Editor's Letter

Dear Reader,

In 2021, my family chose to celebrate the holidays in relative isolation, the Covid-19 pandemic still knocking heavily on our doors. It was the first Christmas after my grandfather’s death, and I feared the impact it might have on my young sons, who’d previously spent every holiday with an assembly of friends and family, sneaking cookies off the counter in place of the elaborate meals we’d spent the day preparing. But, when Santa brought Lego sets and french fries, dino nuggets and sparkling apple cider, we spent the day in our pajamas building dinosaur paddocks and pirate ships and it was, truly, one of the best holidays I’ve ever had. My children shared the sentiment. Nathaniel, age five, told everyone for two years that his DNA was half mom, half dad, and half Santa. He felt the magic. We all did.

As we prepare to gather together for a season of celebration, I want to acknowledge that, for some, this is the world at the worst they’ve ever known. Whether or not you’re personally impacted by one of the many atrocities happening across the globe, we’re all feeling the weight of things and it is important that, in joy or catastrophe, we hold space for one another.

The thing I’d forgotten as I anticipated Christmas of 2021, or was perhaps still learning, is that people, and children especially, are wildly resilient. They’ve grown up with N-95 masks, lockdown drills, and playground discussions of genocide and war. Which isn’t to say that these events don’t affect them, just that they’re perhaps better equipped to navigate them than we give them credit for, and certainly more equipped than we were at their age.

This issue brings us a variety of stories about the human spirit. If it’s nourishment you’re after, fill your cup with a story about things to do at Bogus if downhill skiing isn’t for you, or learn about what Brundage has contributed to many generations of Idahoans. Alternately, pack your camping gear and head for the mountains, even in the snow. Look for a holiday message from Governor Little, and learn what makes life in the mountains so special. Want to stay warm? Dive into writer Samantha Silva’s novels or read about Cherie Buckner-Webb’s holiday traditions for a little festive fun.

If it is a tale of triumph you seek, check out our story on Flashpoint Building Systems, a cool company using technology in a new way and the winner of a recent pitch competition. And if you’re in the mood for something truly inspiring (though difficult), come with us as we explore a darker side of Idaho and meet some of the folks who have survived human trafficking, as well as those doing the work to prevent it.

We’re also diving into some stories of transformation. Remember Boise’s idyllic past with Boise OG, explore artificial intelligence, or check out some trash-turned-high fashion. Finally, we’ve got the story of Anthony Doerr’s novel, which has been turned into a fantastic series on Netflix.

Happy holidays. I’m feeling lucky to be alive and here and writing for you this year, and I hope you’re finding that same cheer somewhere too.

In gratitude,

Heather Hamilton-Post

Editor-in-Chief