We made it to the holidays. Barely! Even though the pandemic rages on, we’re finally past the election and now on the doorstep of what is surely to be a highly unusual yuletide season. So today we bring you this special issue all about making the best of this year’s holiday hoopla. Consistent with the rest of this awkward year, a lot of the valley’s annual traditions won’t be held, and if they are, they’re looking a lot different. So we set out to determine what our community’s options are this year to safely celebrate, and packed them into this mega 100+ page issue. But stay tuned to VolumeOne.org throughout the season to learn even more as things develop out there.

Meanwhile, so many businesses, organizations, and their employees have struggled this year amid the pandemic – some up to the brink. So this year we’re asking you think deeply about your holiday shopping, and to commit to “Make It Matter.” We at Volume One ask you to shop local every year – it’s always important – but in 2020 it has become crystal clear how critical it has become. If we want our community to survive this, please do your holiday shopping locally, either in-store or online, at your favorite local shops, restaurants, venues, and nonprofits. Read more about this effort on page 20 and at VolumeOne.org/BuyLocal, take the pledge, and most importantly spread the word! Our community needs you, all of us, right now. Happy Holidays!