There’s nothing that helps me get into the holiday spirit more than proofreading our November/December issue calendar (for 18 years and counting!). I come away from the process with a full slate of events on our family’s calendar, a slew of things to tell my friends about, and a genuine appreciation that we live in a city that is brimming with things to do for all ages, interests, and income levels. (A family could easily spend money only on gas and be entertained daily with free library events — and really cool ones, too!) This season, I’m looking forward to seeing A Christmas Story, A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, and of course, the Richmond Christmas Parade!
When I was young, my family never missed the Christmas Parade in my small hometown on the eastern shore of Maryland. There would always be folks we knew participating in it, and I’d get excited when I caught their eye and got a wave. In the 4th grade, I proudly marched in it with my baton twirling group, fringed costume, cowboy hat, white boots, and all.
When we moved to Richmond, we never went to the Christmas Parade, for no reason in particular. Fortunately, we now have a friend who grew up going, so once we had kids, we started the tradition of going with his family every year. Our friend always heads down early to claim our group’s spot in front of the DMV (which makes for a great place to toss the football in the grassy area while we wait for the parade to start), then he and his son (and whoever else is willing to get up early) head across the street to City Diner for their traditional pre-parade breakfast. The memories we’ve made watching the Parade over the years are treasured (and it’s still fun to catch the eye of folks I know as they pass by!), and I am confident our kids will take their own families every year and make new memories when the time comes.
It was so much fun to read Joan Tupponce’s deep dive into the history of the Richmond Christmas Parade in this issue (page 22), and I am loving our new tradition of illustrating our holiday issue cover. If you saved last year’s, you are officially starting a collection! And if you didn’t, start now — and let me know what you’d like to see on next year’s cover!
Also in this issue, Aditi Wardhan Singh gives us the inside scoop on Diwali (page 46) and explains why it’s the perfect holiday for everyone. On page 62, Brandy Centolanza takes us to Colonial Williamsburg as it celebrates its centennial, and reading it took me right back to my college days at William & Mary. Plus, you’ll learn about the impactful work going on over at the Ronald McDonald House (page 32) and find out how you can help their guests feel more at home this holiday season. There’s lots more in this issue too, so let’s dive in!
From all of us at RFM, happy holiday season!
Margaret Thompson
Founder & Publisher
