Editor’s Note: A Season of Memories and Giving

I love the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and then Christmas. The decorations begin appearing, Christmas music fills the stores and our weekends are often full with holiday fun.

There’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season. In this issue, our web and social media editor, Tara Rittler, has put together our annual Holiday Season Kickoff, featuring some of the best festivals, light displays, performances and holiday activities for families throughout the Tulsa area. Whether you’re looking for a longtime family tradition or something new to try, you’ll find it here.

And while I love celebrating the holidays at home, there’s something wonderful about a little getaway during the Christmas season. Over the years, my family has taken longer ski trips during the holidays, and although we had a great time, I always found myself missing home and all the traditions that make the season special.

But a quick trip to Branson is such a great option for families. Just a few hours from Tulsa, you can experience millions of Christmas lights, festive shows, holiday shopping, Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas and lots of delicious food. There’s something for every age, and parents can have just as much fun as the kids. Best of all, you can make some wonderful memories together and still be home in time to enjoy your own holiday traditions. You’ll find plenty of ideas for planning a Branson getaway in this month’s issue.

Of course, November is also a time to reflect on the things we’re grateful for. And one of the things I appreciate most about living in Tulsa is the generosity of this philanthropic city.

This month, we’re highlighting some of the many organizations making a difference in the lives of local children and families in our Season of Giving feature. We also share the story of a Tulsa family that makes volunteering with Food on the Move a regular part of their lives, showing their children the importance of giving back.

And don’t miss our story about Ruth Nelson, whose extraordinary generosity will have a lasting impact on our community. Rather than preserve her foundation indefinitely, she made the remarkable decision to distribute its assets by 2038, putting those resources to work for the people and organizations that need them, with a focus on affordable housing, women’s issues and youth development.

Finally, I was grateful for the opportunity to meet Shiloh Berryhill, a talented young artist at Tulsa Girls Art School, for this month’s I’m a Tulsa Kid feature. It’s always a pleasure to meet young people in our community who are pursuing their interests and discovering their talents.

As we head into this busy season, I hope you’ll find time for a little holiday fun, make some memories with the people you love and perhaps find a way to give back to the community we call home.