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Finally, this is my last "Letter from the Editor." I have enjoyed writing this monthly column for nearly 18 years, but I have felt strongly for a long time that this privilege should go to Editor-in-Chief Mia Park, my dear friend, colleague, and community leader for whom I have so much respect and confidence. No, I am not going anywhere — I will continue in my role as Editor-at-Large, writing profiles about fascinating people, places, philanthropy, fashion, and food. (Please keep your suggestions coming!) ank you for reading the thousands of words that I have written over the years. I hope to write thousands more. And, I hope you shared a laugh or two with me. Remember the time I wrote about how my neighbors saved our Christmas? My husband inadvertently burned the "roast beast" to a crisp as flames shot out of the barbecue grill. But soon, supportive friends showed up with leftover lasagna and plenty of wine, and a group of tipsy carolers serenaded us long into the night — in Swedish. I couldn't understand a word they were singing except "Skol!" It was one of the best Christmases ever. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Feliz Navidad, Happy Kwanzaa from all of us at Ranch & Coast. See you next year! Letter from the Editor At the Rancho Santa Fe home of Ted Hoehn and partner Matt Clermont, the festive arch over the front door and decorations were designed with the help of Kimberly Buffington of Flowerchild Photography by Vincent Knakal on the cover Andrea Naversen, Editor-at-Large Instagram: @ranchandcoast T he holidays are all about decking the halls, trimming trees, wrapping presents, festive parties, and traditional events. But they are also about making memories with family, friends, and community. I was reminded of that when I recalled this photo from a party I threw for toddlers and their mothers more than 30 years ago. e doorbell rang and my son Tyler, wearing a Santa suit over his diapers, ran to the door. at's when the magic began. ere stood Santa (well actually, my Uncle Andy) with a sack stuffed with toys in the entrance. I was hiding behind the door, but my son stood transfixed at the sight. I will always treasure this photo by Adrienne Alpert, the accomplished television journalist and anchor, now retired, who then worked at Channel 10, and whose red- haired toddler son was also in tow. She captured not just a wonderful photo, but a memory that, for me, will last forever. ank you, Adrienne. is photo comes to mind as I am writing this month's "Letter from the Editor." I interview a Rancho Santa Fe couple, Ted Hoehn and Matt Clermont, for my long-running series "At Home With…" about fascinating, philanthropic people in San Diego County. e couple have recently welcomed their baby son, Monty, into their lives, and they're looking forward to the holidays and making memories with family and friends that I'm sure will warm their hearts as they look back on them in the decades ahead. In this issue, we also offer a gift guide to help you get started on your gift-giving list, with party-perfect outfits for those special occasions. We also present our fifth annual Charitable Giving Guide — our biggest ever, featuring the life-changing work of more than 60 nonprofits that need our help to help those in need. Managing Editor Deanna Murphy also spotlights the good work of five organizations including the Alex Morgan Foundation, D'Vine Path, Heal the Earth, Tree San Diego, and Rancho Coastal Humane Society. ranchandcoast.com 24 DECEMBER 2024 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE