December Editor's Letter

This year I celebrated 10 years working with KC Parent magazine. It’s hard to imagine that when I started I had a preschooler and kindergartener and now I have a daughter in middle school and one in high school! Where does the time go?!? As a part of my 10-year celebration, my younger was graciously asked to be on the cover (a lifelong dream of hers). I’m one proud mama, seeing her on the cover and she and my older on pg. 36. Thanks to Family Media Group for being so wonderful to work for the past 10 years! Here’s to the next 10!

Speaking of celebrations, they are a big part of December, and we’re here to help! Our 12-page Holiday Guide is chock-full of great info to help you stay sane during the next 31 days. Need some gift ideas? Check out this story for gifts that won’t take up much space but will create lasting memories. Want to teach kids that it’s more important to give than receive? We’ve got ideas on 10 ways kids can give back during the holiday season. Looking for a clever craft to keep kids occupied or a new recipe for a sweet treat to take to that party? Check and check! Learn to make adorable yarn trees and yummy cherry cheesecakes.

And, on a personal note, this December brings the second anniversary of my dad’s unexpected passing. I miss him dearly, think of him daily and enjoy the little reminders of him that pop up. Recently, my sister was playing a recording of a voicemail he had left her. I was driving as I listened to it and happened to be stopped at a stoplight. The car in front of me had a sticker from the dealership where it was purchased. That sticker read, “Vic,” Dad’s name. It made me smile. If you’re so inclined, raise a glass to my Pops on Dec. 11 for a life well lived. He is missed.

Merry Christmas to you, Kansas City!