Staff Danielle Rice Publisher Editor Aimée O’Grady Gretchen Franti Sales Representative Parenting Editor Graphic Design Editor’s Note Carol Osborn Pam Kamphuis Tammy Wannemacher Circulation Manager A Season of Gratitude Katie Fuster Proofreader E Piedmont Family Magazine is published six times a year and is distributed free through libraries, community centers, advertisers, and family-oriented businesses in Culpeper, Fauquier, Prince William, Loudoun, and surrounding counties. Visit us on the web at www.piedmontfamilymagazine.com. For advertising rates and details, look in the advertising section of our website or send an email to adsales@piedmontfamilymagazine.com. © 2013 Piedmont Family Magazine. Warrenton, Va. Any reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, is strictly forbidden without expressed written permission from the publisher. very day feels like a race. A race to finish one project or one load of laundry, only to have to start another soon after. A race to get to the end of the day when I can curl up with the remote or a good book and a glass wine and just rest. When during the hustle and bustle of a busy day do we stop and take stock of all the blessings in our lives? As the leaves change and slowly drift to the ground, the days shorten, and the cold winter air pushes out the warmth of fall, it’s a great time to slow down, take a break and get outside alone to enjoy the beauty around us. For me, relaxation is getting outside, running, or simply walking my dogs and spending some quiet time. As I breathe in the fresh, cool air, enjoying the beauty around me, I have time to reflect. I am grateful for the air in my lungs, my healthy children, and the man I share my life with. I am grateful for our friends, who have slowly moved into the role of family. I am grateful for the uniqueness of our region and the community where we’ve chosen to raise our children. I am grateful for the food on our table, our warm beds, and the roof over our heads. As we move into another holiday season - which can typically be focused on hustle, bustle and material possessions - we’re encouraging you to make this a season of gratitude. In this issue, we have included articles to inspire you and encourage you to share your time mentoring youth, your food with those less fortunate, your voice with the community (perhaps literally, via a community chorale), and your appreciation for those who do so much to make this area wonderful. To help navigate this hectic time of year, we have also included articles about how to stay organized and stress-free, and, just for fun, we have provided a glimpse at what the holiday season looked like in Colonial America. Above all, we wish all of readers, advertisers, and supporters a wonderful, healthy, and safe holiday season and New Year. Happy holidays to everyone! About Us Questions, comments or feedback? Send an email to editor@piedmontfamilymagazine.com Find Piedmont Family Magazine Online at www.piedmontfamilymagazine.com @piedmontfamily facebook.com/ piedmontfamilymagazine Aimée O’Grady, Editor editor@piedmontfamilymagazine.com www.piedmontfamilymagazine.com 2013 • Issue 6 Piedmont Family Magazine 3