You hear a lot about working dogs – military dogs, police dogs, assistance dogs, herding dogs, guard dogs, therapy dogs. Everyone knows that many dogs have a job to do, and they’re so good at whatever they’re trained to do. But what about cats? Yes, there are working cats! Jobs…

Call him St. Nicholas, Father Christmas, a jolly old elf, Santa Claus, or The Big Guy – just like the elves do at the North Pole! While his name may change around the world, there’s one thing families know: Santa represents love – love for family, love for one another,…

Halina Zimm tells her life story as often as she can, wherever she can – whether in schools, in educator training sessions, or at the grocery store. Hers is a tale that not many can tell: The 96-year-old Richmond resident is one of roughly 40,000 Jewish people living in the…

Mike Lindsey and Kim Love-Lindsey, the power couple behind Lindsey Food Group, believe that food is one of the central things that ties families together. “For us, eating a meal together is super important. Even as busy as we are, we make a lot of time for it,” says Mike.…

Hot Honey Whipped Cottage Cheese Dip Photo: Brittany Mullins 1 16-oz container full fat cottage cheese (I use Good Culture 4%) 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving 1 tablespoon hot honey, 
plus more for serving Crack of fresh black pepper 
for serving Roasted and salted pistachios,…

We’ve come a long way since COVID-19 first arrived on the scene, but we can’t consider it in the rearview mirror. In fact, it’s likely here to stay, like the flu and the common cold. Where do things stand now and what can we expect in the months ahead? Here…

Our country has always been a melting pot of cultures and communities, and many families are basically smaller pots. During the holidays, blending this mix of celebrations and traditions can be a challenge that makes the season even more special. Being an interracial family has enhanced our holiday season, which…

In 2015, the Fatherhood Foundation of Virginia was chosen as a recipient of the inaugural Richmond Christmas Mother Fund and a Christmas tradition was born. The Father Christmas program was started to recognize great dads who were facing hardships and did not qualify for other programs. These are dads who…

Another holiday season is upon us, as our legendary Snow Queen cover illustrates, and we are here for it all. We even scored the biggest interview of the season in this issue, just for you. That’s right, we got to chat with Santa! Joan loved talking about all things Christmas…

As practicing OB/GYNs, we are constantly learning about how our health and bodies are impacted by the world around us. The focus on our mental health is rapidly growing, and it is about time – considering perinatal mental health conditions affect more than one in five people. Poor mental health…

Q. I love being a parent and love being with my children, but lately I notice how overwhelming things can feel – so many decisions, and it’s so much work trying to make sure they have what they need. I worry so much about if they are going to be…

Photo: Scott Schwartzkopf Make decorating and gifting for the holidays extra special with these easy-to-make découpage ornaments. With some festive paper, glue, and an ornament base, you’ll be able to create ornaments for your tree or to give as gifts. Any decorative papers will do – wrapping paper, scrapbook paper,…

Whether it’s over the river and through the woods or something a little further afield, lots of us will travel over the holidays. Many families will find a way to give travel as a cherished gift. Before we know it, the calendar will roll over into the New Year, and…

During the holidays, many families feel pressure to spend more than they can afford. According to LendingTree, nearly half of parents with children younger than eighteen will take on holiday debt, averaging $1,100. That compares with 32 percent of those with children older than eighteen and 29 percent of those…

The holiday season is a time for family, reflection, and gratitude. It is also a season of giving, not only to those close to us but also to our community. Charity is defined as generosity and helpfulness, particularly toward those in need or suffering, as well as goodwill toward humanity.…

It’s that time of year again, the season of traditions and for giving thanks. Right now, you might be preparing yourself for all the work that comes with creating special holiday memories. You also might be making a list of blessings or jotting down ideas for social media posts that…

It was Christmas Day. As we were leaving my parents’ house after a day spent eating, unwrapping gifts, and stoking the fire, my dad went up to the attic to retrieve one more present – my childhood memories. It took several trips, lugging Rubbermaid bins down the stairs and through…

Waiting for the school bus to arrive, thoughts run through a child’s mind: Where will I sit? Who will be beside me? Will they like me? Does my hair look good? What happens if my bus driver is late? Where is my first class? Will I make it there before…