Season Sparkle

I love December and the holiday season for a whole slew of reasons. First, it’s my birthday month. Second, it doesn’t matter whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or your own family tradition, they are all about light, love and laughter. It’s a magical time when people seem happier and more thoughtful and reminds me of one of my favorite quotes by Edith Wharton: “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”

While South Floridians must travel north to partake in snowball fights or make snow angels, there’s no trip necessary to have a big heart — a sentiment that feels alive and well in our community and a message we’re happy to bring forth in our annual December Holiday Issue.

We begin with our cover story on Donny Osmond, “Rhythm Of Life” (page 76), covering the iconic superstar’s legendary career plus what’s to come. I grew up a huge “Donny & Marie” fan and was glued to the TV every week watching their variety show. Purple became my favorite color and all I wanted was several brothers like Marie. In 1976 when the show started, I was in awe that Donny and Marie were the youngest entertainers in TV history to host their own show. Like actress Jennifer Garner, I have a special birthday this month and would be ecstatic if Donny (with or without Marie, who I was thrilled to meet recently at the Rales JFS Reflections of Hope luncheon) showed up at my birthday lunch and sang “Make the World Go Away.”

We also chat with dancer extraordinaire Derek Hough in “All The Right Moves” (page 88) and learn the impact and influence he has had in the competitive world of dance. Before welcoming 2023, we’ll peek at the good (and not-so-good) Florida news from 2022. Our piece “A Year In Review” (page 82) gives you the riveting details. It wouldn’t be December without Christmas markets! From bucolic European locations to more unsuspecting spots (did someone say Chile?), “Season’s Greetings” (page 94) celebrates this favorite December tradition.

What else makes this issue so special? We’ve got our heavenly holiday gift guide, “Written In The Stars” (page 100) and I share my fun favorites in my “L List” (page 26).

As we close out a busy year and welcome a new one, I’d like to personally thank each one of you for your support, feedback and kindness showed over the years. I feel truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful, engaging and dynamic community and I can’t wait to see what 2023 brings.

Happy Holidays To One And All,

Linda L. Behmoiras

linda@bocaratonobserver.com