As soon as the calendar flips to November, a familiar debate begins to bubble up in conversations and on social media feeds: Is it too early to decorate for Christmas? Some insist on waiting until after the turkey has been carved, holding firmly to the tradition of giving Thanksgiving its own well-deserved moment. Others can’t resist jumping into the Christmas spirit at the first hint of chilly weather. So where do you stand on this? In my own home, I fall somewhere in the middle and start decorating a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving. Not because I’m trying to rush the season, but because it gives my family more time to enjoy it. My kids, especially, eagerly watch for the holiday totes to come down from the attic. To them, those small signs mean magic is on the way, and honestly, their excitement is contagious.
This time of year always brings a bit of nostalgia with it, too. As I unpack our decorations, I’m reminded of how quickly time moves, especially when you have young children. There’s a saying that resurfaces in my mind every holiday season: the days are long, but the years are short. The older my kids get, the more those words seem to ring true. It’s a reminder that the holiday season isn’t about perfection. It’s about pausing long enough to be present and cherishing the fleeting years when the magic still feels real to them and to us.
As we wrap up another year of telling your stories and celebrating the people and places that make this community so wonderful, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude. Producing this magazine is a joy because of our readers, partners, advertisers, contributors and friends. Every issue is a reflection of the Knoxville community we are so lucky to be part of. In a season that can feel both wonderfully festive and overwhelmingly busy, I hope you find moments to breathe and rediscover the gratitude and wonder that make this time of year meaningful. Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, laughter and moments you’ll cherish long after the lights come down. Here’s to a bright finish to 2025 and a fresh, exciting start to 2026!