Can you believe that the holidays are upon us already? Every year, I am surprised when I turn the calendar and see how close we are! I feel such excitement when I think about seeing my family, baking special things, singing Christmas Carols and sharing time with people I love.

A topic that always comes up at the holidays is giving. We give presents to family and friends, and we give in our community. Everything from canned food drives to visiting a nursing home can bring joy to people in our community. Look inside for more ideas on things you can do to spread the holiday spirit.

December can also bring a lull in your child’s attention to their schoolwork. We have advice on how to raise a motivated learner that will be helpful year-round.

If there is a downfall in the holiday season, it is the stress that can creep in with the expectations of what the holiday should look like. Check out “Calling for a Little Peace and Quiet” for strategies on making the holidays more meaningful and less rushed.

If you find yourself needing services or assistance this holiday season, please access the United Way helpline by dialing 211 or visiting http://211live.org.

The staff at Parent Magazines Florida joins me in wishing you a very Merry Holiday Season and a Happy New Year! Please drop us a line and let us know what you think of the magazine and where we can improve! Be sure to check out the contest tab on our website to win some great experiences!

Wishing you many blessings this holiday season,

Dr. Barbara c. Holley

Editor, Parent Magazines

Dr. Barbara C. Holley

We also want to recognize you – our readers! Your calls, emails and social media messages have given us great feedback. We hope you will continue to let us know what you want to read and see. Be sure to visit our Facebook page @StJohnsParentMagazine, and after liking/following, be sure to share our digital guides and stories with your friends and family.

Stephanie Robinson (Business Manager), Debbie Trask (Account Executive – Flagler and St. Johns Counties), Barbara Holley (Editor), Howard Holley (Publisher), Jeanne Coates (Managing Editor) and Gabrielle Gonzalez (Account Executive – Volusia County)

We also want to recognize you – our readers! Your calls, emails and social media messages have given us great feedback. We hope you will continue to let us know what you want to read and see. Be sure to visit our Facebook pages @FlaglerParentMagazine, @VolusiaParentMagazine and @StJohnsParentMagazine, and after liking/following, be sure to share our digital guides and stories with your friends and family.

Look for our Annual Health and Wellness issue this summer, available in racks throughout the community and on our website at http://ParentMagazineFlorida.com and app (St. Johns Parent). If you subscribe as a Parent Digital Subscriber, you will receive a link when it is available, a Weekly Things To Do eNewsletter and a Monthly Flagler Parent eNewsletter. It is the best way to make sure you do not miss anything!

We are honored to be able to give you this publication, and we hope May brings you sunshine and flowers!