It’s that time of year when people sling socks over their fireplaces, stores sell things like gingerbread houses and candy canes, shoppers stand in line at four in the morning in that distinctly American tradition known as Black Friday, and families stick wicker reindeer in their front yards.

For all of its peculiarities, the holidays are a lot of fun. While it can conjure visions of lines fringed with clothing racks after an exhausting day sifting through toys and accessories or consumerism in the form of Starbucks Christmas cheer, well before you’re disposed to feeling cheery, it can also inspire generosity and gratitude.

It’s time away from work and school that we get to spend with loved ones. The holidays can be spent hitting the ski lift, whipping up something that involves cinnamon, splurging at the mall, or reviving childhood memories by hopping on the holiday carousel downtown.

Whatever your holiday ritual, there’s something in here for you. We’ve been working hard to devise some of the best Yuletide activities in town and we’ve come up with all variety of ideas that we hope will help you make the most of your break.

Happy holidays.

Sara Grimes

Special Editions Editor