FIRST WORD
A Healthier New Year
PJ Feinstein
Editor pfeinstein@midatlanticmedia.com
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info@washingtonFAMILY.com I feel incredibly lucky that my family has managed
to stay in good health this year, but I’ll be the first to
admit that we’ve also picked up some not-so-healthy
habits while hunkering down at home. My husband,
sons and I spend more time sitting in front of screens
than we do moving our bodies; I can’t remember the
last time I worked up a good sweat. We consume
an embarrassing amount of pizza for four people,
regularly stay up way too late and let ourselves get
bogged down by stress.

I don’t have the mental energy to completely make
over our lives right now (honestly, does anybody?),
but I know there are some small things we can do
differently as a family to feel healthier and happier.

To start, I’m going to follow the advice outlined by
Jennifer Marino Walters in her story this month about
New Year’s resolutions. She spoke to local experts and
parents about the positive changes parents and kids
can make together in 2021, and trust me, they’re all
completely doable.

But just in case your little one comes down with
a case of the sniffles, writer Joy Saha has tips from a
pediatrician on how to help children take medicine.

It turns out that a spoonful of sugar does help the
medicine go down!
In our holiday issue, we also check in with D.C.-
area toy stores about this year’s must-have gifts and
share the festive family events happening in person
and virtually in December. Arlington Public Library
is back with children’s book recommendations about
winter, and we meet Fairfax author and cartoonist John
Gallagher, whose new graphic novel, “Max Meow: Cat
Crusader,” will have young readers in hysterics.

After a long, stressful year, I hope you are able to
find peace this holiday season—and the time to bake a
batch of peppermint shortbread cookies (flip to page 10
for a yummy recipe).

Happy holidays, happy New Year and happy reading!
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