CityView Magazine

editors corner Glad Tidings We Bring F or many, the much awaited season is upon us. November and December are chock full of parties, family, out of town guests, feasts, recipes, shopping, all kinds of musical shows leading up to Christmas and of course opportunities to give and serve in our community. Then, more shopping and more eating. The holidays are all about traditions – honoring timeless family traditions and often starting new ones in your own home. From community concerts at The Crown to learning how the Christmas tree business thrives, we've got you covered in this holiday issue. Because the truth of the matter is, the holidays are stressful and we do it to ourselves every year. The crowds, the lines, the overspending, everything in excess from cookies, cider, egg nog – even outdoing the neighbor's yard decorations. I actually overheard someone at the bookstore talking about a $178 cashmere onesie for her little one from J.Crew is going under the tree. In the midst of navigating the soon-to-be commercialism ambush, I hope to slow down, maintain balance and remember the reason for the season. Let's just say I'm not one for change in my routine, but this year I'm mandating a minimalist approach in our household. Is there an app for that? E very year, during the holidays, you hear the cliché it's the season of giving. Though I believe you should give all year round, there are so many opportunities in our community. Check out our new writer Kellie Gentry's story about helping the homeless and those less fortunate. She's a University of Alabama alum just like me! Roll Tide. As football season winds down, ski season commences. Personally, I am ecstatic to check out Beech Mountain and Boone this winter. Skiing was a passion of mine as a child and teen, so I will be taking full advantage this holiday season. Après ski, I'll be lounging in style smoking a cigar from hometown business, Anstead's Tobacco, featured on page 27. A winter rendezvous in the Big Apple is also on my East Coast trip list. It's one of my favorite cities and on page 39 I'll give you insight on what to do on your holiday excursion in Gotham City that will help you keep an "empire state of mind." We have the sights, sounds and smells of the holidays in this issue when it comes to the beautiful home decorated in Christmas trimmings in our Living story, how the Community Concerts came to fruition at the Crown which are music to our ears and smells and tastes from local dessert connoisseurs. Pumpkin Pie Mousse sounds like a "must eat" to me! Merry Christmas! facebook.com/cityviewnc 8 | November/December • 2013

• Cover