Editorial: Friendship, hope and a flash of sparkle

I love the winter holidays.
There’s a certain sparkle in the air — regardless of whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, the winter solstice or Kwanzaa.
And that sparkle symbolizes hope. It symbolizes faith. And it symbolizes family and friendship.
It’s a time for giving, and a time to assess all the good things in our lives. It’s also a time for forgiving and moving on, because that is the greatest gift you can give yourself.
And in that spirit of giving, I invite you to read our gift guide on Pages 12 and 13.
Be inspired. Be extravagant, if the spirit moves you.
I followed that thread of friendship as I visited merchants to discover items that you might like to give and receive.
Assembling a guide like this offers me a rare opportunity to meet you, our readers, and the merchants who provide you with a matchless array of goods and services.
I was in awe of the sheer numbers of people who are in their shops and galleries waiting to meet you. Internationally known artists like Yaacov Heller, who created the spectacular nautical chess set we featured. Store managers like Sophie Freeman, who can help you create gift packages large or small at The Spice and Tea Exchange.
And the dedicated volunteers at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, who are ready to tantalize adults and children alike with books, toys, jewelry and decorator items.
At the end of the day, and at the end of the holiday, it’s that dedication that matters most.
And that dedication is something you can find only by shopping locally.
Happy Holidays!

— Scott Simmons, managing editor
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