December Editor's Letter

Clearly I enjoy all the flair and festivity of the season!

This season centers on a particularly famous baby. Whether you’ve evaluated Him or not, His story is simple, profound, fascinating and potentially life-changing. It behooves you to understand this story if only to hold it in historical context. As such, I encourage you to check out a living Nativity or pageant this season. You can find great resources for this online at KCParent.com/Christmas-in-KC.

We celebrate another December baby at our house: my firstborn, Rachel. We marvel and giggle now at that first Christmas holding a baby of our own. It wasn’t nearly as quaint as it sounds. I was very sick on Christmas Eve, but thanks to an exceptional lactation consultant, I sidestepped spending Christmas in the hospital. We were starstuck, exhausted and bursting with pride and joy—truly the best Christmas gift!

That first year when Rachel sprang on the scene, I simply couldn’t imagine anything other than surviving. As our family took shape, though, and we leaned into figuring out how to celebrate the season, we added many layers … moments and memories with family and friends, flavors we make and share (see Easy Peanut Clusters), events that honor and celebrate our faith. We decorate our space with things that hold sentimental value and give many traditions their annual homage.

December provides a swirl of activities. And as the pace quickens toward the big day and all that we do to celebrate the season, I always say, “Be sure to write it down and show up!” In an effort to truly enjoy this “hap-happiest” time of the year, glean some tips from our Holiday Fun Guide and put a bow on 2023 with some great New Year’s celebration ideas from Liz Hammond.

Merry Christmas, Kansas City!