She Strengthens

A Season of Gratitude and Connection

As we navigate the uncharted waters of this holiday season, one thing remains constant – the need for healing, connection, and joy. Our team shares their unique experiences, traditions, and adaptations to the challenges of 2020.

Finding Comfort in New Traditions

For Catherine Clark, Updates Editor, this year’s theme is a low-key Christmas, connecting with her husband’s large family virtually and focusing on holiday nesting in their new home. She’s also started a new tradition of exchanging tree ornaments that represent something positive from the year.

Christal Yuen, Senior Editor, has rediscovered the Christmas spirit with her roommates, who adore Christmas. They’ve adopted a Christmas tree, dressed it up with free ornaments, and enjoy festive movie nights with a twist – a drinking game for Hallmark movies.

Prioritizing Family and Safety

DeVonne Goode, Lifestyle Editor, has traded in long road trips for a cozy holiday at home with her family of four. She’s excited to start new traditions and make the most of this unusual season.

Ginger Wojcik, Assistant Editor, will be spending the holidays surfing, a welcome respite from the usual pressure to buy gifts and go above and beyond. She’s embracing the opportunity to slow down and focus on what truly matters.

Adapting to Change

Adam Felman, Updates Editor, is navigating the challenges of being a British Jewish guy with an American Catholic wife. He’s finding ways to make the most of their small, cozy celebrations, including cooking a traditional roast dinner.

Rita Mauceri, Editor in Chief, is traveling with her family to visit her parents, despite the anxiety of COVID-19 rates spiking everywhere. She’s grateful for the opportunity to spend time with loved ones and indulge in her favorite foods.

Embracing the Simple Things

Carley Millhone, Demand Editor, is prioritizing safety and creating a “holiday pod” with her husband and immediate family. They’ll be enjoying a quieter holiday, but still connecting with loved ones through Zoom calls.

Ashley Sepanski, Market Editor, is cozying up with a simple ghost story – Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” She finds joy in the timeless tale’s reminder that we’re all in this together.

Finding Meaning in Uncertainty

Naomi Farr, Copy Editor/Books Editor, is grateful to be able to support her mom during her cancer treatment. She’s appreciating the small moments, like decorating the Christmas tree together, and finding meaning in this unexpected season of her life.

Samantha Kostaras, Assistant Demand Editor, has moved back home to the east coast and is relishing the opportunity to spend the holidays with her family, sans travel stress. She’s cherishing the simple joys, like her dad reading Shel Silverstein’s “Christmas Dog” to the family every year.

Amanda Page, Senior Editor, is looking forward to her dad’s booby-trapped Christmas Eve surprise, a tradition she’s enjoyed since childhood. Though this year’s celebrations will be different, she’s holding onto the memories and laughter that bring her family together.