It’s always a treat compiling the December holiday issue—and a feat not without its challenges when the planning starts in a sunny and unseasonably warm September. Though a dusting of the white stuff might have been timely, our crew was thankful for the balmy November day we spent parked on the lawn assembling our three original décor schemes for the cover shoot, and Alykhan Velji’s Making an Entrance column.

This month’s New Home Living serves up all the silver bells and shimmering whistles for the season, from sock-sized finds to eco-wrapping options, Christmas card display DIY, festive flower tips and advice from the pros for holiday decorating.

For many of us, this is a time to unite family and friends for pre-planned (and sometimes impromptu) gatherings. Hopeful hosts and hostesses will want to turn to our festive Focus On (page 18), where we serve up a plethora of platters ready to showcase baked goodies and to-die-for finger fare. And if your playing host extends to the overnight, Kimberley Luu imparts advice from the experts in Finishing and Furnishings on pampering your guests with hotel-worthy touches you can do at home.

There’s no need for cabin fever with so much festive spirit alive in the city for young and old. Among fabulous goings-on, the Calgary Zoo presents its annual Zoolights. We give you all the illuminating details (page 12), so you can bundle up and take the kids or your favourite someone and snuggle under the nighttime animatronics beginning November 28.

Readers who like to see what the top abodes are sporting get to finish 2008 off in style, with views of enviable addresses sure to top many home shoppers’ wish lists. Your private showing of brand new homes by Timbercreek by Coco Homes, Vintage Fine Homes and Kingsmith Homes starts on page 32.