What’s your favorite holiday tradition? Growing up, I had a lot of them. My parents’ annual gingerbread house party where friends, family, and neighbors would fill our house with cheer as we decorated the edible abodes with brightly colored candy; hiking through Snowy Peaks to hunt down the perfect pine tree, followed by a fireside cup of the farm’s complimentary cocoa; and waking up Christmas morning to a half-eaten plate of cookies and carrots, seeing my stocking stuffed to the brim (with practical things like socks and scrunchies!), and unwrapping presents in PJs before devouring a big brunch. Yep, Christmas as a kid was pretty magical. 

As an adult, some of the magic has certainly slipped away. But now, with offspring of my own, we’re forming new traditions and recreating the ones above in hopes that their Christmas memories are just as merry and bright. 

Whatever season of life you’re in—empty nester, new parent, pet parent, etc.—I can assure you that this issue is full of festive ways to celebrate the actual season. 

For people whose month isn’t completely packed with parties and other Christmassy commitments already, turn to our community calendar (page 16) for holiday performances and parades aplenty, plus tree lightings, visits with Santa, toy drives, and more. After pressing pause on in-person events the past few years, the holiday hoopla is back and better than ever.

If you’re like me and don’t start Christmas shopping till it’s almost too late, fret not. Our “Holiday Gift Guide” (page 68) has ideas for everyone on your list—cool kids, furry friends, fashionistas, foodies, homebodies, and self-care seekers. The best part? All 50+ finds are sold at mom-and-pop places or made by area artisans. Empty your Amazon cart and #ShopLocal this year. Side note: Most of the featured businesses offer online shopping and free delivery, too. 

Considering sugar and spice is a big part of what makes Christmas nice, I encourage you to check out “Make it Merry” (page 82), featuring home-based bakers’ most-requested recipes to sweeten the season. Bring out the butter, pull out the parchment paper, and dedicate one full (preferably rainy) day to baking things like coffee-glazed molasses cookies and pecan-topped toffee. The finished products make for a perfect present, too!

Finally, in “Making Spirits Bright” (page 92), local mixologists share their top winter warmers, including our cover cocktail, “Bad Santa,” whose ingredients include some of my favorite things (coffee, candy canes, and Irish cream). Gather with your booze-loving buddies, turn up the Christmas tunes, and toast to the most wonderful time of the year. Cheers!

—Megan

[email protected]

@meggoeggowaffle