If the RFM calendar is any indication, it’s safe to say the holiday season in Richmond, Virginia, is back in full force. There are so many events from now until the end of the year, you won’t know which to hit and which to skip. All of your RVA favorites are back, from the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade and Legendary Santa to Gardenfest of Lights and tacky light tours.
The RFM Team will be out at Westchester Commons for their annual holiday tree lighting on Friday, November 18, and at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen’s twenty-fourth annual tree lighting on Saturday, December 3, so be sure to come out and see us. There are some new events to check out this year too, like Merry Market at Maymont on December 2 and 3. Our family definitely has that one on the calendar, since we know there is something for everyone at Maymont.
In fact, we’re shining a light on Maymont in this issue with a feature article I know you’re going to love. I so enjoyed my recent visit there to see the new welcome center and active learning classroom and tour of Maymont Mansion, including its never-before-seen third floor. And the whole family loved visiting (at night!) for Garden Glow. There was something truly magical about seeing all of our favorite parts of Maymont in a new light – literally! You’ll enjoy Brandy Centolanza’s deep dive into the treasure that is Maymont, starting on page 22.
Also in this issue, Joan Tupponce takes us on a cruise – a Disney cruise! She was lucky enough to be among the first to set sail on Disney’s newest ship, the Wish, and her report will have you putting a Disney cruise on your wish list (who are we kidding, it was already there!). Read all about her adventures on the high seas, beginning on page 34.
If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that slowing down and cutting out some of the holiday to-dos can be a good thing. As you’ll see in our Reader Poll responses on page 8, many of you found a lot of joy in toning down the entertaining, traveling, shopping, and cooking and have no plans to pick back up on some of those pre-2020 traditions. Others can’t wait to go big this year, with all of the trimmings. You know our philosophy at RFM – you do you! Find joy in the little things and the big ones, intimate gatherings and full-scale parties. Whatever brings you peace and happiness, do more of that as we close out this year and look toward 2023.
From all of us at Richmond Family Magazine, have a safe and joy-filled season.
