Coping Strategies for Holiday Meltdowns
Any honest parent will share that among the magic of holiday moments and favorite traditions come dysregulated feelings, big emotions, and exhausted children. December and...
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Eight Great Reasons to Visit the San Francisco Bay Area This December Holiday Season
The holiday season in San Francisco is nothing short of magical. With the city sparkling with lights, festive events, and family-friendly attractions, San Francisco offers...
Read ArticleOngoing Monterey and Santa Cruz Holiday Events for 2024
The holiday season is here, and Monterey and Santa Cruz counties are buzzing with festive events to brighten up November and December. From dazzling light...
Read ArticleRancho Siempre Verde: Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farm
For over 55 years family and friends have made Rancho Siempre Verde a lively and beautiful place to enjoy the Christmas season. We invite you to make...
Read ArticleWrite to Santa! How to Receive a Letter From Santa
Writing a letter to Santa is one of the most memorable parts of the Christmas fun for children. Here are a few ways your child can take part in the fun!
Read ArticleChristmas and Hanukkah Events for Monterey and Santa Cruz
If you're looking for events to celebrate the December holidays, click this link to go to the entire list of events tagged "Christmas 2024" or...
Read ArticleSanta Claus is coming to Monterey and Santa Cruz
In addition to appearances at various events, Santa can be found at numerous locations around Monterey Bay. Most locations require a reservation for photos so be sure to check the website before heading out.
Read ArticleMonterey & Santa Cruz Crafts Shows Just in Time for Christmas Gifts
If you're looking for handmade gifts for those on your 2024 gift list, here are crafts shows where you can shop locally. 2024 HOLIDAY MARKET...
Read ArticleWinter Coat Negotiations
Clouds linger longer, darkness descends sooner, and breaths hang in chilly air. Autumnal weather slides into winter and negotiations begin. Part-business deal, part-parenting comes the...
Read ArticleGiving Back in Monterey and Santa Cruz: Where To Donate Food and Toys This Holiday Season
While you are preparing to enjoy the winter holidays with your family and friends, please take a moment to consider a donation to one of...
Read ArticlePacific Grove Holiday Happenings
Here's a list of holiday events happening in Pacific Grove, showcasing its charm as "America's Last Hometown." These events are perfect for creating cherished family...
Read ArticleUnique Christmas Events for Monterey Bay Families
The holiday season is upon us, and there are a ton of festive activities for families to enjoy in Monterey Bay. Our comprehensive calendar is...
Read ArticleBrighten the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade in Monterey
The Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club presents Brighten the Harbor, a lighted boat parade sponsored by the Fisherman's Wharf Association on Sunday, December 8, 2024 from 5:30...
Read ArticleA Merry Day Trip to San Jose: Holiday Events for Monterey Bay Families
The holidays are here, and if you're in Monterey looking for a festive day trip with the kids, San Jose offers an array of Christmas...
Read ArticleCalifornia Towns That Offer Unique and Festive Holiday Events
California offers families an array of holiday festivities that celebrate the season in unique and heartwarming ways. While Monterey County has plenty of holiday spirit,...
Read ArticleEight Dazzling Holiday Light Displays in California
California lights up in November and December with sparkling displays that celebrate the magic of the season. If you'll be traveling during this holiday seasons,...
Read ArticleChristmas and Hanukkah Special Events for Monterey & Santa Cruz
The holiday season is a busy one in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. Here are a variety of fun family-friendly events for 2024. CITY OF...
Read ArticleHallmark Holiday Movies for 2024
Hallmark movie season is here! This year we are being treated to 41 original movies throughout the holiday season. It all begins October 18 and...
Read ArticleWhere to Buy Those Holiday Pies
With the holidays approaching, planning dinners is on the agenda. If you're the one tasked with making or buying dessert, we've rounded up a list...
Read ArticleArchie Meets Santa at Fisherman’s Wharf
Archie enjoyed a spine-tingling and enchanting Halloween breakfast experience at Brew-N-Krew in downtown Salinas this morning! He was excited for a chance to wear his bat costume out of the house before Halloween. 🦇
Read ArticleCreating Joyful Holidays
Here are eleven suggestions on how to lighten your stress level so you can increase the joy in your holiday season.
Read ArticleAll About Christmas Trees
How to choose your tree, where to buy one in Monterey and Santa Cruz, how to dispose of it, and a few ideas on how to make use of the needles.
Read ArticleThe December Dilemma for Jewish Parents
It’s an age-old question for Jewish families: how much exposure to Christmas activities should we allow or encourage for our children? Christmas-related activities abound, and as parents, we have to make tough decisions on how much to compromise.
Read ArticleBay Area Christmas Tree Lightings
What better way to kick off the festivities than by attending a magical tree lighting ceremony? If your family has the opportunity to venture beyond Monterey Bay this holiday season, there are a variety of events perfect for kicking off the holidays.
Read ArticleA Guide to The Nutcracker
Many Monterey Bay Parent readers enjoy the seasonal tradition of attending a performance of The Nutcracker Ballet.
Read ArticleNo More GIMME: Celebrate the Holidays While Avoiding Entitlement
Here are a few approaches you might take to help your kids have an even-keeled holiday season—presents and all.
Read ArticleThe Jewish Festival of Lights: The Story of Hanukkah
In December, the celebration of Hanukkah commemorates the rededication–the word Hanukkah means dedication– of the Second Temple in the second century BC during a turbulent time in Jewish history.
Read ArticleFamily Gifts to Make, Bake, and Create Memories
Whether you want to save money, reduce clutter, or create more experiences
this holiday season, here are some creative gift ideas to give to your children and family.
Books For and About Christmas, Hanukkah, & Kwanzaa
Here are some excellent choices for read-aloud time or gift-giving during the December holidays.
Read ArticleChristmas Magic is All About Balance
This holiday season, put some thought into what is important to YOU. Only you can decide what traditions and activities are important to you and your family.
Read ArticleSkip the Holi-daze
Why not take this opportunity to rediscover the joy of slowing down and savoring the season right where you spend most of your time? Here are 7 sweet and simple ways to celebrate the holidays at home.
Read ArticleOur Favorite Christmas Movies
Gather the kids, pop some popcorn, make some hot chocolate and snuggle in for a movie session! Watching a good Christmas movie is the quickest way to get the entire family into the holiday spirit.
Read ArticleHoliday Traditions to Treasure
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Eid al-Fitr, Bodhi Day, or the winter solstice, holiday traditions are a fun way for families to bond and create fond memories.
Read ArticleTen Ways to Stress Less This Holiday Season
Most Americans have elevated stress levels during the holiday season. Instead of being full of good tidings and cheer, families often feel drained of time, energy and peace. Here are ten tips to help ease the stress.
Read ArticleCelebrating Baby’s First December Holidays
If this will be the first Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year’s celebration with your new grandchild, you might want to take a little time to think about how to approach the coming holidays.
Read ArticleNavigating a Military Move During the Holidays
The holidays and end of 2018 are upon us and many of us military families will be packing up our things and moving onto our next duty station. Moving is one of the hardest things about military life, especially when it falls during the holidays.
Read ArticleWhere To See Christmas Lights in Monterey and Santa Cruz
Here are the best places to see Christmas lights in Monterey and Santa Cruz.
Read ArticleHoliday Travel Tips From Military Mom
Military families are often separated from extended family and our Monterey military community is no exception. Military Mom has tips on making holiday travel with your kids easier.
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