Editor’s Note

Sleigh bells ring, colored lights twinkle and all around us the spirit of Christmas fills the air. The season brings out the best in all of us.

At Reminisce, we sprinkled holiday joy and good cheer on every page of this issue, starting with the smiling snow family on the cover. We borrowed that image from our collection of vintage Christmas cards sent by readers. More endearing examples, along with a running history of how sending and receiving holiday cards became so popular, appear in the story “Greetings of the Season,” beginning on page 32.

We also share all the winners of our Holidays & Celebrations Photo Contest starting on page 53, plus a handful of Editors’ Favorites. Each photo captures a moment in time and preserves a genuine memory.

While choosing photos and working on our letters to Santa feature starting on page 40, I got to thinking about all the letters we receive from readers telling us about the meaningful, memorable and momentous occasions in their lives. When I open envelopes brimming with heartfelt stories and photos, I feel as though it’s Christmas every day. The letters are personal, but by writing us, you’ve taken time out of your day to recall an event and connect with us. That, to me, is a gift.

Connecting with others and to the past is a habit worth cultivating. Why not make it a New Year’s resolution? Starting in January, find a special someone and start writing to him or her often.

This holiday season—just as the song says—say hello to friends you know and everyone you meet.