The December Issue

Having a birthday in December - two days after Christmas, no less - means that I'm pretty partial to the twelfth month of the year. Whether you celebrate the holidays or not, December has an undeniable magic about it, further enhanced by all those gorgeous decorations, twinkle lights and the excitement of a first snowfall. Those who do celebrate Christmas (or Hanukkah) will undoubtedly have their favourite holiday traditions - tried, tested and true - that are eagerly anticipated each year. One of mine includes curling up on the sofa with some hot chocolate and reading the December issue of Martha Stewart Living from cover to cover. It is one of the most exciting issues of the year for MSL subscribers, which editor-in-chief Elizabeth Graves notes with appreciation in her editor's letter. Readers' hopes (and standards) are always high for this issue and, to me, the success of the December issue really is the litmus test for how the magazine is performing and meeting its mandate of inspiring and informing its readers.

The current December issue is out now and I must tell you that it's a really delightful one at that. Graves and her team have done an excellent job of keeping the magazine true to its heritage while pushing its boundaries a bit to make it feel fresh and modern and new. The cover is enchanting; the photographs inside are beautiful; the ideas and recipes are inspired and there is a gorgeous feature on Martha's holiday party that kicks off the back of the issue in fine form with beautiful photographs of her Christmas decorations and her farm in winter. It's a really beautiful issue to round out the year's offerings. They really did 'bring it home'! For a look back and a thorough assessment of the year that was at Martha Stewart Living, I'll have my "2017 Year in Review" article posted in early December! In the meantime, enjoy this issue!