LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
I have a confession to make: my journalism career has officially peaked and it will all be downhill from here. I recently had the opportunity to interview the biggest celebrity of my tenure at MetroFamily: Santa! Oklahoma City’s Santa Blair began making appearances about 15 years ago. Often the first Black Santa local families have ever seen, he brings meaningful representation to the beloved figure — and inspires holiday magic for children of all races and ethnicities. Case in point, last December, my 8-year-old son and I were poring over Curbside Chronicle ’s feature story on Santa Blair. After intently studying the beautiful photos, my son looked up at me with wide eyes and declared, “Mom. This is the REAL Santa!” I asked Hutch what made him certain. Of course, he noted Santa Blair’s intricately beautiful suits, his authentic beard and the unmistakable twinkle in his eye. But what really caught his attention was Santa’s focus on serving others. Santa Blair visits hospitals and nursing homes, he provides cheer to children experiencing homelessness and he finds meaningful ways to include children with disabilities and special needs. Even his “day job” as a teacher and coach is about serving children! Santa Blair is a powerful symbol of hope, of peace, of inclusion, of love. Thank you, Santa Blair (and Hutch), for reminding me what’s most important this holiday season. It’s not the perfectly wrapped gifts,
2022
2022
Publisher Sarah Taylor Managing Editor Erin Page
MetroFamily Magazine is published bimonthly. Copyright 2023 by MetroFamily HoldCo, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or MetroFamily HoldCo, LLC. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo Art Director Stacy Noakes Senior Project Manager Kirsten Holder Director of Events Casey Shupe Editorial Assistant Emiley Bainbridge Account Executive Dana Price Strategy Manager Morgan Harris Contributing Writer Angie LaPaglia Contributing Photographer Bridget Pipkin Contact us Mailing address: 6608 N. Western Ave., #458 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 Phone: 405-601-2081 tips@metrofamilymagazine.com www.metrofamilymagazine.com
THE PAGE CREW SHARES FAVORITE WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS ON PAGE 24 AND SERVE OTHERS IN THE COMMUNITY ON PAGE 14. beautifully plated dishes or cramming one more holiday activity into our frazzled schedules — it’s the joy found in loving and serving others well. May we all seek opportunities to do just that.
With great hope,
Erin Page Managing Editor
ON THE COVER Sixth grade twins Carter and Blakely and second grade younger sister Falyn are the winners of our 2023 Cover Kids Search in the siblings category! This energetic trio loves playing board games, beating their parents in spades and spreading kindness. Carter enjoys playing baseball, swimming, climbing, camping, playing video games and conquering Ninja Warrior obstacles. Blakely loves dancing, swimming competitively, singing, performing, crafting, writing and eating sushi. Falyn enjoys tumbling, dancing, swimming, reading and exploring. They are the children of Deidre and Evan, and their family loves to adventure at RIVERSPORT OKC and eat at Taco Nation.
Proud member of
Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce & Edmond Chamber of Commerce
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2023 5
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