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Taking time

Sunset, Dec, 2004 by Katie Tamony

As our staff was planning this December issue, visions of stressed-out readers were dancing in our heads. Speaking from my own experience, the pressure to send imaginative cards, find just the right gifts for everyone, bake cookies, hold a holiday open house, and decorate my home makes me feel more than a little overwhelmed. So this year, when art director Jim McCann suggested that we think about ways to make the holidays more carefree, I was instantly on board.

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One of the ideas I can't wait to try this season is shopping for presents at the nursery (see "Give Plants this Year," page 122). At a time of year when I don't do a lot of gardening, visiting the nursery fills the need I have to be outdoors among beautiful plants. As a stress reducer for me, nothing beats strolling the aisles and taking deep breaths of the earthy spiced air. It's a little like visiting a Christmas tree farm, but with more possibilities. You're likely to find unique plants at a Western nursery that even a nongardener will appreciate.

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Finally, one of the things I've noticed as my daughters have become teenagers is how much we cherish the homemade ornaments they made years ago. Decorating our tree together is like looking over a photo album, recalling holidays past as we unwrap each memento.

The ornament ideas in this issue (page 79) are perfect family or class projects, and they make great gifts. Luckily for me, they also require almost no artistic ability. Taking the time to make them with my busy daughters will remind us that the holidays aren't just about checking off lists, but about being together.

I hope you have a carefree holiday season.

Katie Tamony

P.S. As you try out new recipes over the holidays, consider entering our Thanksgiving Recipe Contest. You could with a $50,000 kitchen makeover or other incredible prizes. Turn to page 78 for details.

Taking time

Sunset, Dec, 2004 by Katie Tamony

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