There’s a select demographic that starts queuing up the Mariah Carey croons and lighting the memory-laden aroma of Fraser fir candles the moment the last trick-or-treater leaves their front stoop (you know who you are). While another (*raises hand*) dies on the hill of not a single candy cane or cheesy Hallmark channel movie until after Thanksgiving. No matter which camp you fall into — or maybe the holidays aren’t you’re thing, and that’s OK, too — these next couple of months are dominated by the go-go-go that comes along with seasonal festivities.
Photography by Ben Colvin/Spacecrafting
At Artful Living, we’re taking this time to reflect on the ideas of togetherness, connection and humanity, finding opportunities to celebrate and engage with one another. Our feature “Party Like it’s 2026” by Anne Roderique-Jones embraces just that. Being social doesn’t look the same as it used to. Sure, there will always be monthly dinners out with friends, post-work happy hours or birthday cake–filled evenings to mark another trip around the sun, but today, we’re seeing celebrations that go above and beyond that. We’re talking 9 a.m. fist-pumping at your favorite coffee shop to the lively beats of an up-and-coming DJ or indulging in a blindfolded (yes, you read that correctly) multi-course, wine-paired meal at a swanky restaurant. No matter your definition of “partying” these days, our social media-addicted society is, against all odds, stepping back out on the town to experience life together. We’re relearning the phone-free art of vulnerability, striking up conversations with strangers and stepping into the dance circle to see if we’ve “still got it.”
To get you in the spirit of the season, cozy up near the fire to read “Couture Countdown” by Marisa Petrarca, which recounts the evolution of luxury advent calendars, and “Merry Making” by Jason Tesauro, which offers a look into some lesser-known holiday traditions around the world. This time of year evokes a hankering for the nostalgic feeling of home, and lucky for you, reader, this issue is brimming with tours of some of the most awe-inspiring abodes to inspire your own, especially as hosting season fires up. Plus, in “Good Tidings,” David Coggins relays his top tips for embracing this often hectic time of year and exceeding expectations as both a party host and guest.
So here’s to a healthy and safe holiday season filled with screen-free connection with loved ones, lots of laughs and maybe just a few quiet moments to yourself — because you’re only human after all.
Until next year,
Lexi Sunberg, Executive Editor
