From the Editor

The Holiday Hustle

The holiday season is my favorite. Not only do I love the festive decor (I’m one of those people who puts the Christmas tree up right after Halloween!), but I also love the countless opportunities to get together with family and friends. Each year I fly out to Omaha for sisters-giving with my sister, Jackie, and every Christmas is spent with extended family in my hometown of Augusta. However, between the traveling, the gift-getting for 10+ family members, and the friend and office gatherings, things can get a little bit ... hectic. While I can’t grant you, or myself, a house elf to help with all the things to do and places to be, I am happy to say this issue of Best Self is here to provide you with some of the holiday help we all undoubtedly need.

The Perfect Present

Hosting Help

When it comes to presents, I think some of the best things money can buy aren’t things at all, but rather experiences. From facials to luxurious lash extensions and everything in between, our Best of 2021 award winners (page 15) offer up a wide range of services your special someone would surely love to receive. Don’t forget to grab a little something for your co-workers, teachers and friends, too. In our Local Biz Love section (page 13), you can find small gifts like soaps, candles, wine and even a good book that’ll help spread the love this season.

{This issue of Best Self is here to provide you with some of the holiday help we all undoubtedly need.

Despite having a mother with some of the best home cooking in three counties and a sister with impeccable design taste, I am generally helpless when it comes to pulling together a holiday meal that looks and tastes good. That’s why I’m so excited to present our Holiday Entertaining feature (page 37), where you’ll find festive decor inspiration from designer extraordinaire Kevin Francis O’Gara and tasty recipes from top Atlanta chefs like Deborah VanTrece, Jenny Levinson and Kevin Gillespie. Plus, zen mom blogger Liz Carlile offers up some much-needed advice for self-care for when it all gets to be a little much. And, hey, if all else fails, Allen Parker of Good Word Brewing has a fantastic hot toddy recipe to help wash all your worries away. Giving Back At the heart of the holidays is giving back. One of the best gifts my parents ever gave me was a heart for helping others. When I was in high school, we took a medical mission trip to Honduras, where I had the opportunity to conduct vision screenings and provide glasses to those in need. Giving the gift of vision to someone and watching them see the world clearly for the first time was genuinely life-changing. This year, I encourage you to commit to finding one or two ways you and your family can help those in need. You can find plenty of local nonprofits who could use your help at www.bestselfatlanta.com/volunteer. Well wishes to you and yours this holiday season and in the coming new year, Wyndi Kappes Editor