Publisher’s Notes • Nov / Dec 2012

Celebrate the holidays with family and friends.

Do you ever lie in bed at night and go over your to-do list? The things you accomplished that day (Yeah!) and mentally go through all the things to do tomorrow? I do, especially at this time of year with the holiday rush upon us.

The turkey, tablecloths, candles, dressing, decorations, parties, charity and gifts…the list goes on and on. The holidays and the weeks leading up to them can seem like one gigantic to-do list. I move so quickly during the holidays that it often seems like just a blur of happy activity.

This is one reason why I really enjoy the holiday issue of Augusta Magazine. I can relax for a moment and look at the photographs of a beautiful holiday home—this year’s features the Meybohm’s traditional with a touch of whimsy, holiday décor. I always enjoy looking at the gorgeous decorations and usually can glean an idea or two for my own house.

 We also include a full calendar of holiday performances and events. Whether it’s special holiday programming at the Morris, the Augusta Player’s A Christmas Carol, Dance Augusta’s Nutcracker or the gingerbread houses at the Augusta Museum of History, there are plenty of fabulous choices for my family and me.

But wait…more things for the to-do list? Over the years with my own busy family, we have tried to narrow that list down to the most important matters—time with family and friends. Sometimes that means all the decorations do not get put out or we opt for placemats instead of a tablecloth. Or a take out with friends instead of preparing the meal myself.  

I still enjoy the tradition of exchanging holiday cards and, fortunately, most of my friends and family do as well. When I am de-frocking the house and packing up decorations around New Year’s, I have started placing all the holiday cards at the top of one of the boxes before I close it. When I open it the following year, it’s like an early Christmas present as I look back at the photos and notes reminding me of all those wonderful people. It puts me right into the Christmas spirit. I like Sandi Meybohm’s creative twist of placing old cards and invitations on smaller Christmas trees in her home. What a wonderful ongoing reminder of the joy of the season!

However you choose to celebrate the holidays, I hope Augusta Magazine will provide you with knowledge and inspiration for a warm and rewarding time with your family and friends.

-Kate C. Metts