I am just extroverted enough to enjoy this time of year, with its glut of parties and year-end soirees. Raised as a Christian, I am no longer religious, but I enjoy the nostalgic trappings of Christmas and I love an excuse to spend time with loved ones and give gifts. On the other hand, it's a difficult time, too -- the calendar can be exhausting, my anxiety about catching Covid is high, and it's really hard when dark descends at 4:30pm. By 7pm, it feels like midnight, and my to-do list still isn't finished. I know others have deeper challenges, as the season can sharpen the pain of grief or estrangement, or we don't have the resources to celebrate in the ways we wish we could.
However you approach December and whatever you celebrate this month (or don't), we hope you're taking care of yourself and staying centered as an onslaught of distressing news continues. We hope BSR can be part of that, as you enjoy reading our stories and discover events you want to go to in your own community.
This week, we're reviewing the latest from PHILADANCO!, Dolce Suono, The Arden, Quintessence, and the Weitzman. And next week, we'll be coming to you with an exciting slate of new books with Philly connections, to help you build your 2025 reading list. And on Friday, December 20, BSR subscribers will get early access to our staff's top recommendations of 2024. We look forward to closing out the year with you.
Alaina Johns
BSR editor-in-chief
