Family Circle
Family Circle
Family Circle
THE
BUSY
MOM’S
GUIDE
TO
THE HOLIDAYS
GET IT DONE,
GO AHEAD,
EAT ALL THE KEEP IT FUN!
COOKIES!
page 72
DECEMBER 2019
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Contents
ON DUTY 21 BACK OF BOOK
Pet-Proof Your Holidays 30 The Magic of Cool
Health News 49 Grandparents 116
How to Fight Burnout 52 Nutritional Key 119
Snacking: Biscuit Hacks 64 Nightstand 120
On the Cover
Photography by Kate Mathis
Cookies by The Rounds
Prop styling by Erin Swift
26
The Fix: Longer,
Fuller Lashes
35
These mascaras get
sparse or stubby
lashes looking
va-va-voom in just
a few swipes.
Family Dinners
Fast weeknight meals with
six ingredients or less!
60
Talking About:
Adulting
An independence
action plan for your
teen, from doing
the dishes to, yes,
changing a tire. 58
Family Health
Checklist:
Hangovers
How to prevent
and nurse (um,
hydrate!) the nausea
and headache.
44
Lunch:
Good to Go
A big batch of wheat
berries becomes
a week’s worth of
Asian and Italian
lunch salads.
13
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A look at who’s SYNDICATION For syndication requests or
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permission, email [email protected].
December 2019
6
H O L I DAY S P E C I A L
Contents
We’ve got you covered the whole holiday season—from shopping to baking and everything in between.
94
106 86
92 114
108 80 72 84
BUSY MOM’S
78
GUIDE TO THE 77 80
HOLIDAYS
108 86
December 2019
SPRAY AWAY GRAY LIKE MAGIC
Eva Longoria
SIMULATION
“Wine...
lots of wine.”
LIZSOYOU
“Feign illness!”
JAN FOSTER MASON
during the
“Stay in the kitchen and
pretend you’re cooking
holidays is
the entire time.”
JENB7777 _______.
December 2019
Don’t be the person
that brings
a veggie platter.
Joseph Ceryanec
DIRECTOR, BRAND STRATEGY Cynthia Walsh CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER John Zieser
HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
Ellen Barrett, MA, fitness; Jeffrey Blumberg, SENIOR RESEARCH MANAGER Cheryl Campbell PRESIDENT, MEREDITH LOCAL MEDIA GROUP
PhD, preventive nutrition; Lawrence J. VICE PRESIDENT, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS Patrick McCreery
Cheskin, MD, FACP, weight management; Jill Davison SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES
Alyssa Dweck, MD, FACOG, obstetrics PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Kent Pollpeter Dina Nathanson
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, ADVERTISING BUSINESS OFFICE
and gynecology; Debra Jaliman, MD,
dermatology; David L. Katz, MD, lifestyle Bob Parlapiano CHAIRMAN
medicine; Susan Mitchell, PhD, RD, BUSINESS DIRECTOR Robyn Dean Stephen M. Lacy
nutrition; Rose Marie Robertson, MD, BUSINESS MANAGER Matthew Probst VICE CHAIRMAN
cardiovascular diseases; Marie Savard, CONSUMER MARKETING MANAGER Jennifer Watson Mell Meredith Frazier
MD, internal medicine; Bonnie Taub-Dix, QUALITY ANALYST Pam Powers
RD, nutrition; Janet Taylor, MD, psychiatry; AD TRAFFIC SUPERVISOR Matt Fischels
Jason Theodosakis, MD, MPH, FACPM, PREPRESS DESKTOP SPECIALIST Patricia J. Savage
FAMILY CIRCLE © 2019 Meredith Corporation at 225 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281. All rights reserved. Protected under Berne and other International
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December 2019
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13
FAMILY ALBUM
Son: Anay Mom: Priyanka Dad: Basu Son: Eshaan
“It’s convenient to
be a twin because
we invite the same
friends over. The
bad part is that
people think of us
as the same person.”
—ESHAAN
“The boys are reticent; you have to prod things out of them. But
that’s not a teenage thing—they’ve always been like that.” —BASU
December 2019
Cheese. Tacos.
No dinner drama.
“My mom is a
compassionate
person, even if
she yells at me a
lot. It’s debatable
whether I deserve
it. There’s some
controversy
there.” —ANAY
December 2019
P R O M OT I O N
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on duty B E C AU S E M A N AG I N G FA M I LY I S A F U L L-T I M E J O B
Those bull’s-eye
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kind of a target
for porch pirates, who
strike an estimated
20% of Americans.
Ring Video Doorbell—
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All the major shippers (UPS,
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sign-up options for delivery
the goods. From
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$100, shop.ring.com
to a different location,
previewing incoming mail
and rescheduling deliveries.
G E T T Y I M AG E S ; B U N T I N G, DAV I D A . L A N D.
C O M P OS I T E P H OTO: W R E AT H A N D D O O R,
December 2019
22 ON DUTY
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I couldn’t think of
anything to say but
sksksk when
Jenny told me about It’s Lit STACKING UP
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December 2019
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As we gear up for the peak of the entertaining season, it’s the perfect
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28 ON DUTY
Brush up on HOW TO
brushes SWIPE RIGHT
As with formulas, there
are now all kinds of
brush options. Generally,
Lash Whisperers Step 1
(left to right)
the ones that are curved Curl First
1. IT Cosmetics Lash Blowout Salon Volume Lift Mascara ($25) “Always curl your lashes
will help lift and curl
A full brush plus a formula infused with biotin, collagen and to give them lift. This
your lashes. Tapered vitamin E builds volume and adds lift—kinda like a salon blowout.
brushes let you get into is a game-changer,”
2. Covergirl Exhibitionist Mascara ($8) says Murphy, who
the inner and outer
The hourglass-shaped brush coats and separates recommends the Shu
corners. And some thick lashes to add oomph with no clumps.
brushes—the ones that Uemura Eyelash Curler
3. Benefit BADgal Waterproof Mascara ($19) ($23). Carefully place
look like little loofahs for
Go ahead and walk in the rain or cry for the millionth time watching the upper lashes inside
eyelashes—“deliver more Steel Magnolias. This mascara ain’t comin’ off or smudging.
product onto each hair the mouth of the curler,
4. L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Lengthening & Lash By hold it as close to your
to make lashes look
Lash Separating Mascara ($9.50) lid as possible, and
fuller,” Murphy says. This high-tech formula magnetically clings to your lashes, and
“I prefer working with gently squeeze three to
the precise brush covers every bit of each hair from base to tip.
a small, thin brush on five times.
both the upper and
lower lashes because it Step 2
allows me to have more Clean the Wand
precision and it gives Use a paper towel to
2
more definition to each lightly swipe excess
hair. But a full brush is mascara from the brush
great if you really want before you touch it to
to add some serious your lashes, Murphy
drama and volume.” says. “This gives a clean
4 application that’s not
clumpy or spidery.”
ORDER MATTERS Apply mascara before the rest of your makeup, so you won’t have to reapply concealer if you make a mess.
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? ?
suggests giving her an area of her own behind a “We also see a lot of dogs and cats that cases, seizures. Raisins
closed door to hang out in. Just make sure she has get into ribbon and tinsel,” which can and grapes are also
her food and water bowl as well as plenty of toys. cause GI tract obstruction, says Daniel toxic to dogs, so keep
(You could put her in her crate, or place her crate in Thomasey, a veterinarian in Oakhurst, the fruitcake on high
a less-visited room.) A food-dispensing toy can be NJ. So if your pet scarfs the decor, call ground—or let that be
super helpful in this instance, since it will keep your your vet ASAP. You’ll most likely have to your excuse for regifting
pup busy and make her less needy. bring your animal in for treatment. it ASAP.
December 2019
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PORK SCHNITZEL
PAGE 43
By Sarah Wharton
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
SIDNEY BENSIMON
Family Dinners
Because you’ve gotta get food on the table.
Mealtime insights from
Eleni, 15, Vicki, 11, and
their dad, Nick.
FO O D ST Y L I N G : PAU L G R I M E S. P RO P ST Y L I N G : C H R I STO P H E R W H I T E . WA R D RO B E
ST Y L I N G : A RGY KO U TS OT H A N AS I S. H A I R A N D M A K E U P: ST E P H A N I E G O M E Z .
36 ON DUTY RECIPE KEY gluten-free meat pasta picky-eater-proof poultry seafood vegetarian
December 2019
38 ON DUTY RECIPE KEY gluten-free meat pasta picky-eater-proof poultry seafood vegetarian
“Since my mother-in-law
handles weeknight meals,
I take over on weekends.
Mainly, I like to cook chicken
and lean meats.” —NICK
ITALIAN
WEDDING SOUP
PAGE 41
MAKE IT
VEGETARIAN
Swap the chicken
broth for vegetable
broth, and replace
the meatballs with
meatless meatballs,
chopped veggie
sausage or white
beans.
December 2019
COMBINE
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40 RECIPE KEY gluten-free meat picky-eater-proof
poultry pasta seafood vegetarian
WHAT’S BETTER
THAN A HIGH FIBER
BREAKFAST?
December 2019
41
A GOOD SOURCE OF
FIBER AND A GREAT
SOURCE OF CRUNCHY
DELICIOUSNESS.
“I do online research
before trying a new
dish. There are some
things I won’t eat—like,
you won’t see me
make anything with
mushrooms.” —VICKI
NEW!
Pork Schnitzel
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil;
add 8 oz egg noodles and cook per pkg
directions, about 10 min. Meanwhile,
in a shallow pie plate, whisk 1/2 cup AP
flour with 1/2 tsp each salt and black pep-
per. In a second dish, beat 2 large eggs.
In a third dish, place 1 cup panko bread
crumbs. Pound 4 boneless pork chops
(about 1 lb) to 1/4 inch thick. Working
in 2 batches, dredge chops in seasoned
flour, dip in egg, then dredge in panko,
turning to coat well. Heat 1/2 cup veg oil
in a large stainless skillet over med-high.
Add 2 chops and cook until brown and
crispy, about 2 min per side. Repeat with
remaining chops, adding oil if needed.
Toss 2 cups arugula with 1 tbsp each lemon
juice and veg oil and 1/4 tsp salt. Toss noo-
dles with 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 11/2 tbsp
thinly sliced chives and 1/2 tsp salt. Top
schnitzel with arugula and serve with
noodles and lemon wedges. Serves 4.
GO FISH
You can replace the tilapia
in our curry with 11/2 lbs of
any mild fish, like catfish, trout,
snapper or bass.
44 ON DUTY Swap It
Any grain—
farro, quinoa,
brown rice—
works here.
LU N C H
Good to Go
Make a week’s worth of wheat berries on Sunday and
add extras each morning to spin this salad either Italian Asian Salad
or Asian. (May you never buy a $10 sandwich again.) 1 batch Wheat Berries
(see below)
Meat from 1 small
rotisserie chicken
(3 cups)
3¾ cups broccoli slaw
4 sliced scallions
Italian Salad 1 pkg (5 oz) arugula
1 batch Ginger-Soy
1 batch Wheat Berries Dressing (below)
(see below) 2/3 cup toasted
Meat from 1 small sliced almonds
rotisserie chicken
(3 cups)
21/2 cups raw riced or
finely diced cauliflower
¾ cup diced roasted ASSEMBLY
red peppers
Combine scant 2/3 cup
1/3 cup diced drained
wheat berries with 1/2 cup
sun-dried tomatoes
chicken, ¾ cup broccoli
1 pkg (5 oz) arugula
slaw and 1 tbsp scallions.
1 batch Creamy Pesto Top with 2 cups arugula.
Dressing (below) Pack with 21/2 tbsp Ginger-
Soy Dressing and 2 tbsp
almonds. Serves 1.
ASSEMBLY
Combine 11/4 cups red wheat berries, 1 tsp salt and 3⅔ cups water in
DRESSING ?
an Instant Pot. Seal and set to pressure cook on Manual for 30 min.
Creamy Pesto Let pressure release naturally for 5 min, then vent. Unlock cooker and
Whisk 1/3 cup refrigerated drain wheat berries. Makes 31/4 cups. (If you have to go the stovetop KNOW WHAT
pesto with 1/4 cup route: Combine wheat berries, 3¾ cups water and salt in a saucepan YOU’RE EATING. For
fresh lemon juice and over high and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium; nutrition info, turn to
3 tbsp mayo. simmer until tender, 35 to 45 min. Remove pan from heat and let sit, page 119.
Makes scant 3/4 cup. covered, for 15 min. Drain excess liquid.)
December 2019
EVEN BUTTER
LOVERS LOVE IT
- Cammie, 5 -
BUTTERED NOODLE
CONNOISSEUR
Tested and when used with Country Crock Plant Butter® sticks.
Make a Date to
UPDATE
HEALTH NEWS
By Kendall Wenaas
14
home with a yearly most likely to start at this
fecal immunochemical age,” says Sarah Jerstad,
test, which may PhD, a psychologist
be as effective as a at Children’s Minnesota
colonoscopy, according hospital in St. Paul.
to a new study. “Your teen is dealing
with plenty of hormone
Vision Problems and life changes, but
Attach EyeQue Insight’s if you notice a change in
visual acuity screener habits and personality,
to your smartphone to pay attention.”
give your whole family Specifically, look for
regular vision tests. changes in sleep, lack of
interest in socializing and
falling grades, she says.
If you notice a change,
don’t jump to
Don’t leave it up to the school’s health conclusions. After
teacher to give your kids “the talk”: Being observing for a bit, have
involved in your children’s sex education before a conversation about
they turn 14 means they’ll be more likely to what you’ve noticed and
practice safe sex—and be open with you about
ask how they’re feeling.
their sexual experiences, JAMA Pediatrics reports. Be genuine, stick to your
In case you were wondering, the study regular communication
also found that getting yourself involved won’t style, and if you’re
prompt your kids to have sex sooner. nervous, tell your kid
that, she says. Offer to
find them a therapist
P H OTO: ( TO P ) G E T T Y I M AG E S
December 2019
50 ON DUTY
longer have an automatic right to their Work your brain. Eat a brain-healthy diet.
Do a crossword, play checkers, Fill your plate with vegetables,
records. “You can’t legally access their
visit the library, etc. beans, whole grains, seafood
information without having a few docu- and poultry. Avoid red
ments in place,” says Gretchyn Meinken, 2 meat, butter, cheese, pastries,
a DC-area lawyer. Ask your 18-year-old Don’t smoke. sweets and fried food.
to sign these: HIPAA Authorization Form Avoid smoking e-cigarettes as
well as regular cigarettes. 5
A hospital can’t share any medical info
Exercise regularly.
with you unless it’s signed, Meinken 3 Aim for 150 minutes of
explains. Health Care Proxy If your kid Drink moderately. moderate movement per week.
gets into a car accident and can’t make Limit yourself to one glass
medical decisions, this form allows you of wine per day, max. Source: Rush University
very day is a scramble for Ann That wall is called burnout. And,
E Boles, a Dallas mother of two
teenagers. But lately, she says,
yes, it’s a real thing. The World Health
Organization has just expanded its defi-
the pace has been getting to her. When nition of burnout in the recent revision
her son joined the high school band last of the International Classification of
year, she started getting up at 5:15 in the Diseases (ICD-11). While it’s described She wakes up at 5:15 in the
morning to exercise before dropping him as an “occupational phenomenon” rather morning to exercise before dropping
off at practice at 6:40. (Yes, you read that than a medical condition, we all know her son off at marching band
right.) Then she races to work as a teach- that burnout isn’t confined to the work- practice at 6:40 a.m. (yes, you read
er, when her long day “officially” begins. place. For many of us, the WHO’s three- that right), then races off to her job
She has noticed that she’s become con- part diagnosis—feelings of exhaustion, teaching school.
I L LU ST R AT I O N : J U L I E H O U TS
sumed by anxiety and fatigue, and wakes “mental distance” and ineffectiveness—is
up in the middle of the night “stewing going to sound awfully familiar.
over my to-do list, wondering how I can But burnout is sneaky. It creeps up
get everything done,” she says. “My hus- on you. “It isn’t something that happens
band and I have just hit a wall.” overnight,” says Paula Davis-Laack,
December 2019
HELPS YOUR CHILD
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56 ON DUTY
founder of the Stress & Resilience In- kids are younger, the exhaustion can be laundry and stay there for a few days.”
stitute in Milwaukee. “It manifests over physical,” says Mary Hogan, a former But the more you pay attention to the
a period of time, and for some that means teacher from Parker, CO, and mom of two clear distress signals being issued by
months or years.” It’s a slow drip of chron- teenagers. “With teens, it’s mental ex- your mind and body and take steps to fix
ic stress—“chronic is an important word haustion. It’s not just that they can drive them, the better. Burnout doesn’t happen
here,” Davis-Laack points out—that de- and they’re so active on social media. It’s overnight, and it’s not going to go away
pletes your energy and well-being day like suddenly being in a chess game with overnight, either.
after day, bit by insidious bit. (Many of a more advanced player. They’re so much Look for ways throughout the day
these symptoms overlap with those of smarter, and you have to constantly be to manage stress and refuel your own
depression, which is more persistent thinking of your next move.” tank, Eisner says. “Eat a balanced diet,
and severe. According to the National When Hogan’s kids were little, she get restorative sleep and exercise as fre-
Institute of Mental Health, if you’re feel- says, “they didn’t ever want us to leave quently as you can,” she says. “It’s also
ing most of these symptoms nearly every them, and hated when we got a sitter. important to stay connected to friends
day, for most of the day, for at least two So we’d tell them we were going to the and family, and make time for activities
weeks or you’re having trouble function- ‘broccoli meeting,’ and they’d say, ‘Oh, you love.” Try to set aside 15 minutes a
ing, see a mental health professional.) well, we don’t want to go to that.’ ” She day to go to your happy place, whether
The symptoms of burnout by meditating or watching videos
include being overwhelmed by of animals wearing funny hats.
everyday tasks, losing the energy (That’s 1/100th of the day! You
and motivation to make changes, can do it!) To combat feelings of
and consistently feeling helpless, helplessness, Eisner suggests set-
hopeless, cynical and resentful, ting attainable goals that you can
Teenagers have a
says New York clinical psychol- tackle to feel empowered.
special way of turbocharging
ogist Jodie Eisner, PsyD. Other Another biggie: Avoid over-
your depletion. When your
signs of burnout are irritability committing, and make liberal use
kids are younger, the
(little problems provoke an outsize of the magical word “no.” Dele-
exhaustion is physical. With
reaction), anxiety, disengagement gate. Be mindful of how much
teens, it’s mental—like
from activities that used to make time you spend on your devices
being in a chess game with a
you happy, and trouble focus- (a 2017 survey from the American
more advanced player.
ing that goes way beyond “mom Psychological Association found
brain” (even though your to-do that constant phone checkers have
list is stretching to the size of the more ratcheted-up stress levels).
Magna Carta, you just can’t seem And if symptoms persist to the
to muster the clarity to tackle it). point where you can’t function or
Because your immune system your quality of life is significantly
is under assault from constant stress, laughs. “Now they are waaaay beyond reduced, see a therapist.
you’re more at risk of catching a cold or the ‘broccoli meeting.’ ” You knew this was coming, but it bears
getting the flu. And, in a cruel twist, Being a parent of teens can also be repeating: If you don’t practice self-care,
despite feeling as fried as you do, you isolating—another thing that hastens you’re not going to be able to care for any-
may still be plagued by insomnia. (The burnout. “When you have young kids, one else. When Carlson feels burnout
National Sleep Foundation defines you talk a lot with other moms—when creeping in, she gets up and leaves the
chronic insomnia as disrupted sleep that you’re dropping off the kids, exchanging house. “I have two dogs, so I’ll take them
occurs at least three nights a week and information,” Hogan says. “I didn’t realize for a walk,” she says. “Or sometimes I go
lasts at least three months.) “I feel like the value of it at the time, because when to a movie by myself.”
I’m always behind, and my anxiety about the kids are older, you kind of lose that Boles and her husband, meanwhile,
it comes out at night,” says Jill Carlson, support system of other moms.” keep Friday nights sacred for home date
an operations manager from Grayslake, In the rush of modern life, it’s easy to nights, when they break out the wine,
IL, and mother of a 16-year-old son. ignore the symptoms of burnout—and kick back and reconnect: “We try not to
If you happen to be a parent of teen- hard to actually hit the “pause” button commit to any Friday-night kid activi-
agers, they have a special way of turbo- and think, “OK, it is in fact not normal ties.” She laughs. “That’s the one night
charging your depletion. “When your that I want to crawl under this pile of that we’re like, ‘Nope, sorry.’ ”
December 2019
You know $5 matinees have the
same ending as full-price movies
Medicare Part D
Get started today—open enrollment
ends December 7. copays
when you enroll
in select plans*
• Genetics.
• Your size. (Surely, you’re
been around since Noah and whiskey or brandy) are more apt to cause hangovers.
familiar with the term brings people’s spirits up. Some studies back that up, but anecdotally, it seems
“lightweight”?) Just don’t overdo it.” to vary from person to person.
December 2019
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60 ON DUTY
the finer points of cereal bowl alignment. the dishwasher simply via osmosis. ing their identities with their children’s
It’s sad, I know, considering there are According to experts, my husband gives them a greater sense of purpose”
many more stimulating conversations and I are not alone in our failure to teach that’s ultimately harmful for the child.
we should be having after dinner. this—and many other basic life skills—to “When you are all up in your kids’ busi-
But you know what’s even sadder? our kids. Cooking simple meals, clean- ness, you’re depriving them of the ex-
Our realization a couple of years ago that ing the bathroom, mowing the lawn and periences that forge a life,” she says. “If
our daughter, then 13, had no idea how to walking the dog are only a few of the tasks they don’t develop these life skills, they
December 2019
SAY GOODBYE TO DUST,
DANDER, AND NASTIES
will lack agency, which can lead to anxi- Introducing rewards and privileges is Teaching your kid
ety and depression.” In other words, we also perfectly appropriate in this situa-
to adult? It starts early.
have to stop doing our kids’ chores—and tion, she adds. “After all, if your child is With help from experts
it really is for their own good. able to legally operate a car, they should and parents we trust, we’ve put
be able to stay on top of their laundry. together these suggested
Your Action Plan Tell them, ‘If you have a license to drive, guidelines for life skills by age.
Don’t panic if your family
you should have a license to dry.’ ”
isn’t exactly there yet. Every kid
Of course, getting kids to pull their own While teaching a complicated task develops at a different rate.
weight is easier said than done. The may seem daunting, a good rule is this
first time you explain to your 13-year-old basic three-step process: First, do the
AGES 10–12
that they’re going to be taking out the job with your kid, showing them how
Stay home alone
trash, you’ll surely hear some version of it’s done. Then, observe your kid per-
Load a dishwasher
“Wait, that’s your job!” or “Why now?” forming the task. Finally, let them do it Cook simple foods (eggs,
And they have a point: The earlier completely independently. boxed mac and cheese)
you train your kids to start doing sim- “Tech can be a big help,” Gagnon says. Clean the bathroom
ple chores, the less pushback you’ll get. If you’re trying to get your kid to keep a Take out the trash
Use the washer and dryer
That may explain why the upcoming calendar, using a phone app may come
Change bedsheets
book by Catherine Newman, How to Be more naturally to them. And don’t un- Use basic hand tools
a Person: 65 Hugely Useful, Super- derestimate the power of instructional
Important Skills videos on YouTube.
AGES 13–15
to Learn Before “It’s how kids learn
Clean most areas of the home
You’re Grown Up, these days and a
Plan and prepare meals
is aimed at middle great tool,” she says. with several ingredients
schoolers. For parents hop- Take care of younger siblings
Your best move ing they can simply Compare prices
for pushing them give college-bound Understand basic banking
concepts (the difference
toward a new ev- kids a crash course
between checking and
eryday challenge/ in spin cycles and savings accounts, how
chore is to take a o m e l e t- m a k i n g interest works)
deep breath and two weeks before Plunge the toilet
explain that “kids school starts, think
need to learn how again. A lot of these AGES 16–18
to do these things so-called “adulting” Fill a car with gas
for themselves.” skills involve habit Change a tire
You can even ac- as well as planning Understand medicine labels
knowledge that you made a mistake and organization. If your kid isn’t used to and dosages
Make appointments (dentist,
by not having had them pitch in all managing laundry, there’s a good chance
haircut, orthodontist)
along. (“But don’t apologize too much, they’ll realize too late that they’ve run out Perform more sophisticated
as it only undermines your authority!” of clean underwear. household chores (changing
Lythcott-Haims warns.) Beth Gagnon, Kids don’t become adults overnight. the vacuum cleaner bag,
a New Hampshire–based psychother- It’s our job to start them on the path to- cleaning the stove)
Fill out a job application
apist who works with kids and families, ward independence while they’re still
Tip appropriately
says she’s used the following on her young—however much patience (and
own offspring when they’ve balked: tolerance for imperfectly washed cereal
“My role is supervising, not doing.” bowls) that may require.
I T ’S CL EA N IN G
R EI N VEN TE D
©2019 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
64 ON DUTY
S N AC K I N G, T E E N E D I T I O N
? KNOW WHAT YOU’RE EATING. For nutrition info, turn to page 119.
REMEMBER THE LITTLE THINGS
PJS
L
A DA Y
L
#TW IN NI N G
Everything
you need
to make the
season bright
F I N D IT A LL
I N S TO R E A N D
AT J C P.CO M
(E((O((((
(OTE(((TO(((E(F(
((((((((((((()(
((Can(we(just(use(that(wacky(photo(of(
the(dog(for(our(HO((D(Y(C(RD(or(do(we(
seriously(need(a(family(pic?((PAGE 77)
From cookie baking to cozy nights,
little moments create big memories.
((OK,(OK,(it's(officially(time(to(start
JCPenney has all you need to make this
DECOR(T((((THE(HOU(E . (Please(tell(me(I(
holiday season one to remember.
don't(need(to(tangle(with(tinsel.)((PAGE 78)
((Holy(work(event—the(office(party(is(next(
Thursday.(WTH DO(((EVE((WE(R? (PAGE 80)
H((UKK(H ((Am(I(up(for(frying?((If(latkes(
are(my(reward,(the(answer(is(yes.)((PAGE 86)
WHIP UP SOME YUM
There’s nothing better than homemade ((Listen(up,(world!(This(time(I’m(actually(
Christmas cookies— especially gonna(B(KE(COOK(E(.((PAGE 72)(
when you’ve baked them together.
KitchenAid® Artisan Series ((How(am(I(suddenly(so(behind(in—and(in(
5-Quart Tilt-Stand Mixer
the(hole(with—my((HO(((((?((PAGE 92)
((I(coulda(sworn(we(had(leftover(wrapping(
paper(from(last(year—yeah,(no.(Better(add(
((FT(WR(( (to(the(shopping(list.((PAGE 92)
(RE(E(T(,((RE(E(T(((((Honestly,(what(
do(my(teens(even(want(anymore?((PAGE 94)
IT’S SNUGGLE SEASON
Get comfy by the fire and settle in with ((While(we're(at(it,(do(my(kids(even(still(care(
your favorite holiday films and stories. about(the((DVE(T(C((E(D(R?((PAGE 84)
North Pole Trading Company Throw & Pillows
((After(everyone(exhausts(themselves(
Christmas(morning(tearing(at(gifts,(what(
should(we(eat(for(BRE(KF((T?((PAGE 108)
((Gotta(keep(the(family(entertained—
maybe(even(talking.(Dare(we(go(old-school(
and((((Y((O(E((((E(?((PAGE 106)
BOLD METALLICS
Ring in the new year with
details that dazzle.
Rose Gold Ombré Party Dress
PIN IT!
Scan this Pincode to
see more holiday ideas
on Pinterest.
Or shop now at
jcp.com
THE TWELVE
WAYS OF
With the easiest tweaks, one basic
dough becomes a dozen holiday-ready
treats. (Hear the angels sing!)
COOKIES
Glazed Sugar Cookies
We were so crazy for the cookies
from @theroundsnyc on Insta that we
Pistachio Triangles
BASIC just had to share. For tips on how Anna
of The Rounds NYC bakery gets When you like holiday goodness to
be crunchy, nutty and sticky.
DOUGH her super-smooth glaze, see page 119.
dough sit at room temp baking sheets and bake at 350° for 15 min. 1 hr. Shape into 1-inch balls between
for 30 min if rolling out. Generously dust with confectioners’ your palms and roll in confectioners’
sugar while warm. Makes about 4 dozen. sugar to coat. Place on parchment-
lined baking sheets and bake at 350° for
12 min. Makes 31/2 dozen.
74 H O L I DAY S P EC I A L
Chocolate Biscotti
Double your chocolate with both cocoa
powder and chocolate chips. Edible Stained Glass
Make , adding 1/2 cup cocoa powder to Coconut-Cranberry When Jolly Rancher goes all holly jolly!
flour mixture, increasing baking powder
to 11/2 tsp and adding 1 more egg. Stir 1/2 cup
Squares Stir 2 tbsp additional AP flour into .
White chocolate chips, Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic and
mini semisweet chocolate chips into
Craisins, coconut flakes. refrigerate at least 2 hr. Crush 24 Jolly
dough; divide in half. With floured hands, We’re just gonna say: Rancher candies (6 of each color) with a
shape each half into an 11 x 2 1/2-inch log Can’t stop, won’t stop. meat mallet, keeping colors separate. On a
on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake floured surface, roll out half the dough to
at 375° for 20 to 25 min. Cool slightly on a In a large mixing bowl, beat
3 large egg whites with 1/2 tsp 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out 2-inch shapes
rack; lower oven to 325 °. Cut into 1/2-inch and transfer to parchment-lined baking
cream of tartar and 3 tbsp
slices on a slight diagonal. Place, cut sides sheets. With smaller shapes, cut out
sugar to stiff peaks. Make .
down, on baking sheets. Bake 10 min; turn centers and remove. Re-roll scraps. Fill
over and bake 10 more min. Cool. Melt Fold half the egg white mixture
into dough to lighten, then each cookie center with 1/2 tsp crushed
1 cup mini semisweet chips with 1/2 tsp veg candy; repeat with all dough and candy.
oil per pkg directions. Drizzle over cookies;
fold in remainder. Chop
3/4 cup Craisins. Fold 1 cup Bake at 325 ° for 8 to 9 min. Cool completely
let dry on wax paper. Makes 21/2 dozen. on baking sheets. Makes 4 dozen.
sweetened flake coconut,
3/4 cup white chocolate chips
and 1/2 cup chopped Craisins
into dough. Spread into a
greased 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking
sheet. Top with remaining
PB Slices Craisins. Cover with greased
foil and bake at 325° for 18 min. Herbed Shortbread
With peanut butter, powdered PB
Uncover and scatter 1/2 cup Thyme and rosemary make it
and nuts, these are triple-rama.
white chocolate chips on top. fancy and sophisticated.
Make , adding 3 tbsp PB powder to flour Bake 8 min. Cool and cut into Make , adding 1/3 cup cornstarch and
mixture and 1/4 cup peanut butter to butter squares. Makes 32 squares. 11/2 tsp each chopped fresh thyme and
mixture. Divide into quarters and roll into rosemary to flour mixture and increasing
6-inch logs. Finely chop 1 cup honey- butter to 11/2 sticks. On a floured surface,
roasted peanuts. Spread nuts on a board
divide dough into quarters. Press into
in a 7 x 5-inch rectangle. Brush logs with 6-inch circles on a parchment-lined
egg white, then roll in nuts, pressing into baking sheet. Prick all over with a fork
sides. Wrap logs in plastic and refrigerate
2 hr or overnight. Slice each log into
Peppermint Snaps and press tines around edges. Cut each
Go for a hot-cocoa-with- circle into 12 wedges, but do not pull apart.
16 pieces. Bake at 350° for 12 min per batch. candy-canes vibe. Bake at 325° for 25 to 27 min, rotating pans
Makes 51/3 dozen.
Make , adding 1/2 cup halfway through. Remove from oven and
cocoa powder to flour
re-cut through lines. Makes 4 dozen.
mixture and 1/4 cup milk and
1/2 tsp peppermint extract to
butter mixture with vanilla.
Divide dough in half, wrap in
Orange Squares plastic and refrigerate 2 hr or
You’ve got your zest, your marmalade— overnight. Let sit at room temp
and some pretty candied slices. for 15 min. On a floured surface Lemony Thumbprints
P H OTOS : K AT E M AT H I S. FO O D ST Y L I N G : R E B EC CA J U R K E V I C H .
with a floured rolling pin, roll Mildly citrusy dough goes choose-your-
Make , adding 1 tsp grated orange own-adventure with flavored jams.
zest to butter mixture. Refrigerate at to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into
least 2 hr or overnight. Roll out dough to 2 1/4 x 1 1/4-inch rectangles. Bake Make , adding 1/2 tsp lemon zest and
1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares. at 350° for 10 min. Cool. Melt 1/2 tsp lemon extract to butter mixture.
Transfer to parchment-lined baking one 11 oz bag white chocolate Refrigerate at least 2 hr or overnight.
sheets and brush with a layer of sweet chips with 1 tsp veg oil per pkg Shape teaspoonfuls of dough into balls
orange marmalade. Finely chop 4 slices directions. Crush 26 starlight and place on parchment-lined baking
Trader Joe’s Sweetened Dried Orange mints (about 2/3 cup) with a sheets (grouping in threes, if desired).
Slices and sprinkle on cookies. Bake at meat mallet. Dip cookies in With handle of a wooden spoon, make an
350° for 13 min. Makes 31/2 dozen. chocolate, then cover with indent in each ball and fill with 1/8 to 1/4 tsp
crushed candy. Let dry on wax of your favorite jam (or try a few kinds).
paper. Makes 41/2 dozen. Bake at 350° for 12 min. Makes 21/2 dozen
KNOW WHAT YOU’RE EATING. trios or 7 dozen singles.
?
For nutrition info, turn to page 119.
H O L I DAY S P EC I A L 77
CARDS
BROWSE ONLINE TEMPLATES
MADE EASIER
sites will display your chosen image within multiple
cards at once. Count on paying a dollar or two per
card, with a discount for the more cards you order.
By Petra
Guglielmetti
JUST USE
A PET
Make
PICTURE
the Photo Yes, this is an acceptable
cop-out. FYI: “Many
Happen people stand above
their pet to take photos,
Avoid outfit drama by
but I love getting
keeping it simple with
down on their level
everyone in their choice
or elevating them a
of jeans and white top—
bit—on a chair or
photogenic, easy for
rock—and shooting up
you and Kardashian-
at them,” says Sarah
adjacent enough for
DeRemer, a Los Angeles
your offspring. For a
pet photographer
crisp shot: Wipe your
(@dogtographer.la).
phone-camera lens with
Use a treat or squeaker
a microfiber eyeglass
to command their full
cloth. Shoot where
attention and get the
there’s plenty of indirect
requisite cute head tilt.
natural light—outside on
an overcast day, right
after sunrise or before
sunset, or in your
best-lit room at home. End
“Make sure there’s plenty
of space around your the Envelope
subjects in case you
need to crop an image,” Insanity
says Shelly Niehaus,
a Dallas photographer. Life is too short not
to take advantage of
pre-printed addresses—
many sites offer this
TRY A COLOR BACKDROP feature for free. Plus,
once you upload your
Make like an Instagrammer and have everyone pose (or frolic) in address list, you can use
front of a bold, vibrant wall. “I photograph a lot of teens, and they it for years. Several sites
cannot resist taking a selfie in front of a bright and colorful wall,” also sell postage stamps,
Hover your
Niehaus says. Get your kids to help you locate a mural or graffiti so you can one-stop
phone’s camera
for a discounted wall in your city—or make your own backdrop with removable shop and spare yourself
P H OTO: P E T E R A R D I TO
order of holiday wallpaper or even wrapping paper. “Use two or three rolls to make a long post office wait.
cards from sure the backdrop is wide enough, and choose matte paper to
minted.com: Enter
avoid glare,” says CJ Isaac, of Charlie Juliet Photography in NYC.
code FCHOLIDAY
at checkout for (Then, of course, reuse it for actual gifts!) Opt for a tripod if you
15% off. can—Amazon has minis for 20 bucks—or enlist a friend to snap.
78 H O L I DAY S P EC I A L
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
KATE MATHIS
CONCEPTS AND
PROP STYLING BY
ERIN SWIFT
80 H O L I DAY S P EC I A L
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY PETER ARDITO
PROP STYLING
BY PAIGE HICKS
All is Chic.
All is Bright.
Your go-to LBD and usual makeup just need a little something extra.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Striped acrylic clutch $60, lulus.com. Lucite bangles from $30 each, inkalloy.com.
Tartan bow clutch $109, talbots.com. Mesh handbag $78, ninashoes.com. Satin blue heels Karl Lagerfeld Paris, $139,
nordstrom.com. Red mules $79, ninewest.com. Black mules $40, zara.com. Jeweled shoe clips $28, whbm.com.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Lucite bangles from $30 each, inkalloy.com. Glittery gold polish Paintbox Nail Lacquer in Like Spark, $22,
paint-box.com. Luminizer Charlotte Tilbury Magic Star Highlighter, $45, charlottetilbury.com. Iridescent bracelet Anne Klein, $45,
macys.com. Shimmery red lacquer Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Radiant Red, $28, chanel.com. Eye makeup palette Urban
Decay Party Favor, $29, urbandecay.com. Multicolor drop earrings $25, eloquii.com. Pearl hoop earrings $38, baublebar.com.
Gold cuff $197, the9thmuse.com. Sheer red lipcolor Lancôme L’Absolue Mademoiselle Shine in Stands Out, $30, lancome-usa.com.
#thenewFC
@ FA M I LYC I RC L E M AG —W E’ R E E V E RY W H E R E YO U A R E
4,305 lb
*
TRADITIONS
who gets to hang our
favorite ornament, which
is an old photo of our first
dog wearing glasses.”
—Erin, mom of 16- and
13-year-olds
THE FLAGSHIP STORE of a famous candle company is “My kids still like those
located only a sleigh’s hop from our home, and when $1 Advent calendars you
my kids were tiny we had to make an annual pilgrim- get at the card store.
age there. They oohed and aahed over the holiday “Another year, another One year I didn’t buy one
family Christmas PJ pic to and they actually asked
displays: the pretend snow glittering down in the torture our children with!” for it.” —Michelle, mom of
darkened rooms and the tiny winter wonderlands set BOSSYJOC3Y
13- and 11-year-olds
up everywhere, miniature skat-
ing skaters and skiing skiers “We watch A Christmas
zooming through pretend Al- Story every year without
fail and quote it the
pine villages, everything cozy
whole way through.”
and aglow and for sale. Those —Susan, mom of 15- and
were the days! 13-year-olds
Actually those are still the
days—because my kids are 20 “The Santa picture is
non-negotiable—same
and 16 now, and we continue to
location, same Santa.”
go. They laugh more now, it’s —Niria, mom of 17- and
true. They hold out candles with 12-year-olds
scents like Wassailing Cheese-
cake Pilgrim—Smell this!—and “We do the Jewish movie-
and-Chinese-food every
everyone screams or gags or
Christmas—except we
confesses to secretly kind of switched to Indian food.”
loving them, even though the —Danielle, mom of 18- and
smell remains on your head, 16-year-olds
like a migraine-scented wig,
“Every year the kids make
for the rest of the holiday sea-
gingerbread houses with
son. They’re arm in arm, my their ‘guncle.’ Uncle Sean
big kids, galumphing ironically wears an ugly sweater as
through the store, pointing out toys and tchotchkes, NOT TOO part of the ritual.” —Sarah,
mom of 16 -and 13-year-olds
and Can we buy some jelly beans? Of course you can! COOL FOR
(Anything, my loves. Anything.) ANTLERS “My son used to say that
But also? Their faces. Their baby faces. Their silky we were ‘half-Jewish
heads are pressed together to peer into the tiny Ba- “We stay in our PJs, play and half-Christmas.’ And
varian ski village, and the miniature streetlamps glow cheesy holiday songs my sister is married to
and wear reindeer a man who is Muslim.
pink in their cheeks, and it doesn’t matter that they
antlers—we put them on On New Year’s we all
shave and have SATs to take and college papers to one year and it stuck.” celebrate a day we just
write and that they probably watch internet porn. The —Kathleen, mom of 16- and call ‘Holidays.’ It’s a great
way the lights flicker in their shining eyes, you might 10-year-olds way to start the year.”
think they still think this place is magic. And so it is. —Kate, mom of 18- and
—Catherine Newman 15-year-olds —Chessy Moore
85
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
KATE MATHIS
CONCEPTS AND
PROP STYLING BY
ERIN SWIFT
86
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
GREG DUPREE
FOOD STYLING BY
CHELSEA ZIMMER
PROP STYLING BY
HEATHER HILLEGAS
(PAGE 91)
ALL YOU
NEED FOR
The essentials
for upping your
holiday game:
a great latke
recipe (or three!)
and a ridiculously
good-looking
HANUKKAH
menorah.
By Julie Miltenberger
One Pan. Six Friends.
Zero Fuss.
®
Since before Friendsgiving was invented, Reynolds Wrap has
been making it easy to cook for a crowd. And just as easy to clean up after.
Traditions change. Our quality hasn’t.
© 2019 Reynolds Consumer Products, LLC. “This is the good stuff” is a trademark of Reynolds Consumer Products LLC.
Recipes at ReynoldsKitchens.com/holidays
88 H O L I DAY S P EC I A L
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
PETER ARDITO
PROP STYLING BY
PAIGE HICKS
New Flame This is the year you’re going to find your dream menorah.
Sleek, chic and cute versions are en fuego.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Modern Hanukkah menorah by StudioArmadillo, $189, etsy.com. Silver glitter
Menorasaurus rex by Lisa Pierce, $100, shop.thejewishmuseum.org. Judaica geo menorah by Nambe, $150,
neimanmarcus.com. Gold Oak Street menorah by Kate Spade New York, $199, bedbathandbeyond.com.
By Zoë Roscoe
91
It’s All
93
SHOP
TRY
If you go to
Keep receipts.
WRAP THINGS UP an actual store,
Tussling with tape, folding corners “try to go at off times Without them, you risk
just so, measuring right—wrapping if you’re more
presents is the original nightmare concerned about getting only a partial refund
before Christmas. So keep things
your sanity
simple for yourself—but still merry
than about the
(or none at all).
for giftees—by committing to one
great all-around wrapping paper lowest price,” When giving a present, always include
(we like Malachite Texture 01 says Kelsey Sheehy, the receipt and make it easy to notice—
Wrapping Paper, $12 for 5 sheets, a personal finance as a bookmark or taped to the tag—and
society6.com). Then deck out each expert at NerdWallet. impossible to accidentally throw away.
package with a little somethin’:
The Everything-
Your-Teen-Really-Wants
Gift Guide LifeProof FRĒ
If your kid tends to do cannonballs with
his phone still in his pocket,he
needs this waterproof case. From
We polled parents all across the U.S. to find out what $80 each, lifeproof.com
made it onto their teenager’s holiday lists this year.
CURATED BY CHESSY MOORE
SO THEY CAN
TALK BACK TO
SOMEONE OTHER
THAN YOU. Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD
Echo Dot, $50, amazon.com GoPro Hero7 Silver with 30W Power Delivery Charger
Because every teen It can keep a phone charged for a week,
wants you to see the putting an end to the annoying
world through their eyes. “I couldn’t text you back because my phone
$200, gopro.com died” exchange. $68, amazon.com
LOUD&
CLEAR
TECH Bose QuietComfort
One speaker for the Populele 35 Wireless
festival-obsessed kid, with Smart Ukulele Headphones II
strobe lights and “live Thanks to Billie Eilish, kids These are a splurge,
sound” settings (Sony SRS- want to play the ukulele. but they work so well
XB32, $150, bestbuy.com); This smart version has you’ll have to remember
another for the on-the-go frets that light up to teach not to get mad if your
kid, that clips right onto them songs (get ready kid doesn’t respond
their clothing (Polk Boom for “Riptide” on repeat). when you call her for
Bit, $30, polkaudio.com). $189, store.moma.org dinner. $350, bose.com
December 2019
TEEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Stealth 600
TROY COVEY
Wireless
Gaming Headset
The surround sound on this
headset lets your gamer
hear every player clearly,
so she can strategize
world domination. $100,
turtlebeach.com
Aviator Nation
Bolt Stitch Stripe Hoodie
& Cross Stripe Sweatpants
The reason Aviator Nation
has so much status with
teens is because their sweats
have a dreamy, broken-
in softness from day one.
Hoodie, $185, and sweatpants,
$156, aviatornation.com
STICK
IT!
Like tagging, without the
spray paint: Redbubble has
tons of themed stickers—
from climate change to
TV shows—that let her mark
her territory. From $2.50
each, redbubble.com
for gaming, for lounging, for whatever. But not just any
bean bag, only the really expensive kind.”
—Roachele, mom of twins Orquídea (above) and Mateo, 14
From $189, yogibo.com
“IT’S NOT ALL
SCREENS—
T H E Y A C T U A L LY
GET INTO
B O O K S TO O.”
—Naomi, mom of Truman (below), 14,
and Jackson, 16
PRETTY MUCH
ANYTHING CHAMPION
WILL FLY
Champion Life Men’s Heritage
Long-Sleeve Tee Over the Shoulder
Logo, $40, champion.com
City Sweat
Jogger
Give up the fight
about “presentable”
pants—let them
December 2019
For the Skate Rat
$40, chroniclebooks.com
For the Design Geek
$25, phaidon.com For the Fashionista
$60, gestalten.com
For the Extreme Baker For the Feminist For the Bunhead
H O L I DAY S P EC I A L
BOOKS
$25, abramsbooks.com $17, dk.com $40, chroniclebooks.com
97
98 H O L I DAY S P EC I A L
PER
EVERY
MOM...
SOCKS!
By row: Vintage Stripe
Calf Sock, $36/pack of 3,
bombas.com. New World
Socks, $5/pair, neffheadwear
.com. Ribbed Cotton Blend
GEAR Adidas Ultraboost 19
These shoes slip on like a sock, no
Sock, $50/pack of 3,
lacoste.com. Wair Cheetah, lace tying required—perfect for a kid who’s
$12/pair, and Saturn Rainbow, always running late. $180, adidas.com
$14/pair, stance.com.
A GOOD HOODIE
E V E RY DAY F O R
Superga 2790
FanvelvetW Leopard THREE STRAIGHT
Just enough fierce flair to M O N T H S .”
be acceptable to a teenager.
—Bay, dad of Brady, 13; Bo, 14; and Bryce, 19
$89, superga-usa.com
© 2019 United States Postal Service. All Rights Reserved. The Eagle Logo is among the many trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service®.
Representative label not available in retail locations.
100 H O L I DAY S P EC I A L
Milk Makeup
Lip + Cheek
Teens are crazy for Milk,
and this sheer stick, in Perk,
Soap & Glory Holiday Heroes Gift Set is a perfect peachy pink
Filled with small sizes of everything from shower that works on every skin
gel to dry shampoo. $15, walgreens.com tone. $24, milkmakeup.com
December 2019
THE
LENSES
Ray-Ban Aviator
Remix Customizable
Sunglasses, from $163, “If letting her play
ray-ban.com with hair color
postpones conversations
about piercings or
tattoos, embrace it.”
—Chalkley, mom of Talullah (left), 17
Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Tints,
$16, limecrime.com
RIHANNA
& FENTY ARE
EVERY THING
Which makes this ultra-shiny lip gloss
the ultimate stocking stuffer.
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip
Luminizer, $18, fentybeauty.com
Chaser Sequin
Drape Front Jacket
This has a tough-and-
tender vibe that’s
undeniably cool. Chaser,
$99, evereve.com
Tiger Tour
Washed Tee
The more graphic
the tee, the better.
$39, lulus.com
*
Rip N Dip Nerm
Camo Hoodie
This camo contains multitudes
(can you see the hidden
cats?), just like your kid. $120,
ripndipclothing.com
* For more gear, see page 98.
“EVEN KIDS
W H O S AY T H E Y
DON’T WANT
CLOTHES
WA N T VA N S —
GIRL S TOO!”
—Naomi, mom of Jackson (left), 16,
and Truman, 14
Checkerboard Slip-on,
$50, vans.com
* REALITY CHECK
Jackson was photographed in a studio—in the real
world, a helmet, please! The certified Pro-Tec Classic
is lightweight and makes for less-sweaty hair.
$50, protecbrand.com
H O L I DAY S P EC I A L 103
Dell Alienware
Pro Gaming Keyboard
Your gamer may not like to dance,
but that doesn’t mean he’s above disco
lights on his keyboard. $160, dell.com
GAMING
Google Stadia
SUPER
Your impatient teen OBVIOUS, BUT
won’t have to wait for the THEY WANT IT
dreaded download: She’ll Oculus Quest (VR gaming
get instant play of games set), from $399, oculus.com
up to 4K resolution, no
console needed. From
$129, store.google.com
DANGER T R I C K S F O R DAYS
For the kid impatient to learn tricks: The Kink 2020 Launch BMX Bike has heft for
balance but is lightweight enough to get off the ground. $320, kinkbmx.com
“MY SON
HAS BEEN
ASKING
FOR AN
E- SCOOTER
D A I L Y. H E I S
O BS E S S E D.
I TOLD HIM
N O W AY—
EXPRESS
TRIP TO
The Arbor Axis 40 Bamboo T H E E R .”
($180, arborcollective —Catherine, mother of
.com) is great for smooth Leo, 13
cruising, no tricks; Revive
Red Lifeline Deck ($40,
theshredquarters.com)
has plenty of pop, making Razor MX650 Dirt Rocket
it easier to catch air. Don’t succumb, Mom! $730, razor.com
December 2019
104 H O L I DAY S P EC I A L
ANYBODY
You wanna get a little something
for friends, coworkers, your kid’s
coach—but you’re well aware that
most adults have more than enough
“stuff.” Do them (and yourself) a
favor by sticking to things they can
enjoy, use up and be done with.
Here are some ideas—$25 and
under—to get you started.
DOWN
both! (from $5.50, amazon.com); or
Cepa Vieja sherry vinegar ($21,
Unstable Unicorns formaggiokitchen.com).
Your teen will galvanize
a unicorn army, betray Lotter y Tickets or scratch-
her friends and navigate off game cards. No, the recipient
TIME
through a hilarious probably won’t win—but these are
path of destruction. super fun and, hey, if they hit the
$20, amazon.com jackpot, the best gift ever.
Stepped-Up Soaps Everyone
washes their hands, right? Claus
Porto guest soaps are so arty-
looking they make something as
simple as soap feel cool (mini bar,
Balderdash $10; full bar, from $17, clausporto
Maybe maintaining a poker .com). Or make dish washing less
face isn’t a skill you want dreary with fancy Williams-Sonoma
your kid to master, but
dish soap in scents like Lemongrass
winning at Balderdash
Ginger ($13, williams-sonoma.com).
requires a face of steel
to combine true content Nice Notebooks Kick it old-
P H OTOS : ( M A R K E RS, B OA R D GA M E S, CA K E D E S I G N ) P E T E R A R D I TO
December 2019
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106 H O L I DAY S P EC I A L
PLAY
The holidays are all about
togetherness, riiight? Toy Insider’s
Laurie Schacht hooked us up
with the games that will get your
family bond-a-thon started.
AS YOU GO
Pictionary Air
(Mattel)
The latest version of the
game where you get
charades-like clues and
frantically draw answers
has a techy twist: You
use a light-up pen to
sketch in the air, and the
pics materialize on your
phone or TV screen. $20
Marvel Wakanda
Hank’s Twisted Forever
(Spin Master)
Challenge Yes, you can accrue sparkly
(Wicked Cool Toys) blue vibranium (OK,
Hover your
Each player gets a twisty phone’s camera to
little beads!) in this board
wire contraption to hold see some of Toy game/Marvel spin-off
in their mouth (no Insider’s top game where players channel
hands!) and has to find picks in action. different tribes, rock the
the fastest way to move Black Panther mantle
an attached ball—usually and fend off villains. $30
by contorting their body
into crazy positions
(you go, Grandma!). $20
The Logo Game
(Play Monster)
If you had a point for
Zing Pong every commercial
(Zing) jingle that’s ever looped
Ping-Pong meets school- endlessly in your head...
cafeteria dare: Players Well, now you do.
race to bounce balls into This marketing love-fest
a special gizmo, but last quizzes players on brand
one in draws a card with slogans, logos and other
orders to mix a gross corporate trivia. $23
concoction (e.g., the
Exit: The Catacombs of Horror
Smelly Feet, with soda
(Thames & Kosmos) The Slow-Motion
and OJ) and gulp it. $17
Get escape room–style drama going
Pac-Man The Race Game
Carpool Karaoke on in your den, thanks to a story line Board Game (Hasbro)
involving creepy catacombs and (Buffalo Games) Everyone puts on
Game puzzles your family can band together Ah, the irony! You can jogger-style headbands
(Big G Creative) to crack. $25 now rope everyone with speed-monitoring
There are official rules into a screen-free family antennas attached,
in this James Corden– Scattergories 30th night courtesy of Pac- then competes in races
inspired trivia/karaoke Man, reimagined here while running in slow
Anniversary Edition
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108
Our gift to you:
showstopping
dishes that can
BREAKFASTS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
SIDNEY BENSIMON
FOOD STYLING BY
PAUL GRIMES
© 2019 Tyson Foods, Inc.
110 H O L I DAY S P EC I A L
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
GREG DUPREE
FOOD STYLING BY
CHELSEA ZIMMER
PROP STYLING BY
HEATHER HILLEGAS
(PAGE 113)
Sleep in. You can have a holiday-worthy breakfast without setting an alarm.
Overnight Ginger Rolls Let the first proof happen in a cozy place, then shape the rolls and leave ’em in the fridge overnight.
The second rise will happen before you rise. Deep-Dish Mushroom Quiche Sauté the mushrooms and grate the cheese the day before.
Line the springform pan with crust and store it, covered in plastic, in the fridge while sugarplums dance in your head.
Overnight Maple-Bacon French Toast Whisk the quickie custard and pour it over the bread to soak while Santa does his thing.
MAPLE-
BACON
FRENCH
TOAST
(PAGE 113)
We dare you to save some
cookies for the recipe.
Maria Cookie
Tiramisu
1 tbsp. rum
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 lb. mascarpone cheese, softened
DOUGH FILLING
1 cup whole milk 1 stick unsalted butter,
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temp
at room temp 1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 packet (1/4 oz) active dry yeast 2 tbsp chopped candied ginger
1/4 cup warm water (100˚ to 110˚) 2 to 3 tsp ground ginger
3 tbsp granulated sugar 1/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs GLAZE
41/2 to 5 cups AP flour 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 tsp salt 3 to 4 tbsp milk
1 Make dough: Heat milk and butter in a small pan over medium until it just With 2% milk, at least half of adults
had a lower desire to eat
begins to boil. Remove from heat; cool to room temp. 2 Meanwhile, sprinkle
than before breakfast for 3 1/2 hours.
yeast over warm water in a large bowl. Add 1 tbsp sugar and let stand until
foamy, 5 to 7 min. Stir in eggs and remaining sugar. Stir in cooled milk mixture.
3 Gradually add 41/2 cups flour and the salt, scraping down sides of bowl, until
soft dough forms. Turn dough onto a floured work surface. If too sticky, knead
more flour into dough as needed. Knead about 5 min until smooth (dough will
be soft). 4 Grease a large bowl and place dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap
and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 11/2 hr. 5 Coat a 13 x 9-inch
glass baking dish with cooking spray. Line bottom with parchment and coat
with cooking spray. 6 Make filling: Stir together all ingredients until spreadable.
7 Punch down dough and roll out on a lightly floured surface to an 18 x 12-inch
rectangle. Spread filling over dough. Starting on a long side, roll up and pinch
seam to close. 8 Cut crosswise into 12 pieces and arrange in prepared dish. Cover
tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. 9 Heat oven to 350°. Uncover
dish and bake buns until browned and bubbly, 30 to 35 min. Transfer to a wire
rack and cool 10 min. 10 Make glaze: Stir confectioners’ sugar with 3 tbsp milk,
adding more if needed for desired consistency. Drizzle or spread over warm buns.
? KNOW WHAT YOU’RE EATING. For nutrition info, turn to page 119.
H O L I DAY S P EC I A L
KEEP IT TOGETHER!
Everything holiday-related should be stored
as a group—so you don’t have to kick off
next Christmas with an Easter egg hunt for
ORNAMENTS
the Santa-handle cheese spreaders, says
Shauna Yule Brasseur of Lovely Life Home Your glittery
near Boston. That ugly Christmas sweater? baubles will
Use it as cushioning in a box of holly-and- benefit from the
berry china instead of letting it hog precious right storage
bureau space. Even holiday cookbooks should box. Consider
be stashed for next year, not taking up real springing for the
estate in your kitchen. Place everything in kind especially for
clear bins to eliminate a ton of digging. (Look ornaments, with
for ones with red or green lids, for easy ID in a built-in dividers,
crowded basement.) Instead of sticker labels, and save yourself
tuck an index card in the front of each bin
(bonus points if you jot down a quick inventory
for each box!). Leave a stack of cards and a
Sharpie where you store the bins.
115
LIGHTS
This almost-too-
How to
simple method
actually works: As
you remove the
Make Space
for the
By lights from the tree
Caroline or house, hold on
Mullen to one end and roll
New Loot
them up like a yarn
ball, Yule Brasseur
says. Then stash
them in one of your
You could use some holiday magic
clear plastic bins.
to pull off the feat of finding room in
your already bulging and overloaded
WREATHS &
closets for all those new gifts. Yule
GARLANDS
Brasseur recommends this organizing
If you store holiday challenge: Set a timer for 20 minutes,
decor in the attic, grab a bag and fill it with things you
hang wreaths and no longer use. If you’re having fun
garlands (wrapped when the timer dings (and you truly
loosely in plastic might be), keep going. Otherwise,
to protect from put the bag in the garage until you
dust) on nails in can donate it. “If you know that you
the rafters. Or put or your kids will be getting lots of
up some 3-pound clothes for the holidays, focus on
Command hooks drawers and closets. Letting things
in the garage to go to someone who can really use
hold everything off them is in the spirit of the season.”
the ground—and And, as she sees it, so is rapid regifting:
keep it all fluffy for “It really is OK to donate a new gift
next year. that you or your kids won’t use. You
still love the giver and their kindness,
but there’s no reason to make room
for it,” she says. “Think of how thrilled
someone less fortunate will be to get
a brand-new sweater or slippers.”
“WE SAVED ON
PRESCRIPTION
COSTS. IT PAYS
TO COMPARE
PLANS.”
The Cırcle
Visit FAMILYCIRCLEPROMO.COM
for news, updates, promotions & more
from the publisher of Family Circle.
dominosugar.com/newyorkgetaway. teens. She is currently working on a novel about marriage and parenting.
Sponsor: Domino Foods, Inc.
December 2019
F A M I LY C I R C L E P R O M O . C O M
Promotion
119
H E A LT H & W E L L N E SS
Stressed about last-minute
holiday shopping?
Key just the right toys for the kids in your life.
Here are some of our favorites:
nightstand
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Circle, P.O. Box 37508, Boone, IA 50037-0508, or call 800-627-4444. In Canada: Mailed under Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40069223; Canadian BN 12348 2887 RT. Your bank may provide updates to the card information we have on file. You may
Photo: Peter Ardito, Prop styling: Paige Hicks. Family Circle (ISSN 0014-7206); December 2019, Volume 132, No. 12, is published monthly by Meredith Corporation, 1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309-3023. Periodicals postage paid at Des Moines, IA, and at
Bright bookends
keep your reads within
reach but don’t take
up valuable nightstand
real estate. Dumbo
bookends, from $28
each, tortugaliving.com
opt out of this service at any time. © Meredith Corporation 2019. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
Hover your phone’s
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a chance to win 10
copies of No
Stopping Us Now
for your book club!
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many of whom you’ve probably never heard of. As it turns out, attitudes toward
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You’ll be outraged, inspired and, most of all, glad you read it. —Catherine Hong
December 2019
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