Beloved holiday books build the spirit of the season, revisiting traditions year after year as surely as Christmas carols and favorite foods. More than just a cozy fireside family ritual, reading a holiday book can also prep children on how to “read” a holiday ballet for the first time, and on why families cherish different holiday rituals in different faiths.

Photo Megan Kempston/Special To The Town CrierConsider roasted nuts and chocolate bark as easy-to-make homemade gifts this holiday season.

Skip the frantic holiday shopping sprees this year and give homemade gifts instead. Following are instructions for two delicious treats – Roasted Nuts and Chocolate Bark – that the entire family can enjoy making, giving and eating together.

The holiday season typically conjures images of spending time with close friends and family, sharing meals and exchanging gifts.

Photo Courtesy Of Boba

Infant carriers like the BobaAir make plane travel with infants easier for moms and dads.

When her son was 9 months old, Marie-France Nelson traveled with him overseas in business class to visit family in Europe. It was one of many international trips the Los Altos mom took with her two children, Alex, now 16, and Christine, 14.

The holiday season is in full swing, and so is the 2012 Town Crier Holiday Fund, embarking on its 13th year of providing community-funded grants to local nonprofit organizations that serve the needy.