Boston Parent December 2018 by Parenting Media

DECEMBER 2018

DECEMBER EVENTS CALENDAR

Holiday Fun for the Whole Family!

Boston Parents Paper | December 2018

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Meet camp directors and learn about more than 75 day and overnight camps as well as summer programs for all ages and interests. Held at:

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December 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

Contents December 2018 Volume 34 â&#x20AC;˘ Number 4

Happy Holidays! Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inside 6 Family F.Y.I.

The Heart of Hannukah Big Gifts, Little Budget Holiday Safety

10 Family Cents

Preparing to be an Empty Nester

Directories 18 Camps 21 Schools and Childcare Centers 22 Classes and Enrichment 25 Entertainment & Party Needs

Boston Parents Paper | December 2018

12 Bookshelf

Audio Books for the Winter Vacation

14 Family Matters

Who Gets the Friends?

16 Calendar of Events TM

Boston Parent 841 Worcester Street Suite 344 Natick, MA 01760 Tel 617-522-1515 info@BostonParentsPaper.com Visit us online at BostonParentsPaper.com

PUBLISHERS Robert and Tracy McKean ART DIRECTOR Debbi Murzyn ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jean Abernathy

Boston Parents Paper is published monthly by Parenting Media Inc. Please note that the advertisements in this magazine are paid for, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer. 60,000 copies of Boston Parents Paper are distributed to more than 1600 locations in the region. Past issues are available on our website, www.BostonParentsPaper.com

Send letters to the editor or article ADVERTISING SALES submissions to editor@bostonparent.com. Holly Castro, David Morney

Submit events to our Family Friendly Calendar at bostonparentspaper.com/event/

Photos by Bonnie Baker Photography, Rachel Napier, Carol Boughrum

The Concord Museum is jam-packed with fun, family events!

Morning with Santa Saturday, December 8 Join us for a fun-filled holiday tradition at the Concord Museum.

23rd Annual Concord Museum

Meet 2018 Honorary Chair

Family Trees

Melissa Sweet

A Celebration of Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Literature

and other award-winning authors and illustrators Sunday, December 9

By reservation.

31 fanciful trees and wreaths of all shapes and sizes, decorated with original ornaments inspired by acclaimed childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s storybooks and contemporary picture book favorites.

Free with Family Trees admission.

Meet Pete the Cat! Saturday, December 15 & Sunday, December 16

November 21 ~ January 1

Family Trees books are for sale in the Museum Pop-Up Shop

Lead Sponsor

in the new Rasmussen Education Center at the Concord Museum

Media Sponsor

www.concordmuseum.org December 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

✼ Family F.Y.I.

BIG GIFTS, Little Budget

f you’re feeling strapped for cash this holiday season, you’re not alone. But there’s no better time to teach kids that presents don’t have to cost a lot of money – it’s truly the thought that counts.

Coupon Book: Friends, loved ones and kiddos want nothing more than a little bit of your time. Craft a sweet coupon book filled with redeemable IOUs for anything from a trip to the $1 movie theater to a family board game night. Littles especially will love having you on the hook for special moments that you’ll both cherish for years to come.

The Heart of Hanukkah

his year the first night of Hanukkah falls on December 3, ending on December 15, 2018, at sunset. The holiday always begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, but never falls on the same day each year on the Gregorian calendar. Hanukkah, the Hebrew word for “dedication,” is also known as the Festival of Lights or Feast of the Maccabees.

Holiday Events around Massachusetts Massachusetts knows how to celebrate the holidays in style, and entertainment options can seem endless. We wrapped them up for you, from Nutcrackers to holiday performances. Find fun events for your family with our digital Holiday Guide available at www.bostonparents.com 6

Boston Parents Paper | December 2018

Photo Album: Remember good, old fashioned photo albums? The kind that contain actual prints? Take some time this season to pull together a memory book for a relative or even a child filled with both pictures and hand-written notes about times you’ve shared together. Many photo sites run sales for penny prints, so look out for those to get a slew of pics printed out on a budget. Family Cookbook: Everyone has their favorite traditional meal that a relative has made for years. Compile loved recipes from your family and add them to one single book along with a photo of the person who came up with the dish. This is the sort of gift that will be passed down from generation to generation.

Social Stars M

any of us are quick to share an adorable photo of our kids on social media. But long ago before there was Instagram and YouTube, people actually showed off their littles at “baby shows.” In the 19th century county fairs would line up babies for display, similarly to how a pie contest might look. The children would compete for prizes. Glad that’s not a thing anymore!

Hearing

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DECEMBER COOP KIDS Michelson’s Shoes, for the entire family!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 AT 11:00 AM Today we read silly books and make a silly craft.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 AT 11:00 AM HANUKKAH STORIES & CRAFT Celebrate Hanukkah with a very special Storytime Local author Jane Sutton will read Esther's Hanukkah Disaster Then join us for a Hanukkah craft and snacks SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 AT 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Need something fun to do with the kids? Bring them to our HANGOUT and let them discover their next favorite book, featuring 3 local authors whose books have been selected for The Coop’s Best of 2018! SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 AT 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Santa will be at the Coop to hear wishes Holiday stories & snacks too. Details & to register go to harvardcoop.eventbrite.com SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 AT 11:00 AM Drop in storytime with fun and festive stories. (No craft)

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THE

Please donate new unwrapped children’s toys and/or books. There are drop boxes in the Children’s Book Department and in the Palmer Street Entrance of The Coop.

COOP H A R VA R D

1400 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge 617-499-2000 www.TheCoop.com www.facebook.com/TheHarvardCoop CustomerService@TheCoop.Com

December 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

✼ Family F.Y.I.

Just Say NO to Spanking

hough you may feel the need to spank your kids “to get your children’s attention” new research shows that “Experiencing corporal punishment makes it more, not less, likely that children will be defiant and aggressive in the future” says the American Academy of Pediatrics in it’s latest guidelines against corporal punishment.

Lights On With all of the holiday festivities happening this month, you’re probably overlooking one offbeat occasion –National Flashlight Day. This year it falls on December 21 (the same as Look on the Bright Side Day) and could be a good time to check in on your household’s flashlight supply. Make sure batteries are new in the event of a power outage.

Let It Snow

e’re all bracing ourselves for the fluffy white stuff. If your kids start to quiz you on snow, arm yourself with a few easy facts. For example, snow forms when water vapor in the atmosphere freezes into ice crystals. And while we equate them with the warm months, sunglasses are important this time of year to help absorb the high level of ultraviolet rays reflecting off of the snow. 8

Boston Parents Paper | December 2018

Holiday Safety It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but that doesn’t stop holiday related injuries. Here’s how you and your children can have a fun and safe season. Decoration Dos Keep the trimmings safe by watering real trees regularly to avoid fires (or consider a fake tree) and place breakable ornaments and ones with metal hooks up top, with kid-friendly ones below. Check lights for exposed wires, loose connections or broken sockets. Battery-operated candles are a safer alternative to the real variety, which present a fire hazard. Festive Fetes If children are helping with the holiday cooking, never leave the stove top or oven unattended when they are present. Prevent burns and spills by using the back burners of your stove. Turn pot handles away from the edge. Poinsettias, holly and other plants commonly used as decorations can be poisonous if ingested. Keep the National Poison Center number (1-800222-1222) easily available. Toy Tips Keep gifts age appropriate when purchasing a toy or game. Don’t forget safety equipment, such as a helmet and pads, for new bikes, scooters, skateboards or skis. Keep an eye on small parts that are easy to swallow, especially button batteries which are included in most electronic toys. Check websites, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (cpsc.gov), for updated recall information. Here’s to a safe and stress-free holiday season! – Deirdre Walsh, Administrative Supervisor, Trauma Center, Boston Children’s Hospital

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The all-new Discovery Museum combines the best STEAM exhibits—for little kids, big kids, and their adults—and many exciting new experiences! 177 Main Street, Acton 978-264-4200 discoveryacton.org

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December 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

✼ Family Cents

Preparing to be an Empty Nester By Aaron Crowe

ighteen years of raising a child can seem like a lifetime, and it can also seem like it has raced by in a snap of the fingers. Whatever the perspective, sooner or later parents become empty nesters as their children leave home for the first time to go to college or live on their own. Preparing for an empty house again can require dealing with more than grief or loneliness. For some people, having a big, empty home can be overwhelming, and they may want to downsize to a smaller house or condo. For my own empty nest, which will happen in four years when my daughter graduates from high school, I doubt if my wife and I will be moving. Our home is already pretty small, so I don’t expect to be overwhelmed by a large, empty house to take care of. Even so, there are some things I expect we’ll be doing then if we don’t move. Here are some ways to prepare for being an empty nester, though they can wait until after your child has moved out if you don’t want to seem too eager about the change:

Downsize your stuff Are your closets full of stuff you rarely use? Do children’s games collect dust in bins scattered around the house or fill up the garage? Now is the time to downsize.

usscm.org | 617-426-1812 • Interactive exhibits for all ages! • Open 7 days a week • Admission by donation 10

Boston Parents Paper | December 2018

Even if you aren’t moving to a smaller home, getting rid of stuff you no longer need or use can be a way of decluttering your life and focusing on what you want to do. Maybe you want to turn an extra bedroom from what’s basically a storage unit into an area to do a hobby. Or you’d like for the family heirlooms that your children want to be used by them now instead of waiting until you die. Some things your children may never want, and are better off being sold or given away now. The china set from your wedding, for example, or the crystal sets that are never used. All of your child’s artwork you’ve saved since kindergarten? Keep a few items and give the rest to your child. We added a large dining room to our kitchen this summer, and one thing it got us doing was going through the kitchen items we have and getting rid of the stuff we don’t use. We added plenty of storage, but putting everything in boxes during the construction project got us to rethink how much stuff we have and what’s worth keeping. If you’re moving, you may no longer need the many things necessary for home ownership: lawnmower, rake, trimmer, snow shovel, etc. Your furniture may be too big for your new home or you may have too much of it. continued on page 26 >>>

“The best hands-on Museum I’ve seen.”

TICKETS START AT $25 “…Mary was a bookworm. Sometimes when her siblings went out to play, she’d stay at home reading. Other times when she joined them, as often as not she’d eventually slip away to a secluded spot where they’d find her later, engrossed in a book.” — From A World More Bright: The Life of Mary Baker Eddy by Isabel Ferguson and Heather Vogel Frederick

FIRST and THIRD TUESDAY of each month

10:30-11:15 AM In this children’s program, young visitors will not only listen to stories but also engage in playful activities. Recommended for bookworms 5 years old and younger with adults. No registration required.

200 Massachusetts Ave., Boston 02115 For more information, please contact our Educational Programs Coordinator 617-450-7203 | palladinom@mbelibrary.org

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GROUPS OF 10+ CALL 617.532.1116 Boch Center is a trademark of The Wang Center for the Performing Arts, Inc.

December 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

✼ Bookshelf

By Mary Ann Scheuer

Audiobooks for Winter Vacation

s your family taking a long drive this winter? Consider listening to an audiobook together, letting it take you on an adventure, laugh together or learn about something new. Try downloading e-audiobooks through your public library for free; check if your library uses OverDrive, Axis 360 or Hoopla Digital.

3.75 hours; $19.93; ages 6-9). As Dominic leaves home in search of adventure, young listeners will be captivated by this delightful hero’s journey. Dominic bumbles his way through his journey with curiosity, goodwill and a solid sense of right and wrong as he makes friends, helps others in need and battles the Doomsday Gang.

still pulls me straight through each time. As one fifth-grader told me, “I loved how you feel like you’re Ghost. You get mad at someone, then forgive them. It feels like your emotions are building up until Ghost takes the shoes. Then they break when his coach brings him back to the store.” An all-time favorite.

“Dory Fantasmagory,” by Abby Hanlon, narrated by Suzy Jackson (Recorded Books; 55 min.; $9.09; ages 4-9). Dory (called Rascal by her family) wants to play with her big brother and sister, but they complain that she’s a pest. Narrator Suzy Jackson captures Dory’s 6-year-old voice, with a full range of enthusiasm and emotions. Families will recognize themselves in Dory’s attention-getting strategies, her mom’s exasperation or her siblings’ bickering. A joyful, funny celebration of imagination and resilience.

“The Harlem Charade,” by Natasha Tarpley, narrated by Bahni Turpin (Scholastic Audio; 7 hours; $17.49; ages 9-12). When schoolmates Jin and Alex learn that the grandfather of their new acquaintance Elvin has been attacked, the three 12-year-olds set out to discover the culprit. As they dig deeper into the mystery, they discover that a real estate mogul is threatening to convert much of the community and use a local artist’s work to his advantage. Turpin excels at bringing the variety of characters to life, helping listeners follow the complex twists and turns of this intriguing mystery.

“Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood,” by Trevor Noah (Audible; 8.75 hours; $24.95; ages 13 and up). Comedian Trevor Noah narrates his memoir, sharing his harsh experiences growing up in South Africa in the final years of apartheid and the chaotic aftermath as the son of a white Dutch father and a black Xhosa mother. Listeners get to hear Noah tell these stories in his South African accented English and several other South African languages. He is engaging, funny and relatable, while also delivering thoughtful and perceptive social “Ghost,” by Jason Reyncriticism about race, gender olds, narrated by Guy and class. Lockhart (Simon & Schuster Audio; 3.5 hours; $14.17; “Dominic,” by William ages 9-13). BOOM! I’ve read Steig, narrated by Peter Thomas (Listening Library; this three times, and it

Boston Parents Paper | December 2018

“Like Vanessa,” by Tami Charles, narrated by Channie Waites (Recorded Books; 7.5 hours; $20.99; ages 10-14). Eighth-grader Vanessa Martin dreams of winning her school’s beauty contest, despite feeling too fat, too dark and too shy. Her spirits soar with Vanessa Williams’ historic win as the

first black Miss America. But the journey is hard -- will her talented singing shine? Or will her doubts weigh her down? Channie Waites’ narration brings Vanessa’s worries, laughter and grace to life, and her voice sparkles with magnetic charm.

“The Poet X,” by Elizabeth Acevedo (Harper; 3.5 hours; $18.24; ages 14-18). Elizabeth Acevedo shines narrating her debut novel, using her talents as an award-winning slam poet to bring passion and life to Xiomara’s story. A first-generation Dominican-American, Xiomara struggles balancing her mother’s strict Catholicism with her own desire to find her place in the world. Writing poetry helps Xio come into her own, channeling her feelings, worries and questions. Acevedo’s poetry is beautifully crafted, and the audiobook brings the passion and pacing of the rhythmic free-verse poems to life. Mary Ann Scheuer is a teacher librarian. Find more books Mary Ann recommends sharing with children at her blog, Great Kid Books, http:// greatkidbooks.blogspot.com.

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December 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

✼ Family Matters

Who Gets the Friends? WHEN FAMILY FRIENDS DIVORCE By Tony Hicks

endy Allard received about 200 cards the last Christmas she spent married to a longtime sportscaster. The next year, living as a single parent, she estimates she received five. “Maybe eight … call it eight,” says Allard. “Now, I’m not sure how many he got …” Either way, life changed dramatically for Allard in 2000, the first holiday season she spent single since marrying. Her kids were 5 and 3 when the marriage broke up, and, like so many in her situation, not only did her marital status change. Her relationships with her friends changed, as did those of her kids. “You realize you’re married to a bunch of people and you don’t know it,” says Allard, who has since tied the knot for the second time and added a daughter to her family. “A lot of people eliminate everybody. You’ve got to keep everyone together. It’s work.” Breaking up a family is, of course, rarely easy. The obvious effect is two people who vowed to stay together through sickness and health did get sick – of each other. Then there’s the children, affected by the breakup, which sometimes can take years to recover from. But one factor few participants consider is how their split will affect their friends.

Boston Parents Paper | December 2018

“We socialized three or four times a week,” Allard says. “It was work-related, but those people were my friends, and we didn’t really socialize after that. It stopped.” Divorce rates have dropped by 18 percent since 2008, according to Bloomberg News, citing a study done by University of Maryland professor Philip Cohen. But between 1990 and 2015, the divorce rate doubled for people between the age of 55 and 64 and tripled for Americans 65 and older, according to the same report. Bottom line? Plenty of families still split up. And while there’s plenty of numbers thrown around concerning divorce, there’s so much quantifiable data on the nonfamily members around them. Things can get awkward, and family friends often feel as if they have to take sides, which can lead to hurt feelings. “Friends who I thought were my best friends turned their backs on me,” says Tracey Fordahl, of Concord. “It was very difficult not only for me, but emotionally difficult for my kids because, along with my husband, (the friends) decided to trash me socially. Which resulted in me constantly trying to defend myself to my kids and the social circle in which I was part. Things got so bad that I had to move away in order to stop all the nonsense.” We have therapy and courts for couples and families, either to save a situation or negotiate a peaceful way out.

Things can get awkward, and family friends often feel as if they have to take sides, which can lead to hurt feelings. But a family law judge doesn’t decide which side gets the friends. “If you are close with a family that is going through a breakup, you cannot count on that family to be going through it in that (mediated) manner,” says psychologist Mark Borg, the co-author of “Relationship Sanity: Creating and Maintaining Healthy Relationships.” “However, because it is at least possible that people are aware of wanting and needing care and support from others – and our culture is making more room for this – it is more than OK for you to ask directly how you can support each person (involved in the split), how or if they’ve considered division of friends, family and neighbors, and make this some kind of guessing game, as it usually is.” “Absolutely everything can be thoughtfully, mindfully put on the table and negotiated,” he says. “Of course kids are affected, and it is much more likely that their feelings will be considered, and that they will not have to choose sides. Nor will their friends.” Allard says reality struck hard at her daughter’s first birthday party after the split. “They all RSVP’d and nobody came,” she says. “I felt so bad for (my daughter).” But it can also be an ordeal for the outsiders. “Family members and friends can be torn once they become too involved, both emotionally and mentally,” says family law attorney Lon Loveless. “Depending on who is perceived to be at fault, or what transpired, you will find family and friends aligning with the person who they think was not at fault. I especially see this kind of bias in cases involving domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse, or adultery.” Allard has also been the friend on the other side of the equation. “I’m honest with both of them, because you’re not a good friend if you tell them what they want to hear.” she says. “She wants me to take her side on everything, and I don’t.” Merely being that friend can have serious implications, Loveless says. “I encourage family and friends to resist becoming involved,” he says. “If they do, they may be called as a witness for a court hearing, trial or disposition. I recently went to court where the wife was instructing one of her friends to post negative information about the other spouse on the Internet. Although she denied her involvement, the court did not believe her. It was apparent that she had hoped that their children would see the negative information posted about the other parent to make them look bad.” DeAnna Perry says she was “treated like I had an infectious disease,” when she split from her husband of 21 years in 2014. Her kids were 18 and 15 at the time. “I’m sure to some, on social media, it may have looked like we were perfect,” says Perry. “I became the bad guy.

I literally hid in my house due to extreme anxiety and panic attacks. I was diagnosed with PTSD. My social life was greatly altered, because I no longer had the big house or the parties. I was no longer the hostess and, financially, I wasn’t able to go out.” Perry’s 15-year-old daughter also struggled with outside perceptions of what was happening with her family. “I had friends she really liked,” says Perry. “It was a good lesson for both of us to see just how supportive they weren’t. My daughter missed having girls’ nights,

You realize you’re married to a bunch of people and you don’t know it. A lot of people eliminate everybody. You’ve got to keep everyone together. It’s work. —Wendy Allard

being invited to things. I think she realized that none of the way we were treated was my fault or hers.” Perry says there were, however, some positive results. “I truly think it made us closer,” she says. “My son and daughter’s friends became more supportive to all of us. Go figure. The adults couldn’t handle it.” Fordahl says it can be pretty simple when there’s a decision to be made. Who came first? “If the friends are yours before the marriage, then they should stay with you after the marriage,” she says. “If they can – great, and even better if they can stay friends with both, especially if there’s kids involved. It created a healthy balance for the children to witness.” Loveless says bad feelings around a family breakup are normal. Having children on either side complicates things. In the end, staying away until the dust settles may be best for everyone. “Or find a new group of friends,” he says. Tony Hicks is a newswpaper columnist and the father of four daughters. December 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

PHOTO COURTESY BOSTON BALLET, LISA VOLL PHOTOGRAPHY

Sunday December 16

The Nutcracker Boston Opera House 539 Washington St, Boston, Through December 30 Create an annual tradition with family and friends at one of New Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beloved holiday events and make memories to cherish for years to come. The Nutcracker will capture your imagination and transport you to a magical world of brave toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes, and a mystical Sugar Plum Fairy. See website for pricing, (617) 695-6955; bostonballet.org 16

Boston Parents Paper | December 2018

Want more events? Go online today! BostonParentsPaper.com

1 Saturday

2 Sunday

The Train to Christmas Town

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Varying times, Cape Cod Central Railroad, Buzzard’s Bay. Take a train ride to see Santa in “Christmas Town” while singing songs, eating cookies and drinking hot chocolate. Through Dec. 22. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. $44 and up. 888-797-7245; www. capetrain.com

7pm, Boch Center Wang Theatre, 265 Tremont St., Boston. Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome, Christmas” (written by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss) from the original animated series Through Dec. 9, $25 and up. www.bochcenter.org

Holiday Open House

Breakfast with Santa

10am – 4pm, Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St., Boston. Meet colonial characters, enjoy a cup of tea, make crafts and much more. FREE. 617482-6439; osmh.org

10 – 11:30 am –or 11:30 am – 1pm, Plimoth Plantation, 137 Warren Ave., Plymouth. Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, decorate a gingerbread man and visit with Santa. Sundays through Dec. 17. Adults, $20; youth, $8. 508-746-1622; plimoth.org

Wild About Winter Varying times, EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. Celebrate the wonders of winter at the EcoTarium this December! Join us for indoor sock skating, winter crafts, cocoa and cookies, and cozy winter tales. While you’re here, learn about animals in winter, the science of snow, and discover the seasonal sky in the planetarium. Weekends through Dec. 10. $8. 508-929-2700; ecotarium.org

Holiday Open House 10am – 3pm, North River Wildlife Sanctuary, 2000 Main Street, Marshfield. Enjoy free admission, cider and snacks while shopping for unique and locally handmade gifts. FREE. 781-837-9400; massaudubon.org

The BJ Hickman Magic Show 10:30am, Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. Family entertainment, with fun, audience participation magic, and silliness galore. Adults, $13; youth, $10. 617-734-2501; coolidge.org

Roxbury Stringfest 3:30pm, Hibernian Hall, 184 Dudley St., Roxbury. Voci Angelica performs world music for the Roxbury Stringfest with Boston City-Wide String Orchestra. Reservations suggested. FREE. 617-598-3225; celebrityseries.org

3 Monday • Hanukkah Begins

Blink! A Light and Sound Extravaganza

Historic Holiday Stroll

4:30-10pm, Faneuil Hall, Boston. Watch as more than 350,000 lights dance to the beat of holiday songs. Through Jan. 1. FREE. bostonblinks.com

3:30pm, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, 4 South Market St., Boston. A 90-minute city tour by costumed guides, ending with Boston Cream Pie at the Omni. Thursdays through Sundays in November, December and January. Dec. 25 and Jan.1 excluded. Adults, $29; youth, $19. 617357-8300; thefreedomtrail.org

ZooLights 5-9pm, Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., Stoneham. Stroll along tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights; visit Santa and a reindeer. Through Jan. 1. Closed Dec. 25. $8 and up. 781-438-5100; stonezoo.org

The Writers’ Loft Holiday Bazaar and Book Fair 11am-8pm, An Unlikely Story, 111 South St., Plainville. Book signings from local children’s authors, crafts and activities for the whole family. FREE. 508-699-0244; thewritersloft.org

MFA Playdates 10:15am, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. Bring your toddler to enjoy story time and activities in the galleries. Free with admission. 617-2679300; mfa.org

4 Tuesday Cirqué Dreams Holidaze

3pm, Kroc Center Boston, 650 Dudley St., Dorchester. Castle of our Skins performs works of Black composers for the Dorchester Stringfest with the Conservatory Lab Charter School. Reservations suggested. FREE. 617-5983225; celebrityseries.org

7pm, Boch Center Shubert Theatre, 265 Tremont St., Audiences of all ages will be mesmerized for 2 hours and marvel at soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats and extravagant theatrical production numbers the Boston Globe hails “Entrancing … Las Vegas meets family entertainment.” Through Dec. 9, $35 and up. www. bochcenter.org

Star Gazing Nights

Winnie The Pooh: Exploring a Classic at MFA

Dorchester Stringfest

6:30-8:30pm, Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill Parkway, Sharon. Join local astronomers for a look at the stars and other night objects through big telescopes. Drop in for all or some of the evening. Event subject to weather-related cancellations. Ages 6 and up. FREE. 781-784-5691; massaudubon.org

Boston Parents Paper | October 2017

Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. This exhibition traces the history and universal appeal of the classic Winnie-the-Pooh stories written by A. A. Milne and illustrated by E. H. Shepard through nearly 200 works drawn primarily from the archives of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Presented in a truly immersive display, the original drawings, letters, photographs, and December 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

early editions, along with whimsical ephemera, take visitors on a journey exploring how the stories of Pooh and his friends have stood the test of time and continue to delight generations of readers around the world. Through Jan. 6. 617-267-9300; mfa.org

Admire holidays trees decorated with inspira¬tion from children’s literature. Through Jan. 2. Adults, $10; youth, $5. 978-369-9763; concordmuseum.org

Family Trees – A Celebration of Children’s Literature

Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights

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5 Wednesday 4:30-10pm, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. Enjoy an array of musical performances by artists, bands, and ensembles from around the region; view a one-of-a-kind, artist-made menorah and join a community candle lighting; and explore the MFA’s collection of Judaica to find inspiration to make your own art. FREE. 617-267-9300; mfa.org

Holiday Pops Varying times, Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. Join the Boston Pops in a performance of holiday music favorites, sing-a-longs and a visit from Santa. Through Dec. 31; kids matinees Dec. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21,22, 23 & 24. $33 and up. 888-266-1200; bso.org

The Gingerbread Man 10-11:30am, Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 S Great Road, Lincoln. Design and decorate your very own gingerbread man. While he’s baking, hear about his exciting adventures, then pay a visit to his friends on the farm. Open Dec. 7,13, 14 and 15. $14.50 and up. 781259-2200; massaudubon.org

7 Friday How the Grinch Stole Christmas 7pm, Boch Center Wang Theatre, 265 Tremont St., Boston.

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Boston Parents Paper | December 2018

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome, Christmas” (written by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss) from the original animated series Through Dec. 9, $25 and up. www.bochcenter.org

cookie decorating, letters to Santa, and more. Admire holidays trees decorated with inspiration from children’s literature. Through Jan. 2. Adults, $10; youth, $30. 978369-9763; concordmuseum.org

Lexington Symphony’s Holiday Pops: Welcome Yule

7:30-9pm, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield. Learn about one of the most prolific annual meteor showers and step outside to catch a glimpse of the Geminids shower in its early stages. There will also be viewing of the night sky through a large reflector telescope. Ages 10 and up. $7 and up. 978-887-9264; massaudubon.org

4pm(Kid’s Pops) & 7:30pm, Cary Hall, 1605 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington. An evening of popular holiday hits complete with Santa and a carol sing-along. $10 and up. 781-523-9009; lexingtonsymphony.org

Geminids Meteor Shower

Winterlights

PHOTO COURTESY OF CONCORD MUSEUM

5-7pm, Stevens-Coolidge Place, 137 Andover St., North Andover. NEW: This holiday season, the gardens at two of our most popular historic homes, Naumkeag in Stockbridge and The Stevens-Coolidge Place in North Andover will sparkle with thousands of shimmering holiday lights. Each weekend features performances and activities for the whole family, from the young to the young at heart. See something new throughout the season. Through Dec. 30. $12 and up. 978-356-4351; ttor.org

8 Saturday Morning with Santa, Family Trees – A Celebration of Children’s Literature 10am – 5pm, Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Road, Concord. Enjoy a delightful visit and photo with Santa, as well as a number of engaging seasonal crafts and activities including face painting, treasure hunts,

Sat., Dec. 8, , Morning with Santa, Family Trees – A Celebration of Children’s Literature — Concord Museum

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Lexington Symphony’s Holiday Pops: Welcome Yule 2pm, Cary Hall, 1605 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington. An afternoon of popular holiday hits complete with Santa and a carol sing-along. $10 and up. 781-523-9009; lexingtonsymphony.org

Middleborough Festival of Lights 4-9pm, Boston/Cape Cod KOA, 438 Plymouth St., Middleborough. Drive through acres of lights, then visit the Christmas Village for holiday snacks, ornaments for purchase and a model train display. $5 per car. 978-8105892; discovermiddleborough.com

9 Sunday Chanukah Run-a-Latke Family Fun 5K 11am, Chabad Hall, 44 Burrill St., Swampscott. Get your spirit healthy in time to celebrate the festival of lights! This scenic 5K on the North Shore will start and finish at the Chabad House. Bring the whole family! There will be Chanukah programming for children while the adults run. $36. www.northshoretimingonline.com

PJ Library Celebrates Chanukah with Vanessa Trien 10am & 4pm, Easton Elementary School, 98 Columbus Ave., Easton; 4pm, Natick Community Center, 117 East Central St., Natick. Dance, jump, giggle and sing in the miracles of Chanukah at this joyous and interactive holiday concert for the whole family. Concert followed by crafts and treats. Registration recommended. Family, $15. 781-795-0510; bostonjcc.org

Boston Parents Paper | December 2018

SCHOOLS AND CHILDCARE CENTERS Our mission is to create an early childhood program that fulfills the cognitive, emotional, social and physical needs of what is known to be the most significant period of human development. Friends Childcare offers an exciting, creative curriculum, as well as fun and stimulating learning activities for all age groups. Tailor-made schedule 7AM-6PM, 5 days a week. Regular in-house enrichment programs such as nature exploration, music, gross motor program, and baby massage are included in the tuition.

• Infants

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• Toddlers

How the Grinch Stole Christmas 7pm, Boch Center Wang Theatre, 265 Tremont St., Boston. Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome, Christmas” (written by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss) from the original animated series Through Dec. 9, $25 and up. www.bochcenter.org

Authors and Illustrators Day 1-4pm, Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Road, Concord. Meet some of the authors and illustrators whose books are featured in the Family Trees exhibit. Free with admission. 978-369-9763; concordmuseum.org

10 Monday Family Trees – A Celebration of Children’s Literature 9am – 5pm, Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Road, Concord. Admire holidays trees decorated with inspiration from children’s literature. Through Jan. 2. Adults, $15; youth, $6. 978-369-9763; concordmuseum.org

Family Trees – A Celebration of Children’s Literature

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Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Road, Concord. Admire holidays trees decorated with inspira¬tion from children’s literature. Through Jan. 2. Adults, $10; youth, $5. 978-369-9763; concordmuseum.org

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Winnie The Pooh: Exploring a Classic at MFA Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. This exhibition traces the history and universal appeal of the classic Winnie-the-Pooh stories written by A. A. Milne and illustrated by E. H. Shepard through nearly 200 works drawn primarily from the archives of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Presented in a truly immersive display, the original drawings, letters, photographs, and early editions, along with whimsical ephemera, take visitors on a journey exploring how the stories of Pooh and his friends have stood the test of time and continue to delight generations of readers around the world. Through Jan. 6. 617-267-9300; mfa.org

11 Tuesday

12 Wednesday Blink! A Light and Sound Extravaganza 4:30-10pm, Faneuil Hall, Boston. Watch as more than 350,000 lights dance to the beat of holiday songs. Through Jan. 1. FREE. bostonblinks.com

Blink! A Light and Sound Extravaganza

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Boston Parents Paper | December 2018

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4:30-10pm, Faneuil Hall, Boston. Watch as more than 350,000 lights dance to the beat of holiday songs. Through Jan. 1. FREE. bostonblinks.com

14 Friday Christmas Revels Times vary, Harvard University’s Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy Street, Cambridge. This year we explore the magic of the Northlands!Shows through Dec. 29. $12 and up. 617-496-2222; www.boxoffice.harvard.edu

Natick. A Toddlerbilly Bonanza for the whole bunch. Adults, $12; children, $10. 508-647-0097; natickarts.org

Holiday On Ice 11am – 9pm, Community Ice Skating at Kendall Square, 300 Athenaeum St., Cambridge. Enjoy free admission all day with a professional skating show at 2pm. FREE; skate rental extra. 617-492-0941; skatekendall.com

Family Design Day 10:30am, BSA Space, 290 Congress St., Boston. Tour gingerbread houses made by local design firms, then create your own. Registration required. $12. lbdma.org

Stars and Meteors at the Holidays

Winter Solstice Lantern Walk

8-10pm, Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot Street, Natick. Come for great views of the night sky and meteors with snacks and hot drinks to keep you warm. A fun way to learn about stars and meteors from an astronomer! Ages 16 and up. $13 and up. 508655-2296; massaudubon.org

4-6pm, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield. Make lanterns, tell solstice stories and stroll the trails to light up the night. Enjoy hot cider and cocoa at the bonfire after the hike. Through Dec. 15. $8 and up. 978-887-9264; massaudubon.org

15 Saturday Cultural Survival Bazaar 10am – 5pm, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, 459 Broadway, Cambridge. Experience art and music from indigenous peoples around the world. Through December 16. FREE. bazaar.culturalsurvival.org

16 Sunday

Matt Heaton & The Outside Toys

The Nutcracker Boston Opera House

11am, The Center for Arts in Natick, 14 Summer St.,

539 Washington St, Boston, Create an annual tradition

CLASSES AND ENRICHMENT

December 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

with family and friends at one of New England’s most beloved holiday events and make memories to cherish for years to come. The Nutcracker will capture your imagination and transport you to a magical world of brave toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes, and a mystical Sugar Plum Fairy. See website for pricing, Through December 30, (617) 695-6955; bostonballet.org

— The Boston Globe. $28-$85. December 20-30, (888) 596-1027; www.urbannutcracker.com

21 Friday Cultural Survival Bazaar 10am – 10pm, Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St., Boston. Experience art and music from indigenous peoples around the world. Through December 23; closes at 8pm Sunday. FREE. bazaar.culturalsurvival.org

Christmas Revels Times vary, Harvard University’s Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy Street, Cambridge. This year we explore the magic of the Northlands!Shows through Dec. 29. $12 and up. 617-496-2222; www.boxoffice.harvard.edu

A Winter Solstice Celebration 3:30-5pm, Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Come celebrate the longest night and shortest day of the year with Joppa Flats! $6 and up. 978-462-9998; massaudubon.org

17 Monday Blink! A Light and Sound Extravaganza

Winter Solstice Hayride

4:30-10pm, Faneuil Hall, Boston. Watch as more than 350,000 lights dance to the beat of holiday songs. Through Jan. 1. FREE. bostonblinks.com

6:30-8:30pm, North River Wildlife Sanctuary, 2000 Main Street, Marshfield. Bundle up in your favorite warm layers and join us in the celebration of the Winter Solstice. Bring your own box dinner and we will supply hot cocoa, dessert and stories. $8 and up. 781-8379400; massaudubon.org

19 Wednesday Family Trees – A Celebration of Children’s Literature 9am – 5pm, Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Road, Concord. Admire holidays trees decorated with inspiration from children’s literature. Through Jan. 2. Adults, $15; youth, $6. 978-369-9763; concordmuseum. org

Christmas Revels

20 Thursday

22 Saturday

Holiday Pops

Urban Nutcracker

Times vary, Harvard University’s Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy Street, Cambridge. This year we explore the magic of the Northlands! Shows through Dec. 29. $12 and up. 617-496-2222; www.boxoffice.harvard.edu

Varying times, Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. Join the Boston Pops in a performance of holiday music favorites, sing-a-longs and a visit from Santa. Through Dec. 31; kids matinees Dec. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21,22, 23 & 24. $33 and up. 888-266-1200; bso.org

John Hancock Hall, 180 Berkeley St., Boston “You really don’t get more “original” that Williams’ version of “The Nutcracker” that features people who reflect the increasingly diverse neighborhoods of Boston and, frankly, many other metro areas in the United States.” — The Boston Globe. $28-$85. December 20-30, (888) 596-1027; www.urbannutcracker.com

Urban Nutcracker

23 Sunday

Boston Parents Paper | December 2018

11am, Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. These special family concerts are shorter in length with no intermission and include a children’s sing-along and post-concert photos with Santa. $42 and up. 888-2661200; www.bso.org/Performance PHOTO COURTESY OF CULTURAL SURVIVAL, BY JAMIE MALCOLM-BROWN.

Fri., Dec., 21, Cultural Survival Bazaar — Boston

Holiday Pops Kids Matinees

24 Monday • Christmas Eve Blink! A Light and Sound Extravaganza 4:30-10pm, Faneuil Hall, Boston. Watch as more than 350,000 lights dance to the beat of holiday songs. Through Jan. 1. FREE. bostonblinks.com

25 Tuesday • Christmas Disney’s FROZEN Sing-A-Long 4pmm, Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. Christmas Week Tradition with Multiple Screenings! The #1 All-Time Animated Film with Song Lyrics on the Big-Screen. Through 12/29. $12.50 and up. 781-6464849; regenttheatre.com

Blink! A Light and Sound Extravaganza

Tues., Dec 25, Blink! A Light and Sound Extravaganza

4:30-10pm, Faneuil Hall, Boston. Watch as more than 350,000 lights dance to the beat of holiday songs. Through Jan. 1. FREE. bostonblinks.com

26 Wednesday Family Trees – A Celebration of Children’s Literature 9am – 5pm, Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Road, Concord. Admire holidays trees decorated with inspiration from children’s literature. Through Jan. 2. Adults, $15; youth, $6. 978-369-9763; concordmuseum. org

Christmas Revels

arionettes. Reservations required. FREE. WEST Times vary, Harvard University’s Sanders Theatre, 45 Valentine Card Making Party, 10am, The Eric Carle brary.org. Quincy Street, Cambridge. ThisMuseum, year we explore the 125 West Bay Road, Amherst. Pop in to make Birding,magic 10:30am, Nature of Boston the Northlands! Shows through Dec.for29. $12 special valentines your family, friends or classmates. ill St., Mattapan. to use and up.Learn 617-496-2222; www.boxoffice.harvard.edu Registration recommended. $12 per pair or trio. bird hike and create some seed and 413-658-1100; carlemuseum.org. ds to enjoy. Registration required.

29 Sunday

0:30am, Family Regent Theatre, St., Trees7–Medford A Celebration of Children’s The Enchanted Forest, 10:30am, Coolidge Corner of magic and surprises from a Chilean Literature Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. Artbarn, a youth alist. Adults, $10; youth, $8. Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Road, theater Concord. community company, presents the tale of a nttheatre.com. Admire holidays trees decorated with inspira¬tion family vacation gone wrong. Adults, $13; youth, $10. 617-734-2501; from children’s literature. Through Jan. 2. coolidge.org. Adults, $10; ter Wildyouth, Thing, $5. 9am,978-369-9763; Francis William concordmuseum.org NORTH hington St., Walpole. See Jan. 14 listing. Ward Winter Fest, noon to 3pm, Ward Reservation, 2-6pm, World’s End, Hingham. Get Andover. Explore the property on a guided hike, or g, sledding, snowshoeing, owl prowls bring your snowshoes and sled to play. Then warm up he campfire. Adults, $10; youth, free. with refreshments by the fire. $10NEEDS per car. 978-886-5297; ENTERTAINMENT AND PARTY org. ttor.org. l, 7pm, Blue Hills Trailside Museum, Milton. Practice calls and meet J & JowlPony Rentals Parents Children’s Musician & Instructor m’s resident owls before going on a Choice Award h for them. Registration required. $10. • Pony parties for all occasions er ner nne nn i Win Wi W WEST Birthday Parties, audon.org.at your place or at the farm. Backwards Storytime, 10am, The Discovery Museums, Schools, Concerts, • Riding Lessons year round ls of the Night, 7pm, North River 177 Main St., Acton. Celebrate National Backwards Day Libraries 2000 Main St., Marshfield. Join with silly stories and activities. Free with admission. Preschool & Elementary ast Peter Reed as he guides you 978-264-4200; discoverymuseums.org. Music Specialist llations. Registration required. $13. audubon.org.

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<<< continued from page 10

Don’t get a storage unit Whatever you do during downsizing, don’t rent a storage unit to hold some of the things you’re unsure about keeping. If you have so many Christmas decorations that you don’t have room in your new home to store them, then it’s time to get rid of some of them. A storage unit can easily become a holding place for junk you never use. It’s also an extra monthly expense that is lost money for things you probably don’t use much.

Keep a guest room For return visits during college breaks or if you expect other visitors, set up your child’s former room as a guest room. Your child can have it for summer and holidays while they’re in college, but otherwise it’s your room in your house and you’re entitled to remodel or decorate it in any way you want. Pull down the posters, redo the carpet and make it presentable for other guests to use and as a way to entice family and friends to visit. Thurs., Dec 20, Urban Nutcracker, John Hancock Hall — Boston An extra bedroom can also be used for a hobby or office. But don’t feel as if you have to convert it to some Dec. 30. Saturday matinee at 3pm. $48 and up. 888-266other use. It can remain a guest room, where hopefully 1200; bso.org your grandchildren will stay someday and can be used during holidays or long weekends. Blink! A Light and Sound Extravaganza 4:30-10pm, Faneuil Hall, Boston. Watch as more than Rent it 350,000 lights dance to the beat of holiday songs. If you’re worried about adjusting to being empty nest- Through Jan. 1. FREE. bostonblinks.com ers and are unsure about moving to a smaller home, a 30 Sunday small step to that decision is renting out a room in your current home. Happy Noon Year If you don’t want your big house to remain empty, 10:30am – 12pm, The Common, 308 Congress St., renting a room through Airbnb, for example, can allow Boston. Why wait until midnight to welcome 2018? Start you to try being a landlord for anywhere from a few days your celebrations early with festive hat making and a at a time to a monthly rental. It can help make your home noon countdown. Free with admission. 617-426-6500; more affordable or can give you extra cash for other bostonkids.org endeavors such as travel. It doesn’t have to be something you’re locked into for a 31 Monday long time, such as 18 years. Aaron Crowe is a freelance journalist who specializes in writing about personal finance. He writes for a number of websites, including his own at CashSmarter.com.

28 Friday New Year Noisemakers 10am – 3pm, Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St., Providence, R.I. Create festive noisemakers to ring in 2019. Through Dec. 31. Free with admission. 401-2735437; childrenmuseum.org

29 Saturday Boston Pops Perform Home Alone in Concert 7pm, Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. Experience this true holiday favorite as never before, on the big screen with live orchestral accompaniment and members of the Wellesley High School chorus! Through

Boston Parents Paper | December 2018

Bessie’s New Year Eve Party Prep An PJ Party

10am, The Discovery Museums, 177 Main Street (Route 27), Acton. Let’s get ready to shake, rat¬tle, and roll into the New Year by making party hats and noise makers! Come bundled-up in your warmest pajamas and stick around for our pajama dance party at 11:45am, with a countdown to 12 (noon), in Discovery Woods. Free with admission. 978-264-4200; discoverymuseums.org

Blink! A Light and Sound Extravaganza 4:30-10pm, Faneuil Hall, Boston. Watch as more than 350,000 lights dance to the beat of holiday songs. Through Jan. 1. FREE. bostonblinks.com

Boston’s Family Fireworks 7pm, Boston Commons, Tremont St., Boston. Enjoy a fantastic Fireworks Display over Boston Common, brought to you by The Mugar Foundation. FREE. www. firstnightboston.org

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1/7/16

8:03 AM

My Montessori-Sudbury Sudbury, MA 978-883-8000 Nashoba Montessori School Lancaster, MA 978-365-6669 Newburyport Montessori School Newburyport, MA 978-462-7165 Newton Montessori School Newton, MA 617-969-4488 North Shore Montessori School Rowley, MA 978-495-2244 Norwood Montessori School Norwood, MA 781-769-6150 Notre Dame Children’s Class Wenham, MA 978-468-1340 Oak Meadow School Littleton, MA 978-486-9874 Old Colony Montessori School Hingham, MA 781-749-3698 Panda Cub Academy Brookline, MA 617-614-7709 Pincushion Hill Montessori School Ashland, MA 508-881-2123 Pinewood School of Montessori Plymouth, MA 508-746-5127 Pioneer Valley Montessori School 413-782-3108 www.msmresources.org Pond View Montessori School Dedham, MA 781-801-7939 Acton Montessori School Acton, MA 978-263-4333 Acton Montessori School Acton, MA Reading Montessori School Petersham Montessori School Reading, MA 781-944-1057Petersham, MA Adams Montessori Quincy, MA 617-773-8200 AdamsSchool Montessori School Quincy, MA River Valley Charter School Pincushion Hill Newburyport, Montessori MA School 978-465 0065Ashland, MA Amesbury Montessori School 978-518-5113 Amesbury Montessori Amesbury, School MA Amesbury, MA Pioneer Valley Montessori Rock and Roll Preschool Cambridge, MASchool 857-259-6891Springfield, MA Amherst Montessori School Amherst, MA 413-253-3101 Amherst Montessori School Amherst, MASam Placentino Elementary Reading Montessori School School Holliston, MA 508-429-0647Reading, MA Andover School of Montessori, Andover, MA 978-475-2299 Andover SchoolInc. of Montessori, Inc. Andover, MA Sandwich MontessoriRiver School SchoolValley Charter Sandwich, MA 508-888-4222Newburyport, MA Bay Farm Montessori Academy Duxbury, MA 781-934-7101 Bay Farm Montessori Academy Duxbury, MASeaside Montessori School Riverbend School Hull, MA 781-773-1588Natick, MA Bedford Montessori Bedford, MA 781-275-3344 BedfordSchool Montessori School Bedford, MA Sam Placentino Elementary School Holliston, MA Shrewsbury Montessori School Shrewsbury, MA 508-842-2116 Bellingham Children’ s HouseChildren's Bellingham, 508-966-2752 Bellingham House MA Bellingham, MA Seaside Montessori School Hull, MA Summit Montessori School Framingham, MA 508-872-3630 Bridgeview MontessoriCanton, SchoolMA Sagamore, MA Shrewsbury Montessori School Shrewsbury, MA Blue Hill Montessori 781-828-5230 Sunrise Montessori School Franklin, MA 508-541-8010 BurlingtonSchool Montessori Sagamore, School MA Burlington, MA Silver Spruce Montessori School Grafton, MA Bridgeview Montessori 508-888-3567 Tara Montessori School Manchester, MA 978-526-8487 CA Montessori CenterMA Framingham, MA Spanish Immersion Montessori Newton, MA Burlington Montessori School Children's Burlington, 781-273-0432 Thacher Montessori School Milton,School MA 617-361-2522Framingham, MA Cambridge Montessori School Cambridge, MA Summit Montessori CA Montessori Children’s Center Framingham, MA 508-628-8429 781-334-6436Franklin, MA Children'sSchool Montessori Cambridge, Center MA Danvers, MAThe Bethlehem SchoolSunrise Montessori School Cambridge Montessori 617-492-3410 The Bilingual Montessori Children's Own School, Inc. Winchester , MA Tara Montessori School Manchester, MA Children’s House Montessori West Roxbury, MA 617-325-2233 School of Sharon Thacher Montessori Sharon,School MA 781-784-3000Milton, MA Children's Workshop Montessori Marblehead, MA Children’s Montessori Center Danvers, MA 978-774-2144 of Bilingual Montessori School Christian Family Montessori School Holliston, MAThe Montessori School The Sharon, MA Children’s Workshop Montessori Marblehead, MA 781-631-8687 Northampton, MA 413-586-4538Canton, MA Concord Montessori School Concord, MA Northampton The Blue Hill Montessori Christian Family Montessori School Holliston, MA 508-429-5478 of Montessori School of the Berkshires Cottage Montessori Arlington, MAThe Montessori School The Lenox Dale, MA Concord Montessori School Concord, MA 978-369-5900 the Berkshires Lenox Dale, MASchool 413-637-3662Sandwich, MA eBridge Montessori School Westborough, MA The Sandwich Montessori Dandelion Montessori Coop 617-354-6400 The Riverbend SchoolThe T.E.C. School Natick, MA 508-655 7333Worcester, MA Hands-On Montessori Cambridge, School MA Mansfield, MA Hands-On Montessori School 508-339-4667 The Wellesley Montessori School, Inc. Wellesley, MA 781-237-6670 Harborlight Montessori Beverly, MA The Westwood Montessori School Westwood, MA Harborlight-Stoneridge School Westwood, 781-329-5557Boston, MA Hill View Montessori Charter Public School Haverhill, MAThe Westwood Montessori Torit Montessori School MA Montessori Beverly, MA 978-922-1008 Cambridge, MA 617-349-6600Sturbridge, MA InlySchool School Scituate, MATobin Montessori School Treetops Montessori School Inly School Keystone Montessori School Scituate, MA 781-545-5544 ToritMA Language CenterVineyard MontessoriMontessori Boston,School MA 617-292-5181Vineyard Haven, MA N. Chelmsford, Keystone Montessori SchoolMontessori North Chelmsford, MA 978-251-2929 School Park Montessori Sturbridge, MA King's Wood School Foxboro, MA Treetops Montessori Walnut School 508-347-8059Newton, MA King’s WoodKingsley MontessoriMontessori School Foxboro, MA 508-543-6391 School Boston, MA Urban Village Montessori Wild Rose Montessori Haverhill,School MA 978-361-0793Somerville, MA Kingsley Montessori School Boston, MA 617-226-4900 Lexington Montessori School Lexington, MA Montessori School Vineyard Montessori Wildflower School Vineyard Haven, MA 508-693-4090Cambridge, MA Lexington Montessori School Montessori Lexington, MA 781-862-8571 Longmeadow Internationale Longmeadow, MA Park Montessori Wollaston Walnut School Hill Montessori Newton, MA School 617-969-9208Quincy, MA LongmeadowMarigold MontessoriMontessori School Haverhill, MAWollaston Hill Montessori Woodside Montessori Academy 617-237-0722Millis, MA School Quincy, MA Internationale Longmeadow, MA 413-567-1820 Meeting House Montessori Braintree, MAWoodside Montessori Academy Millis, MA 508-376-5320 Melrose Montessori Melrose, MA 781-665-0621 MelroseSchool Montessori School Melrose, MA Country Village Montessori Northeast SchoolMontessori Amherst,Institute NH 603-672-3882Rockport, ME Oaks Montessori School Auburn, MA Hollis Montessori School Seacoast CenterHollis, for Education Mighty OaksMighty Montessori School Auburn, MA 508-304-7110 NH 603-400-1515Warren , ME Montessori Beginnings School Sandwich, MA Winfield Children’s House Falmouth, ME Montessori Academy of Cape Cod North Falmouth, MA 508-563-9010 Seacoast Center for Education Stratham, NH 603-590-6360 Montessori Day SchoolSandwich, of Wellesley Wellesley Hills, MA Casa dei Bambini Children’s Center Bow, NH Montessori Beginnings School MA Hills 508-477-7730 Southern NH Education Center Londonderry, NH 603-818-8613 Montessori Escuela Belmont, MA Hollis Montessori School Hollis, NH Montessori Country Day Montessori of Greenwich Bay East Greenwich, RI 401-234-1243 Institute-New England Beverly, MA New England Montessori Goffstown, NH School ofMontessori Holden Holden, MA 508-829-2999 Brattleboro,VT Montessori Boston, MA Hilltop Montessori School Southern NH Education Academy 802-257-0500Londonderry, NH Montessori Day School Parent Child Center Montessori School of Northampton Northampton, MA Montessori Pathways of New England Exeter, RI of Wellesley Hills Wellesley Hills, MA 781-795-5571 The listed schools do not discriminate in admission, My Montessori of Sudbury Sudbury, MA Montessori School of Greenwich Bay East Greenwich, RI Montessori Escuela Belmont, MA 508-454-0631 My Montessori of at Woburn Woburn, MA Sea Rose Montessori Co-op School Portsmouth, RI Montessori Institute-New England Harborlight-Stoneridge practices on theSchool basis of race, color, Brattleboro, VT Nashoba Lancaster, MAand employment Hilltop Montessori Montessori School Montessori School Beverly, MA 978-927-9600 Newburyport Montessori School Newburyport,national MA or ethnic origin, or any other protected category Montessori Parent Child Center Boston, MA 617-513-4270 Newton Montessori School Newton, MA under applicable Federal or State laws. My Montessori of Woburn Woburn, MA 781-333-4898 The listed schools do not discriminate in admission, financial North Shore Montessori School Rowley, MA aid, or administration of their educational policies and Norwood Montessori School Norwood, MA employment practices on the basis of race, color, national or Oak Meadow School Littleton, MA ethnic origin, or any other protected category under applicable Old Colony Montessori School Hingham, MA

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December 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

Photo courtesy Tony Rinaldo

MFA for the Holidays Your sense of wonder comes to life with art making, exhibitions, and activities for the whole family.

December Vacation Week December 26–31 “Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic” Through January 6 Learn more at mfa.org/holidays