Every fall, the staff of Evansville Living invests time in planning issues for the following year. We map out major feature stories in advance so we may list them in the media kit — the tool that provides advertisers with all the information and data they need to place ads in Evansville Living. Plus, some stories involve photography and reporting months out. It was in this meeting last year that we decided the November/December 2024 issue would feature the holidays in a package called “Savor the Season.”
In late August, when it was time to begin putting the feature package together, we asked ourselves, “What did we envision when we labeled it ‘Savor the Season?’” A year removed from the original decision, we were not exactly sure what we meant. Were we thinking mostly food? What about mood? Nostalgia? As it turns out, yes, that’s what we were thinking.
Our package of special ways to savor the season begins on page 44. To get in the spirit, I asked members of the Tucker Publishing Group, Inc. staff how they savor the season:
Laura Mathis, Creative Director
Every Christmas Eve night, I prepare a hearty breakfast casserole and wake up early to bake it. We enjoy it while sipping mimosas and opening presents. I don’t know why I think I can only make it for Christmas!
Todd Tucker, President
I always am the first up Christ- mas morning. While waiting for my family to rise, I make my coffee, sit by the Christmas tree, and think of all the wonderful family members no longer with us. I get teary every year.
Jennifer Rhoades, Senior Account Executive
Watching Christmas movies throughout the season is some- thing we like to do as a family.
Some favorites are “Home Alone,” “Elf,” “Mister Magoo’s Christ- mas Carol,” and “Love Actually.” We’ll have the movies on in the background as we decorate the Christmas tree or bake cookies.
Logen Sitzman, Sales and Marketing Coordinator
I always look forward to playing cards and other games for hours at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s a great way to spend quality time with family I don’t get to see very often.
Jessica Hoffman, Senior Account Executive
My family enjoys picking out a live Christmas tree each year. Nothing beats the smell of a live tree. We reminisce about where the ornaments came from as we decorate.
Hadley Mitchell, Digital Marketing Coordinator
My family loves doing puzzles during the holidays! We get a new puzzle every year and will spend hours at a time working on it!
Jodi Keen, Managing Editor
My family winds down around the fireplace in my parents’ living room. Even my childhood dog, a Dalmatian named Domino, would crowd her way between us for the best spot by the hearth.
Gregg Martin, Circulation and Distribution Manager
Every year, the entire family would gather around to sing many Christmas carols before we would exchange gifts. It was my sister on piano and myself on a snare drum and sleigh bells.
Chanda Ramsey, Art Director
I enjoy gathering with my family at the “Farm House,” a home that has been in my family for more than a hundred years. Walk- ing in the side door to the heart-warming smells of traditional holiday meals prepared by grandmas, moms, aunts, and cousins is the best.
Maggie Valenti, Staff Writer
When I think of the holidays, there are the presents shared around a tree, obviously. But more importantly, I envision my family cooking together with televised football games in the back- ground and enjoying a nice meal together, including dessert.
John Martin, Senior Writer
The holiday season for me is a time for reconnecting with God and with my roots. My first several Christmases were spent with my grandparents, and I always spend ample time reflecting on those memories and lessons they passed on.
May your holidays be merry and bright! As always, I look forward to hearing from you.
