*From a groundbreaking book on how children succeed to a code-cracking glossary of tweenage texting to the five questions parents should be asking themselves about life after Sandy, we hope you enjoy our Ten Best Stories Of The Year.  

*Along with the frigid weather, flu season is here in NYC. For information on why and where to get a flu shot, we checked in with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the NYC Department of Health, and some local pharmacies for immediate care and prevention. Stay healthy!  

Our guide to holiday fun around NYC has everything from gingerbread workshops and festive trees to children's theater and pop-up markets. (Friday-Sunday)

Bored of break? Head over to New York Hall of Science to make ice sculptures, LED grow light systems, origami, and more. Oh my! (Friday-Sunday)

Transport yourselves to the Middle Ages at The Cloisters Museum's evening of feasts, games, art hunts, and other festivities. Dive in! (Friday and Sunday)    

Nothing says winter like Ice Carving Week at the Bronx Zoo, made magical by an ice playground, "Cake Boss" display, and more. So cool. (Friday-Sunday)

A penny for a 50-minute workshop? See what kids 7 and up can learn at Pixel Academy's "digital media lab" at ArtsCetera right here. (Saturday)  

The American Museum of Natural History's annual Kwanzaa festival is back with hands-on activities, an international marketplace, and performances galore. Let's celebrate! (Saturday)   

Feel all grown up at Uncle Rock's Symphony Space concert, where his folksy jams make real-life issues like endangered animals kid-friendly and accessible. Rock on! (Saturday) 

For a Nutcracker-less dance performance, try Tap City Youth Ensemble's energetic holiday show at the Children's Museum of Manhattan. Hello, happy feet! (Sunday)

For more great events around the city, visit our Family Calendar. 

*Kind, thoughtful, and experienced, Natalie Nevares (aka Mommywise) has helped hundreds of local parents solve their baby's or toddler's sleep issues. For this exclusive giveaway, she'll meet with one lucky family for a detailed two-hour sleep consultation. Natalie helps parents understand the nature of their challenges and how to go about addressing them. To enter to win this great sleep giveaway, click here.

*Our ever-insightful parenting blogger Lani Serota explains why she's keeping her life, and her childhood room, an open book for her daughters to see.    

*Ever taste Cinnamon Apple Fluff? Yummy Delicious blogger Tracy Gary's recipe is great for baking or enjoying as dessert.

*With her first child due imminently, baby blogger Jess Michaels shares five surprising takeaways from the past nine months of pregnancy. 

newyorkfamily.com