As we step into the heart of the holiday season, it’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration. The November issue of The Connection Magazines arrives in your home during a season filled with joy, traditions, and togetherness. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or simply savoring the beauty of winter, this special time brings opportunities to connect with loved ones and embrace the spirit of giving. Please see our Faith, Love, Joy section, which offers a curated selection of places where you can find peace and inspiration during this joyful time.
During this season, let’s celebrate what makes our community so special—our local businesses! As you prepare for the holidays and the cheerful weeks ahead, we invite you to embrace the spirit of shopping small and supporting the entrepreneurs who bring unique treasures to our neighborhoods.
Our Unwrap Joy-Shop Small business listing is here to connect you with local merchants who can make your holiday shopping truly special. Small-Business Saturday is November 30, a day dedicated to supporting local businesses. But don’t stop there—let’s make shopping locally a year-round habit to keep our community thriving. Complete your day of shopping by participating in one of the many festive celebrations, joyful gatherings, and unforgettable experiences catalogued for you on our Home for the Holidays page.
If you’re in the mood to relax and celebrate with family and friends, check out our Wine, Dine & Have a Good Time directory, featuring some of the best restaurants around town. Gift cards to these local spots make wonderful holiday presents, too!
Speaking of wine, let Chris Cree, of Cree Wine, guide you through your celebratory feasts with the perfect wines for the holidays. Read the What about Wine column to discover his favorite best buys. He also recommends finishing your meal with a dram of port!
Once again, Joanne Kleinle has scoped out the perfect way to spend the day celebrating the holiday season with your family. Lights, lights, lights! Read the Family Adventures column to discover where you can view a spectacular display of holiday lighting whether you choose to visit Essex County here in NJ, Brooklyn, NY or Berks County, PA. These seasonal light extravaganzas will illuminate you with joy!
On the Cover:
Warren-Watchung edition-Our gorgeous cover is an acrylic on canvas painting entitled, FANCIFUL. It was painted by Ivey Kampouris. We love the way her blue eyes pop among the surrounding pink and peach colors within the composition. Ivey’s inspiration for this fashion illustration was “to make a statement in a chic, editorial style.”
Bernards-Ridge edition- The enchanting Tree of Dreams graces our cover this issue. It is an acrylic on canvas painted by Andrea Giordano. Her artwork was inspired by the movie created from the famous Roald Dahl story, The BFG. Andrea says, “This whimsical piece represents a cherished memory for me personally having been motivated to paint it by an experience I shared with my children.”
Bridgewater-Somerville edition- The lavish bundt cake on our cover was painted by Susan Rupert. She was inspired to paint it because it was reminiscent of a cake her mother used to make. She says, “The painting evokes thoughts of entertaining, food, family and celebrating the upcoming holidays!” The details of silverware, blue linen napkins, and lemons add charm to this luscious piece of art.
May this festive season bring you great peace and joy! The Connection Magazines wish you a warm and wonderful holiday.
With gratitude,
Anna Petro