What a year! As we close out 2025, I want to give one last nod to our 20th anniversary year. While May was our “official” anniversary month, when we were graciously fêted at Art Girls during a lovely evening of celebration and community, we marked the entire year as one of appreciation to our devoted readers and loyal advertisers. As I peer into 2026, I look forward to sharing more of the Lake Minnetonka area with all of you.
Before we move too quickly into January, we have a lot to celebrate this month, including this issue—focusing on giving back and family, which this time of year naturally embraces and illuminates. You’ll find articles that touch on those topics within our pages, and I hope you find them informative and inspirational.
You’ll also discover a feature that offers ideas for purchasing and gifting children’s, fiction and nonfiction books that come recommended by some of our contributors and team at Local. We regularly include book recommendations in our Noteworthy section, and it’s a resource I return to again and again when I need some ideas for myself or the bibliophiles in my family and friend circles.
While I enjoy reading and gifting books of all sorts, I also often utilize books as décor elements within my home. Ideal to elevate framed photos, table lamps, vases and the like, and add personality and texture to a room, well-read and loved books can fortify a home’s design story. Consider visiting any of our local booksellers, boutiques and stores to discover ways to incorporate books into your reading and decorating pursuits.
Happy shopping and gifting. And from our entire team, cheers to the holidays and another decade of bringing you the best of Lake Minnetonka life.
Until next year,
—Renée Stewart-Hester
