TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURES
Home for Christmas
How a Lifetime’s Worth of Ornaments Helped a Stepmom Find Her Way Again
by THE SECOND WIFE
Holiday Hindsight
A Love Letter to My Stepchildren
by BRENDA SNYDER, LCSW
’Tis the Season to Spend Wisely
5 Important Questions to Ask Before You Start Your Holiday Shopping
by EMILY BOUCHARD, MSSW
All Wrapped Up
5 Truths About Giving, Receiving and Competing With the Other House During the Holidays
by HEATHER HETCHLER
Holiday Gift Guide
Fun Gifts for Everyone on Your Stepmom Shopping List
by MELISSA SCHMIDT
DEPARTMENTS
BRENDA’S CORNER: Letter From the Publisher
URBAN STEPMOM: Have I Told You About My Stepkids?
A Childfree Stepmom’s Guide to Fitting in and Feeling Fabulous!
BY LISA BAGSHAW
THE INSIDE SCOOP: It’s a Marshmallow World (Unless You’re a Stepmom!)
Lessons on Life, Lollipops and Letting Go of Perfection
BY MARY T. KELLY, M.A.
VANTAGE POINT: The Grief That Stole Christmas
Advice for Navigating Sadness During the Holiday Season
BY GAYLA GRACE
SPECIAL REPORT: Holiday Hijacking
How to Manage the Holiday Season When Your Brain is Working Against You
BY JOAN SARIN, M.S.
ON THE TIPPING POINT: Beautiful Dresses And Colorful Lies
BY MS. TAKEN
WORDS OF WISDOM: Families Are Forever
A Christmas Love Story
BY DIANNE MARTIN, B.S.W.
LIFE WITH LISA: Making Memories
Finding New Traditions in a Stepfamily
BY LISA BRADSHAW
FOOD AND FUN
Recipe: Mini Meatloaves Craft: Simple Holiday Dress
BY ASHLEY GRANT
MY FAVORITE THINGS: Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With Strings
The StepMom Magazine Team Shares a Few of Its Favorite Things with Readers