It is a morning in the third week of September as I am writing this (hello, Ghost of Amy Christmas Future! What’s up?!). I just came back from a run, during which I was listening to The New York Times morning-news podcast, which I’ve been especially tuned into as of late. Suffice it to say there’s a lot of head-spinning, heart-dropping things going on in the world right now. Maybe it’s a little escapist (and privileged), but sometimes after “The Daily” I feel like I need to find a bridge over the troubled water; thinking about the holidays is my number-one distraction right about now.
The thing is, I really like the holidays. All of it. The quiet, the noise, the traditions, the food, the commercialism, the big goofy, garish lawn ornaments and light displays that require sunglasses, the trees and menorahs glimmering through front windows, the gathering around tables, the red cardinals on bare branches on gray days, the urge to connect with others, be they loved ones, strangers or something larger than you.
Whether it’s a time of deep spirituality or social jubilance in your world, you can’t deny the season is unique — and, I like to believe, lures out the best in many of us.
As of this morning, I am officially done buying presents for my big sister, Linda. She is the person I take the most joy in gifting, and I suspect she feels the same. All year long I see things and think, “Ohhhh, Linda’s going to love that!” and stockpile them along the way, grinning to myself as I mound them up in the guest-room closet. Our mom, Ginny, passed away around Christmas years ago, but instead of settling into the sorrow of that, it’s only instilled a greater kind of celebration of her and the holiday in each of us. That includes carrying on her excellent gift-wrapping skills and notes on presents that hint at what’s inside. (We’re also those weirdos who try to unwrap presents oh-so neatly and carefully so we can save the nicest paper for next year — hey, it’s tradition!)
Beyond the actual gifts, though, it’s that exchange of our mom’s spirited love of the season that lights up the darkness for us.





But whether it’s for Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, the act of and urge to give is something that spans cultures and customs, losses and gains. At its very best, it’s about showing someone you thought of them; that they’re on your mind and in your heart. It’s about showing love. And that can mean an awful lot.
A lot of love certainly went into making this November/December issue of Southforker — our final issue of 2024. Maybe you’ll want to carve your Thanksgiving turkey, holiday roast or brisket with a one-of-a-kind knife from Dereyk Patterson or plan your holiday feast at one of the South Fork’s most sumptuous spots for celebrating the season, Stone Creek Inn (see some of the gorgeous pics snapped by Doug Young above).

Looking for oysters for your grandma’s famous stuffing recipe? Oysterman Bert Waife can help with that — and has a pretty interesting story, too. Or maybe you’re the kind who likes to spend the holidays getting out and about, be it the allure of the theater or taking in a multitude of movies on the big screen, nestled into a comfy seat with a bag of popcorn in a room full of fellow film buffs. Long live Sag Harbor Cinema, one of the best places on the planet to do so.
We’ve got treats galore in these pages — from time-tested toys to lights in the vines to hot drinks in a cozy bar to a Spanish cheesecake recipe worthy of celebration.
There are so many wonderful ways to spend these days of winter on the East End, and they are as individual as you, your customs and your heart’s desire. However you celebrate, be it big and bombastic or quiet and meditative, I hope you carry kindness with you. It’s the most valuable gift any of us has to give, and the best kind to return.
Cheers, South Forkers.
Amy Zavatto