Editor's Note
Christmas Toys
By Jillian Melnyk, Editor 
Sometimes I wonder if I am still just a child in the body of a 26-year-old. While editing and assisting with the compilation of this month's article "Toying Around," I think I got a little too excited. "Barbies? Ohhhh! Slinky? I LOVED my slinky!" I found myself daydreaming about all of the great toys I used to have when I was a child. I thought a lot about toys that were purchased for me, but also the toys I used to create for myself – couch cushions were a favorite, the forts I used to build with my sister were epic.
But couch cushions are not a toy, you may find yourself saying. Alas, you're wrong. Two of the National Toy Hall of Fame's inductees include "the stick" and "cardboard box" as all-time best toys. Take a minute to remember what it's like to be young. In the mind of a child, everything is a toy. You may pick out the fanciest new product with all the latest bells and whistles, bring it home and inevitably your child will gravitate to not the toy but the box it came in. It's a likely scenario that will happen to you at some point in your parenting career, so don't fret when that day comes; it's just your child's wondrous imagination at work.
People sometimes ask why we don't have a traditional gift guide in our December issue. There are a lot of reasons, but one of the big ones is that what I find most important about the holidays is not receiving the biggest, best, or most expensive present, but spending time with the people you love. This month's articles focus on spending quality time with family and friends, whether it's hosting a party for a good cause, exploring the outdoors, or snuggling up with a wintery book. So, take some time with the ones you love to enjoy being together.
The holidays can be hectic, don't forget to take some time for yourself (sans kids and significant other!). Try asking a friend or neighbor for an early holiday gift such as a night of babysitting, because we both know you deserve it!
Happy Holidays!
Jillian
This column appeared originally in the December 2009 issue of Genesee Valley Parent Magazine.