Montclair Magazine Holiday 2018 | Page 8

editor’s letter T he holidays are exciting, but there’s so much to do, and so little time. At Montclair Magazine, we’d like to assist you with the second part of that sentence. How can we help? Let us count the ways. If your shopping takes you to Willowbrook Mall, you’ll appreciate insights from senior general manager Nancy Barbary (“An Insider’s Guide to Willowbrook Mall”). If you’re looking specifically for gifts for the 12 and younger set, read about pocket.watch in “Eighteen to 34? Try 12 and Younger.” In the article, the digital destination’s chief content officer, Montclair resident Albie Hecht, shares how he helps create programs (and merchandising) that a generation ago would have been broadcast on Nickelodeon, where he was president. If you’re going to be entertaining this season, consider this: vodka-latke parties. They’re usu- ally thrown around the eight-day observation of Hanukkah — Dec. 2-10 this year — but you don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy crispy potato pancakes using rosemary, Granny Smith apples, sweet potatoes and caviar as special ingredients, and indulging in cocktails that are perfect gastronomic matches. In “Cocktails and Podcasts, the Perfect Mix,” Rashaun Hall describes his mixology podcast, and offers tips on getting the most out of enjoying drinks with guests. We’re there for you and yours if you’re flying this holiday season, too: “Up in the Air” offers helpful tips for those stressful occasions when you’re seated apart from your (often pint-sized) travel companions. And “How to Address Holiday Cards” takes the guesswork — Miss or Ms.?, New Year or New Year’s? — out of this time-honored tradition. Finally, who is a more reliable arbiter of holiday do’s and don’ts than Nutley’s native daughter, Martha Stewart? Happy holidays! ■ CINDY SCHWEICH HANDLER 6 HOLIDAY 2018 MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE