Letter From the Publisher P. 4
PB Picks P. 6 From Chaos to Calm: An Organizer’s Guide to the Holidays P. 8
PB Parenting's Local Holiday Gift Guide P. 12 Community News: Mounts Botanical Garden Shines Bright with ILUMINA: A Tropical Garden Lantern Festival P.16
Greetings,
The holidays are on the horizon, bringing cozy gatherings, community events, and a chance to slow down and savor what matters most.
Whether you’re planning your Thanksgiving menu, decking the halls, or simply trying to stay organized amid the holiday rush, we’re here to help you find balance, inspiration, and joy in the season ahead.
Our Holiday Gift Guide (page 12) highlights local businesses because shopping small makes a big difference. Supporting our local businesses not only fuels our community but also adds a personal touch to every gift you give.
Professional organizer Amy Bergman brings calm to the chaos in her feature “From Chaos to Calm: An Organizer’s Guide to the Holidays.” Her practical tips and refreshing mindset will help you simplify the season, so you can focus on what truly matters.
At PB Parenting, we’re proud to continue connecting local families through stories, events, and resources that inspire everyday joy. This season is all about celebrating togetherness and the strength of our community. From our family to yours, we wish you a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, gratitude, and connection.
Happy Holidays and Happy Parenting!
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Heart Institute, ranked #1 in South Florida for Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery by U.S. News & World Report, proudly welcomes Dr. David Kalfa, a world-renowned leader in heart care.
Dr. David Kalfa, chief of Cardiovascular Surgery and professor of surgery and pediatrics at FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, brings advanced minimally invasive techniques that help kids heal faster and live brighter lives. He joins Dr. Shyam Sathanandam, chief of Cardiovascular Medicine, a pioneer in interventional cardiology who has developed life-saving treatments for children once considered untreatable.
Together, they lead Florida’s only pediatric heart program with two co-directors. Families can feel confident that even the most complex heart conditions can be treated with world-class care, close to home.
Give the gift of timeless craftsmanship this holiday season with the Origin Wallet from Swear Brands. Expertly crafted from full-grain Argentinian leather, this minimalist wallet combines durability with thoughtful design. It features RFID-blocking protection, a pulltab card access system, ID window, money clip, and six pockets—perfect for the modern minimalist who appreciates quality and functionality.
Available in rich shades like Onyx, Walnut, and Slate, the Origin Wallet is a refined upgrade that looks as good as it performs.
Price: $59.99
Order online: swearbrands.co m
Looking for a meaningful gift that gives back? Symbolically adopt a manatee through Save the Manatee Club and help protect these gentle “sea cows” and their habitats. Starting at just $25, your adoption includes a personalized certificate, photo, and biography of a real manatee, plus a year-long membership to the club and the Manatee Zone newsletter.
Your gift directly supports manatee rescue, research, and habitat conservation efforts across Florida and beyond. It’s a perfect way to honor someone who loves wildlife, the ocean, or ecofriendly giving.
Visit SaveTheManatee.org/Adopt to choose your manatee and make a splash with a gift that truly matters this season.
Shipping: Free U.S. shipping on orders over $50. Arrives in a premium gift box, ready to wrap.
BY AMY BERGMAN
The holiday season is marketed as magical, but for many families, it can feel more like a marathon of events, expenses, and expectations. As a professional organizer, I see a common pattern every year: we start with excitement, but by mid-December we’re burned out, buried in clutter, and wondering how it spiraled so quickly.
Seasonal overwhelm doesn’t happen because we’re doing it “wrong.” It happens because we slip into autopilot and follow everyone else’s version of the “perfect holiday.” Pinterest-perfect homes. Social media-worthy gifts. Attending every event because we feel obligated. When we don’t pause to be intentional, the holidays start running us instead of the other way around. But there is a better way.
This year, instead of asking “How do I get everything done?” I want you to ask a more powerful question: “What do I actually want this
season to look and feel like for my family?” This one question changes everything. When you define what matters most to you, before the invitations, sales, and pressure hit, you can make clear choices with less guilt and more joy. Let’s break this down into simple, practical steps.
Down!) - Grab a notebook and answer these questions with honesty, not what you think you’re “supposed” to do.
• How do I want our home to feel? Cozy and decorated? Simple and calm?
• How many gatherings do I realistically want to attend?
• Do I actually enjoy hosting, or would I rather keep things low-key?
• What traditions matter most to us?
• What stresses me out every year that I can let go of?
There are no right or wrong answers. If skipping
Girl Scouts explore the world around them with wonder and enthusiasm. It’s not just about gaining new skills. It’s about reaching her full potential and becoming who she’s meant to be – all with an undeniable sense of belonging and connection.
Why Girl Scouts for your girl? Girl Scouts provides girls with a sense of belonging and a supportive peer network. Girls are guided
through skill-building and development activities and programs by committed and caring adult volunteers. The safe, all-girl environment provides emotional and motivational support as girls take on new adventures and overcome challenges. Girl Scouts empowers girls to build resilience, reach higher academic goals, and achieve lifelong career success. Scan the QR code to register now
For more information, visit gssef.org or contact us at 561-427-0177 or customercare@gssef.org
• We’re only attending one big gathering each weekend.”
• “We’re doing a family pajama-and-movie night instead of a big party.” When everyone understands the plan, the pressure eases for everyone.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Redefine Traditions - Traditions are meant to bring joy, not stress. It’s okay to keep the ones you love and retire (or reinvent) the ones that drain you. Maybe cookie baking becomes buying from the bakery. Maybe sending 50 holiday cards becomes sending 10 texts. Maybe “hosting” becomes “potluck.” Your holiday doesn’t have to look Pinterest-perfect to be meaningful.
The holidays don’t create overwhelm; lack of intention does. When you slow down, get clear, and plan with purpose, you protect your time, energy, home, budget, and peace of mind. The season will still be full…but it will be full of
the things you chose on purpose. XOXO, Amy
Transform your home and office into a haven of serenity and productivity with Amyzing Spaces. As a seasoned professional organizer in Palm Beach County, Amy Bergman is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses unlock the full potential of their spaces. Amy develops personalized solutions that fit each client's unique needs, freeing up time and energy for what truly matters. In addition to one-on-one organizing services, Amy offers dynamic speaking engagements and interactive workshops on decluttering, organizing, time management, and productivity. Explore her website
www.amyzingspaces.com to see how she brings order, clarity, and calm to every space she works with—empowering her clients to achieve greater efficiency, focus, and peace of mind.
December 5-7, 2025
'Tis the season to spread joy and support local businesses! In our holiday gift guide, we've curated a selection of great ideas to help you support local businesses while checking off your shopping list.
We give children limitless possibilities to express themselves and learn all aspects of art, we keep the learning fun…Give the Gift of Art! You can purchase a gift certificate to anything we offer such as classes, workshops, camps, parties etc. Located in Delray. Boca Raton, and Coral Springs! For more information visit www.artneststudios.com or call 561-562-8897.
Take your family to see the Nutcracker this Holiday Season. Performances will be Dec. 5th-7th at the Kravis Center for Performing Arts. Also for your little budding ballerina, give the gift of ballet classes! For more information go to www.balletpalmbeach.com.
Cox Science Center and Aquarium
There are many great gifts available at the Cox Science Center! Give your loved ones
passes to visit, an annual membership, or stop in our Science Center store to purchase a wide variety of science goodies. Bring the gift of exploration home with interactive science kits or a plethora of small treasures. Members save 10% on purchases. Store items may be ordered by telephone at 561-832-1988. Memberships may be purchased on their website www.CoxScienceCenter.org.
At Genie’s Gymnastics the children come first. We focus on their specific goals, and have a lot of fun while working towards excellence. Girls and boys gymnastics and cheerleading classes available. Centrally located between Jog Rd and Hagen Ranch behind the chevron gas station. Call 561-8680288 or visit www.geniesgymnastics.com for more details. PB Parenting
Don’t forget to tell them you saw their listing in Holiday Gift Guide
The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts - Tickets are a gift that one size fits all! The Kravis has so many great shows for all ages this seaon including popular Broadway Musicals such as Some Like it Hot, Beetlejuice and Holiday performances like Twas the Night Before by Cirque Du Soliel, Nutcracker and more! Check out their whole lineup and purchase tickets at www.kravis.org/
at Leader Learning Center - Give the Gift of Strategy! At the Leader Learning Center, chess is more than just a game—it’s a pathway to developing focus, confidence, and critical thinking skills. Their comprehensive chess program welcomes children of all ages and skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced players preparing for tournaments. This holiday season, families can give the gift of learning, strategy, and fun with chess at the Leader Learning Center. Learn more: leaderlearning.us/chess
Loggerhead Marinelife Center Go green this holiday season by gifting a sea turtle “adoption” to your own special hatchling! A sea turtle adoption is a unique and meaningful way to show how much you care (for the person and for marine life). No matter what sea turtle adoption package you purchase, you will have a way to show your love for ocean and sea turtle conservation. It could be in sticker, hat, photo, or magnet form. You can adopt a sea turtle for as low as $40. You can find more info at www. marinelife.org/adopt.
Give the gift of wonder this holiday season with ILUMINA at Mounts Botanical Garden. From November 12, 2025, to January 11, 2026, the Garden transforms into a glowing wonderland of more than 500 handcrafted silk lanterns—flamingos, butterflies, orchids, and more—illuminating the night with art, color, and imagination. Perfect for families, couples, and friends, this walkable outdoor experience blends culture, creativity, and nature in the heart of West Palm Beach. Tickets start at $16 for adults and $2 for children. Garden Members enjoy the best prices and special perks.
at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre are great gift giving experiences! For the theatre lover - the gift of tickets to see a show Upcoming Shows include Million Dollar Quartet, Come From Away, Dueling Yule-ing Pianos, Classic Christmas by Candlelight, Jazzy Christmas Concert and more! For your budding actor or actress, the gift of classes. The Goldner Conservatory at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre is a premier professional Conservatory that offers the highest caliber of artistic education to students of all ages. To learn more go to /www.jupitertheatre.org. ILUMINA: A Tropical Garden Lantern Festival at Mounts Botanical Garden
Memberships make great gifts too. Members receive free admission to the Garden, plant sales, and exhibits; a free digital subscription to MBG Leaflet and Better Homes & Gardens; free access to more than 380 gardens nationwide; and discounts on classes, workshops, and at the Gift Shop, Nursery, and Vintage Thrift Shop. Members also enjoy advance notice of events and help support Mounts’ horticulture, education, and art programs.
Memberships start at $60 (Avid Gardener) or $95 (Garden Family). Tickets and memberships available at mounts.org. .
Create personalized gifts at Picasso's Creative Workshop. Have fun painting and creating your own masterpiece to give to your love ones.
Or give the gift of creativity, gift certificates available and make great gifts! Located at 7451 S Military Trail, Lake Worth. Call us today to learn more! For more information call 561-4394000 or visit www.gopicasso.com.
or adopt an animal for the holiday season!
Membership has its perks! Enjoy free admission year round, special events and more! Sandoway also offers two animal adoption packages for $25 or $50. Animals include Maggie the Gopher Tortoise, Nurse Sharks, Opossums, Sting Rays and more For more information call 561-2747263 or visit www.Sandoway.org.
Tues - Fri: 12pm-4pm Sat: 10am-4pm Sun: 12pm-4pm
This holiday season, Mounts Botanical Garden invites the community to step into a world of light, color, and wonder with ILUMINA: A Tropical Garden Lantern Festival, opening November 12, 2025, at Mounts Botanical Garden, located on Military Trail between Southern Boulevard and Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach.
Inspired by the centuries-old Lantern Tradition of artistry, this event is at the heart of Palm Beach. Each handcrafted silk lantern tells a story — blending tradition, imagination, and the tropical beauty of South Florida. As night falls, more than 500 glowing creations—from flamingos and chameleons to butterflies and orchids—transform Mounts Botanical Garden into a luminous wonderland where nature and light dance in harmony.
ILUMINA invites everyone to explore Mounts Botanical Garden in a new way," said James May, Executive Director at Mounts Botanical Garden.
"This exhibition turns the Garden’s tropical landscape into a vibrant display of art, culture, and nature. It aims to inspire curiosity and enhance our appreciation for the natural world. ILUMINA connects people of all ages through shared experiences that create wonder. It’s an event where beauty, creativity, and community unite—an essential part of West Palm Beach’s winter season that brings light, joy, and togetherness."
The
From the gentle glow of giant orchids to the spectacle of animated creatures, ILUMINA is more than an exhibition—it's a celebration of art, culture, and community spirit.
Tickets are on sale now at mounts.org/ilumina, with admission starting at $16 for adults and $2 for children. Garden Members enjoy the best prices.
About Mounts Botanical Garden
Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County is the region's oldest and largest public Garden. A cultural and environmental treasure, Mounts inspires and educates visitors about the beauty and importance of plants, sustainability, and the connection between people and nature.
Thankful: adjective thank·ful : glad that something has happened or not happened, that something or someone exists, etc. : of, relating to, or expressing thanks
Does it seem that children today don’t know the meaning of being thankful? We live in a consumer based, technology driven world and sometimes life flashes by so quick. We are in such a hurry that we often don’t have to stop and be thankful for the world around us.
Here are some tips on how to help your child show thankfulness and maybe a refresher for adults too!
1. Just say thank you: Practice using role-play using good manners and saying “thank you” using stuffed animals and action figures.
2. Start a tradition: Not just for Thanksgiving Day but every week. At dinner time ask everyone to share at least one thing they are grateful for.
3. Be an example to younger children. You may not know it but they are watching you. Adults and
older children can set a good example.
4. Hug Someone! Tell them that you are thankful for them being in your life.
5. Say thank-you with cookies. Prepare and deliver a homemade “thank you” to your local fire or police department, or your pediatrician’s or dentist’s office.
6. Help out without being asked. Make it a goal to do so once a day — and for any member of the family.
7. Thank a teacher or coach. Send a handwritten note to let them know how much their efforts make a difference.
8. Volunteer a Saturday or Sunday. Think food pantry or animal shelter, and try to make it a regular commitment.
9. Create a Thanksgiving scrapbook. Ask everyone to jot down their thoughts or contribute a photo on Thanksgiving day. Be sure to update it and add to it each year.
10. Encourage generosity. Together donate toys and clothes to underprivileged. families.
11. Make a gratitude jar. Have everyone write down something they are thankful for on a slip of paper and put it in the jar. Open it at the end of the year to relive those special moments.
12. Share stories of gratitude. Read books or watch shows together that teach the value of being thankful.
13. Thank your children when they do something kind or good. Show thankfulness to the ones closest to you (spouse, friends, relatives) so they know gratitude is for everyone.
As Thanksgiving approaches, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with the comforting flavors of pumpkin. The rich aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and spice instantly brings warmth to the table and sets the mood for gathering with loved ones. This year, instead of serving the traditional pumpkin pie, try something new with this Pumpkin Crumble from Cookin’ Savvy—a delicious twist that’s as easy to make as it is to love. With its velvety pumpkin filling and buttery, golden crumble topping, it’s the perfect blend of sweet and cozy for your holiday feast. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and watch it become a new family favorite. Once you’ve enjoyed every last crumb, head over to Culinary.net for more seasonal dessert inspiration to keep your Thanksgiving spirit going strong.
Pumpkin Crumble
Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"
Servings: 8-12
1 can pumpkin
1 can evaporated milk
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon pumpkin spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 box cake mix (yellow, white or spice)
3/4 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup chopped white chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups melted butter
Whipped Cream:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons sugar
In bowl, mix pumpkin, evaporated milk, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin spice and cinnamon. Pour into greased 9-by-11-inch baking dish.
In separate bowl, mix cake mix, pecans and white chocolate chips. Sprinkle over pumpkin mixture. Pour butter evenly over top. Do not mix or stir. Bake 1 hour.
To make whipped cream: Using hand mixer, whip heavy whipping cream and sugar until thick.
Serve crumble with whipped cream.
Source: Family Features - Culinary.net
Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or enjoying a quiet holiday at home, this Pumpkin Crumble adds just the right touch of comfort and sweetness to your Thanksgiving table
NO
SCHOOL Veterans Day, Tues. Nov. 11th and the week of Thanksgiving, Nov. 24-28th. Need
Aquarium - Fall and Fall Break Camps - Science Adventure Camp (ages 5-13) Nov.11, Riding the Waves - Get ready to shred on some wicked waves in this totally gnarly science camp. From the crashing of the ocean's waves to electromagnetic waves we can't see but feel every day, there are waves everywhere for us to learn about. Nonmember price - $61 | Members10% discount.
November 24th - 28th, 2025 - Art of Science (No camp on Thanksgiving Day) - Grab a palette, a canvas, and all the colors you can think of because we’ll be doing all sorts of shades of art in this cool and creative art-themed science camp. Explore mind-bending illusions, learn color theory, and discover how animals employ the science of color into their everyday lives. Non-member price - $244 | Members 10% discount. For more infowww.coxsciencecenter.org/camps.
Conservatory Fall 2025
OUT DAY CAMPS (GRADES 1-12) Tuesday Nov. 11 Only Break open the costume and prop box to bring a story to life! The next time school is out, plan ahead and register for a one-day theatre or dance camp. Play in a Day (Grades 1-2) and
(Grades 3-5) and Dance in a Day (Grades 6-8) and (Grades 9-12) Register: jupitertheatre.org/
Leader Learning Center offers a Thanksgiving chess camp - Monday - Wednesday (Nov 24thNov 26th) 9am-12 pm; cost $150/child, registration through Wellington Community center's link. https://secure.rec1.com/ FL/village-of-wellington/catalog/index/853749b 4fe0ca6f3c05df1adab6912f5?filter=c2VhcmNoP WNoZXNz - For more info about Leader Learning Center go to www.leaderlearning.us.
at Breakers West - School Holiday? Teacher Work Day? No Problem.
Breakers West has you covered with a series of fun-filled day camps that coincide with Palm Beach County’s 2025-2026 calendar of school closures. Ages 4-12 • 8:45 AM – 3 PM. To register, please call (561) 2831062 or visit breakerswestclub.com/activities.
Camps = paint, play, and creative fun (aka hours of happy kids + a break for you).
Check out the "Non School Day Camps" at all three locations - Delray Beach, Boca Raton and Coral Springs - go to www.artneststudios.com
Every day is a new opportunity for discovery at Sandoway Discovery Center! Check out our program and feeding times to plan your next visit. From fascinating exhibits to interactive experiences, there's always something exciting happening. Don't miss out on the wonders of science and nature – join us for a day filled with exploration and fun! Admission is $10 ages 3+ Learn more at www. sandoway.org.
Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County is inviting the community to join in honoring our nation’s heroes this Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, with free admission for all U.S. veterans and active-duty military personnel. In gratitude for their courage, sacrifice, and service in protecting our freedoms, Mounts welcomes military members and their families to enjoy a peaceful day surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Manatee Season Kickoff at Manatee Lagoon
Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees can enjoy free, familyfriendly activities that celebrate Florida’s iconic manatees, including four mini educational lecture series, face painting, food trucks, outdoor games, Manatee Tales Story Time, Mia the Manatee appearances and a showcase of environmental exhibitors – plus a celebrity appearance from Mia the Manatee!- https:// www.visitmanateelagoon.com/manatee-seasonkickoff/.
December 5 – 7 -
Friday at 7 p.m.
Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. The cherished holiday favorite returns to the stage with Ballet Palm Beach’s breathtaking production of THE NUTCRACKER! Join Marie on her whimsical journey as she is whisked away by the enchanting Nutcracker Prince into a dazzling winter wonderland. Marvel at the captivating dancing snowflakes, witness thrilling battles of toy soldiers, and delight in a host of festive surprises that will fill the air with magic! Performaces at Alexander W. Dreyfoos Concert Hall. For information about prices and how to purchase tickets, please call Ballet Palm Beach at 561.630.8235 or visit www.balletpalmbeach.org.
Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida's We Heart Welaka on Sunday, December 7, 2025
Camp Welaka – Jonathan Dickinson State Park Reconnect with nature at We Heart Welaka, hosted by the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. Enjoy a full day of outdoor adventures including canoeing, hiking, crafts, and the debut of Camp Welaka’s new archery range. Don’t miss a special animal encounter from Busch Wildlife Sanctuary and the chance to explore camp life with friends and family. Open to all ages. Lunch break from 12:30–1:15 PM. Preorder event T-shirts by November 11. Details and registration: https:// www.gssef.org/en/sf-events-repository/2025/ we-heart-welaka-dec-7--2025.html
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