Season's Greetings

Finally, the holidays are here. And, thanks to the cooler weather, things feel even more festive.

At The Boca Raton Observer, we’ve been busy as elves preparing this Holiday Issue, full of feel-good stories, entertaining local events, thoughtful gift guides and jolly ways to celebrate the season. So grab a cup of cocoa, a glass of wine – or perhaps some eggnog – and settle in for a merry read.

Calling all “Glee” fans: Turn immediately to “Fa La La La Lea” (page 66), our one-on-one with Lea Michele, who rings in the season with her first holiday album and a new holiday movie. The singer, actress and author – who recently added a new role to her life, newlywed – shares her favorite holiday traditions and discusses her plans for making merry this season with her new husband and big Italian family.

Next, you’ll be getting out your cookie sheets after perusing “The Great Boca Bake-Off” (page 72), featuring four ladies from a holiday cookie exchange in Boca Raton. They share their favorite recipes so you can try them at home (don’t pecan pie brownies sound divine?). And this isn’t your typical cookie exchange: The stakes are high as upward of 50 women compete for titles like Best Decorated Cookie and Cookie Exchange Queen. 

If shopping for presents brings out your inner Scrooge, check out “Something For Everyone” (page 78), our guide to gifting every member of the family, from the glam mom to the tech-obsessed dad and more. We’ve even included goodies for the family dog.

Plus, professional foodie Hannah Hart brings a whole new perspective to the season in “Joy of Cooking” (page 84) – along with a recipe for luscious latkes. The effervescent creator of the YouTube series My Drunk Kitchen shares tips from her new book, which “encourages people to take control of the holidays and make it an experience to savor and celebrate,” she says. Amen to that!  

We round things out with a guide of 15 things to do, see, eat, drink and experience during the holidays – South Florida style. “’Tis The Season” (page 88) is packed with memorable activities that reflect the special way we celebrate this time of year in our corner of paradise.  

From our family to yours, we wish you a joyous holiday season filled with good cheer, love, laughter – and lots of memories with family and friends. See you next year!

Best,

Linda L. Behmoiras 

linda@bocaratonobserver.com