This month’s holiday offerings cover a wide range of traditional celebrations. For many years now, Tampa Bay has drawn settlers and visitors from across the nation and the planet, making it a unique melting pot of traditions. Spiritually nourishing favorites include Winter Solstice (21st); Christmas (25th); Hanukkah (December 26-January 1); Kwanzaa (December 26-January 1); and out-with-the-old, in-with-the-New Year (December 31).
    It’s been fun pulling this issue of Natural Awakenings together. With this month’s cover hinting at crisp, cooler temperatures farther north, we are pleasantly reminded of the imaginative flavor our uniquely Floridian weather inspires. The spirit of this season is especially infectious in such holiday sights and sounds as the lavishly decorated boat parades sprinkled throughout the Bay Area this month.
    On page 36, cookbook and food writer Judith Fertig suggests a yummy assortment of refreshing drinks to liven most any occasion. On page 30, Randy Kambic’s interview with bestselling author Krista Tippett, entitled Our Evolving Spirituality: Why it Evokes Hope, is truly inspiring. These articles and more will surely stoke hope and positive goals as we live each day this December. Refresh your outlook. 
    As always, open your mind and read on.