I know you’re like me, looking forward to a more normal Thanksgiving and holiday season after the very different 2020 versions. Never in a million years would I have imagined a Thanksgiving table set for just the four of us, but looking back, it wasn’t so bad having a quiet little family dinner for a change. I dare say, it was actually pretty awesome. We certainly didn’t have a shortage of quality family time over the last twenty months, that’s for sure.
That being said, we’re all four ready to spend the holidays with family and friends again, and we are definitely excited to take in all of the holiday fun that is returning to RVA this year. Our family’s traditions include trips to the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade and Lewis Ginter’s GardenFest of Lights. This year, we’re looking forward to our first ever CarMax Tacky Light Run (walking for us, thank you very much). This issue is packed with all you need to plan your family’s holiday fun, so keep it with you all season long.
To get into the holiday spirit, who doesn’t love curling up with a bowl of popcorn, a mug of hot cocoa, and a feel-good Hallmark holiday movie? Joan Tupponce had the pleasure of talking to the star of several of those movies, Virginia native and UVA alum Jen Lilley, for this issue’s cover story (page 36). You’ll enjoy getting to know more about this actress, advocate, and mom.
On page 18, you’ll get to read up on the history of one of RVA’s true gemstones, the Children’s Museum of Richmond. CMoR turned forty this year, and lucky for us, it just keeps getting better, with new outdoor play spaces, beautiful murals painted by local artists, and engaging interactive exhibits at two area locations that remind us of the power of play. Thank you, CMoR, for all you do for families across our area!
The RFM Team is big on the notion of #GiveFunNotStuff, and we have lots of suggestions throughout this issue of great gift ideas that won’t have you stressing out about microchip shortages and container ships stuck at sea. Our high-flying contest on page 12 will have a winner in time to wrap flight passes to iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Virginia Beach to go under your tree, and we also have an exclusive discount code for iFly gift-giving on page 41. Karen, our awesome editor, has ten ideas for giving fun on page 14, so be sure to check those out for more inspiration. And this issue’s Real Mom Sunni Brown has some great tips to help you keep things merry and bright over the holidays on page 24.
Whether you’re keeping it small or going big this year, all of us at RFM wish you a safe and wonderful holiday season, and a fabulous 2022!
