be purchased for $9.95 at www.iseeme.com.

Holiday Wish Guide ParentGuide® 9

Holiday Wish Guide More Kids Gifts Teres Kids Comfy Clothes

Teres Kids clothing is so soft that 10-year-old Maria says she’d sleep in them! Kids love how they feel against their skin, and there are no labels to irritate young necks. Plus, the clothes are well made, with doubled stitching that is quite secure. They wash fabulously and do not wrinkle. Prices vary by style. Visit tereskids.com.

Laurie Berkner Christmas Album

Award-winning children’s recording artist (and downright cool Indie rocker), Laurie Berkner, has her first Christmas album “A Laurie Berkner Christmas.” Filled with holiday carols and favorites, the whole family will be singing along. $15 CD or $9.99 digital download. Visit laurieberkner.com to buy.

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For

the

Bubble Blowing R/C Vehicles

The Road Rippers Preschool Bubble Driver Ice Cream Truck and Street Sweeper combine remote-controlled action with bubble-blowing fun. Just push the button and watch bubbles fly. Available at toy stores and www.amazon.com for $15.99.

Little Chef

The parent-child cookbook, Baking Around the World, teaches about different cultures, languages and international treats through kidfriendly recipes the whole family can enjoy. The cookbook, complete with baking cups and a kidsize whisk, retails for $25 at select Bed, Bath and Beyond stores and www.handstandkids.com.

Product Reviews I

Geodie Baxter Padgett

Crayola Digital Light Designer

This new product from Crayola allows kids to create an at home light show with glowing creations that can move in 'animation' mode. Using a large stylus, kids can create and save up to 50 still images on the dome. Recommended for ages 6 and up, the Digital Light Designer can be purchased in stores for $49.99.

Crayola Marker Airbrush

Kids can create spray art on paper, fabrics and windows using their favorite markers with the Marker Airbrush from Crayola. Along with the Airbrush Sprayer, it includes eight washable markers, four fabric markers, 20 sheets of paper and four stencil sheets. It's recommend for ages 6 and up and is available in stores for $24.99.

Fun Flying Rings Kid Fashion

with a

Cause

Kids for Kids is a fashion company that features colorful artwork made by kids in need around the world from different organizations that support underprivileged and orphaned children. The company donates a share of its profits to these organizations. Children's t-shirts and bodysuits are available for $20 at www.kidsforkids.com.

Twice as fast as a frisbee and softer to catch, Sprint Rings from Aerobie offer a fun outdoor activity. The high performance rings are a compact, lightweight version of the Pro Ring, which holds the Guinness World Record for farthest throw. Sprint rings can be purchased at Clearwater Disc Golf Store in Clearwater, Fla., for $6.95 and Pro Rings for $9.95, and also at www.amazon.com.

Holiday Wish Guide ParentGuide速 11

Holiday Wish Guide

Product Reviews I

Geodie Baxter Padgett

More Kids Gifts Teaching Tech Vehicles

Kids can discover how their favorite vehicles work with Worx Toys' helicopters, race cars and trucks. Through a transparent exterior kids can see the parts inside and watch them light up when using codes from the included interactive guide book that teaches how real life vehicles work. Toys are available in toy stores and www.amazon.com for $29.99 and up.

Chuggington Play Set

This new train set is the first designed to let kids build out and up too. It also lets kids build a spiral that's over 2 ft tall. Based on the popular Chugginton characters, TOMY's Chuggington Die-Cast Railway “Wilson's Wild Ride Deluxe Action Play” set is available at Toys R Us for $59.99.

Stylish Kitchen Aprons

for

Kids

Peking Handicraft has unveiled a line of brightly colored aprons for children. Let the kids help in the kitchen and don’t worry about them spilling or wiping their hands on their clothes. They stay clean and fashionable with these soft, comfortable aprons. $20 Available at www.pkhc.com.

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2013 COVER SEARCH

Capture that Special Moment ...

Submit your photo for a chance to be chosen for the Cover of Parent Guide速 or Tampa Bay Baby 速 or maybe used in our editorial pages throughout 2013!

WIN Great Prizes for your family and Give Back to your favorite non profit! For details log on parentguide.com

Holiday Wish Guide ParentGuide速 13

Holiday Wish Guide Merry, Merry for the Kids ParentGuide’s picks for the best toys for school age, tweens and teens.

529 College Savings Plan

If you haven’t started saving for college, now’s a good time before they get any older. A 529 plan is tax free. For those looking for information, the College Savings Plans Network (CSPN) collegesavings.org offers great tools and resources to help families make informed decisions about 529 plans. Check them out today.

Eco-Friendly Glass Water Bottles

PURE glass water bottles feature an impact resistant protective outer coating that is BPA free and FDA approved as well as a cool shape. A green alternative to plastic, the bottles are dishwasher safe and cost $19.95 plus shipping at www.pureglassbottle.com.

Water-Powered Alarm Clock

Meant to resemble a small splash of water, this little alarm clock runs on ordinary tap water. It doesn't require batteries or electricity and comes in a variety of colors. It retails for $26 online at www.bedolwhatsnext.com.

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“The Princess Bride” 25th Anniversary

One of the best loved movies of all time, this enchanting, but fractured fairy tale from 20th Century Fox celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special edition that’s just perfect for tweens, teens and mom and dad. Visit walmart.com or toysrus. com to buy.

Cool Toothbrush

Clean up your teeth and the environment with the world's first compostable toothbrush and travel case. The brushes use soft bristles, come in a variety of colors and are available for $4.55 from www.worldcentric.org.

Product Reviews I

Geodie Baxter Padgett

Beach Cruiser Bikes

Enjoy a lovely sunset ride on your beach cruiser or a breathtaking sunrise in the cool morning air. To get your beach cruiser bike, check out beachbikes.com for top quality cruising bikes priced from $150.

Oka b. Eco-Chic Shoes

These stylish ballet slippers look so fancy, but feel so soft like Crocs. It’s hard to believe they’re eco-friendly—made of recycled materials. They’re versatile, too, looking elegant yet functional. Wear them with dresses, skirts, or even jeans. Priced at less than $70. Go to oka-b.com.

Yoga for Beginners with Props (from Gaiam Living)

Everything you need to get started with yoga. The Beginners kit includes a yoga mat (with alignment marks for hands and feet), yoga bricks for positioning, D-ring yoga strap for stretching and a beginners yoga DVD. The two full-length yoga DVDs contain so much information on positioning, meditation and props, you’ll feel inspired and motivated to continue your journey learning new techniques and poses. $29.98 at gaiam.com.

Holiday Wish Guide ParentGuide® 15

Holiday Wish Guide Merry, Merry for the Kids ParentGuide’s picks for the best toys for school age, tweens and teens.

Socks

for

Nature Lovers

Made from organic or recycled fibers, these ultra-soft Sierra Club socks make a green stocking stuffer for guys or gals. A portion of the proceeds go to support the eco-friendly mission of Sierra Club, and for every three pairs purchased, Parker Leg wear will donate one pair to a Sierra Club mission outdoors. Socks range from $4 for kids and $6-$8 for adults, and can be purchased at www.parkerlegwear.com.

Minecraft

There isn’t a video game like it, and most parents will approve of this creative game that involves mining and building houses, cities and worlds. Players place blocks to build anything they want. But at night, take shelter as the zombies, creepers and spiders make their moves. Available for computers or X-box. $26.95 Visit minecraft.net to learn more or purchase.

Music

in your

Mouth™

“I Got a Feeling” performed by Black Eyed Peas and “Just the Way You Are” sung by Bruno Mars are just two of the songs played by Arm & Hammer’s Tooth Tunes toothbrush. Sagen, an 11-year-old, says these toothbrushes are fun because music plays in your mouth and she can dance and brush, so kids brush longer. But really it’s because the toothbrush tells kids when to quit. Go to spinbrush.com/toothtunes to check them out.

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Product Reviews I

Geodie Baxter Padgett

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, HONEY ParentGuide’s picks for the best gifts for moms and dads.

Sterling Silver Diamond Infinity Rings (His and Hers)

Re-commit your love with these personalized “Today, Tomorrow, and Always” rings. The Bradford Exchange presents these two complimentary rings with a beautiful forever love sentiment. These rings celebrate a love that knows no end. These inspiring rings are available for $149.00 each at www.bradfordexchange.com.

Kindle Fire HD 8.9”

Kindle Fire HD 8.9” offers extreme HD entertainment bar none to any other tablet. Compare for yourself at Amazon.com. This newest of the Kindle Fire family offers stunning HD display, Dolby Audio, Dual – Band DualAntenna Wi-Fi, and front facing HD camera. Plus, so much more. Available in 16 or 32 GB and starting at $299.00 for this impressive tablet. Pre-order from Amazon before scheduled release on November 20, 2012.

Sally Hansen Salon Gel Polish Starter Kit

This kit includes everything you need to get started on a professional looking manicure. The gel polish starter kit includes 1 LED Lamp, 1 gel base coat, 1 gel nail color, 1 gel top coat, 10 nail cleanser pads, acetone remover, cuticle stick, file and buffer and instruction sheet. It’s a fast, easy, economical and long-lasting solution to expensive manicures. $27.99 at Target.com.

Holiday Wish Guide ParentGuide® 17

Holiday Wish Guide HAPPY HOLIDAYS, HONEY ParentGuide’s picks for the best gifts for moms and dads.

Christmas at the Biltmore, Ashville, NC

Experience an old-fashioned Christmas Wonderland at the Biltmore. Three-night accommodations include Estate daytime admissions, Biltmore House audio guide, valet parking at the Inn, and complimentary estate shuttle service. Packages start at $1926.00 with a daily buffet breakfast and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner. Reserve early. 866-336-1245 or www.biltmore.com

Pointelle Knit Sweater (from Gaiam Living) Luxurious and cozy at the same time, this “Eco Style” sweater with flowing open shawl provides pure comfort. Wear it with your favorite jeans, yoga pants or business casual. You can’t go wrong with this wardrobe classic. $134 Visit gaiam.com to select your color and buy.

T-Shirt

of the

Month

Sign-up your guy for the Busted Tees Shirt of the Month Club. As a reminder of how special he is, he’ll receive a new shirt each and every month. These unique super cool t-shirts are screen printed on soft high-quality cotton and feel incredibly comfortable. Three, six, and twelve-month subscriptions available. Three-month packages start at $50.00. www.bustedtees.com

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Product Reviews I

WearEver Pure Living

Most folks would say not to give anything that reminds mom about work as a gift. But with the Pure Living line of cookware from WearEver, mom’s life just got easier. The ceramic coating is toxic-free and chemical-free, dishwasher safe, durable and supereasy to clean. $24.99 Available at WalMart and amazon.com.

Geodie Baxter Padgett

Sleep Better BackJoy

with

Relieve back pain and improve posture with a pillow that self adjusts to any sleeping position. The Posture Sleep pillow from BackJoy has the same comfort of down, is hypoallergenic and even reduces snoring. Great for kids to grandpa, the pillow is available for $89.99 at www.backjoy.com.

Charge Your Phone on the Go Good

for

You Soap

Nature's Gate vegetable based Bar Soap makes a great stocking stuffer for the green-minded. With seven Natural Moisture Boosters to hydrate and soften skin, it's available in Aloe Vera, Oatmeal, Tea Tree, Herbal and Pomegranate Sunflower for $3.79 at www.shopnatures-gate.com.

The PowerBar 4200 is a handy gadget for charging smart phones and iPods on the go, when a power outlet isn't available. It holds enough power to charge your device twice and boasts it’s the lightest, slimmest charger on the market. Available for $79.99 from www.fatcatgear.com.

Holiday Wish Guide ParentGuide® 19

Holiday Wish Guide HAPPY HOLIDAYS, HONEY ParentGuide’s picks for the best gifts for moms and dads.

LES EXCLUSIF Collection (body lotion from Chanel)

This subtle yet unforgettable fragrance is soft and light enough to wear alone and perfect to layer your skin with Channel’s LES EXCLUSIF Collection. This luxurious lotion drenches the skin with pure luxury. Priced at $130.00 and available at all finer department stores everywhere or at www.chanel.com.

Tree of Life Yoga Set (from Gaiam Living)

Peace, love and joy is what I feel when you lay on this mat. The Tree of Life Mat is non-skid, light weight and yet stable enough to carry you in all your yoga poses. The embroidered tote bag is so roomy that it's large enough to carry your mat, towel, clothes and of course the beautiful stainless steel water bottle that comes with the set. The water bottle is BPA-free and 100% recyclable. $56.00 at gaiam.com.

Gourmet Station, Fine Dining Delivered

Show them that you care throughout the year. These meal club certificates make each month an international celebration with a different meal of the month selection. Visit www.gourmetstation.com. An exquisite four-course dinner for two “Dinner of the Month” starts at $299.00.

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Product Reviews I

Geodie Baxter Padgett

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, FAMILY ParentGuide’s picks for the best gifts for the whole family.

Sponsor

Wild Place

Give a unique gift and preserve America's wild legacy by sponsoring a wild place through Sierra Club. Choose to support one of many Wild Places including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the Everglades, the Grand Canyon and more. Sponsorship levels range from $25 -$100, include a cute plush toy and can be purchased at www.sierraclub.org.

Christmas Classics on DVD and Blu-Ray

Wilderness Calendar

The Sierra Club's Wilderness calendar has been a perennial favorite for more than thirty years, with more than 8 million copies sold. The spiralbound 2013 calendar features vivid images of flora and fauna throughout the American wilderness. Calenders can be purchased at bookstores and Amazon for $12.95.

The holidays just aren't complete without watching those favorite TV specials like “Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “Santa Claus is Comin' to Town” and “Frosty Returns.” The Christmas Collection box set contains all those iconic favorites and is available wherever DVDs ($29.93 ) or blu-rays ($44.95) are sold.

Greek Yogurt Bars

Keep your energy up during this very busy time of year with Rickland Orchard’s Greek Yogurt Bars. With seven grams of protein and five grams of fiber, these bars will give you a great pick-me-up so you can enjoy the holidays. $1.79 a bar. Available at Sam’s Clubs, Costco or ricklandorchards.com.

Holiday Wish Guide ParentGuide® 21

Holiday Book Book Guide Reviews I

Geodie Baxter Padgett

The Thankful Book

As we bask in the joy of the holiday season, it’s always important to remember to be thankful. New York Times bestselling author, Todd Parr, captures that thankfulness in his new book. Colorful and fun, each page is filled with something a child (and adult) can be thankful for. A great way to teach gratitude! $9.99 Visit lb-kids.com or toddparr.com to purchase.

Julie Andrews’ Treasury Seasons

for

All

With paintings as illustrations, this beautiful collection of poetry and song lyrics for young and older takes you through the seasons. Compiled by famed actress and writer Julie Andrews and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, this collection is perfect for families to enjoy and share. List price $19.99 Check amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com to learn more or purchase.

Nighttime Ninja

Late at night when all is quiet, a ninja sneaks through the house! This creative book features gorgeous illustrations from master paper cutter Ed Young. It’s a visual treat, with minimal text (very ninja like). List price $16.99 Check amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com for purchasing.

The Night Santa Got Lost: How NORAD Saved Christmas

Every Christmas Eve, thousands of children turn on the computer to the see where Santa is, courtesy of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). They follow his track and plan their Christmas Eve accordingly. In this story, a blizzard knocks Santa off track, and only NORAD can help him find his way. List price $14.95 To buy, check barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.

Feelings Books

From Ruby’s Studio and “The Feelings Show” comes several books on feelings and how kids can express them in a healthy way. From “Sally Simon Simmons’ Super Frustrating Day” to “A Little Book About Feelings” and the “My Feelings” personalized activity book, parents can equip their kids to handle emotions more effectively. $12.95 Visit RubysStudio.com for more info.

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The Original Resource for the Whole Family Holiday Wish Guide ParentGuide® 23

Holiday featured article 20 Terrible Gifts for Kids, Teens and Adults By Rachael Moshman

Ever get one of those gifts? I received a goat for Christmas when I was seven. It was a live goat, which my friend recently pointed out is way better than a dead goat. I didn’t live on a farm and had never expressed interest in owning a goat. Obviously, my family doesn’t have a knack for gift giving. My grandmother gave my 11-yearold daughter a used purse last year. It was filthy and had old cough drops and tissues still inside. Clearly, I know a thing or two about bad gifts!

Here

are some items to avoid.

Kids

Tweens & Teens

School

Items

supplies You might be able to get away with some cute character pencils or stickers as a stocking stuffer, but even that is pushing it. Do you want someone to give you office supplies as a gift? Kids don’t want items related to their work (school) as a gift either.

Fruit

Food is a necessity. Children shouldn’t be given necessities as gifts. That takes the magic out of it!

Socks

and underwear It doesn’t matter how cute the designs are, children are not going to be excited to get socks or underwear. In fact, unwrapping them in public could be downright embarrassing for the child.

Generic

versions of toys they really want I loved Barbie dolls, but frequently received generic versions with hair that immediately fell out. If you can’t afford what they really want, consider a gift card or cash they can put toward buying it themselves.

Animals

Puppies, kittens and guinea pigs are adorable, but you want to be certain the child is committed to caring for a new pet once the novelty wears off.

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for kids Stacy Gohman, a scientist in California hoping to start a family in the New Year, says, “I received a book about how to make hair bows and barrettes with ribbons. It was for elementary girls. I was 17.” Just because they enjoyed an activity as a child doesn’t mean they are still into it as a teen—or that they are willing to admit it.

Clothing

Teens are very opinionated about what they wear. It is very rare that an adult will get it right. Take them shopping or give gift cards so they can pick out their own clothes.

Personal

hygiene items Tweens and teens are very sensitive. A gift of deodorant or body spray could be interpreted as saying they stink.

Self-help

books Again, this could lead to hurt feelings. My friend Stephanie Davis, a professor and mom of two, had a grandma who gave her a book called “Chipping Away the Teen Attitude” when she was in high school.

CDs

It’s unlikely you’ll pick something they want to listen to, plus they download all of their music.

ParentGuide Featured Article I Rachael Moshman Men

Women

Cologne

Cleaning

Ties

Weight

male stereotype gifts Not all men enjoy grilling, hunting, fishing, golf or football. If you aren’t certain that he enjoys the activity, don’t give a gift that has anything to do with it.

Home

Sports

paraphernalia If you aren’t 100 percent certain of his favorite team, don’t buy anything with a sports logo. Men take their team pride very seriously!

Perfume

Pajamas

Holiday

from the dollar store Actually, stay away from anything from the dollar store!

If he regularly wears ties, he probably has more than enough. If he doesn’t typically wear them, he’s not going to start just because you gave him one featuring Yoda or Santa Claus surfing.

Do men actually wear pajamas? Let him pick out what is comfortable to sleep in himself.

supplies It doesn’t matter if she’s a neat freak, she doesn’t want cleaning supplies. loss items Donna Hedgecock, a Florida high school teacher and mother to two girls, says the worst gift she ever received was a Weight Watchers cookbook. She wasn’t on a diet. furnishings No matter how thoughtful, it may not match her décor or tastes. I don’t invite my aunt to my home because she’ll see the three-foot tall giraffe statue she gave me is missing.

Most women only wear one scent, so if you don’t know it, skip perfume. Also, strong scents give some women migraines. sweaters She’ll say she loves it and might even put it on immediately. She’s lying to spare your feelings. No one wants one of these, even if you spent hours knitting it yourself.

If you’re going to a “worst gift” party, any of the items I mentioned will make you a strong contender. Otherwise, steer clear of them! If you’re really stuck on an appropriate gift, consider making a charitable donation in the recipient’s name to a cause that matters to them. Rachael Moshman is a freelance writer and blogger. She did not keep the goat. Find her at www.rachaelmoshman.com.

Holiday Wish Guide ParentGuide® 25

Holiday family event picks Tampa Bays Region & More!

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Tampa Bay Area Busch Gardens Christmas Town Busch Gardens if offering a new holiday attraction this year which includes 80 miles of lights, holiday shows and tons of blown in snow. Visit www.buschgardens.com. Date: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening through Dec. 23. Price: General Admission is $39.99 for adults, $14.99 for children.Advance online tickets are $24.99, $9.99 for children. Discount tickets also are available through Publix, Fantastic Sam's, Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola sold at Walmart and for AAA members. Busch Gardens 10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa Downtown Tampa Holiday Parade The parade steps off at Morgan Street and Kennedy Boulevard, travels west on Kennedy Boulevard to Ashley Drive, then turns north to end at Ashley Drive and Cass Street. It includes floats, marching bands, dance troops and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Visit www.friendsoftamparec.org. Date: Dec. 1 at 11 a.m. Price: Free Parade start point Morgan Street and Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa Dunedin Holiday Parade The parade will feature festive floats, bands and entertainers as well as the arrival of Santa Claus. After the parade, attendees may stay and enjoy an Old-fashioned Christmas with live music performances, carriage rides, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities and snow. Visit www.dunedingov.com. Date: Dec. 11, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Price: Free Dunedin Public Library 223 Douglas Ave., Dunedin Dunedin Holiday Boat Parade Decorated boats will leave Marker 1 Marina and travel south down the Intercoastal Waterway to the Dunedin Marina. Santa will ride on the last boat and light the city's largest tree in Edgewater Park upon his arrival. Visit www.dunedingov.com. Date: Dec 1 at 6 p.m. Price: Free Dunedin Marina 51 Main St., Dunedin

Florida Orchestra Pops: Holiday Pops In the annual holiday celebration, Stuart Malina leads the orchestra and master chorale of Tampa Bay in performing in beloved Christmas carols and other holiday favorites. Call (813) 229-7827. Date: Dec. 21-22 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Price: $15-$45 Ferguson Hall at David A. Stratz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa Free Pancakes at Ihop Ihop restaurants In honor of National Pancake Day, Ihop is offering free pancakes. The fundraiser aims to raise $3 million to kick off Children's Miracle Network Hospital's 30th anniversary. Date: Feb. 5. Price: Free Ihop All participating Ihop locations. Historic Holiday Spirit Parade Snow flurries cover Seventh Avenue for this night of horse drawn carriages, marching bands and holiday music. Call (813) 748-0069. Date: Dec. 15 at 8 p.m. Price: Free Snow on Seventh Street Seventh Avenue between 15th and 17th Streets, Tampa Holiday Lights in the Garden Visit the Florida Botanical Gardens' annual Holiday Light festival. More than 500,000 lights will illuminate the thousands of plants and trees that already make the gardens shine year-round. Home-grown entertainers will perform nightly. Visit www.flbg.org. Date: Daily through Jan. 1, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Price: Suggested donation $2. Florida Botanical Gardens 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo

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Tampa Bay Area Largo’s Holiday Stroll The annual holiday events boasts more than a million lights and the bluesy music of the Steve Arvey Horn Band. Shelters throughout the park will feature a different holiday story, and activity or craft for all ages. The official holiday tree lighting will take place at 7 p.m., in the center of the park. Limited on-site parking will be offered, along with free shuttles from Largo High and the Pinellas County School Board. Visit www.LargoEvents.com. Date: Dec. 4, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Price: Free Largo Central Park 225 Central Park Drive, Largo Madeira Beach Festival of Lights Holiday Boat Parade Decorated boats meet next to City Hall and travel through the Intracoastal Waterway and canals to the John's Pass Bridge. Visit www.madeirabeachfl.gov. Date: Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. Price: Free Madeira Beach City Hall 300 Municipal Drive, Madeira Beach Miracle on Cleveland Street with Snow Clearwater's Cleveland Street district will be dressed with snow for snow activities, visits with Santa and more holiday entertainment. Visit http://BlastFridayClearwater.com. Date: Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. Price: Free 400 block of Cleveland Street Osceola Avenue and Cleveland Street, Clearwater Moscow Ballet: The Great Russian Nutcracker This 20th anniversary production features new choreography called “Dove of Peace,” by Stanislov Vlasov, a Christmas tree that grows to seven stories tall, falling snow and Troika sleigh escorted by Russian folk, and 200 hand-sewn costumes designed by Arthur Oliver. Visit www.themahaffey.com. Date: Dec. 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. Price: $32.50 - $190 Mahaffey Theater 400 First St. S, St. Petersburg

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Pinellas Park Holiday Parade The 40th annual Pinellas Park Holiday parade features bands, floats, soldiers, dancers and equestrian groups. Visit www.celebratepinellaspark.com. Date: Dec 8 at 6 p.m. Price: Free Parade route Park Blvd. and 58th St., Pinellas Park Rockapella A special holiday performance by the a capella group with an R&B sound. Call (813) 274-8982. Date: Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. Price: $29 Tampa Theatre 711 Franklin St., Tampa Safety Harbor Holiday Parade The annual parade down Main Street, includes Shriner clowns, car clubs, walking units, high school marching bands and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Visit www.safetyharborevents.com. Date: Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. Price: Free Parade route Main Street and Second Avenue N, Safety Harbor Scott's Fall Corn Maize Journey through a seven acre corn maize where you will find pictures, clues and games that make learning fun. Also on site is the living tree maze and children's activities, a 60-foot super slide and the "jumping pillow" bounce house without walls. There are no water fountains so be sure to bring water or money to purchase it. Visit www.longandscottfarms.com. Date: Through Dec.16, every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Price: $11, $9 ages 3-16, 2 and younger free Long and Scott Farms 26216 County Road 448A, Mt. Dora Snowfest and Santa Parade The annual Santa parade begins at Central Avenue and Fifth Street. After the parade, 65 tons of snow will be blown in for activities including toboggan rides, makeand-take crafts, climbing wall, reindeer races, visits with Santa, a giant greeting card display and kiddie land (for ages 3-5). Call (727) 893-7441 for more information. Date: Dec. 1 at 11 a.m. Price: $5 wristband, $5 skating. North Straub Park Fifth Avenue NE and Bayshore Drive, St. Petersburg

Tampa Bay Area Snow Place Like Tarpon Snow will be falling on Tarpon Avenue for this party with real reindeer, holiday hay rides, shopping, vendors, music, food and a mailbox for letters to Santa Claus. Call (727) 9349255. Date: Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. Price: Free Tarpon Avenue Alt US 19 and near N Ring Ave., Tarpon Springs Tampa Bay Jingle Bell Run/Walk Family-friendly event featuring a 5K or 1-mile route, a holiday costume contest, kids' activities and Santa chase, food, entertainment, beer and mimosas, and all participants receive an official long-sleeve Jingle Bell T-shirt, goodie bag and jingle bells. Call (813) 968-7000. Date: Dec. 15 at 9 a.m.. Check in begins at 7:30 a.m. Price: Pre-event cost is $25 for adults and $15 for kids. Dayof cost is $35 for adults and $20 for kids. Hillsborough Community College Dale Mabry Campus 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd., Tampa Tampa's Downtown on Ice Even in the Sunshine State you can enjoy an outdoor ice skating rink this holiday season. Each 90 minute session includes skate rental. Visit www.friendsoftamparec.org Date: Daily through Jan. 5. Price: $10 Curtis Dixon Park 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa Tarpon Springs Christmas Parade The annual parade includes Shriners clowns and members on a wide variety of vehicles, floats and community marching units. After the parade, the fun moves to Craig Park for candy cane hunts and pictures with Santa and his elves. Call (727) 937-6109. Date: Dec. 15 at 10 a.m. Price: Free Parade Intersection S. Pinellas Avenue and Mears Boulevard, Tarpon Springs Trans-Siberian Orchestra The progressive rock opera heroes are bringing their Christmas show to Tampa. The group will perform it's rockin' original holidays songs, storytelling and light show. Visit www.tampabaytimesforum.com. Date: Dec 15 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Price: $30 - $68 Tampa Bay Times Forum 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa

Wild Wonderland The Lowry Park Zoo closes at 5 p.m. and reopens at 6:30 p.m. for the annual evening holiday festival. The zoo will feature penguins, live reindeer, visits with Santa, the Arctic Freeze Ice slide, games, inflatables and more. Visit www.lowryparkzoo.com. Date: Dec. 8 and Dec. 14 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 30 at 6:30 p.m. Price:$13, $11 ages 3-11, 2 and younger free. Lowry Park Zoo 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa Weeki Wachee River Lighted Christmas Boat Parade The parade, open to all boat owners, starts at the Weeki Wachee Marina and travels past Rogers Park to the Bayport Pier. Call (352) 596-2852. Date: Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m. Price: Free Rogers Park 7244 Shoal Line Blvd., Weeki Wachee

Sarasota Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Celebrate Christmas Eve in beautiful downtown Sarasota's Selby Five Points Park with a traditional candlelight service and live music. Visit www.communityaffair.com. Date: Dec. 24, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Price: Free Selby Five Points Park 1331 First St., Sarasota Christmas at Grace Lights Display Over 1/2 Million Christmas Lights, decorating 300 blinking Christmas trees and motorized displays, will be set to music created by the world's largest theatre pipe organ in a church. The event also includes Hayrides, a Snow slide, Kids Interactive Juggling shows, Christmas songs Karaoke, and Silent Movies on chosen nights. Visit www.gracebaptistchurch.com. Date: Dec. 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dec. 26, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Price: Free Grace Baptist Church 8000 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota

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Sarasota

Polk County

Fire & Starlight New Year's Eve Party Bring the kids to this family-friendly New Year's Eve party with a focus on outdoor fun. The museum's Mangrove Lights display will dazzle the family after first making a stop at the bonfires to toast marshmallows. There will be games and crafts as well. All under the stars which are best seen from the long footbridge across Little Sarasota Bay. Visit www.historicspanishpoint.org. Date: Dec. 31, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Price: Free Historic Spanish Point 337 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey

Carols in the Park The annual Christmas arts & craft show is expecting over 20,000 attendees for a Community Christmas Tree lighting, musical performances, food vendors and more. Visit www.mywinterhaven.com. Date: Dec. 1-2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Price: Free Central Park Winter Haven 5th St SW, Winter Haven

Holidays Around the Ranch Pictures with Santa Claus, the Harvest Methodist Church Choir will sing carols for the lighting of the tree, outdoor skating on the acrylic rink, a DVD made with Dance Heads Florida, sugar cookie decorating, the "Choo Choo Express," children can stop to make a “button wreath,” street vendors, stage performances by many local dance and music studios. Visit www.lwrcac.com. Date: Dec. 14, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Price: Free Lakewood Ranch's Main street 8131 Lakewood Main St., Bradenton Lights in Bloom Stroll through the Gardens and view life-size gardenthemed holiday lights brought to you by Lights in Bloom originator Bob McComb, also known as Mr. Illuminator. Each night, guests will enjoy live holiday music and dance and food. Visit www.selby.org. Date: Dec. 15 – Dec 27, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Price: Members $13, non-members $17, kids 11 and under free Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 900 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota Snowfest Sarasota Snowing for 10 Scheduled Days, Experience Tubing, Giant Snow Slides, Bounce Houses, Caroling, Ice Skating, Christmas Trees and Free Christmas Shows with “Santa's Extravaganza” on Stage Each and Every Day. Visit with Santa, See the 20ft Snow Globe and DJ Grinch, Meet Rudolph and Frosty, Enjoy the Jellybean Jugglers, Caroling, Holiday Ice Shows, All In ONE Amazing Festival. Visit www.snowfestsarasota.com. Date: Dec. 14 – Dec. 23, Monday – Friday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday – Sunday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Price: Free Sarasota County Fairgrounds 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota

Christmas Notes The Polk County Parks & Recreation presents Christmas Notes at Homeland Heritage Park. There will be live music, kids activities and more! Visit www.parksandrec.polk-county.net. Date: Dec.15, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Price: Free Homeland Heritage Park 249 Church Avenue, Homeland Cirque du Noel The Lakeland Center Youkey Theatre will be holding a holiday performance with trapeze performers, jugglers, gymnastic clowns and Santa. Visit www.thelakelandcenter.com. Date: Dec. 12, 7:30p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Price: $40 The Lakeland Center 701 West Lime Street, Lakeland Jingle Bell Rock Party The Polk County Parks & Recreation presents the Jingle Bell Rock Party at the Wabash Community Center. Bring the kids for activities including arts & crafts, treats and refreshments, and a visit from Santa! Call (863) 284-4223. Date: Dec.9, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Price: Free Wabash Community Center 1230 Southern Avenue Lakeland Legoland Christmas Bricktackular See a 30-foot tall Christmas tree made of 270,000 bricks, a Santa scavenger hunt, meet and greets with Santa and the Lego toy soldier, entertainment and festive decorations. Visit Legoland.com. Date: Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 25. Price: Included with park admission of $75, $65 seniors and ages 3-12. Legoland One Legloland Way, Winter Haven

Polk County Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker The Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker will be performing at the Lakeland Center Youkey Theatre. Visit www.lakelandcenter.com. Date: Dec. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Price: $32.50 to $68 The Lakeland Center 701 West Lime Street, Lakeland Suessified Christmas Carol Come see a whimsical reinvention of Dickens' most beloved Christmas story in wacky rhymed couplets. Visit www.hainescitytheater.com. Date: Every Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. through Dec. 16. Price: $10 Haines City Community Theatre 801 Ledwith Ave., Haines City

Ocala A Charles Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family Christmas Collection Children and adults will marvel over the beautiful collection of colorful trees, nutcrackers, and countless decorations that the Urban family has collected over the years. Call (352) 291- 4455. Date: Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. Price: Free Appleton Museum of Art 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Candlelight Visits A rare opportunity to experience the 1856 original plantation house decorated for the holidays and stunningly illuminated by the glow of candles and soft lights, much as it may have looked when the Haile family still lived there. Visit www.hailehomestead.org. Date: Dec. 7, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Price: $10 donation, under 12 free Historic Haile Homestead 8500 SW Archer Rd., Gainesville

Coon Hollo Christmas Activities will include a 100 foot ice slide down our hillside, Horse drawn "Florida Style" sleigh rides, Christmas classic movies under the stars, nativity hayride, pictures on Santa's lap, and more! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and come celebrate Christmas in the country! Call (352) 591-0441. Price: $3 to $5 per activity Date: Dec. 14 to 16, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Coon Hollo Corn Maize 22480 N Hwy 441, Micanopy Homestead Holidays Stroll through the 1856 restored plantation home decked out in an array of traditional greenery and Victorian finery. Decorated holidays trees in almost every room! Docents in Victorian costume! Visit www.hailehomestead.org. Date: Dec 2, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Price: $10 donation, under 12 free Historic Haile Homestead 8500 SW Archer Rd., Gainesville Plaza Ice Palace Skate into the season at the Plaza Ice Palace, which will be open from 4–10pm on weekdays and 10am– 10pm on weekends. Call (352) 393-7527. Date: Daily through Jan.6. Price: Dec. 3 - 5: free, Dec. 6-Jan 13: $10/hr with skate rental, $7/hr with personal skates Bo Diddley Community Plaza 111 E. University Ave., Gainesville

From ParentGuide’s Family to your Family, wishing you the very best, and remember the reason for the season!

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GIVING BACK by Lauren Lieberman

Inspirational Stories of Those in Tampa Bay Who Go the Extra Mile for Others

Tampa Bay’s Child Philanthropist, Zach Bonner

Zach Bonner, from Tampa, Fla., may be the world’s youngest philanthropist. He started a foundation at age 6 to help homeless youth, walked across the country at age 12 to raise awareness, and now, at age 14 has a movie made out about his work. The movie “Little Red Wagon,” debuted in Tampa Nov. 9 at various theaters, including AMC Veterans 24. The screenplay was written by Patrick Sheane Duncan (“Mr. Holland’s Opus”), and directed by David Anspaugh (“Rudy,” “Hoosiers”). The cast includes Chandler Canterbury as Bonner and Anna Gunn as his mother, Laurie. “Some kids like to play baseball and some kids like to play football. But I like to do community service work,” Bonner says on his Web site, littleredwagonfaoundation.com. Bonner has filled over 4,000 backpacks for homeless youth around the country, with food and personal hygiene kits, along with candy or a small toy. He wants the kids to know he cares about their “kid” needs as well as their basic needs. Bonner started his work at age 6, after Hurricane Charley tore through the state in 2004, leaving many

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without water and electricity. Bonner wanted to help his neighbors, and began collecting water and supplies for those in need, using a little a red wagon. A year later, he started his non-profit organization. Every year, Bonner organizes a “24 hour” event, where he along with other local youth simulate being homeless for 24 hours, including spending the night in a cardboard box. He also has organized annual holiday parties for homeless youth and foster kids, victims of natural disasters, and domestic violence shelters. On Bonner’s blog, he gives credit to his mom for supporting his desire to help. “When I heard that people needed food and water, it was a natural thought process to want to help. My Mom is whom I give credit. When I told her I wanted to help, she didn’t shoot me down. She didn’t tell me all the doubts that she had about how successful I would be. She simply said, ‘Okay,’ ” Bonner writes. For more information about Zach Bonner and “The Little Red Wagon Foundation” visit: www.littleredwagonfoundation.com. To view a trailer of the movie based on Bonner, visit: www. ittleredwagonfoundation.com.

The Garbage-Men, Local High-Schoolers Making Music Out of Trash

The Garbage-Men are a band of five high school boys from Sarasota, Fla., that play music on instruments they make from trash and recycled materials. The group donates all profits from gigs and CD sales to charity. “The cool thing about our band isn’t just the music, but the message behind the music—which is that you can reuse things like garbage that you would usually throw out to create things,” said Jack Berry, Garbage-Men guitarist and front man. Berry, 16, said the idea for the band started when he wanted to make a guitar in eighth grade. “I didn’t have any wood or a saw, so I made it from materials I could find lying around the house,” he said. He went on to add a bottle-cap pickup, a bridge made from lipstick bottles, toothpick frets and a shoelace strap. “I took it to school to show my friend Ollie, and he had the idea to start a band using instruments like the guitar I made,” he said. In 2010, the Garbage-Men were formed. In addition to Berry, the band consists of: Ollie Gray, drums; Evan Tucker, bass; Austin Siegel, chromatic percussion; Harrison Paparatto, saxophone, trombone and violin. The group likes to play instrumental versions of 60s songs and has created more than 15 instruments to use at shows. Some of the instruments include an electric violin made from a cereal box, a mailbox snare drum and a PVC pipe flute. The group sells CDs at performances and donates all proceeds to Heiffer International. Barry said the band has raised more than $3,000. The group chose to support the organization because of the way it works.

“It kind of goes with our message. The way the charity works is they give an animal to a family in a poor area or country where they need animals. The family can use it for fur, milk or eggs. When the animal has a baby, they give the baby to another family in the community. So, when you donate one animal, you eventually help the whole community,” Barry said. The group performs throughout the Gulf Coast and played in Times Square this past July and were featured on CNN. They have also performed at MOSI in Tampa, Fla., the Orlando Science Center and the Atlanta Fox Theater for the TV show, “America’s Got Talent.” For more information about the Garbage-Men, visit their Web site: www.thegarbagemen.com, or e-mail: www.thefabgarbagemen@gmail.com.

Holiday Wish Guide ParentGuide® 33

Operation Kenya Kids, Largo Couple

R eaches O ut

A frica

When Carolyn Middleton Sullivan, a retired social worker from Largo, Fla., took a safari vacation to Kenya, she didn’t plan on finding a new family in a remote village. Through several trips to the village of Majiwa, Sullivan “fell in love” with the people she describes as “dignified, kind and generous,” despite having so little. In a village with no running water or electricity, mud huts are the norm. Children take bathes in streams or puddles of water, and often have to write their lessons with sticks in the sand. Sullivan said the area has been hit hard by HIV/AIDS and most of the children are orphaned by the disease, and are often carriers of it themselves. With no organized system of adoption or social services available, the village is left to rely on itself. “There’s a cultural responsibility in Kenya to take a child in. If you have it, you share your food and what you have, with kids and the elderly,” Sullivan said. She explained many of the schools in Kenya open their doors to children who have nowhere else to go. “A school I stayed with on Lake Victoria adopted six children, and the

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couple who owns the school have three children of their own. There’s nine of them, and they all live in one room,” Sullivan said. She shared the story of one of the children adopted by the school, Fallian, 7, who was orphaned by HIV/AIDS. “She is a very smart little girl and a hard, hard worker. But, she never smiles, never talks to many people, she just keeps to herself,” she said. But, Sullivan grew close to the girl during her last visit and has since “adopted” her, by sending letters, pictures, cards, clothes and shoes and becoming her “American mama.” She said Judy and Charles Oyugi, Fallian’s caretakers and owners of the school she attends, say it has changed Fallian’s personality. “They tell me her entire personality has changed. She’s showing all her new things to her friends, she’s smiling and more outgoing. It has taken her personality and turned it around, because now she feels special,” Sullivan said. Sullivan said it was people like Fallian that inspired her to start the organization, along with a man named John that she met outside a curio shop, who asked her if she had any ballpoint pens. “He pulled out his wallet and showed us pictures of his sons. He said my boys go to school, but they have nothing to write with,” Sullivan said. Sullivan gave the man the few pens she had on her, and promised to send a box of pens when she returned home. And she did, she received two

boxes of pens from the Bic company in Clearwater, Fla., that she said were “too heavy to lift.” It was then the Sullivan’s knew they could do more, and Operation Kenya Kids was formed in June 2011. The couple now supports nine Kenyan schools, with over 2,000 students in attendance by collecting “wish list” items from school administrators of what children need the most. Boxes of textbooks, new shoes, school supplies and hygiene products fill the Sullivan’s’ living room and garage. But, she has to wait to ship the supplies until she can afford the shipping costs. “I sent a box of textbooks over and it was $150,” Sullivan said. During Sullivan’s last trip to Kenya she was able to meet many of the students she helped. She said the children lined up around the school to shake her hand, and some went back to the end of the line to shake it twice. “I told them if you work hard in school, I’ll work hard too, to send you the things you need,” she said. For more information on Operation Kenya Kids, visit www.operationkenyakids.org.

GIVING BACK

Brown Bag Lunches of Pinellas, Lieberman Local Mby omLauren Feeds Homeless

Maria Johannesen, 38, wanted to do something to help on July Fourth, last year. In honor of the holiday, she posted on her Facebook page that she wanted to create 250 brown bag lunches for the homeless and asked her friends for help. “I felt like the way the economy was going, everyone was losing their spirit. And they forgot about the community and that we have to help each other,” Johannesen said. Through the Facebook event, Johannesen gathered over 30 volunteers. They filled brown paper bags with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, a granola bar, applesauce, a bottle of water and an “angel note.” The group was granted permission from the Salvation Army of St. Petersburg to use their soup kitchen as long as they agreed to feed everyone who walked through the door. They agreed, and fed almost 500 meals that day, doubling her goal of 250. “A few months after that we decided to do it again, and that time I was able to feed over 2,000. And since then it has just grown. We served over 7,000 within the year,” Johannesen said. The group became a non-profit in January 2012, and usually does four events a year, including an annual Fourth of July event. This year, the group started a summer lunch program to serve the High

Point Neighborhood Family Center in Clearwater, Fla. The group served brown bag lunches to low-income children during the day. To celebrate Thanksgiving this year, the group will be holding a dinner banquet, Nov.17, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Clearwater. Johannesen invited 100 children in foster care and from the Pinellas County Sheriff Youth Ranch. The organization also invited 30 low-income elderly for the holiday. Besides, a Thanksgiving dinner spread with all the trimmings, guests will be entertained by local artists. The Largo mother of three works as a behavioral assistant while attending college for a degree in special education. She said she lives paycheck-to-paycheck, and helping out doesn’t take tons of time or money. “Most of my volunteers are everyday people. Many are single moms, and if they can do it, anyone can,” Johannesen said. She said the brown bag lunches cost about $2 to make and the group accepts monetary donations as well as lunch items. “Even if it’s just $5 or a jar of peanut butter, it can make a difference,” she said. For more information on Brown Bag Lunches of Pinellas, visit their Web site www.brownbaglunchesofpinellas.org.

Holiday Wish Guide ParentGuide® 35

ParentGuide's

Top Family Rides of 2013

Cars to fit your budget and your style!

eady to rev it up for the next year, which is just around the corner? Well, regardless if you’re in the market for a new vehicle or just an auto aficionado eager to see what’s happening in the world of cars, you’ll want to take a look at ParentGuide’s picks for the top autos for 2013-2014.

With The Family In Mind

Toyota Sienna

A perennial family favorite, this year’s Toyota Sienna van boasts gas mileage of 17 mpg in the city to 23 mpg on the highway. The Sienna engine is a 3.5 liter V6, and the 2013 edition features a blindspot warning as well as three-zone climate control and easy-clean fabric—something every parent appreciates. Fits seven to eight passengers. Price ranges from $24,655 - $41,325.

Nissan Quest

New additions for this year’s Nissan Quest van include standard AroundView Monitor added to the LE models and a DVD entertainment system which is now available on the SV model (it remains standard on LE and still available on SL models). Quest offers a 3.5 liter V6 engine with a variable transmission and up to 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Price ranges from $25,990 - $42,640.

Hyundai Santa Fe

With its first makeover since 2007, the new Hyundai Santa Fe is actually two SUVS, with the smaller, five-seater version now known as the Santa Fe Sport. The new Sport features a 2.4 liter engine with gas mileage ranging from 21 to 29 mpg, a sleek design and a lighter weight than previous Santa Fe models. The new Grande Santa Fe offers three rows of seating with a 3.3 liter V6 engine and should be in showrooms this January. Pricing for the Sport model starts around $24,000.

Chevy Traverse

Seating up to eight, the Chevy Traverse offers a 3.6 liter V6 engine, and with some transmission tweaks made for this year’s edition, also boasts good gas mileage—17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Changes also include some styling features such as a grille that resembles the new Impala, squared tail lights and chrome-accented license plate housing. Suggested pricing at $30,510.

Chrysler Town & Country

Another family favorite, the Town & Country van is not only spacious but has a 3.8 liter V6 engine with 283 horsepower gets 17 to 25 mpg in the city and highway respectively. It’s a four-door, seven-passenger van with three styles to choose from: Touring, Touring L and Limited. Pricing starts at $29,995.

Honda Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey added an important safety feature to the new 2013 edition: a backup camera that comes standard on all models. Most other features have carried over from 2012 including its wellplanned design and general interior comfort for up to seven or eight passengers. The Odyssey comes with a 3.5 liter V6 engine, automatic transmission and good gas mileage—18 city, 27 highway. Pricing for models runs $28,575 to $43,925.

Mid-Size Rides

Ford Fusion

EPA-rated at as high as 37 mpg on the highway and 24 city, it’s one of the best mid-size cars for gas efficiency and comes with lots of optional features for moms and dads. Additionally, the Fusion is roomier than it looks, handles very well and offers a stylish body and interior. Plus, two models offer engines with Ford’s EcoBoost. But what may be the best feature of this mid-size auto is its affordable price. It starts at $21,700.

Chevy Impala (2014)

It’s not even 2013, and Chevy already unveiled its 2014 model in 2012. And no, they didn’t forget 2013, they did refresh the model for that year. But what has reviewers really talking is the redesign for 2014, which is stylish, downright Camaro-like in the front grille and classy on the inside. It also has suite of safety features including radar to help avoid crashes. If you’re thinking about this mid-size vehicle, waiting for its release, which is projected in early 2013, may be well worth it. Pricing not yet available.

Honda Accord

A regular bestseller, the 2013 Honda Accord feels roomy and very comfortable. But in addition to its general comfort are a couple features that now come standard on all models: a rearview camera and automatic climate controls. But the biggest change is probably the addition of direct injection to its 4 cylinder engine and an update to the V6. EPA mileage estimates run 21–27/34–36 mpg for the city and highway respectively. Pricing starts at $22,470 on up.

Toyota Avalon

The Camry, which has been Toyota’s bestselling car for years, has been where the company has pumped the bulk of its ad dollars. But this year, the newly redesigned Avalon may steal the Camry’s thunder. It offers a very stylish design and athletic performance. It offers the same engine as the Camry, a 3.5 liter V6, but adds numerous interior and exterior design tweaks that make it really stand out. ere are three trim levels with pricing starting at $36,800.

a dad’s LIFE

Calm Down, Cocoa!

o you remember the feeling of waking up on Christmas morning, so excited that you were actually in danger of just “popping”? Simply exploding right on the spot from sheer exhilaration and built-up, pent-up anticipation? Do you remember how agonizing it was to wait for your unbearably slow parents to get up and out to the tree, so that the carnage could commence? For at least this one time a year, my sisters and I would truly work together as a unified team to wake them. With great effort, we would finally have them sitting up in bed. But we all knew that we weren’t even close to the actual present-opening phase yet. First, Mom had to go out and start the coffee pot for Dad, then dad had to go into the bathroom and read War and Peace cover-to-cover. Finally, after they found their slippers and put on their robes, Mom would tell my father that the coffee was ready and tell us that Santa had indeed visited. We weren’t worried that he hadn’t come; our biggest fear was that he would arrived already for next year by the time our parents finally let us open this year’s

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presents. In fact, my personal fear was that he would be so angry that we hadn’t opened last year’s gifts that he would take them all back! Well, the other day, I had a moment of great discovery—an epiphany, if you will. I had just wakened as I usually do with our dog, Cocoa, leaning against me in bed, until I could bear it no longer and finally got up to let her out to do her business. That’s when it hit me—that every morning was Christmas morning for Cocoa. She was excited to start her day, and the great outdoors was the Christmas tree that she was extremely eager to lead me to. But before I could make her dreams come true, I had to first visit the bathroom. Sound familiar? Then we walked out to the living room and toward the front door, and by now Cocoa was dancing around me so much that it was difficult to walk. I slowly put on the slip-on shoes that I keep by the front door, with Cocoa cartwheeling and back flipping next to me, but it still wasn’t time to go out. First, I had to walk to the kitchen to get a plastic bag that we keep and use to collect the little presents that Cocoa leaves

A Dad’s Story I By Kurt Goerke under the neighbor’s trees. Of course now, Cocoa was actually levitating from expectation and enthusiasm. But we still have to stop by the front door and get her leash. The final hurdle is getting the front door unlocked and opened before she bursts through it. At this point, especially if there happens to be a squirrel out there, I actually get to go skiing across the front lawn. (This is a considered a rare treat in Florida.) This is why you have to love dogs, because for them, every day is a holiday! I’m pretty sure we could learn something from them regarding the phrase, “carpe diem”—seize the day. Cats, by the way are just the opposite. They are more like the relative that comes for Christmas that doesn’t get up with the rest of the family to open gifts early; the one who sleeps till noon with earplugs in their ears. Cats don’t get excited at all in the morning, although in all fairness they do leave little presents in a box for their owner almost every day! Kurt Goerke is a father of two, an almost bearable husband, master of Cocoa the dog, professional writer and a Regional Director with the American Lung Association of Florida.

Holiday Wish Guide ParentGuide® 39

Short History of Holiday Music, From Hymns to

Rock n’ Roll by Lauren Lieberman

t’s hard to imagine celebrating the holidays without music. Whether it’s dancing to “Frosty the Snowman” with the kids, hearing “Winter Wonderland” while strolling the mall, or singing “Silent Night,” in a candle-lit service—music is a key tradition in how we celebrate the holidays. Many of the best loved holiday staples may be older than we think, according to Zoe Lang, Ph.D., an assistant professor of musicology at the University of South Florida. “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is a melody that was originally a hymn and may date all the way back to the eighth century—it was used during Vespers, which was a ceremony performed every day in monasteries,” Lang said. Other songs have their origins in the church, such as “O’ Come All Ye Faithful,” which originated from an 18th century hymn titled, “Adeste Fidelas.”

folk song. The song’s popular English translation is known as “Rock of Ages.” English settlers brought many of their holiday songs to the American colonies during the 1600s. Some of these included, “We wish You a Merry Christmas,” and “Here We Come a Caroling,” otherwise known as “The Wassail Song.” The 1800s ushered in a new wave of holiday tunes, many of which are still popular today. These songs included, “Joy to the World,” “Away in a Manger,” and “Jolly Old St.Nicholas.” “Jingle Bells” was written during this time and was originally intended as a Thanksgiving song. It’s also one of the few songs from that period composed by an American, James Lord Pierpont.

“The original, “Still Nacht” was written by Austrian composer Franz Gruber in 1818,” Lang said.

From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, not many new holiday tunes were produced. But, a boom in new holiday music happened again during the 1930s through ‘50s. “Winter Wonderland” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” were recorded at this time. Gene Autry, the ‘singing cowboy’ popularized many of the songs we know today. In 1949, he recorded “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” which was a number one hit. He also wrote “Here Comes Santa Claus.”

“O Christmas Tree,” is another song with German roots as well as the popular Hanukkah song “Maoz Tzur,” which was adapted from a German

Throughout the 20th century, pop-culture influenced new holiday music, which was often secular. Movies, radio, records and TV often

Other well-known tunes hail from Germany, including “Silent Night,” which became popular in English translation.

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premiered many of these songs. Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” is still the most popular holiday song to this day. It made its first appearance in the 1940 movie, “Holiday Inn,” but Bing Crosby gave the most well-known rendition of the song in the 1942 movie, “White Christmas.” Social issues influenced holiday music in the 1960s and onward. John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” was released in 1971 as a protest song to the Vietnam War. Peter, Paul and Mary recorded the song “Light One Candle,” which became a popular Chanukah song, even though it wasn’t intended as such. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra song, “‘Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” was meant to commemorate the story of a Sarajevo cellist during the Bosnian War. As a young man, the cellist is said to have left Sarajevo to play professionally throughout Europe. He returned, much older, during the height of the war to find his city in ruins. Paul O’Neil, lead composer of the group, told the story in a 2003 interview to Russ Breimeier of Christianity Today.

“Rather than head for the bomb shelters like his family and neighbors, this man went to the town square, climbed onto a pile of rubble that had once been the fountain, took out his cello, and played Mozart and Beethoven as the city was bombed,” O’Neil said. The cello player continued to come back every night and play Christmas carols. “It was just such a powerful image—a whitehaired man silhouetted against the cannon fire, playing timeless melodies to both sides of the conflict amid the rubble and devastation of the city he loves,” O’Neil said. Last year, the light classical piece, “Sleigh Ride” by composer Leroy Anderson topped the charts for the second year in a row. The song was followed by the Eurythmics version of “Winter Wonderland” and Nat King Cole’s version of “The Christmas Song.” Lauren Lieberman is a mom, writer and editor in the Tampa Bay area.

Holiday Wish Guide ParentGuide® 41

money TALKS

Featuring Money Advice I Dave Ramsey

Saving for the next car When it comes to saving up for a car, I’d suggest a simple savings or money market account. They both pay next to nothing in terms of interest right now, but at least you’ll know your money is safe and not going down in value. You won’t be worrying about the ups and downs of the stock market or whether or not you can actually get a better car just because some clown on Wall Street flipped a switch.

Dear Dave,

Did you know that the average car payment in America right now is $487? Even if you hid that money in a cookie jar, you’d have nearly $5,000 in just 10 months. And despite what a lot of people say, you can still get a decent, little, used car for that kind of cash.

I finally paid off my old car, and now I’m taking your advice and saving up to pay cash for a newer one in the future. Where should I put the money I plan on saving for the next five years? Would a mutual fund be a good idea?

It’s like grandma always said, Kristi. “Save up and pay for it!” If you don’t have the money to pay for something in full, then you can’t really afford it. -Dave

Kristi Dear Kristi, I love that you’re going to save up and pay cash for your next car. But the problem with mutual funds is they go up and down in value. I love mutual funds for long-term investing, and by this I mean a bare minimum of five years. Still, I wouldn’t recommend them as a method of saving for a vehicle purchase.

* Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He’s authored four New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover and Entre Leadership. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 5 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the Web at daveramsey.com

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