The Big Do-Over

For the last two decades, our November/December issue has been a deep dive into who runs this city: the Vanmag Power 50. But in recent years, the editorial team has become more than a little tired of the snap elections—and, to be fair, some of the scheduled ones, too—that seem to be called every fall and that wreak havoc with who is in or out. So, we’ve officially moved the Power 50 to our January/ February issue. Our research is already well underway, and I can’t wait to share it you in early 2022.

All of this means we had the opportunity to get festive in this issue, particularly since (fingers and toes crossed) it’s looking like this holiday season could be the Big Do-Over from last year’s socially distanced affair. As you’ll see on page 35, we’ve tackled this year’s Ultimate Gift Guide neighbourhood by neighbourhood: our favourite shops in seven of our favourite ’hoods, from the Drive to downtown. And, since we’re double-vaxing our way through the city these days, we’ve also included the best spots to fortify your holiday spirit with a drink (or three).

Like many of you, I’m sure, I’ve recently had some return-to-almostnormal experiences that have been both joyful and emotional—watching a gaggle of strangers sing along to a busker, hugging my mom for the first time in 18 months—and I’m hoping for more of those to come during the holidays, whatever shape this year’s festivities take. As I write this, capacities have raised in venues, friends are booking flights to visit family and vaccination rates are hitting over 90 percent for Vancouver Coastal Health. All indications point to a very merry holiday season—and I wish the same for you and yours.

Anicka Quin editorial director anicka.quin@vanmag.com @aniqua