Welcome to The Big Warm Hug Issue.
First, let me tell you about the “issue” I have with holidays: There are so many expectations. But I want this holiday to be about you. Yes, I said it! I feel nervous about saying it, because I’m such a people person, and I care so much about how others feel. If you want to know what I really mean by “take care of yourself,” please turn to my essay (page 60). Maybe it will provide clarity and inspiration that resonates with you. If not, don’t worry. I’m always trying so hard, so if you’re burning the candle at both ends, I relate to that, as well.
However, what I hope we can all accomplish in the holiday months is a celebration of life that includes loved ones and cherished traditions. And I appreciate how different that might look like for each person. As much as we can get caught up in a holiday routine, I say we should dare to try new things. I’m reminding myself of that, too.
The special traditions I’ve created over the years with my daughters, Olive and Frankie, are enduring. We always rock the classic soundtrack to A Charlie Brown Christmas, but this year I wanted a really eclectic holiday playlist — so I made one (page 96). I’m so excited about it, and I hope you like it, too — because I made it for us!
And even as you’re planning a party
(page 68), don’t forget about you. I’m always last on my list, and I’m trying to fix that. So this season, let’s all try to find the balance of being together with people we love and having some alone time, too. Recharge those batteries and light yourself up on the inside while you’re decorating on the outside! If you need some extra illumination, take a look at the new Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Candles (page 30).
Most of all, please know I’m cheering you on. We made this issue with a lot of love. You deserve nothing less this season.
I want this holiday to be about you.
We asked some of this issue’s contributors about their favorite holiday traditions. Here’s what they said.
1
WINNIE AU
PHOTOGRAPHER NEW YORK CITY
Everything in my life revolves around food, and the past few years we’ve been making raclette for a holiday dinner. It’s easy to prepare, fun to make, and so comforting. Melted hot
cheese is the best.
@winniewow winniewow.com
2
ARIA ISADORA
PHOTOGRAPHER BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
I love making ornaments with my children, even though we don’t always put up a tree!
@ariaisadora ariaisadora.com
3
ALLISON HATFIELD
WRITER AND EDITOR DALLAS
I put up six (yes, six!) artificial
trees in pink, white, and blue. When these trees are decorated with ornaments and glowing with light, they
make my heart sing.
@poodlehatfield
4
SIBRENA STOWE GERALDINO
FACT CHECKER AND CEO NJ TEAMSTERZ FC BAYONNE, NEW JERSEY
My holiday soirees are legendary. I decorate my home and cook at least 12 dishes solo and from
scratch. The holiday tradition includes banana pudding, fresh cranberry sauce, Cornish hens, and seafood stew. And, as an ode to my home state, I share the seasonal spirits of Pennsylvania Dutch Pumpkin
Cream for us to enjoy.
@sibrenageraldino njteamsterzfc.com
5
ANTONIA FIGUEIREDO
MULTIMEDIA ARTIST LISBON, PORTUGAL
The holiday season has always had the biggest meaning to me. I love everything about it and start celebrating the minute
the calendar turns to December 1. The first thing I do is put on my Ultimate Holiday Playlist, and, since I married a chef, my favorite tradition is to cook as many holiday-themed things as our bellies allow us to, from cookies to turkeys, jam to
hot chocolates.
@af.illustrations af-illustrations.com
6
JERALYN GERBA
TRAVEL EDITOR BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
Though my extended family
has gotten bigger, busier, and more spread out, every year for the last 40 years, nearly 50 of us manage to spend the Saturday after Thanksgiving wandering the woodsy acres of a charming, family-owned Christmas tree farm in search of our ideal pines. We make walking sticks, breathe in the fresh air, run around, take photos, tie our fragrant trees to our roof racks, and tailgate with hot
cider and sandwiches.
@jgerba