The holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year because I adore spending time with family and friends. I make it a point to pause and reflect on everything good that happened during the year. Who and what made life more meaningful? What am I grateful for? What do I hope for next year? These questions are the ideal way for me to end my year. I started this after attending a Tony Robbins seminar in 2023. He said, “Replace your expectations with gratitude and your whole life will change.” How would your life change if you examined it from a point of gratitude? It’s with this in mind that I curated our annual giving back and family issue. This month celebrates the connections that sustain us and the creativity that weaves beauty into our community.
For the connections that sustain us, we meet local filmmaker Brennan Vance whose documentary spotlights the unsung heroes who care for our most vulnerable. We also join two friends whose annual holiday cookie exchange has become a beloved tradition—complete with a healthy dose of competition for who makes the best treats.
In the realm of creativity, we introduce Kith + Kin Co., a toy company that is redefining playtime by creating dolls and playsets that reflect the families of today—diverse, modern and full of heart. We also step inside Carnival Bar, where circus-inspired art from a restaurateur’s grandfather’s collection sets the stage for a playful atmosphere.
As we step into this festive time of year, I wish you a home full of kindness, light, peace, prosperity and warmth.
Happy Holidays!
