Even though Sunday was as temperate and lovely as the beginning of Spring, I acceded to my 7-year-old son's insistence that we go bowling rather than (my preference) do something-anything-outdoors. But later on in the day we were near the wonderful playground at Union Square Park and I was heartened to discover that it was not a hard sell. Before I could yell, "Get those sneakers back on," Adam and his buddy had whipped off their foot gear and were joyously attempting to climb the Great Silver Orb at the heart of the older kids' section of the playground. My son and I are past the age where we'll be riding down slides together, but on Sunday he let me help push him up the Orb. Thankfully, I was still able to do it.

*It's high time to hang the holly and pick out the family Christmas tree. Here's a handy guide to help you deck the halls with care, with safety tips from the Fire Department, along with advice on how to distinguish trees and decide between a Douglas fir or a Scotch pine. Plus, to add some local flavor, here are some great Big Apple-themed ornaments (like MoMA's pocket-sized rendition of the Brooklyn Bridge, FAO Schwartz's Bear-in-the-Box and the New-York Historical Society's Flatiron Building ornament). 

*With less than four weeks left to the year, we've put together a guide to our favorite holiday markets to help parents nab that perfect present. To help keep the frenzy to a minimum, we've compiled some spectacular holiday markets and pop-up shops, with call-outs of our favorite finds. From Etsy crafts for kids at Columbus Circle and the mini city of shops at Bryant Park, to a South Slope's Holiday Craft Fair's custom buys and Pet Socialite's Soho pop-up for pups--get ready, get set, shop!  

*The digital age has witnessed the decline of certain literary skills in our children. When it comes to writing, cultivating confidence and creativity is paramount. Parents can learn how to put kids on the "write" track by reading this informative piece or by checking out educational-meets-fun writing venues across the city like Scribble Press. And for some age-by-age insights into how to get your kid hooked on books, read this article on raising a good reader, along with these 7 tips on how to make storytime engaging. 

*The next stop on the New York Family Camp Fair tour is this weekend! On the afternoon of Sunday, December 11 at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School (33 Central Park West), families can start to find the right day camp or sleep-away camp for their children. Produced with the ACA of NY & NJ, the camp fairs are free, fun (children are welcome) and incredibly helpful--allowing parents to meet with directors from dozens of summer camps, all under one roof. RSVP now at newyorkfamilycamps.com.

*If you're a parent to a princess, consider these gift ideas inspired by the classic fairytale diva from The Princess and the Pea. Surprise her with a Princess and the Pea doll and bed set. The hand-crocheted girl and her wooden bed are reminiscent of simpler times. ($123, maileg.dk) Or add this modern Christian Jackson print to her collection. ($21.35, imagekind.com) For an interactive experience, get her the Sleepy Princess and the Pea game by Haba. ($24.99, amazon.com) And finally, for your growing heir, the Princess and the Pea growth chart will measure how she rises as the years go by. ($64, chasing-fireflies.com)

*With quirky bug designs and super soft textures, Bugged Out screen-printed cotton hoodies are adorable and wearable for even the most entomophobic little ones. Plus, a percentage of the proceeds goes to Multiple Sclerosis Research at the MS Care Center of NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases. $26.00, etsy.com/shop/BuggedOut    

*WIN A WEEK-LONG SKI TRIP to one of the best family resorts in America! The wonderful Smugglers' Notch in Vermont is offering an exclusive giveaway to New York Family readers to win a fabulous 5 day/5 night stay at Smugglers' Notch, including mountainside lodging, lift tickets and lessons! To enter, simply leave a comment on our Facebook Page telling us why you'd like to win. Then, send us an email and put "Smugglers' Notch" in the subject line. Be sure to include your contact info and address. Deadline to enter is Friday, December 16 at 5pm.    

*With the Smithsonian Room Planetarium & Projector by NSI International Inc., your child can discover outer space from the comfort of his room. Budding astronauts and scientists can sleep beneath the stars as 24 images of planets, galaxies and nebulae illuminate their bedrooms. Luckily for families, we're giving three away! To enter, send us an email with the subject line "Planetarium." Deadline to enter is Friday, December 9.

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