AY Publisher Heather Baker: Holiday Hangover
I’ve never been one to beat around the bush, so I’m sure most of you already know of my love for all things Christmas. Saying that, the most wonderful time of my year is always followed by my least favorite: right now. We are as far away from the next holiday season as possible, and there’s just this dragging daze of every day that’s, well, blah. You know what I’m talking about — the Holiday Hangover.
Fortunately, I know of a few good remedies for such a condition, and this issue is filled with them.
It’s resolution season! Coming off of the dreadful thing that was 2020, many of us probably rolled into this year like a long vacation’s return leg — a little more in our bags than we came with. We delve into that this month in “Shedding Pandemic Pounds,” a guide to starting your year by losing what you gained during the last. But remember, most people won’t realize their New Year’s Resolutions; start a trend, not a fad.
Speaking of, what do you normally do with your live Christmas tree come January? Really, I’m asking. If your shoulders just shrugged and you motioned to the curb, check out our staff writer Katie Zakrzewski’s feature “Trimmin’ Trees.” She’s chatted with some local organizations who would love to take your old tree, and has also included some fun ways for you to reuse it at home. Potpourri, anyone?
We (finally) received some good news last month: the first COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for use. Our editor, Dustin Jayroe, breaks the details down in “Finding Normal.” You and I may have to wait for immunization just a little longer while our frontline workers and at-risk communities are serviced, but normal is just around the corner. We can do this.
And if you’re feeling a little antsy between now and then, why don’t you plan a Natural State getaway? Our travel editor and retired tourism director, Joe David Rice, has a wonderful feature on El Dorado. And our cover story, “Dark Skies, Strange Clouds,” talks about the wonders of Arkansas’ night sky and the budding celestial tourism market that is making our state the “star” of the South. A weekend at your favorite cabin in the Ozarks presents just as much to enjoy at night as during the day. (I’ll admit it: My reservations are already booked after reading it.)
I hope you’ll enjoy this latest packed issue of AY About You. May your year be blessed and less stress-filled than the last. If you need me, I’ll be at the gym. But if you really, really need me, I’m just an email or a phone call away.
Heather Baker,
Publisher
READ MORE: Heather’s Favorite Things: My Workout Trainer Amanda Bell
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