December 2023

DECEMBER 2023

FOR LOCAL FAMILIES. BY LOCAL FAMILIES.

INSIDE LOOK:

NUTCRACKER at The Straz

Tampa Bay's BEST

HOLIDAY EVENTS

RESET IN 2024 with Hustle Sanely ® DISCONNECTED:

How to protect kids from their devices

+ MORE!

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DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 3

DECEMBER 2023 CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND EDITORIAL MANAGER Laura Byrne ASSOCIATE EDITORS Anu Varma Panchal Brie Gorecki OPERATIONS MANAGER Zoe Joiner CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Laura Byrne Brie Gorecki Karimah Henry Jenny P Maggie Rodriguez Tara Payor, PhD Julie Tingley Chely Cantrell Laura Cross Tiffany Basch Curtis Ross ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Ralf Gonzalez LAYOUT & DESIGN Jennifer Dufek

Articles 12 // COVER STORY: Nutcracker: A magical local tradition creates forever memories for Tampa Bay families

46 // Licht Style: Tampa Bay Bucs General Manager Jason Licht and his wife Blair talk football and family

15 // Must-Do Holiday Events: Here’s our list of fun, nostalgic and camera-worthy regional events to hit up in December

48 // Gifts to Read: Hillsborough County Libraries share their list of the perfect book for each age group

21 // Sweet Constructions: Gingerbread houses take the spotlight at Glazer Children's Museum

55 // All About Adum: Read about all the hype behind the newest school in HCPS

22 // Crafting Traditions: Karimah Henry shows you three fun and easy crafts for festive decorations

27 // Festive Feasts: Jenny P of

BOOKKEEPING James Anderson

30 // Believe with Me: Local organization

BECOME A FAN tampabayparenting @tampabayparenting @TBParenting

steps for making the transition from preschool to big-kid school as smooth as can be

24 // Christmas Town at Busch Gardens: This beloved local tradition has something for everyone in the family

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Laura Byrne Luxe Light Images Karimah Henry Jenny P Ambika Agrawal Photography Joelle Elizabeth / Jo & Co

TAMPA BAY PARENTING MAGAZINE 320 W. Kennedy Blvd. Ste. 220 Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone 813-949-4400 Fax 813-315-6688 info@tbparenting.com editor@tbparenting.com

59 // Countdown to Kindergarten: Three

@lunchboxmafia shows you how to bring the season into your kids’ Thermos or snack plate

Every Issue:

29 // The Gift of Experience: Sometimes, the

6 // Noteworthy: What’s New and

best goodies don’t come in a box; our tips for a present that will last into the future cares for Gold Star Military families during the holiday season

33 // Museum Superheroes: MOSI’s DC Superhero exhibit takes families on an epic journey 36 // How NOT to Burn Out: Tampa mama

Jess Massey shares about planning, focus and her business, Hustle Sanely

39 // Disconnected: Why parents should use

their superpowers and protect kids from their devices

Notable in Tampa Bay and beyond

9 // December Top Picks: Our favorite things to do this month

40 // Moms to Know: Meet Giselle Mcnab, writer and founder of The SISProject.org.

43 // Kids to Know: Meet Sadie Dixon,

who fights her battle with Ewing sarcoma with strength and grace

62 // What’s Trending on

TampaBayParenting.com: See what’s going on between the issues on our digital platforms

ON THE COVER: We're giving you an inside look on page 12 at what it takes to produce the magical world of Nutcracker at The Straz Center in Tampa.

Tampa Bay Parenting is published twelve times per year and distributed throughout the Tampa Bay community. Tampa Bay Parenting is not responsible for any errors, inaccuracies, omissions or incorrect information (or the consequences related thereto) contained within the magazine or online; readers should not rely on any information contained in the magazine and they should always consult with an appropriate professional for guidance. Tampa Bay Parenting accepts no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information or materials provided by Tampa Bay Parenting. Some content published by Tampa Bay Parenting is sponsored or paid for advertising content, and some individuals quoted or cited in articles have paid for advertising or sponsorships; this content or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Tampa Bay Parenting.

Nutcracker rehearsals at the Patel Conservatory

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NOTEWORTHY december

Busch Gardens Announces ALL NEW Events and Upgrades for 2024!

Big things are happening at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay next year, starting with the spring opening of a new family-friendly coaster, Phoenix Rising. Also, the kangaroo and wallaby area, Kangaloom, will be completely renovated so that visitors can have an even more interactive experience.

New shows include Busch Gardens Animal Tales—a live animal presentation at Pantopia Theater—and a new ice-skating show. You can also take advantage of new upgrades and features to 2024 Annual Passes. buschgardens.com/tampa

Get Swept Away at The New Castaway Falls at Adventure Island Opening next year, Castaway Falls will be a multi-level water-play attraction. It’s part of Adventure Island’s expansion, the biggest in the water park’s 40+ years of history! This family-friendly attraction will have more than 100 play elements, four water slides and three giant tipping buckets. adventureisland.com

Check Out the NEW Majeed Discovery Garden at Florida Botanical Gardens!

The Majeed Discovery Garden, a free and accessible children’s garden, is now open at the Florida Botanical Gardens. The site is just over two acres and features a bamboo bridge, pollinator landing, imagination blocks, sensory curtain area, music forest, water pump and more! Little ones will love exploring, jumping and playing while also learning about plants and their life cycle. flbgfoundation.org

Race and Splash into 2024 with a Full Year of Family Fun at LEGOLAND Florida Resort From spring 2024, the LEGO Ferrari Build & Race Experience will give guests the chance to create and test run their own Ferrari race car in an interactive play zone. This will be followed next fall by the opening of a new family-friendly aquarium, the SEA LIFE Florida Resort. The park also welcomes the return of LEGO NINJAGO Weekends, Summer Block Party, Brick-or-Treat Monster Party and Holidays at LEGOLAND. Be sure to grab a NEW enhanced annual pass to make sure you won’t miss out on any of the fun! legoland.com/florida

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Tampa Bay’s First Women’s Pro Soccer Team Reveals Name, Logo and Colors Introducing Tampa Bay’s First Women’s Pro Soccer Team, the Tampa Bay Sun Football Club! The name was chosen from 2,500 suggestions submitted by the public. Nine people suggested the Tampa Bay Sun, whose navy and yellow logo captures the energy and essence of the community.

The team will play its first seasons in an upgraded and expanded waterfront stadium in downtown Tampa that it will share with Howard W. Blake High School. tampabaysunfc.com

Meet Champa Boom – MacDill Air Force Base’s new Mascot!

Champa Boom is a boom operator for the KC-135 and KC-46 and comes from the primary mission in the 6th Air Refueling Wing. This fun-loving, superenergetic Airman loves being around people and is a staunch advocate for America’s Airpower.

Champa’s name stems from Tampa Bay being a sports championship region, combining the words “champ” and “Tampa.”

A T N A S S WITH

P HO T O . 9 - D E C . 24 NOV

Discover the Magic and Tradition of the Holiday Season at International Plaza.

Step inside Santa’s 22 foot-tall sleigh, experience the magical snowfall and meet Santa in this one-of-a-kind interactive experience.

Skip the line and reserve online.

S P O N S O R E D B Y:

DON’T MISS OUR OTHER HOLIDAY EVENTS! Visit shopinternationalplaza/events to learn more.

DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 7

Sea Holiday Joy of

Weekends and select dates November 24 through December 31.

Join us at Clearwater Marine Aquarium for a Sea of Holiday Joy with festive fun for the whole family! See Santa underwater and meet him in person for a memorable holiday photo opportunity, enjoy lights and decorations celebrating the season throughout the aquarium, and participate in fun holiday crafts and activities surrounded by marine life.

Learn more about upcoming events & buy tickets at

CMAQUARIUM.ORG

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DECEMBER Top Picks

Santa Edition

Santa’s making his way around Tampa Bay! Here are a few spots where you can catch the busy guy before he heads back up to the North Pole to get ready for Christmas Eve.

GO ON A SANTA BRUNCH CRUISE WITH YACHT STARSHIP

DEC. 10 & 17 FROM 12:30 P.M.2:30 P.M.

Santa is soaking up a little sunshine with brunch on Yacht StarShip. Cruisers get a chance to snap a special photo with Santa at boarding, followed by tasty brunch and great views from the deck. yachtstarship.com

SANTA'S WORKSHOP AT MOSI

SATURDAY, DEC. 16 FROM 11 A.M. TO 2 P.M. Santa is heading to MOSI for a day of meet-and-greets and hands-on activities. mosi.org

ENJOY BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT CMA

BRUNCH WITH SANTA AT MELTING POT SOCIAL

VISIT SANTA AT THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM

Join Clearwater Marine Aquarium for a heartwarming and festive “Breakfast with Santa” event like no other! Dive into the holiday spirit while enjoying a scrumptious breakfast with your loved ones in the enchanting marinethemed surroundings of the aquarium.

The event includes holiday crafts and activities, interactive marine presentations, a hot chocolate and mimosa bar, and more! cmaquarium.org

Step into a heartwarming holiday wonderland that promises to make your season merry and bright! Indulge in a delectable brunch menu filled with your favorite treats. But the real magic happens when you meet the man in red himself—Santa Claus!

Capture the enchantment with a FREE picture with Santa and make even more memories at the digital photo booth. 813-683-5707 or visit meltingpotsocial.com

Meet Santa at the Florida Aquarium for pictures and, while you’re here, check out the aquarium’s Snow Days.

A sensory-friendly Santa event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 8-9:30 a.m. flaquarium.org

DEC. 3, FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON

WANT MORE? SCAN THE QR CODE TO FIND ALL THE SPOTS WHERE YOU CAN CATCH SANTA IN TAMPA BAY!

DEC. 2-3 & DEC. 9-10, FROM 11 A.M. TO 2 P.M.

WEEKENDS THROUGH DEC. 17 FROM 11 A.M. TO 3 P.M.

SEE SANTA AT INTERNATIONAL PLAZA

THROUGH DEC. 24

International Plaza goes all out to host the jolly old elf, who will bring his Flight Academy with him. Elves will help guide kids through the “Academy” where they’ll also get a chance to play with “snow” while they wait for the big moment, which you can reserve in advance. whereissanta.com

DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 9

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PRESENTED BY THE STRAZ CENTER

The Magical World of

NUTCRACKER

Where forever memories are made and dreams come true

by Laura Byrne

Get ready to be dazzled at The Straz Center for the Performing Arts as the dancers from Next Generation Ballet® (NGB), Patel Conservatory's preprofessional dance troupe, take the stage alongside young dancers and special guest principal dancers from the New York City Ballet.

Nutcracker is a Christmas tradition that's as timeless as it is enchanting. But what makes this performance even more special is the passion and dedication of those who bring it to life.

It's not just about creating forever memories for you in the audience; it's setting the stage for young dancers as they embark on their journeys to a career in dance.

We recently sat down with Philip Neal, the artistic director of Next Generation Ballet® and dance dean of Patel Conservatory's Dance Department, to learn more about what to expect at this year's performance.

Phillip Neal (pictured in pink shirt) rehearses with the performers.

With more than 20 years as principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, he's an inspiration as he helps shape the careers of young dancers.

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TBPM: What do you think it is about the Nutcracker that makes it so special?

PN: It is the most famous, popular ballet of all time. I mean, you've got a couple of those that really stand out like “Swan Lake” and “Sleeping Beauty,” but Nutcracker is the one that everyone partakes in.

I think almost anyone who started ballet, started because of Nutcracker.

It certainly was that way for me. It's a terrific thing because they get to be on this huge stage—Morsani Stage at the beautiful Straz Center—with a union crew, and this production valued well over a million dollars. It’s going to have an impact for the rest of their lives that they'll always remember. I think anyone who danced at some point in life remembers their childhood experience.

TBPM: This is also a chance for you to introduce the art form of ballet to a new audience each year.

PN: I want to make this a ballet-centric, dance-centric city. I think the potential is there for it. But really, this is your introduction and first impressions are everything. Often people are just so surprised at the professional element of it all. Well, it's not a mistake. We started in September! We have the kids downstairs getting fitted by the professional costume person right now, and then they're rehearsing from 12 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. We're rehearsing all week long for months on end.

TBPM: Your dancers from Next Generation Ballet and the Patel Conservatory will be joined by some special guests this year.

PN: The Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier are principal dancers from New York City Ballet who are coming down.

They're newly promoted principals Indiana Woodard and Chun Chan. I was just in New York City, and I saw them.

They're really excited to come because they remember what it was like when they were children in the production. It's not easy to get them released because they're doing the Nutcracker in New York City at the same time. So they're going do these five shows and then get on a plane Sunday morning, Christmas Eve, and fly at six o'clock in the morning and dance at Lincoln Center matinee. That's commitment.

TBPM: You like to add something new to the performance each year—what are some of your favorites over the years and what can we expect this year?

PN: The Tap Dancing Soldier, the Party Scene ... we have a whole dance that looks like the Rockettes in New York called Just for Kicks. Last year, I added baby mice because I'm trying to get everyone who studies at the Conservatory a part. And then this year I added rosebuds—beautiful little girls that I add to the “Waltz of the Flowers.” So now the stage is really full with different levels within the Academy with a big Dew Drop Fairy in the middle.

Nutcracker will be on stage at the Straz Center in Tampa Dec 21-23.

For tickets call the Ticket Sale Office at (813) 229-7827 or visit strazcenter.org.

TBPM: Do you have any tips for families bringing their kids to see the Nutcracker for the first time?

PN: I just think the ritual of going to the theater is a very important thing to teach a child. Like, if you go to church, there's a certain protocol, right? And while it's really exciting, it's really festive, we want the child to know that you're quiet. This is the downtime with no electronics, no phones. It’s a really a lovely time to commune with the people around you and focus on that.

I have everything moving at such a fever clip that they will be entertained.

Then the ritual of seeing Santa out in the lobby, everyone remembers that experience. There’s something wonderfully old fashioned and traditional about it that in our hectic, crazy, very dominated-by-our-computers-andphone lives gives us an opportunity to breathe and just commune in something together. It’s really lovely.

“It’s honestly a dream come true. I feel like Clara is such a dream role to me. I love performing, so being able to perform on the Morsani stage as Clara is mind blowing to me.”

Yui Hayashi/14, Clara

Fun Facts About the Nutcracker:

by Curtis Ross, Straz Center

The original working titles for “The Nutcracker” were “The Christmas Tree” and “The Fir Tree.”

NGB’s production goes just by “Nutcracker.”

The ballet took 42 years to migrate from Russia, first being performed in England in 1934. In the United States, it was first performed in 1944 by the San Francisco Opera Ballet. It took another 10 years to get to New York City where it became a full-on American holiday tradition after George Balanchine choreographed it in 1954. In Tampa, Next Generation Ballet and earlier iterations of the company have performed “Nutcracker” for more than 15 years.

Tchaikovsky thought this work was “infinitely poorer” than his score for “Sleeping Beauty.”

“The Nutcracker” was the last of the three ballets he composed for— the first being Swan Lake. Next Generation Ballet has performed all three of these ballets at The Straz over the years!

A newly invented musical instrument of the time, the celesta, is the twinkling sound you hear in “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.”

Tchaikovsky found the piano hybrid with a bell-like tone while in Paris and smuggled it to Russia to create the character’s unique musical accompaniment, which has been described as sounding like sprays of a fountain.

HILLSBOROUGH thru

CO U N Ty FA I RG RO U N D S

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

H i l l s B o r o u g h C o u n ty Fa i r . c o m The World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze

NOV 24 – DEC 31 TROPICANA FIELD ST. PETE

TI C K ETS O N SAL E N OW EnchantChristmas.com

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,

We re making a list. . .

Tampa Bay’s BEST Holiday Events to Experience this Month!

O Celebrate the Holidays at

ZooTampa Christmas in the Wild in Tampa

Theme Parks and Attractions

SELECT NIGHTS THROUGH DEC. 30 Enjoy one of Tampa’s largest light displays as the zoo transforms into a seasonal wonderland. This year promises to be bigger, better and brighter than ever. There are also returning favorites like visits with Santa, Cookie Decorating with Mrs. Claus, the Forest of Fantasy light show and MORE! Christmas in the Wild is a separately ticketed event.

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens in Tampa

DAILY THROUGH JAN. 7, 2024 Enjoy park-wide festive fun at this award-winning holiday event.

Ride the Holly Jolly Express train, view millions of twinkling lights from the top of a roller coaster, visit Santa in his workshop, and spend time with Rudolph and his friends from the classic holiday movie, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Christmas Town is included with Busch Gardens admission.

Holidays at LEGOLAND® in Winter Haven

SELECT DATES THROUGH DEC. 31 Get ready to celebrate an awesome holiday season at LEGOLAND Florida Resort! This bricktacular event features unforgettable seasonal shows, LEGO holiday character experiences, sweet treats and special activities. Light displays will twinkle throughout the park and a giant LEGO Christmas tree is sure to mesmerize guests with its 360-degree light show. Holidays at LEGOLAND is included with admission.

O Experience the awe of Enchant Christmas in St. Pete

You won’t believe your eyes as you step inside Tropicana Field, which has been transformed into a winter wonderland featuring millions of twinkling lights. Go ice-skating along a lighted trail, visit with Santa and shop local businesses at the market. The best part is that it’s indoors, so it’s weatherproof.

Enchant Christmas will be on display through Dec. 23.

DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 15

O Load up the car for drivethrough holiday lights

O Experience an unforgettable holiday show.

Dr. Seuss’s "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" at The Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete

DEC. 2, 2023, AT 2 P.M. AND 7:30 P.M. The Florida Orchestra will perform live with a screening of Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (the film starring Jim Carey). Tickets start at $23

The Florida Orchestra Holiday Pops

• DEC. 15: The Straz Center in Tampa at 8 p.m.

• DEC. 16: Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

• DEC. 17: Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The Florida Orchestra will make its rounds in Tampa Bay to perform holiday classics at The Straz Center in Tampa, Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete, and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. There are two matinee show offerings, so take the kiddos who can’t stay up late. Kids ages 5-18 can get tickets for $20.

Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover

DAILY THROUGH DEC. 31 FROM 6-9 P.M. WEEKDAYS & 6-10 P.M. WEEKENDS Your hometown holiday festival returns with more lights, new entertainment and the gift of family fun! From Thanksgiving Day until New Year’s Eve, Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village envelop families in more than 1 million lights along an expanded 2-mile drive featuring hundreds of dazzling light displays. Santa’s Village is packed with holidaythemed rides, a Holiday Market and the Hometown Hillsborough Historical Village. Visits with Santa, craft stations, Santa’s Barnyard, camel rides, holiday movies and live entertainment promise endless fun for the entire family.

Celebration of Lights at the Concourse in Shady Hills, Pasco County

SELECT NIGHTS THROUGH DEC. 30 Drive one mile through a beautiful display of largerthan-life holiday lights at the Concourse in Shady Hill's annual Celebration of Lights event. You can also park to board a mini train over to Safety Town, a miniature town decorated with lights. Santa will even be there!

It's $25 per car.

Wonderland of Christmas Lights & Santa’s Christmas Village in Auburndale

DAILY THROUGH DEC. 30 Drive through Christmas lights for a mile to experience spectacular lights, and then visit Santa’s Village at the end for rides, entertainment, a visit with Santa and Holiday activities for children and adults of all ages.

Holiday Lights at the Chick-fil-A on Waters Avenue in Tampa

DAILY THROUGH DEC. 30 This Chick-fil-A store takes holiday decorating to a whole new level, and they’re back at it again this year.

Add this to your family’s holiday bucket list! Visit the store at 6299 W. Waters Ave. in Tampa. Follow their Facebook page for updates.

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Nutcracker at The Straz Center for the Performing Arts

DEC. 21-23 The Next Generation Ballet is back on stage at The Straz Center this December to perform the beloved “Nutcracker.” Young dancers from Tampa Bay will be joined by dancers from dance companies across the country to put on this unforgettable performance.

O Play in SNOW and

ICE in Tampa Bay! Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa

DAILY THROUGH JAN. 1, 2024 Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa, which will sparkle with lights and festive holiday decorations.

Skate along downtown Tampa’s only outdoor ice rink, browse the boutiques of The Shops of Winter Village, or sample seasonal holiday treats from the Icicle Craft Kitchen.

Ice-Skate at Enchant Christmas in St. Pete

DAILY THROUGH DEC. 23 Ice skating is an additional $10 for kids 17 and younger and $15 for adults.

Snow Days at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS THROUGH DEC. 24 AND THEN DAILY FROM DEC. 26-31 Grab your gloves for winter festivities and hands-on snow experiences at the Aquarium. Dash your way through a snow-flurried “Snow Daze Snow Maze,” battle monsters at the Sno-Fly Zone, and dance to your heart’s content at a Winter Wonderland Dance Party! Snow Days is free for Aquarium members and included with general admission.

Snow Fest at North Straub Park in St. Pete

Adults and kids can purchase a wristband for $5 for toboggan sledding in North Straub Park! There will also be inflatables, arts and crafts tents, food trucks and more. Stay in the area until after sunset to enjoy the Christmas lights and displays at Pioneer Park, Vinoy Park and the new St. Pete Pier.

DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 17

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O Celebrate the holidays at the museum

Gingerbread Village at Glazer Children’s Museum

DAILY THROUGH DEC. 31 Glazer Children’s Museum is getting into the holiday spirit with a gingerbread-inspired wonderland, Gingerbread Village, sponsored

by Macy’s. On Level 2 of the museum, children can step into a sweet winter wonderland to build a gingerbread house made from recycled materials like cardboard, pipe cleaners, bottle caps and more.

Henry B Plant Museum’s Victorian Christmas Stroll in Tampa DAILY THROUGH DEC. 23 FROM 10 A.M. TO 8 P.M. (EXCEPT CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY) Each room in the historic Henry B Plant Museum will be beautifully decorated with a different theme. You just might leave with a list as long as Santa’s full of decorating ideas! Tickets start at $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and $12 for kids. There are discount days, too.

Christmas in the Country at Cracker Country at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa

DEC. 9 FROM 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M. Christmas in the Country is where you and the kids can experience an old-fashioned Christmas through holiday traditions from the 19th century. There will be carols, historical interpretations and more. You’ll also be able to churn butter and make salt dough ornaments. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $12 for adults and $10 for kids ages 6-11. Kids 5 and younger get in for free.

O Experience the MAGIC of the

Holidays with Zubrick Magic

If you’re seeking to make this holiday season truly enchanting, there’s one essential experience you can’t miss in Tampa Bay: the Zubrick Magic Theatre. On select days through New Year’s Day, prepare to be captivated by the exceptional illusionists Chris and Ryan Zubrick as they unveil never-before-seen Christmas-themed magic sprinkled throughout their performance.

O Step into the wonder of the

Tampa Theatre for its Holiday Classics series!

O Give back to the community

at the Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent

Give the gift of hope to a local family in need and bring much needed food and toy donations to the main Holiday Tent in Tampa and other tent locations in Trinity and Dade City. Metropolitan Ministries also needs the gift of your time to help sort donations, greet families and more. Families with kids ages 8 and older can volunteer in the Holiday Tent together.

Learn more by visiting metromin.org/holiday-central

Holiday Classics return to the silver screen at the historic and beautiful Tampa Theatre with holiday favorites including: • “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” 3 p.m., Dec. 3.

• “The Grinch,” 3 p.m., Dec. 10 • “It’s a Wonderful Life,” various times, Dec. 15-21.

• “Sing-along “White Christmas,” 3 p.m., Dec. 24.

Select shows will feature a Christmas Carol sing-along beforehand.

Tickets start at $10 for non-members.

RING IN 2024 WANT MORE?

SCAN FOR OUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE HOLIDAYS IN TAMPA BAY!

SCAN FOR THE BEST NEW YEAR'S EVE EVENTS IN TAMPA BAY!

DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 19

110 W Gasparilla Plaza Downtown Tampa FL GlazerMuseum.org

C ra ft ed b y Yo u

OPEN NOW oliday season Join us this h to our and contribute ge, a maker’s la il V d a re rb e Ging rland made winter wonde materials. of recyclable 20 TampaBayParenting.com DECEMBER 2023

Build Memories at Glazer Children's Museum's Gingerbread Village

by Kate White, Glazer Children’s Museum

The magic is back at Glazer Children's Museum! Brace yourself for a jolly good time at our annual Gingerbread Village, where your little ones can unleash their creativity and engineer the sweetest, non-edible gingerbread houses ever.

Imagine helping your child bring their vision to life by transforming recycled materials and craft supplies into a vibrant gingerbread house that they designed. Whether it's mastering the art of folding or becoming expert cutters, this collaborative adventure is not just about crafting festive masterpieces. It's an exciting opportunity for you and your little one to delve into the world of engineering, fostering a spirit of curiosity and resilience.

Encourage them to take risks, try new building techniques, and

embrace the lessons learned from any delightful mistakes along the way.

Creating something with your hands is a great way to deepen your family bond. That's why we love seeing families of all shapes and sizes huddled together, crafting memories that will last a lifetime. As you engage in intentional play with your little one, you're not just building gingerbread houses; you're constructing connections and memorable moments filled with laughter.

Once you and your budding architect have finished your design, it’s time to decorate your build with festive flair. Let your child’s imagination run wild as they transform their cardboard creations into holiday

masterpieces. It's not just about building; it's about letting your creativity shine through every handmade detail.

Take your creation home or add it to our growing village! Throughout December, visitors can watch as the village evolves, taking shape with each new addition. It's a testament to the creativity and joy that fills our museum during the holiday season.

So, get ready to unwrap the gift of creativity and joy at Glazer Children's Museum's Gingerbread Village. We’re here to help your family build memories that will last far beyond the holiday season.

Let’s make this December the merriest and most memorable one yet, filled with laughter, connection and endless creativity!

If your child wants even more opportunities to build and create, you can sign them of up for our Merry Makers camp, Jan. 2-5

DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 21

Crafting Traditions

Create fun traditions that you can reuse each year

by Karimah Henry, @craftingafunlife

The holiday season is a busy time for everyone. Between gift shopping, school recitals, baking and local events, there is little time to relax. Taking a break to enjoy making some of these keepsake Christmas crafts with your family can be a fun way to snuggle together at home and escape the rush. And bonus—you create something that you can keep forever.

DIY PHOTO ORNAMENTS

HANDPRINT CHRISTMAS TREE CANVAS SUPPLIES:

Canvas, paint, foam brush, paper plate, Christmas lights stickers, star sticker DIRECTIONS: 1. First, apply a thin layer of green paint to your child's hand.

2. Press your child’s paint-covered hand onto the canvas to create a tree-shaped handprint.

3. Repeat the process to create additional branches, applying more paint for each handprint. Set the painting aside to dry.

4. Next, use Christmas lights and star stickers to decorate the tree. You can also dip a finger into different color paints, then press your fingertips onto the tree to create ornaments.

5. Finally, use brown paint to add a tree trunk at the bottom of the tree. Allow it to dry.

SUPPLIES: Unfinished wood circle ornament, photo, Mod Podge matte, foam brush, ribbon or twine, pencil, scissors, paint, marker or paint pen DIRECTIONS:

RIBBON HEIGHT KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT SUPPLIES:

Ribbon, clear plastic ornament, white paper or cardstock, hole punch, pen or marker, ornament tag (PDF available on website) DIRECTIONS: 1. First, measure your child’s height with the ribbon; then cut the ribbon.

2. Next, place the ribbon inside the clear plastic ornament.

3. Finally, print the ornament tag on white paper or cardstock.

4. Cut out the tag and use a pen or marker to write your child’s information. You can laminate the ornament tag so that it lasts longer.

5. Punch a hole in the top corner of the tag and string a different ribbon through to create a way to hang the ornament on the Christmas tree.

22 TampaBayParenting.com DECEMBER 2023

1. First, paint one side of the wooden ornament. Allow it to dry and then use a paint pen or marker to write the year and age of your child.

2. Next, place the ornament down on your photo and trace around it with a pencil. Use scissors to carefully cut out the circle.

3. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the other side of the ornament, then place the photo on top and smooth it down. Allow it to dry for about 10 minutes.

4. Once it dries, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge over the photo to seal it. It will go on white, but the Mod Podge will dry clear.

5. Finally, add extra decorations to your ornament like glitter, stickers or bow. Then string a festive ribbon or twine through the ornament to hang on the tree.

MAKE NEW MEMORIES EVERY NIGHT AT BUSCH GARDENS CHRISTMAS TOWN! Every Night

Nov. 11 - Jan. 7 Included with Park Admission

FUN CARD

• Story time with Mrs. Claus • Millions of twinkling lights • Christmas on Ice Show • Sing-A-Long Train • Santa's North Pole Experience presented by Coca-Cola

FUN CARDS MAKE THE PERFECT GIFT! ENJOY UNLIMITED VISITS NOW THROUGH 2024 with the purchase of a Busch Gardens Fun Card.

BuschGardensTampa.com Service fees and taxes not included. 2024 Fun Card valid through December 31, 2024 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. Does not include admission to select special events (including Howl-O-Scream® at Busch Gardens), parking or discounts on food and merchandise. Non-transferable and non-refundable. Not valid with other discounts or special offers.

Discounted price applies to online advance purchases only and is not available at the park. Other restrictions apply. Subject to change without prior notice.

DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 23

PRESENTED BY BUSCH GARDENS

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

by Laura Byrne

Santa North Pole Experience

turn, the elves lead you to Santa for the muchanticipated moment when the door opens and you get to see the big guy! Keep those cameras ready!

DON’T MISS THE CHARACTER MEET-AND-GREETS

Busch Gardens Christmas Town celebrates its 11th anniversary in Tampa Bay with ALL-NEW holiday light displays, NEW food and drinks and lots more! The award-winning holiday event kicked off Nov. 11 and will run for 58 consecutive nights through Jan. 7, 2024.

This is one of our favorite Christmas events in Tampa Bay because it truly appeals to all ages and stages, whether you’re a young family with a little one or you simply want to escape for a date night. We also love that this event is included with admission, so if you have an annual pass or Fun Card, you can go back more than once and not feel as pressured to do everything… because, there’s a lot!

NEW

What’s NEW at Christmas Town in 2023 • NEW light displays take over the Jungala area, extending through Pantopia and featuring a light-up walkthrough dragon.

• NEW 40-foot pixelated tree at Cheetah Plaza lights up to the tune of your favorite holiday tunes, creating an ideal location to hang and out and dance with younger ones while big kids ride Cheetah Hunt.

• NEW menu items tickle tastbuds in Christmas Town Village in the Festival Walkway area.

24 TampaBayParenting.com DECEMBER 2023

Make sure to set aside time for these fun character meetand-greets exclusive to this event: Santa at Busch Gardens Christmas Town Christmas Town is one of the most magical places to meet Santa Claus. He starts his day 3 p.m. (He is our favorite night owl, after all!) You’ll find him over at Santa’s North Pole Experience in the Nairobi area across from the Holly Jolly Express train stop.

The elves truly make the experience extra magical. They greet you at the door before you step inside Santa’s workshop where all the planning happens for the big night. Once it’s your

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends Get ready for the Christmas nostalgia to kick in! This is one of our favorite holiday meet-and-greets in Tampa Bay because it brings back so many Christmas memories and appeals to all generations. This is your chance to snap a photo next to Rudolph and Clarice and even Bumble! You’ll find them over at Pantopia Theater beginning at 5 p.m.

The Holiday Princesses Also back this year are the holiday princesses, including the Ice Princess and Sugar Plum Princess. They’re available for photos throughout the park at various times starting at 5 p.m. Signs will be posted at each photo stop to let you know when they’ll be out.

New walk through dragon light display in Pantopia

FESTIVE ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL AGES The holiday magic continues to shine through these live shows and experiences that are exclusive to Christmas Town: Three Kings Journey at Dragon Fire Grill is a musical tale that brings the journey to Bethlehem to the stage. This will be performed on select nights through Jan. 7, 2024.

“Christmas on Ice” at the Moroccan Palace Theater is one of the longestrunning holiday shows at Christmas Town. We recommend getting there early on busier nights as this is a super popular attraction and you want to make sure you snag a seat.

Storytime with Mrs. Claus: You’ll find this delightful experience for kids at the Coke Canopy not too far from the Christmas Town Village in the Festival Walkway area at various times throughout the evening.

"Elmo’s Christmas Wish" is an adorable holiday-themed live show that will have everyone up on their feet dancing to the tunes at the outdoor Sunny Day Theater.

This is a good time to check out rides for little ones at the Safari of Fun. The Holly Jolly Express transports guests in celebratory style as it loops around the park. While on their journey, guests are encouraged to sing along to favorite songs of the season. All aboard for Christmas cheer!

Holidays in the Sky: A Fireworks Spectacular: On Saturdays and select days, enjoy beautiful fireworks along with your favorite holiday tunes. The best spot to watch is in the Festival Field area near Christmas Town Village.

ENJOY THE THRILLS There’s nothing quite like taking a thrilling ride on the roller coasters during Christmas Town as the park twinkles with the millions of shimmering lights. All of your favorites will be open during the evening, including the award-winning hybrid coaster Iron Gwazi and the newest thrill ride, the Serengeti Flyer.

CHRISTMAS TOWN UPGRADES Make the visit even more memorable by upgrading your day with one of the Animal Encounters we’ve come to love over the years, like the Aldabra Tortoise Insider Tour or Serengeti Safari Tour.

Want to avoid the lines for Santa and Rudolph?

Purchase a Priority Access ticket for front of line access for Santa’s and Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland.

And if you really want to go all out this holiday season, consider booking a fourhour Christmas Town VIP Tour which includes front of the line access to Santa’s House and Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland, a complimentary souvenir mug, reserved seating to the Christmas on Ice show, an opportunity to feed Flamingos, and more. Prices start at $139.99 per person.

(Pass members can save up to 20% off this experience.)

To learn more and view other upgrades, visit BuschGardens.com.

DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 25

A GAYLORD HOTELS ORIGINAL EXPERIENCE

ICE! is a dazzling, immersive, story-driven holiday showplace complete with larger-than-life ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels. Come experience the splendor of the holiday season at Gaylord Palms. Secure your tickets before they are gone.

NOW - JAN. 3 | ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com © 2023 Peanuts Worldwide LLC

26 TampaBayParenting.com DECEMBER 2023

A FESTIVE FEAST:

SNACKS AND HOLIDAY INSPIRED LUNCH IDEAS

by Jenny P of @lunchboxmafia

This time of year we’re all extra busy with fun outings, get-togethers and taking in all that the holidays have to offer. Don’t forget to slow down and relish these moments—especially with your kiddos. Here’s one way to enjoy the season, through savoring the flavors of these holiday inspired snacks!

Make a Char-cuter-TREE:

Welcome your children home from school with a festive snack board with their favorite snacks arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree.

TIPS:

• Make it colorful.

• Add food picks for extra fun.

• Snack boards are a great low pressure way to introduce new foods.

• Offer treats like candy canes or chocolate along with fruits and veggies.

Muffin tins (such as this one in the picture in the shape of a tree) is also an easy way to offer snacks. I like to set out toppings for chili or tacos in this muffin pan for a festive touch.

Try it with grown-up guests too to spread some cheer.

Savor Hot Lunches on Cooler Days: Packing a hot lunch is like sending a warm hug. We love leftovers for lunch packed in our thermos. When in doubt, send breakfast!

A warm bowl of their favorite oatmeal with eggs, sausage and some fruit will definitely hit the spot!

TIP: Heat your thermos with boiling hot water for at least five minutes before packing their lunch so that it’s hot until lunchtime.

COOKIE CUTTERS MAKE LUNCHBOX MAGIC! Holiday cookie cutters are everywhere right now. Did you know you can use them for sandwiches too?

TIPS

• Don’t toss your cut outs. Use them to make smaller sandwiches.

• Use honey and a toothpick to stick sprinkles into your bread.

Come say hello on Instagram and Facebook at @Lunchboxmafia Let me know if you try any of these ideas.

Enjoy all the holiday moments!!

Make it merry, Xo Jenny

DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 27

Looking for A GREAT DATE NIGHT? Get Inspired at

TampaBayDateNightGuide.com

Your source for fun places to try and new activities to make your date night inspired!

28 TampaBayParenting.com DECEMBER 2023

The Gift of Experience: A gift they’ll never forget Serengeti Safari at Busch Gardens

THE GIFT OF EXPERIENCE: A GIFT THEY’LL NEVER FORGET

Got too much stuff? Instead of more toys and electronics, why not change it up this year and gift your kids with a fun activity catered just for them? They might forget the toy, but an experience definitely has core memory potential. We’ve got a few ideas to get you started.

FOR THE SPORTY KID:

A Tampa Bay Game Day Experience Game day tickets and even season passes are always a gift-giving WIN! Choose between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lighting or the Tampa Bay Rays! We also love memberships to Jr Bucs Fan Club as a gift idea. buccaneers.com/fans/jr-bucs

FOR THE THRILL SEEKER: OUR FAVORITE IDEAS FOR KIDS WHO LOVE ANIMALS:

We can speak from personal experience that these upgrades are kid-approved!

Photo moment with Dolphins at Clearwater Marine Aquarium Go poolside and meet one of the bottle nosed dolphins at CMA and even take a picture you’ll treasure forever. Our kids loved this experience, which is offered daily. A 6 x 8 photo is included.

Ages: 5+ | $119.99 for one; $139.99 for group photo | 30-minute experience SeaTREK at the Florida Aquarium:

This was one of the coolest things we got to try this year! The SeaTREK experience is an UNDERWATER walking tour in the Heart of the Sea exhibit and there’s no diving experience required. Guests are in good hands as they are guided in the 15-feet deep tank by a certified SeaTREK guide. There’s a good chance you’ll see a sea turtle or shark swim by!

Ages: 10+ | $95 | 20-minute experience Serengeti Safari at Busch Gardens: Of the several different animal experiences and tours you can book with Busch Gardens, a family favorite is the Serengeti Safari. One of the coolest parts about the tour in an open-air vehicle is getting up-close to the resident giraffe as you feed them a favorite snack— lettuce!

Ages: No age limit specified | Starts at $39.95 | 30-minute experience Indian Rhino Feeding at ZooTampa: This is another spot where there are some really amazing animal encounters you can book to upgrade your day. We love the Indian Rhino Feeding. The kids really love the chance to feed these enormous and gorgeous creatures.

Ages: 5+ | Members: Starts at $19.95; Non-Members: Starts at $24.95 | No time specified, but it’s about 25 minutes | zootampa.org

Gift an Annual Pass at a favorite attraction.

An annual pass or membership to a local attraction is not only cost effective, it’s a gift that keeps on giving year–round to the entire family.

We also love that free parking is often included with an annual pass membership.

Added bonus: Many of the attractions that offer summer camps and school break camps extend special pricing for members and local reciprocal discounts too.

FOR THE LEGO-LOVING KID:

Book an overnight stay at a LEGOLAND Florida Resort Hotel There are three amazing hotels at LEGOLAND Florida Resort and it’s a must to stay at least one night at one…or all…with the kids while they’re young! They’ll love the in-room scavenger hunt, activities at the hotel, and even a brick building workshop. legoland.com/florida

FOR THE ARTSY KID:

Gift a Crafty Year!

We love the idea of a subscription gift for kids since it’s something to look forward to each month. WeCraft Box is an arts and crafts box created by local mom Betsy Wild. You can purchase a single month or multiple months. Each month features a new themed craft with enough materials for two children. wecraftbox.com

A LIFE SAVING GIFT:

Swim Lessons with Watermelon Swim: Watermelon Swim’s mission is to grow a community of safer swimmers and reduce the risks while increasing confidence in and around the water.

This Holiday Season, give the gift of confidence, safety and unforgettable experiences! Gift the opportunity to establish water comfort, grow swimming and safety skills and build cherished memories at Watermelon Swim. watermelonswim.com

WANT MORE? SCAN THE QR CODE FOR MORE IDEAS

DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 29

Believe With Me Makes the Holiday Season Brighter for Military Families

by Brie Gorecki

In 2015, Lyette Reback had an idea to help the families of fallen soldiers. As the daughter of a Marine Corps veteran and Navy pilot, she knew firsthand that there was a need to help other military families, especially during the holidays.

Believe With Me is an organization that supports Gold Star Families with Christmas gifts for Gold Star children. It also provides financial aid, benevolence and student-led initiatives to serve families of the fallen and housing projects for parents who have lost a child in the military.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Believe With Me serves those whose loved ones were killed in action or affected by PTSD, suicide service, connected illness and active-duty accidents. “Our first outreach is Christmas, where we provide toys for the children of fallen soldiers,” Reback says. “The families either hear about us through word of mouth or different events that we attend where Gold Star families are present, and then they register on our website with the proper paperwork. And then they give us a wish list.”

A team of five women begin shopping in September for 2,000 kids.

Each kid gets five gifts (that’s a total of 10,000 gifts). Over a weekend in December, those gifts are wrapped by volunteers in their warehouse and shipped out in time for Christmas. “It really is amazing, and all those people who started with us, they're still in for a penny in for a pound.

They're still helping every which way they can,” Reback says.

“Once we've served the family and built a relationship with them about Christmas, we'll send a gift to the widow for Valentine's Day,” Reback explains. “We do an awful lot of emergency benevolent. If they can't make their mortgage, or they can't make their car payment, or their electrical bill, we do a lot of connecting them with other resources.”

HOW IT BEGAN In 2015, Reback hosted a dinner at her home for 10 moms who had lost their sons in the service. “I didn't know exactly what we'd done. But it was obvious we'd struck a vein somewhere. So, after that event, I said ‘let's incorporate it as a nonprofit, but I don't know what we're going to do or how we're going to do it.’” After seeing a social media post by a woman asking if any local organizations provide Christmas gifts for families of fallen soldiers, she got the idea.

“My kids were in a leadership program at the time where they were required to do a service project that they kind of invented. And I said, ‘I think I've got an idea for this service project.’ I had no idea what I was getting into and that's how it started.”

After recruiting a group of friends to help in every aspect from building a website to coordinating shipping, they provided gifts for 168 children.

“It was kind of accidental, but once I saw the ridiculous outpouring of support and excitement around making these families’ Christmases just a little bit better, we were off to the races.”

30 TampaBayParenting.com DECEMBER 2023

HOW YOU CAN HELP Though they’re based in Palm Beach Gardens, the organization serves families across the country and has a huge support system in the Tampa Bay Area. “A lot of the time, what I’m doing is educating families about what a Gold Star family is. That is not true in Tampa. Everybody knows what these families are and why we should support them and how important this is. So, it's a very different community.”

There are several ways for people to help support and get involved.

Reback says the easiest way to do is to host a holiday or birthday party to collect toys or host a toy drive through your school, office or organization. “I've got lots of team members in the Greater Tampa Bay Area that would be happy to come get them and we can cart them across to our warehouse.”

Another great way is for families and friends to get together and host a lemonade stand for the fallen called LemonAID. “Families come together.

They decorate a little lemonade stand. We send them some printable materials. We send them some information and some swag, and they host a lemonade stand and educate their neighbors, their friends, their teammates, their coworkers and school peers about what we're doing.”

If you’re interested in learning more about Believe With Me or want to host a drive to collect gifts or funds, go to believewithme.com. Gifts will be wrapped at the Palm Beach Garden warehouse on Dec. 13.

Classes on sale now. Enroll today!

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Talent-based and need-based scholarships are available! patelconservatory.org • 813.222.1040 DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 31

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MOSI’s mission is to be the intersection of science, technology TampaBayParenting.com DECEMBER 2023and innovation in the Tampa Bay region where conversations and learning happen, knowledge is exchanged and new ideas are celebrated.

PRESENTED BY MOSI

MOSI's DC Super Heroes™ Exhibit Takes Families on an Epic Journey

Are you a parent in search of a new and exciting way to connect with your family?

Look no further than the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) and its recently opened exhibit, "DC Super Heroes™: Discover Your Superpowers!"

In Tampa for a limited run, the exhibit is housed in the iconic MOSI dome building, previously known to long-time fans as the IMAX theater. This revitalized venue is slated to offer an epic planetarium experience like never before, but first is the grand reopening of the second floor featuring DC Superheroes, including BATMAN™, SUPERMAN™ and WONDER WOMAN™.

MOSI's decision to create this exhibit was inspired by the resounding success of their previous pop-up exhibit, "S.T.E.A.M. Team Superheroes," which captured the hearts of visitors throughout the summer. Mayor Jane Castor even embraced the exhibit, and its popularity led to an extension well into the fall. To

follow up on this resounding success and celebrate the rebirth of the MOSI dome, the museum has prepared an even more impressive display.

So, what can you and your family expect when you visit the DC Super Heroes™ exhibit? In this immersive DC environment, you'll embark on a journey through the HALL OF JUSTICE™, investigate robberies in GOTHAM CITY™, hone your Super Hero skills in the S.T.A.R. Labs, and much more. Along the way, you'll have the chance to meet iconic characters like CYBORG™, AQUAMAN™, GREEN LANTERN™, THE FLASH™, SUPERGIRL™ and BATGIRL™.

It’s an opportunity for guests to save the city, vie with villains, and work as a team to restore order across the DC UNIVERSE.

What sets this exhibit apart is its incorporation of subtle educational messages within the activities. As you and your family navigate the challenges posed by classic villains like THE JOKER™ and POISON IVY™, you'll learn valuable lessons on teamwork, perseverance and placing the needs of others ahead of your own. These underlying themes make the experience not only thrilling but also meaningful, allowing you to grow together as a family.

MOSI also has something special for the adults. While your children immerse themselves in the world of DC Super Heroes™, you can enjoy the new adult amenities provided by the museum. It's the

perfect blend of nostalgia and excitement, as MOSI transforms and embraces its new identity without losing sight of what makes it a cherished place within the community.

Don't miss the opportunity to embark on an epic adventure as a family, exploring the world of DC Super Heroes™ and discovering your own superpowers along the way. Plan your visit to MOSI and prepare to be part of something truly extraordinary.

To learn more and book your tickets, visit the official MOSI website at mosi.org.

DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 33

E K I L E C OW PLA

N S S ’ E R THE

Nov. 19 - Jan. 8 Celebrate the holiday season by visiting the

largest ice rink in the south and be transported to AdventHealth Center Ice’s Winter Wonderland!

Cool Events December 2: Grand Tree Lighting Ceremony Witness the magic of the holiday season as we illuminate the facility with our Grand Tree Lighting.

Holiday-Themed Public Skate Events

Skate in a Winter Wonderland with our holiday themed public skate events. View the full schedule on our website.

December 10: 2023 Winter Skating Show

Come out to our Winter Skating Show where skaters showcase their talent on the ice. Purchase tickets on our website.

AHCenterIce.com

34 TampaBayParenting.com DECEMBER 2023 FL 33544 • (813) 803-7372 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd, Wesley Chapel,

Scan to learn more

DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 35

Feeling burned out?

You’re not alone.

Top Tips from Tampa mama, Jess Massey, founder of Hustle Sanely® We’ve all been through a whirlwind these past few years, between pivoting our way through a global pandemic, dealing with a world that feels like it's constantly on edge, inflation, and trying to keep up with day-to-day family life. If you feel like you're running on empty, you're not alone.

As we get ready to step into a new year, a time when many of us look to reset, we’re introducing you to a local mom who has been right where you are—smack dab in the middle of burnout. Jess Massey not only found her way out, but she developed a planner and system to help other women find their path to a more “peacefully productive” life.

TBPM: Tell us about yourself!

JM: I’m Jess Massey, Tampa native, wife to my high school sweetheart, Adam, and mama to my sweet almost one-year-old daughter, Everly.

I’m also the CEO and founder of the community-centered productivity company, Hustle Sanely®.

Hustle Sanely® exists to teach high-achieving women how to trade running on fumes for living a peacefully productive life. I spend most of my work days podcasting, coaching and designing planning tools.

TBPM: How did you know when you were burned out?

JM: I started to dread things that normally brought me joy; everything started feeling like a chore. For example, I’ve been into weightlifting for over a decade and I started to dread going to the gym. Another sign that I experienced was feeling really apathetic toward things I was normally passionate about. Signs I’ve seen some of my students and clients experience include overworking because they feel like they always need to catch up (refusal to rest), the inability to make decisions (even lowstakes decisions) and having a mostly cynical attitude toward life.

TBPM: What inspired the creation of Hustle Sanely®?

JM: I started Hustle Sanely® when I was a 28-year-old speech-language pathology graduate student because I so desperately needed it! At the time, I was working three part-time jobs, taking graduate classes, doing a clinical internship and trying to show up as a good wife and friend. My plate was full, and I knew that I needed more than a pretty planner to help me get organized. I needed a lifestyle system that supported me in taking care of myself as I worked toward my goals.

I spent the first one-and-a-half years of Hustle Sanely® developing The 5 Keys to Hustling Sanely™ framework that helps women with full lives pursue their goals while prioritizing their mental health and relationships.

I’ve now had the honor of teaching this system to over 30,000 women so they, too, can live their version of a peacefully productive life.

36 TampaBayParenting.com DECEMBER 2023

Photo credit: Joelle Elizabeth / Jo & Co

TBPM: How has motherhood transformed your hustle?

JM: When I got pregnant in early 2022, I knew that I really wanted to shift gears in how I was running my business so that I could be as present with my daughter as I could while still running my company.

Motherhood has made my hustle a lot more intentional than it used to be.

Before motherhood, I said yes to a lot and gave a majority of my energy to setting and achieving business-related goals. I sort of lived in a business-before-life kind of world. I’ve since shifted into a new way of doing business and run a life-priorities-based business—I know what my life priorities are and I’ve redesigned my business to prioritize what’s important to me outside of work. Work is a part of my life now instead of my entire life.

And the cool thing is, since shifting into this way of doing things, I’m more excited about what I’m doing at work (because I only have room on my calendar to say “yes” to things I truly want to be doing) and we’ve seen an increase in revenue (because I’m not working from a place of burnout anymore).

TBPM: What's your advice for moms on how to reset for less stressful, more productive days?

JM: First, have a catch-all task list that holds all of your open loops so they’re not floating around in your brain, taking up your precious mental space. Second, my holy grail routine for peacefully productive days is called Hustle Sanely 5™– it’s five habits to do each day to make sure that you’re making progress on your goals while nurturing your mental health and the important relationships in your life.

THE FIVE HABITS ARE: Complete your Focus 3 (the three most important tasks on your to-do list each day).

Move for 30 minutes.

Tidy for 15 minutes.

Say or do one kind thing for yourself.

Say or do one kind thing for someone else.

I’ve used Hustle Sanely 5™ in so many seasons of my life from growing my business to pregnancy to now being a CEO + mama. I don’t believe in balance but HS5 really does bring a sense of harmony to my days and I’ve seen it do the same for thousands of other women, too.

TBPM: Since it’s planner season, tell us about your planner and what sets it apart from others.

JM: You won’t find another planner with “The 5 Keys to Hustling Sanely™” built right in! The 5 Keys exercises in our planners help you create healthy habits and a schedule that supports your actual priorities so you can take care of your mental health and relationships as you pursue your goals.

TBPM: Anything else you want to add about Hustle Sanely or last words of advice?

JM: Ditch the idea that you have to earn rest. Instead of asking yourself if you’ve done enough work to earn rest, ask yourself if you’ve rested enough to do intentional work. When we operate from a place of rest, the work we produce is better quality and we are less likely to feel burned out. You deserve to rest regularly!

TBPM: What's your favorite part about living in Tampa Bay? JM: Never running out of things to do (and places to eat!). We are an active family and go on walks just about every morning on the Riverwalk, Bayshore or down Water Street. We love playing pickleball at Cuscaden Park and biking around downtown. And you can often find us sipping coffee at King State, enjoying wine at Wine On Water, or having lunch at Bartaco.

HOW TO RESET A MORNING THAT'S TRASH:

JM: I’m a big believer that our mornings set the tone for our days. I think when we start our days doing some mental health hygiene, by filling our cups, we set ourselves up to have a better day since it puts us in a good headspace.

You know it’s like the whole an object in motion stays in motion thing: A solid morning creates momentum for a solid day a lot of the time. However, some mornings, let’s be honest… stuff hits the fan.

While I do believe that a good morning creates momentum for a good day, I don’t think that a crappy morning has to mean a crappy day if you don’t want it to.

One of my favorite sayings is, “You give life to what you give energy to.” What I like to do if I have a less-than-ideal morning is reset so I can reclaim the day by redirecting what I’m giving my energy to.

I came up with an acronym – R.E.S.E.T. – to help me explain how I reset when my morning sucks. Or honestly, if any point of the day feels like trash, this is what I do to reset.

You don’t have to wait until the next day to reset; you are allowed and capable of resetting whenever you need it.

Each moment is an opportunity to show up how you want to. Here’s the acronym:

Take a brain break Explore how you’re feeling Step out for fresh air Eat

the first step is actually the T in reset, not the r – and then we work our way up but T.E.S.E.R. isn’t as catchy as R.E.S.E.T. so I’m calling it R.E.S.E.T.

Refresh your daily vision and begin again

HOW TO KNOW WHAT'S IMPORTANT WHEN EVERYTHING FEELS IMPORTANT: Imagine everything in your life is a ball. The deadline that you have coming up in two months for a huge project at work is a ball. Planning your best friend’s baby shower is a ball. Going on a weekly date with your partner is a ball. Spending one-on-one time with your kid is a ball.

Now imagine juggling them all. Like actually imagine the act of juggling, like a clown at a circus. Here’s what we have to realize – some balls are glass while others are rubber. Glass balls shatter and break when they’re dropped. That’s not good.

Glass balls are urgent.

Rubber balls bounce when they’re dropped. That’s not a big deal. Rubber balls might feel important to you but they’re not urgent when it comes down to it. I think you know which balls represent your true priorities – the glass ones.

It’s your job as the boss of your life to determine which balls are glass and which balls are rubber.

And here’s the thing – a ball that may have been glass in one season of your life, could be a rubber ball in your current season of life.

Connect with Jess Massey:

jessicamassey.com | hustlesanely.com Instagram: @hustlesanely & @jessmmassey DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 37

38 TampaBayParenting.com DECEMBER 2023

DISCONNECTED Protecting kids from their devices is in your hands

by Maggie Rodriguez, co-host of Daytime on WFLA News Channel 8

If you had the power to protect your children from depression and anxiety, would you? Even though any parent would answer “yes” to that question, a valuable weapon in their arsenal often goes unused: the word “no.” Psychotherapist and author Thomas Kersting makes the case for prohibiting or limiting children’s screentime in “Disconnected,” which lays out the harmful effects of device dependency.

TBPM: Throughout your 30-year career and in your research for “Disconnected,” what did you learn about the effects of screens on our children?

TK: It impacts every element of the child – mental health, physical health, emotional health, social skills, relationships and families.

TBPM: What is the link between screen time and anxiety?

TK: Tremendous amounts of negative input from never-ending content leaves an imprint on their brains. Plus, pre-adolescence and adolescence is a developmental stage filled with insecurity and anxiety by nature.

Pile-on all the time that screens steal from them along with comparison culture, lack of sleep and more, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for anxiety.

TBPM: How can too much time on electronic devices lead to problems at school or with friends?

TK: Because kids spend around nine hours per day on screens, it takes away the time that is needed for schoolwork. Plus, the stimulation from these screens affects concentration and focus. Add sleep deprivation on top of this. I call social media, “anti-social” media. One cannot develop deep relationships with others when we are constantly hypnotized by a screen.

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TBPM: What can we do as parents given that so much schoolwork and homework now happen on devices?

TK: Parents should gather together and pressure schools to bring back more paper and pencil learning and assignments.

TBPM: What do you say to the parent who worries that not allowing their children to have a phone or social media may hurt them socially?

TK: Parents need to hang on as long as possible and delay getting their kids phones until late adolescence. Yes, your child will complain but in the long run you will be happy you delayed. I’ve never had a single parent come up to me after a lecture and tell me that the best thing they ever did was get their child a smartphone. However, I’ve had countless parents come up to me and tell me that their biggest regret was getting their child one.

TBPM: How are kids getting away with more screen time than we parents are aware of?

TK: The majority of middle schoolers and high schoolers are allowed to have the phone in their bedroom at night. A few years ago, I did a survey with 100 high school students that I knew well and were honest with me.

I asked them the following question: “What time do you go to school on school nights?” Ninety-two of them responded that they went to bed between 1 and 4 a.m. every night and that their parents had no idea.

TBPM: How do we strike the right balance between allowing our children to use devices in an appropriate way and overusing them?

TK: The truth is that kids are incapable of being responsible and balanced with the devices. They are designed to be addictive and, because kids’ pre-frontal part of the brain isn’t fully developed, they literally cannot be balanced and responsible with them. That part is up to us the parents.

DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 39

Moms to Know Giselle Mcnab

Author, Speaker, Founder - The SIS Project.org

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From a challenging childhood in New York City to troubled teen years marked by resilience and survival, Giselle McNab’s path to motherhood has taken her from darkness to enlightenment.

With a remarkable account of breaking a cycle of abuse, the inspiration behind her book, and her mission to empower women and teen girls through her non-profit organization, this Mom to Know has truly defied all odds to become a beacon of strength and hope.

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by Julie Tingley, founder of @weemacree

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TBPM: Who is Giselle McNab? GM: I was born in 1975 in New York City to a Puerto Rican mother and Dominican/Italian father. Despite the troubled days, there were really good times where I could remember my hard-working mom and her beautiful big smile and my Dad, always finding ways to entertain us.

That was short lived as my mom fell into the wickedness of addiction and my father’s absence. I found occasional reprieve when visiting my grandmother, who showered me with love.

A childhood built on secrets and lies led to turbulent teen years of depression, loneliness, low self-esteem and negative choices. As a teen, I was forced to shoulder the burden of adulthood when caring for my younger siblings as well as a child of my own. In a desperate attempt to escape my circumstances, I ran away from my hometown seeking refuge from that place of darkness, only to find myself married to a narcissistic wife abuser.

My hope was renewed when escaping from years of abuse by starting over in Tampa. Drawing from my new-found inner strength and believing in myself, I began to recreate my life, piecing each one of my dreams together. The life that began as dark, confused and lonely evolved to become enlightened and beautiful. It’s the happy ending I’ve always dreamed of.

TBPM: How did you successfully break the cycle of abuse to create a nurturing and loving environment for your children?

GM: I had my first child at 18. How was I going to teach a child about a loving home, education, and nurturing if those weren’t the experiences of my childhood? I had to accomplish the absolute opposite of all that hurt me and steered me wrong. Moving to Tampa gave me that opportunity. Although in that first year I was still struggling with domestic violence, a short stay at The Spring of Tampa Bay Women’s Shelter changed it all for me. Eventually my abuser went to prison for many years, and from that moment, I fought so hard to provide a healthy life for my two girls. I educated them of the hard knocks of life so they understood life is not always going to be beautiful and bright and to always be prepared for the hustle, survival and making smart choices. Now to witness my single-mom daughter with her son do her very best to provide a good nurturing home and education is so heartwarming.

wanted an ending like a romance novel or a Hallmark Movie. I felt in my heart that one day I would get that. In 2019, I felt a shift in my heart … how I processed my thoughts with a serious desire of change. I say this is when God spoke to my heart. My boyfriend at the time (now husband) would always point out the best in me and the goals I never could accomplish. It was time to let go of the pain of the past and bury the negativity. When the pandemic came, the lockdown became the perfect time to begin crossing off my dreams and goals. The book was first on the list. I was going to write the agony that controlled my heart and soul and let it go once and for all. A couple months later, I was married and I finally had my happy ending. The process was difficult, but after every chapter, I stepped into a beautiful new season of who I am and who I was always meant to be.

TBPM: Author, realtor, business owner, mother, wife…what got you to this place today?

GM: God! He’s always gotten me to where I needed to be. It just took me some time to build a relationship with Him. When I felt strong enough to change the narrative of my life, the “why me” became “why not me,” and that is when I began to understand my purpose. “I” mattered most.

“I” am capable. “I” can do all I set my heart to. But with that also comes the strength to walk away from those that don’t understand or support your why.

TBPM: What can we expect to see from you next?

GM: During my healing journey, I accessed invaluable experiences and knowledge and would like to see more of Tampa Bay youth and women exposed to the same opportunities. With the launch of my memoir, “Find Beauty Within Darkness,” I founded The SIS Project.org, a communitydriven non-profit dedicated to the wellness of women and teen girls by overcoming trauma and generational cycles with drive, passion and motivation that compels them to succeed and live healthy whole lives.

TBPM: What is your favorite thing to do in Tampa with your family?

TBPM: You wrote a book that delves into the family dynamics and emotional trauma you experienced as a child. What led you to share this personal journey?

GM: My only daughter left at home is 14 and currently in the “I’m bored” season. We enjoy shopping and having lunch at new places around Tampa. We are taking salsa lessons together. I love that she’s learning our culture. I’m happy with Saturday night dinner with friends at a new trendy restaurant and right back to my sofa to enjoy our prerecorded shows or favorite series. New York raised me but Tampa definitely made me. I love this city and enjoy watching it grow a little more everyday.

GM: I’ve always wanted to accomplish it, but my self-esteem was so broken. I was surviving, yes, but I wasn’t fully happy or complete. I

"Find Beauty Within Darkness” is available on Amazon.

Follow Mcnab on Instagram @gisellemcnabauthor

40 TampaBayParenting.com DECEMBER 2023

DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 41

#SHAREHOPE 30,000 struggling families are counting on us this Holiday Season. Donate food and toys, volunteer, or give today. Share Hope in Tampa Bay. @METROMIN.ORG 42 TampaBayParenting.com DECEMBER 2023

Kids to Know: Sadie Dixon

by Julie Tingley, founder of @weemacree

Through the Children’s Dream Fund, I have had the incredible honor of connecting with a family that has endured so much. When the chances of survival were statistically low, where the critical number of perfectly matched stem cells were extraordinarily high, Sadie can say today that her battle is won. Because of the grace of God, the effectiveness of her treatments, the persistence and commitment of her medical team and the love of her family, Sadie Dixon’s story is one of hope. Here, meet this courageous Kid to Know, and savor that success and triumph are absolutely meant to be for our local children.

TBPM: Please share your experience with Ewing sarcoma. When were you diagnosed and what makes your story different from other cases?

SD: I was only 12. My Ewing case was different due to where my tumor was located. It originated on my back ribs and grew inward. It was about the size of a small grapefruit once they found it. It had "tentacles" that branched out towards my spine, heart and esophagus. It had attached to my right lung as well.

TBPM: What challenges have been the greatest since your diagnosis? In those times, what has motivated you to keep fighting?

SD: Being confined to home has been the hardest challenge due to my weak immune system. I'm a black belt in mixed martial arts so I've always been very athletic. Slowing down was tough. The side effects of chemo too: losing my hair, vomiting and overall just feeling lousy. The mental toll it takes on you is hard to navigate as well. I'm currently working through some PTSD, and I feel it's important to know it's okay to admit these things.

What has motivated me to keep fighting? God. I talk to Him often. My faith has become so much stronger. There have been too many times to count that God intervened. No coincidence, just God. I also have three cats at home and they are so loving. They make quarantine at home a bit better.

TBPM: How has being a black belt in martial arts been instrumental in your journey?

SD: My tumor was very large. The surgeon stated that my athletic build contributed to it being operable! It was borderline inoperable. I had a 10 1/2 hour surgery on one lung.

TBPM: Who played a part in helping you get to this place of complete clinical remission?

SD: Dr. Fitzwater was the surgeon that removed my tumor. He, along with all of my St Joseph's Hospital oncologists and nurses, saved me from Ewing sarcoma. My two favorite nurses, Kenzie and Hailey, have to get a shout-out too! Fast forward to needing a bone marrow transplant—there was a PFT nurse that was able to help me calm down enough to pass my PFTs. This was imperative because I had to pass them to have the transplant, and the first time I took them, I failed. It's a test to show how strong your lungs are. My doctors and nurses at AdventHealth, and of course, my brother, Sean, saved my life from leukemia.

TBPM: Tell us about your experience with Children’s Dream Fund. What was your dream and what happened?

SD: My dream was to meet Gordon Ramsay. My mom and dad tricked me and said my dad was doing an honorary race (he drives sprint cars for fun) in my honor in Las Vegas. I had no idea that the Children’s Dream Fund had set everything up! I met Gordon at Hell's Kitchen, and we ate all of his popular dishes. He gave me a chef’s jacket, FaceTimed his wife and daughters, TikTok'd with me, and gave me a signed book as well. We also ate at the Hard Rock Cafe one day where our waiter was a cancer survivor too! We call that a “Godwink.” This trip breathed so much life back into me, into all of us!

TBPM: How does it feel to have a dream come true while you are undergoing treatment? Why do you think organizations like the Children's Dream Fund are important for our local kids?

SD: They brought me out of a chronic dark place. I had forgotten what life was like outside of a hospital. Flying to Vegas and meeting Gordon Ramsay was also, in a way, lifesaving.

It reestablished my will to fight. They set up everything to run so smoothly! I believe in them so much that I raise money for them myself through my dad's sprint car. You can follow us on our TikTok: Dutton.racing.

TBPM: What does everyday life look like now?

SD: It's still one day at a time, but the days are much sweeter. I am blessed and thankful to be alive and hopefully an inspiration to other kids going through something similar. I'm still quarantined until June of 2024, but that will be here soon enough. Until then, I enjoy each day at home with my family.

TBPM: In your opinion, what is the best part about living in the greater Tampa Bay area?

SD: We have the BEST oncology team at St Joseph's Children's hospital! There is also so much to do outside here. It's so beautiful, even if it's just taking a walk.

DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 43

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: e l y t S t L ic h t u O s k r o It al l W

by Tara Payor,

Ph.D.

TBPM: What first inspired you in this work?

Jason Licht, renowned Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ General Manager (a position he’s held since 2014), is, foremost, a dad and husband. With wife Blair, he navigates the peaks, valleys and predominantly uncertain terrain of parenting. They met during his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles, when she lived in Manhattan working in finance. Over six years, they moved crosscountry four times and had three children: Charlie, (high school freshman), Zoe (seventh grade), and Theo (fourth grade). Tampa Bay is where the Lichts have cut their parenting teeth. It’s where they football and where they family. Our burgeoning city by the bay is the Lichts’ home—where they raise humans who understand that, in life, it all works out.

46 TampaBayParenting.com DECEMBER 2023

JL: I was pre-med in college. Despite a biology degree, I feared not loving medicine. I loved football—playing from 1989-1993 for the University of Nebraska and Nebraska Wesleyan University. I found the scouting process mesmerizing. I didn’t know how I’d break into the industry but knew it was my calling. I started interning with the Miami Dolphins—loving every minute. From then, somehow, everything’s worked out. I’m fortunate for finding a career I love deeply.

TBPM: What challenges you in this work?

JL: It's interesting work because everything revolves around wins and losses. Our family’s mood is brighter when we win, but we’ve lived it long enough to understand losses’ impacts. Kids hear things at school; my daughter recently asked if I was getting fired. That’s the difficult part.

BL: Win or lose, I always ask for the kids’ comments about games so I can gauge their feelings. While our community is tremendously supportive, we’ve had tough Mondays.

After a loss, Jason goes into the office and weathers situations alongside his staff—focusing on the next week’s game. The kids and I don’t have the same shelter. We go out and face the world.

TBPM: What keeps you going in this work?

JL: The love for it. The passion. The cyclical challenge. At year’s end, if you don’t win the whole thing, it seems the sky is falling. Then, anticipation rises for the draft. Then, the desire to continue winning takes over—it’s failure if you don’t.

BL: We’ve been to five Super Bowls. When we went as a family, and won, everything melted away. All sacrifices showed themselves as worth it. Sharing that as a family, that’s what you do it for.

TBPM: Family pregame rituals?

BL: We’re superstitious. At one point, Jason had a lucky coin. We’ve done everything from making egg sandwiches, to changing up our cheese, to getting car washes. Our daughter even finagled Starbucks trips out of game day superstitions. We know those don’t matter, but it’s been happening since our dating days.

TBPM: 2023 football season highlight?

JL: Putting together a competitive team to try winning the division. We’re still in this.

TBPM: 2023 personal highlight?

TBPM: What do you appreciate about raising your family in Tampa Bay?

JL: Our recent travels. Our family traveled to Munich for the Bucs game (2022), and the experience inspired our kids’ love for travel. We’ve since visited Switzerland and Italy.

BL: There’s no shortage of active families with similar interests. Our boys are into golf, football and lacrosse and our daughter is playing volleyball. We’ve made lifetime friends here. Witnessing Tampa’s growth has been exciting. We’re appreciative of watching our children grow into themselves here, proud of who they’re becoming and enjoying getting to know them as individuals.

BL: Summer is an annual highlight because Jason gets time off. (The rest of the year is 24/7 —including working on Christmas and Thanksgiving.) We spend time on a laidback island off Rhode Island. It feels like summers in the 1980s. Our kids run around barefoot, jump off bridges and freely ride bikes with friends they’ve made there—where we’ve also planted roots.

TBPM: When you found out you’d be a parent, how’d you feel?

TBPM: How do you handle working holidays like Christmas?

JL: Excited and nervous about the unknowns. It’s comparable to becoming GM of the Bucs—there are so many questions. Yet, it all works out.

BL: It’s all the kids know. While being an NFL family has challenges, there are abundant, amazing experiences we’ve provided for our kids.

TBPM: Has parenting changed you?

JL: In 2022, we played in Arizona on Christmas. The family went and even skied there. The kids prefer Christmas morning at home, but we make the most of it.

JL: I was always first. My job has dictated everything— where we live, where we vacation, when we can go.

Parenting is about adjusting to the children.

TBPM: Do aspects from your football life inform your dad life?

JL: Being GM entails putting out lots of fires. No two days are alike—each presenting different, sometimes surprising, challenges. Parenting is similar—not knowing what you’re walking into or what you’re picking up from school.

BL: When Jason drafts for the Bucs, part of what he looks for are the intangibles—players’ character traits outside of football. As parents, we spend ample time instilling strong character in our children.

TBPM: How do you instill humility and work ethic in your children?

TBPM: Favorite holiday tradition?

BL: We understand being away from family on holidays.

The Bucs always play the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and many younger staff can’t travel home. We bring them into our home.

JL: Over 40 people come over, Blair cooks for everyone, and we create one large table on our patio. It’s incredible.

TBPM: You must watch one movie on repeat. What is it?

JL: The Shawshank Redemption

JL: Work ethic is difficult. Kids aren’t ready to work as if they have full time jobs, but we don’t want them feeling entitled. When out [if] people want pictures with me, they see me make time for fan engagement. They also keep my ego in check and know I’m not more important than them.

TBPM: Private holiday party. What three famous people do you invite?

BL: We’re proud of him but don’t let it get to his head.

I feel good about how we’re raising our children so they don’t only identify as “the children of the Bucs’ GM.” They feel important as individuals and don’t live in the shadows of Jason’s job. We’re a family both within and outside of the Bucs.

TBPM: Last gift you gave?

JL: Morgan Freeman; Chris Farley: fav actor and comedian of all time; John Elway: my childhood hero.

JL: We’re at a stage where we buy things like mattress pads and say, “Don’t worry about buying me anything.”

DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 47

Hillsborough's Favorite Reads of 2023

by Chely Cantrell, Library Brand Innovation Office

We've got you covered in search of a great book to gift this holiday season. Here are some of the most popular titles checked out this year by our customers:

Birth to Preschool:

Grades K-5:

Grades 6-8:

Elephant Goes Potty

by James Patterson With adorable illustrations, a winning elephant family and a triumphant ending, this sturdy board book by the bestselling author is the perfect choice for any family looking to bring fun and positivity to potty training.

How Do Dinosaurs Learn to Be Kind?

by Jane Yolen & Mark Teague It is not always easy for a dinosaur to learn to be kind, but he can become a very kind dinosaur with a bit of practice and keeping other people in mind.

All About Bingo

by Penguin Young Readers Licenses Meet Bingo! This book is perfect for Bluey fans who want to know more about Bingo, her favorite outdoor activities and what she likes to do before bedtime!

Peekaboo Rex!

by Sandra Boynton Follow a lovable T. rex as it plays peekaboo with a tiny dinosaur friend throughout its day. A story only Sandra Boynton could dream up, featuring two adorable dinos and every toddler's favorite hide-and-seek activity, the ending showcases the ultimate game of peekaboo!

Pete the Cat: Hickory Dickory Dock

by Kim Dean Pete the Cat puts a groovy spin on the classic nursery rhyme "Hickory Dickory Dock" in this sing-along storybook with original illustrations.

Party Hearty Kitty-Corn

by Shannon Hale and Leuyen Pham Kitty is excited to throw a kitty-corn party but becomes frustrated when newcomer Puppy messes up the decorations, ruins the gift Kitty made, and, worst of all, takes up all of Unicorn's attention.

Dog Man #11: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea

by Dav Pilkey Piggy is back, and his newest plot is his most sinister yet.

Dog Man and the rest of your favorite characters must join in this heroic, hilarious, ALL-NEW adventure. WHAT new villains are on the horizon? WHERE are they all coming from?

And WHO will step forward to save the city when scoundrels sabotage our Supa Buddies?

The Baby-Sitter's Club: Mary Anne's Bad-Luck Mystery

by Cynthia Yuan Cheng A discarded chain letter augers a series of bad events for Mary Anne, who is plagued by bad luck and a threatening note demanding a midnight meeting on Old Man Sutcliff's grave.

48 TampaBayParenting.com DECEMBER 2023

Grades 9-12: The Stolen Heir: A Novel of Elfhame

by Holly Black Set nine years after the events of The Queen of Nothing, The Stolen Heir is the first book in a thrilling new duology that brings readers back to the world of Elfhame. Jude’s brother, Prince Oak, takes the spotlight alongside runaway queen Suren as they embark on a deadly and dangerous quest.

Moon Rising: A Graphic Novel (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel #6)

by Barry Deutsch The war may be over, but plenty's still at stake with school beginning for the dragonets.

Not to mention the dangerous dragon introducing himself as the new enemy.

Big Nate: Nailed It!

by Lincoln Peirce You can’t win them all—especially when you’re slumping sixthgrader Nate Wright. Stuck in a cycle of misfortune, our hero finds an unlikely good luck charm . . . and suddenly, he can do no wrong! Welcome to the riotous world of Big Nate, where chaos is the default setting and Nate’s learning the secret of survival: Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good!

Kill Joy: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder Novella

by Holly Jackson Six suspects. Three hours.

One murder…

Pip is not in the mood for her friend’s murder mystery party. Especially one that involves 1920s fancy dress and pretending that their town is an island called Joy. But when the game begins, Pip is drawn into the make-believe world of intrigue, deception and murder.

One of Us is Back

by Karen McManus The global phenomenon returns with the third book in the One of Us Is Lying series. When someone from the Bayview Four’s past resurfaces, history begins to repeat itself—and the consequences are deadly.

DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 49

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50 TampaBayParenting.com DECEMBER 2023

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52 TampaBayParenting.com DECEMBER 2023

Victory Charter School Tampa K-12 is proud to announce its Candidacy for the IB PYP and MYP Programmes! As a school, we are committed to providing students with the highest quality educational program possible in a state of the art facility. Our guiding principles include: • Educate the child holistically to promote academic, social, emotional and ethical growth and development • Encourage student inventiveness and creativity • Nurture student experiential learning • Increase faculty freedom and creativity in instructional methodologies and classroom organization • Promote a foundation for inquisitive, life-long learning

Our mission is to awaken and develop the socially responsible, technologically literate, and self-motivated leader within ALL students via an innovative, internationally focused, and student-centered curriculum that challenges students intellectually, creatively, and personally in a nurturing and safe environment that promotes the development of the total child so that they can be successful in an interconnected global community.

13901 Sheldon Road, Tampa 33626 | 813-551-2144 victorychartertampa.org victorychartertampa612.org

DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 53

Hillsborough County Public Magnet Schools

M RE to EXPL RE Magnet schools have specialized curriculum or themes and provide parents with choices for their child’s education within the K-12 public school system.

80+ 42

Hillsborough County Public Schools offer 80+ nationally-awarded Magnet Programs. Programs include: Montessori, Engineering, Medical, Performing and Technical Arts, Cybersecurity, Collegiate Academy, Environmental Science, Architecture, and many more.

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7th largest school district in the nation

APPLY: School Choice and Magnet TODAY

Window Closes December 15.

54 TampaBayParenting.com DECEMBER 2023

All About Adum

The Hype Surrounding HCPS’ Newest K-8 School

by Laura Cross

There’s always a lot of excitement when a new school opens. However, the hype surrounding the new Kenneth E. Adum K-8 surpasses all expectations!

Maybe that’s because of its location. Maybe it’s because it’s going to be a Magnet School. Or maybe it’s because it’s a K-8.

Maybe it’s all the above.

However, one thing we do know is there is a lot of curiosity about the school and a lot of interest in applying.

The school is under construction right now, and, in full transparency, a lot of decisions about the school will be made in the coming months since the school now has a principal, who was named at the Nov. 14 board meeting.

However, here is what we do know about Kenneth E. Adum K-8, and how to apply:

When will Adum K-8 open and who will it serve?

Adum K-8 will open in August of 2024 with grades kindergarten through seventh grade to start with. That means Adum will not start its first year with an eighth grade class.

Who can attend Adum K-8?

There is no school boundary for Adum K-8. It is a magnet school, and you must apply to be accepted. The first Magnet and Choice Application Window is open now until Dec. 15. You can learn more about the application process and apply at HillsboroughSchools.org/Magnet.

What is Adum’s Magnet Program?

Adum K-8 will apply for IB World School status. According to Robert Cox, Supervisor of Magnet Schools and Programs, “While curricular decisions are pending, Adum K-8 will feature electives that will enrich students’ educational experience during their time at this magnet school and which are in alignment with the International Studies pathway that is implemented”.

Who is the principal of Adum K-8?

The school board named Scott Weaver as principal of Adum K-8 effective in February 2024. He is currently the principal at Roland Park K-8 which is an IB World School.

SCAN HERE to learn more about Adum K-8

Who is Kenneth E. Adum?

The process of naming a school is a very tough decision for our school board. According to board policy, school sites and facilities can be named for individuals who have rendered outstanding public service to public education. That very accurately portrays Kenneth E. Adum, who worked in Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) for 37 years, starting in 1970 as a social studies teacher at Booker T. Washington Junior High, and working his way to principal of Gaither High School. Former colleagues and friends describe him as a “true servant” and a “compassionate leader,” and friends

and family campaigned heavily for this school to be named in his honor.

Applications are chosen based on a lottery system, and results will be sent in late January to early February. If you believe you may be interested in sending your child to Adum K-8, it doesn’t hurt to apply. You can always decline your invitation if you decide on another school.

Remember to apply before the deadline December 15th.

DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 55

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PRESENTED BY EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

Countdown to Kindergarten

by Tiffany Basch, Provider Quality Specialist, Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County

Prepare documents for enrollment Required documents include your child’s immunization records, birth certificate and ways to verify residency. Your school may require additional enrollment documents, so call and check. This is an ideal time to learn about your school’s “Ready for Kindergarten” event. This typically happens in the spring and is a time when you can often officially enroll your child in kindergarten. If you cannot attend this event, you can take your documents directly to your school during the front office’s hours of operation.

Begin to focus on encouraging your child’s independence

Identify the school your child will attend in the Fall Parents and caregivers of preschoolers may notice time has a way of slowing down and then speeding up with the hustle of trying to make sure you capture each last moment: the last first day of preschool; the last time your child needed help tying their shoe; the last holiday celebrations you will attend at the childcare center; that last culminating event that is preschool graduation.

With all these “last” events, it’s never too early to begin thinking about a first: the transition from preschool to kindergarten in big kid school. There are a few steps you can take to ensure this process is smooth and not complete culture shock.

It is important for you to carefully determine what school in your neighborhood suits your child best. If you choose your local public school, ensure you know which school you are zoned for. Sometimes, a school right down the street may not be the school your neighborhood attends. Right now, many magnet, charter and choice applications are now beginning to open. When choosing a school, some things to keep in mind are transportation, specific school policies and your child’s development.

Find creative ways for your child to learn your address and phone number; for example, by teaching the information to a familiar tune like the ABCs. Work with your child on getting themselves dressed and on fine motor movements such as zipping and buttoning that can help prevent potty accidents (it’s also a good idea to revisit toilet training).

If you pack a lunch, help your child with their backpack and lunchbox. You should also fine-tune transportation to and from school. If you walk, don’t wait until the first day of school to take that route with your child. If your child will take the bus, note the bus number and the cross street where the bus stop is located.

This is only a snapshot of what you can do to make this milestone not so intimidating.

Remember to stick with what works for your family as you support your child on their way to kindergarten.

For more information or a complete list of recommended tips to prepare your child for kindergarten, visit www.elchc.org or call us at (813) 515-2340 today.

DECEMBER 2023 TampaBayParenting.com 59

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.com #TAMPABAYPARENTING Articles Th i n g s t o D o Guides +More

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