I’ll admit it: I am guilty of constantly living in the future. In the publishing world, we begin working on issues of the magazine about three (or more) months in advance. So, while the kids are taking the last splash in the swimming pool and settling in at school desks, we are transitioning into the holidays.

The biggest challenge for me is that by the time the holidays actually roll around, we are well into work on articles for Valentine’s Day, camp, and spring break. It’s a struggle to focus on what is happening in real time. I have to remind myself to get ready for holidays that I have already mentally celebrated. But each year, I promise myself that I will stop and really enjoy the holiday season.

Kids are wonderful ambassadors of being in the present. Like Dicken’s Ghost of Christmas Present, they ask us to stop and look at what is happening right now. We adults see the snow falling and start thinking about tomorrow’s commute; kids look at the snowflakes and try to count each one.

We filled this issue with ideas to help you stop and enjoy each day of this holiday season. Inside you’ll find festive activities to do together, ideas for fun over winter break, a yummy hot chocolate recipe, and a list of gift ideas to make holiday shopping easier. We hope you have many opportunities this month to experience magical holiday moments with your children.

Happy Holidays from the Colorado Parent family!