“They both look great, although not very holiday-ish. That might actually be refreshing to readers who are already burned out with seasonal overkill! I hope you have a picture of yourself and all the girls + boy in holiday garb for your Editor’s Note page.”
This was a note from our dear and long-time copyeditor, Linda Hopkins, when I sent her the covers to proof last night. I’m going to miss these little encouraging notes from her, because after being with me since almost the beginning, she’s about to hang up her pen and start enjoying the next phase of her life.
Linda made sure our t’s were crossed and our i’s were dotted and all the terribly written submissions for our This & That page were cleaned up properly. She is one of my favorite writers; every time she contributed a piece to this magazine, it was heartfelt, deeply researched and insightful. If I had a dollar for every nice note someone sent me about her articles, I could retire with her. I’m going to miss our monthly chats about how late Barry Kaufman is with his stories every month. ( JK Barry.) I know I’ll still be calling her on the regular just to fill her in on all the CH2/CB2 drama. Love you, Lindy Hop!
Speaking of Barry, and Courtney, they are two of many Dynamic Duos featured in this, our last issue of 2023. They are also featured on the cover of our comical Bluffton edition, with Courtney winning that round of A Line in the Sand, now back monthly for as long as Ms. Hampson decides she would like to do it.
A Line in the Sand started in the early days of CH2/CB2, although it was formerly called He Said/She Said. In it, Barry and Courtney take a mutually agreed upon topic and argue over it. But if we’re being honest, many times, they actually agree. Swing on over to page 63 to see how they feel about “Kids these Days” now that they are both old curmudgeons.
And speaking of regular columns, I’m so sad that this issue features the last one from outgoing Bluffton mayor, Lisa Sulka. Back in 2008, we featured Lisa on a stroll around famous Bluffton landmarks just as she was getting into office. She has been a strong advocate for that lovable, quirky town and its residents for years, and I’m looking forward to hanging out with her on Friday as we recap her time in office for a big spread in our January issue.
Despite the covers not appearing very “holiday-ish,” there is much to make merry about. Of course, we have the returning Gift Guide for HER, featuring all our local boutiques. Remember to shop small this holiday season; our friends and neighbors keep this little economy flowing in the off-season.
Linda and Casey Hodnett contribute to the Christmas cheer in Leamington in Here Comes Santa Claus on page 91. They’ve collected over 800 Santas throughout the years, and we popped in to check out the collection.
Dynamic Duos returns after a four-year hiatus, with features on people who have found their person in business (and sometimes in life, too!). Be sure to check out the spread on Pretty Darn, the brothers of Island Head, and many more locals who have found the yin to their yang and whose customers are benefitting. That section begins on page 36.
Sheila (Tucker) Critchley, our resident mental health expert, tells you that sometimes it’s okay to boycott Christmas—especially if you’re dealing with a dysfunctional family and people who aren’t respecting your boundaries. At least that’s what I heard. Ha ha! Cruise on over to page 85 for more helpful life tips.
As we make our way into 2024, I leave you with these insightful words from my Louise Hay calendar (a holiday gift from my mom every year): “If I hear a negative story, I say, ‘It may be true for them, but it is not true for me.’” Stay delulu my friends; make 2024 whatever you think it should be.
Warmest wishes for a happy holiday. See you next year!
