Volume One's annual "Best of the Holidays" specialty issue is out everywhere as of Thursday, Nov. 13. Go get 'er!

Since you’ve picked up this issue, the secret’s out: It’s been holiday season at Volume One for, like, at least a month now. We’ve spent the past two-ish weeks working on this bad boy – all 120 pages of it! – and as of Nov. 3, it’s been winter wonderland at our building, 205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire. Overnight, gone were the Autumnal decorations at The Local Store, replaced by every wintry holiday tchotchke you can think of. It's pretty awesome.

I’m crossing my fingers that we have an old-school Wisconsin winter again this year (which I never would have said three or so years ago). At this point, I miss the air hurting my face (the only body part exposed to the elements), snowbanks coming up to my waist, and snowfall being a daily occurrence for the better part of winter and spring.

With winter comes the reminder that this season, as an adult, doesn’t necessarily hit the same as it did during childhood. That shimmering haze and twinkling light spilt over holiday memories doesn’t always reflect reality. The world is… well, the world. But this nugget we call home – the Chippewa Valley – is still host to some magic.

In this issue, hopefully you feel that love. We've compiled a lot of ways to give back, resources to use if you need 'em, events to go to, small businesses to shop at, and more. 

That magic is found in reuniting with relatives you don’t see nearly enough; friends returning to hometown stomping grounds for a week of reminiscing and laughter; cringy Hallmark movies and  holiday soundtracks on every retail store’s speakers; and, if we’re lucky, a blanket of snow to quiet the world's noise.

HOLIDAY CHEESE ALERT: I love this place. I love the people who live here. I love working for a small business, knowing the folks who work at neighboring restaurants and shops, smiling at strangers I walk past and getting one back, and that little wave we do to let folks know they can cross the street.

In this issue, hopefully you feel that love. We've compiled a lot of ways to give back, resources to use if you need ‘em, events to go to, small businesses to shop at, and more. Use it, or leave it on your coffee table as decor. Either way, now you know: The holiday season is officially back.