I swear we just hid Easter eggs in the backyard last week! I may be a bit behind, but this issue of RFM is brimming with holiday cheer. There is so much to do in Richmond (and beyond) this month, and we’re bringing you lots of great ways to celebrate the season. Our calendar is overflowing with events–everything from living nativities to Hanukkah parties to parades and visits with Santa. And there are even more events and details on our website at RichmondFamilyMagazine.com. We plan to start our holiday celebrations Sunday, December 4, at one of our favorite spots in town, Maymont Park. Their annual Old-Fashioned Christmas is a Richmond tradition and a fabulous learning opportunity. It’s not to be missed!
We also plan to take writer Sue Bland’s advice and head to Washington, DC this month. I am especially looking forward to seeing all of the state trees on the Ellipse. While we’re there, we’ll head over to Gaylord National for ICE! featuring DreamWorks’ Merry Madagascar. The kids have been talking about trying that two-story ice slide since we went looking for those Easter eggs!
Back at home, I plan to take the advice of this month’s Real Mom, Richmond’s own Hannah Keeley and the star of PBS’ first reality show, Hannah, Help Me! According to Hannah, the goal is to soak up the season by not overdoing it. Invariably, I try to do it all and wind up missing out on the fun parts of the month. Before I know it, I’ve turned into a real-live Grinch (and green really isn’t my color), and I just can’t wait for it all to be over. Well no more! This year, we will be savoring the season and finding ways to give back. I LOVE that piece of advice from Hannah – a give list! Be sure to check out Reaching Out on page 22 to read about a great new way to give back while enjoying the sights of the season in downtown Richmond. Whether you’re adopting angels from The Angel Tree, volunteering at or donating to one of our wonderful area nonprofits like FeedMore, or finding your own unique ways to give back this season, it’s important to teach our kids the true meaning of the holidays and the importance of helping those less fortunate.
Be sure to send us pictures of your family enjoying the season and tell us about some of your family traditions on our Facebook page. I’ll be sure to post a picture of my boys spreading reindeer food in the backyard and leaving cookies for Santa – two of their favorite Christmas Eve traditions.
From all of us at RFM, we wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, and a wonder-filled holiday season, with sincere thanks for picking up our magazine each month!
