The end of the year generally makes one retrospective, as we ponder all that has happened in the past 365 days. Did we hit those January weight-loss goals? Are we a little bit further along financially than we were when the year started? Have we made new connections and given back to our neighbors?
I attended two Celebrations of Life in mid-November, which has me feeling “some kind of way” (as Gen Z would say). After watching the Lowcountry say their goodbyes to Gary Pratt and Monty Jett, I have a newfound appreciation for how life can change in an instant. We tend to get into routines with the people in our lives and, until someone is taken away, we just think things will be the same forever.
Now logically we know this isn’t true – no one gets out alive – but every now and again we get slapped in the face with that harsh reality sooner than we would expect. This year, as you hustle and bustle your way through the holidays, take a minute to be still and appreciate the people around you.
This issue is packed full of holiday sparkle: a gift guide for her, recipes for the perfect Christmas dinner from Chef Lynn Michelle and a festive fashion spread that was shot in Savannah. When Lynne Hummell, our brilliant copyeditor, finished sifting through all of the calendar items we sent her way, she remarked that no one better say there is nothing to do here in December!
Saturday the 7th is a big day in the Lowcountry, with both Bluffton’s Christmas Parade and Hilton Head Island’s official tree-lighting and concert at Lowcountry Celebration Park. You also still have time to ride your sleigh over to the Hilton in Palmetto Dunes where Hilton Head Prep’s Festival of Trees is happening – through December 7.
We also have a few articles from new voices: Selina Bridwell encourages us to give back and remember the reason for the season (page 41) and Lowcountry native Laney Sewell reminds us that Hilton Head Island is still fun during the holidays (page 81). But if you listen to Heather Rath and Caitlin Lee’s podcast, you probably already knew that. 😉
However you choose to celebrate the season, remember to hug those close to you and tell them how much you love them.
Until next year, warmest wishes from the CH2 & CB2 crew!
