From the Editor
The holidays are indeed my favorite time of the year. With so much love in the air and holiday magic coursing our veins, I am reminded to lean into the craziness of it all. It will soon be behind us, and another year will have passed by.
As the Thanksgiving feast came to a close last week, I found myself fueled up for the next adventure: Christmas decorations. I have to admit; I go a little overboard with my holiday decor. I’m known to have hundreds of lights, both inside and outside of our home. Santa statues, garland, and tinsel fill my home with all the holiday magic my family can handle.
Over the years, the decorations seem to pile up more and more. As I handed my husband the 20th box from our attic, he grunted a sarcastic, “oh boy,” as he so graciously held space for my Christmas obsession. Both of my daughters, who were home for Thanksgiving, eyed each overflowing box with a look of astonishment. Together, we pulled out each decoration onto the dining room table, untangling tinsel and exchanging our Autumn mugs for Christmas cups. We stuffed the Thanksgiving leftovers into the fridge and turned the page as we stepped into the Christmas season.
The weeks leading up to Christmas always start with a bit of chaos. There are still Autumn decorations to be put away, mixing with the new winter decor. Pumpkins find their way to the trashcan as snowmen appear on the mantle. The stockings are hung by the chimney as we wrap up the cornucopia until next year.
Through this transition, I am reminded that there is beauty in the changing of seasons. Seasons change, and our lives change right along with it. So, how do we stay positive when everything around us feels chaotic?
I try to remember that this is only something that happens once a year. Each year, amidst the craziness of tinsel, lights, and company, I know that the season is short-lived. I look ahead at the end goal. We publish a new edition of Shore Local every week until Christmas while also planning a Christmas festival at the Somers Mansion. While it all feels busy and overwhelming right now, I know that when Christmas comes, we will be surrounded by seasonal beauty, our family, and the satisfaction of our work.
To all of our readers drowning in the holiday transition, show yourself some grace and let the chaos pass through. Take a deep breath and enjoy the season for all that it is. The storm shall end and we will embrace what Christmas is all about. Choose mindful, intentional peace this season.
In this issue, I am excited to share tons of local events, holiday recipes, and the history and legacy of Christmas lights. Krystle Bailey presents children’s activities during the holiday season, and my daughter, Sarah, reflects on the tragic actions of a Somers Point local. There’s a story for everyone here. Enjoy this edition of Shore Local and enjoy this special season with your loved ones.
Peace & Love,
Cindy
