Actually, I change my mind occasionally. Ok, frequently. I could blame it on the fact that I’m a woman (which I believe does entitle me to do so without apology, right?). But in theory, age and wisdom allow me to view the world with maturity that only experience provides. My core is intact, ever believing in acceptance, love and humanity. What evolves is the ability to see through the facades of life and separate from what simply doesn’t matter anymore. Life is good.

What hasn’t changed is my love and admiration of men. I have been surrounded by testosterone all of my life…an awesome dad, two brothers (we won’t talk about the time they locked me in my room), a husband who is the love of my life, three incredible sons and a son-in-law, and a grandson who makes me feel alive!

I have worked with men professionally, politically, and on socially conscious efforts. A glance inside the heart of any one of these men reveals the same burning desire to be loved and accepted in the same way women yearn for. It is that which binds us. It is because of these beautiful human beings that Elan Woman dedicates an entire issue to men every year (and that’s another thing that won’t change).

So here we go, onward into 2012 with vigilance. Here’s to living life this year with commitment to change…or just being open to it. You can create a world that sees collaboration and accomplishment of all that is good. We will be right there with you!

Last week someone asked me about one of my stories in the current issue of Elan Woman Magazine. They mentioned balloons and I couldn’t for the life of me think of what story they were talking about. It finally sunk in that they were talking about the Hot Air Balloon piece in the Fall Fashion issue. We had a good laugh when I explained that for me that was two issues ago and my “current” issue will come out in January 2012.

It’s not easy thinking that far in advance. When it’s cold and rainy outside, I am trying to think about summer travel. As everyone else is getting ready for summer vacation, I’m already done with back-to-school fashion. And some of our outdoor photography needs to be planned a year out – after all, you can’t have a photo ofZionNational Parkwith snow on the ground for the June issue, right?

I think the hardest issue to plan, though, is the holiday issue. That gorgeous magazine that is coming out this week was planned in late July and most of the content was written during the height of the summer heat. I vividly remember sitting down to my computer one day in late August to finalize content and try to pound out one of my stories. It was 106 degrees outside and sunny and the birds were chirping like mad. I shut all the blinds, put out a bowl of cinnamon potpourri and loaded the stereo with Christmas music to get myself in the mood.

I got into the full swing of the holidays by mid September and I gleefully spent hours spray painting pine cones on my front porch for one of the photo shoots and I was yelled at several times for singing “Deck the Halls” in the office. I happily browsed my collection of cookie recipes and had a glorious time going through photos from the Jubilee of Trees. By the time we sent the final proofs back to the printer, I was ready for Santa to come and be done with the holidays for another year.

Of course, everyone else is just starting their holiday season. I just hope you don’t mind that while you’re sipping egg nog I’m already coloring Easter eggs.

Kathryn van Roosendaal
Managing Editor

My childhood witnessed television’s transition from black and white to color. Christmas time TV shows came to life with animation in the original ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’ and ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town.’ I also clung to those black and white tapings of ‘The Bob Hope Christmas Show’ and series reruns like ‘Ozzie & Harriet’ and ‘I Love Lucy.’ There was just something about those shows that made me feel good. The emphasis was on family and the substance in quality time together. I could almost smell the aroma of the sugar cookies that Harriet baked and the ones that Lucy burned. Those episodes reflected the details that women of that era took time to consider. Hand-written holiday greeting cards, meticulously wrapped presents, homemade candy, and the intimate parties they hosted with close friends. In all of her chaos, Lucy still remembered the cocktail napkins and Harriet’s apron was a stylish accessory.

Fortunately women have come a long way since those days. However, their focus on quality is something to honor. Élan Woman’s holiday issue celebrates the substance in tending to the details: taking the time to create the sights and scents of the season; letting go of the things that don’t really matter – making the moment count. And most importantly, remembering to give yourself the time to take it all in.

The holidays for my family will always be about the chaos. I do strap on a really cute apron like Harriet and I will probably burn the cookies like Lucy. I’ll buy coordinating clothes for our family photo. I’ll enjoy the mess left in the kitchen. Give yourself permission to keep it simple but make it count! Glance in the mirror and honor your elegance.

From all of us at Élan Woman, happy holidays … you deserve it!