New York Family’s December 2014 Issue

FEATURES

NYF_1214 — Photo by Sarah Merians Photography. Hair & makeup by Glamazon Beauty Cosmetics by Kim Baker. Globe from the National Geographic Store

The Givers: Journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn on the many-fold ways people are making a difference in the world and in their own lives

Class Distinction: Expert tips on how to choose a kids’ class from some of the best enrichment programs in the city

Spreading Comfort & Joy: Celebrate the season of giving with some of our favorite charities—plus picks from local parents

FAMILY FUN GUIDE

10 Great Events For December: “Puss in Boots” by the Gotham Chamber Opera, PUSH Physical Theatre at Symphony Space, Make Music New York, and more

Spirit Of The Season: Our ultimate guide for a classic New York holiday—including the best trees, brightest lights, jolliest Santas, and more

Soul Of The City: How New York living has transformed Dan Zanes’ music and life

HOME & AWAY

Real Estate: Part 2 of our roundup of NYC’s most family-friendly new buildings and classic properties

Travel: Dream family vacations in London and Colorado

COLUMNS

Editor’s Note: Giving and getting

Events & Offers: The scoop on our Pinterest page, signing up for our e-newsletters, Blackboard Award nominations, and an UPPAbaby giveaway

Scoop: The latest Hello Kitty collaboration, a local nanny placement service, a new clothing store on the UES, a family photography book, and gourmet pregnancy craving treats

It’s My Party: Birthday celebrations at the Craft Studio, with Little Maestros, and in Times Square

Activity of the Month: Young gymnasts—from some of the city’s best programs—on why the sport makes them flip out. Plus, where to tumble in NYC

Treats: Our guide to the hottest holiday toys of the year for kids of all ages

Lysst: Luxurious stocking stuffers for the moms and dads on your nice list

The Last Word: With an open heart and generous spirit, one SAHM is changing her status from stay-at-home-mother to stay-at-home-daughter

Manhattan Mandarin

Manhattan Mandarin runs the Mandarin after-school programs at over 40 schools nationwide, including St. Bernard's, Chapin, Allen-Stevenson, and Buckley. Whether in schools, students' homes, in the office, online, or on our beloved China trips, our teachers and tutors have helped hundreds of students of all ages master the Mandarin language on their own unique paths to fluency. Our philosophy has always been to make private lessons and classes perfectly tailored for each individual student. We look forward to working with you. - Jamie Keyte, Founder

WCS Education - Wildlife Conservation Society

Explore nature, learn about the planet, and get close to animals&mdash;all in New York City! WCS zoo and aquarium day camps are for every young adventurer, from toddlers to teens. Campers experience hands-on learning, from STEAM classrooms and animal exhibits to nature trails and the beach. Recognized as industry leaders, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Education Department was the first of its kind to offer zoo camps and continues to provide award-winning programming. Visit wcs.education/camps to explore summer camps at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and New York Aquarium!

Asphalt Green

Asphalt Green&rsquo;s high-quality sports programs start at 4 months old. Two beautiful facilities in vibrant Manhattan neighborhoods provide the optimal space for children to learn the fundamentals, play for leisure, or compete at the highest level. As the leading sports and fitness facility in Manhattan, Asphalt Green&rsquo;s never-before- seen training methods focus on improving your mental and physical game. Whether participating in swim, soccer, flag football, martial arts, basketball, baseball, tennis, or volleyball, coaches instill values that set athletes up for success in life and bring out their full potential in sports.