Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the year behind us and embrace the opportunities ahead. Winter is a season of cozy moments, fresh beginnings, and connections with the people and places that make life meaningful. At CIRCA, we’re honored to be part of your journey, sharing thoughtful ideas, inspiring lifestyle features, and a celebration of the vibrant communities we proudly call home.

This winter edition invites you to embrace the season’s beauty and comfort while discovering fresh inspiration for the months ahead. In “Fashion Forecast,” we explore the trends shaping 2025, offering ideas to refresh your style for the new year. Turning our attention to the home, “The Heart of the Home” reminds us that while living and entertaining spaces often take decorating priority, the kitchen deserves just as much thoughtful attention for its role in fostering connection and creativity. For tips on enhancing your space, “Décor Dilemma?” offers advice for creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere, while “Bringing Green Into Your Winter” (the inspiration for our front cover) highlights the calming beauty of houseplants to refresh your home during nature’s quieter months.

Gathering around the table is another hallmark of the season, and we’ve got you covered with recipes like “Classic Cassoulet With a Southern Twist” and comforting dishes from “Bringing Comfort to the Table.” For a fun twist, “Sweet and Spirited” shares creative recipes for boozy hot chocolate, perfect for cozy nights in, while “The Appeal of Pears” showcases inventive ways to enjoy this versatile fruit. For those seeking balance, “Winter Warmth” explores the benefits of massage and mindfulness this time of year, and “Rethinking Resolutions” offers simple, practical steps to start 2025 off right.

For readers already dreaming of spring, “Gardening Guru” encourages us to embrace winter as a time for planning, reflection, and rediscovering the joy of gardening, and “Good Reads” offers handpicked book suggestions to make the most of your cozy evenings and spark your imagination as you wait for warmer days.

This issue also encourages us to look outward. Western North Carolina’s breathtaking winter retreats and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene remind us of the power of community, while “Local Gems” explores the winter magic of Pullen Park. Our feature on the Krispy Kreme Challenge celebrates a cherished local tradition that blends athleticism, community spirit, and fun – all for a great cause.

This is just a glimpse of what awaits in this winter edition of CIRCA. With so much more to explore, we hope you’ll find plenty to inspire and enjoy. A heartfelt thank you goes to the incredible local businesses advertising in this issue. Their support makes it possible to bring all of these wonderful features to you. Please show your appreciation by supporting these dedicated members of our towns.

As we celebrate winter’s warmth and joy, we’re already looking forward to sharing the fresh energy and beauty of spring with you in our next edition. Until then, stay inspired, stay connected, and enjoy all the possibilities this new year has to offer.