Letter from the Editor

December is by far one of my favorite months. Of course, I love each season— spring for its new life, summer for its adventure, autumn for its splendor— but winter is something entirely different. There isn’t anything like watching downy flakes float down in complete silence. Storefronts are trimmed in lights and cedar garland, there’s something in the air— December is homey and cozy, bundled up in togetherness.

I’ve always been one of those homemade gifters. Take up knitting? Everyone gets a scarf. Start wood burning? You get a sign! Learn a new printmaking process? Everyone gets a one-of-a-kind photograph. I remember making placemats, bracelets, candle holders, cards— whatever sounded fun to make and even better to give. I’m also one of those people that’s a terrible gift-giver because as soon as I find or make something, I want to give it right then and there. I try to have just an inkling of patience, but the act of giving is too joyous for me to wait (hence giving my mom some of her Christmas gifts in November. I tried).

Here’s the thing with giving, though: you don’t have to have constraints. You don’t have to wait for a day, a time of year, the right place, the right person. You can give whenever you want.

Purposeful giving doesn’t have to be an extravagant, ceremonial thing. You could write a postcard, shop a small business, make something, be there. Give yourself the magic of living in the moment. Run out and stand in those swirling downy snowflakes. Breathe in the cool, pine air. Take the time to stop and just be.