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DEC 2025
Lights, Love, and Loss TREASURED TIMES WITH THOSE GONE
Some cover articles are easier to write than others.
Thankfully, Mom and Dad decided to calm us excitable kids by telling us we could each open one present under the tree. Naturally, I went for the largest gift with my name on it. My mind swirled, thinking about what the huge
Shortly before sitting down to write this one, I read that December is National Stress-Free Family Holidays Month. The concept made me chuckle. After all, when is this month ever not stressful? As parents, my wife and I need to figure out ways to provide wonderful gifts to the kids without spoiling them too much. As friends and family members, we need to schedule time to visit with the people who are dearest to us. At the firm, I need to put a plan in place to weather the slowdown in business that typically occurs this time of year. The next few weeks will be far from calm. That said, this month is always deeply meaningful to me, as it provides an opportunity to remember the important people in my life who are no longer here. As I’ve mentioned before in this newsletter, we lost my father to cancer in September 2018. As an adult, I always looked forward to Christmas as a way to spend extra time with him. It’s hard to believe this will be my eighth without him.
item could be under all that wrapping. I was hoping it was the video game system I wanted, but it turned out to be
… stackable shelves . Yes, shelves … a practical gift for my room, but certainly anticlimactic when you’re a grade schooler. To this day, my mom says to me, “I don’t even know why I gave you those!” In hindsight, it was okay, as it’s the fun and excitement I shared with Breanna that night that matters most to me all these years later. There will undoubtedly be a sense of sadness surrounding our holidays this year, but I’m going to focus on giving my kids, Luke and Nora, the same joy that Breanna and I felt when we were their age. Luke, who just turned 6, loves putting up our Christmas trees and getting our blow- up Santa ready in the front yard. He and his sister are already beyond excited about what Santa’s going to bring them this year, and that’s already the greatest gift I’ll receive this year. This month can be challenging for people for various reasons. If this upcoming holiday is going to be rocky for you, just remember the good times this time of year has brought you in the past. Try to give that same positive feeling to someone else. We’re all here for a short time; we have no choice but to smile as much as we can through however many years we have.
A few weeks ago, my sister, Breanna, lost her battle with cancer.
Breanna loved Christmas. She was a thoughtful gift-giver, and she enjoyed receiving them as well. I’ll never forget one particular Christmas Eve when we were still little. I was probably around 6 or 7 years old at the time. We woke up in the middle of the night (at least it was for us; it was probably only around 11 p.m.) and rustled our parents out of bed so we could open all our gifts from Santa.
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Merry Christmas, Dad and Breanna. We love you and miss you.
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Slips, Screams, and Settlements
A ‘Leatherface’ Lawsuit Leaves a Mark
If you’re a horror film fan, you know how common it is for a would-be victim to trip and fall long enough to allow the killer chasing them to catch up and carry out some nasty deed. While this scene is a classic cliché of the genre, it would strike genuine
while wielding a fake chainsaw. As the frightened pair began running away from the grotesque antagonist, they slipped on a wet spot on the floor, just like in the movies. Instead of breaking character to help them, the actor playing the pretend psychopath continued to menace the two by standing above them with his torturous tool still in his hands. Claiming the incident left her and her granddaughter “extremely fearful and in mental distress and anguish,” Peters later sued Universal Studios for emotional distress and other injuries. After numerous trials, the suit was decided in Peters’ favor, resulting in a $15,000 judgment against Universal Studios for failure to keep its haunted house safe for occupants. While this case occurred in Florida, legal experts have opined that the verdict may have been the same in other states, since an unsafe wet floor wouldn’t be a reasonable expectation for anyone attending a haunted house attraction. While Hell’s High may have succeeded in frightening Peters and her granddaughter, the suit proves that horror-themed entertainment can sometimes be too scary, especially for the defendant’s legal counsel, and Leatherface is best encountered from the comfort of a TV or movie theater screen.
terror in anyone’s heart if it played out in the real world, especially when you’re a 57-year-old woman with her grandchild in tow.
In the late 1990s, Cleanthi Peters accompanied her 10-year- old granddaughter to a Hell’s High haunted house attraction at Universal Studios in Florida. As their walk-through was about to end, an actor portraying the menacing character Leatherface from the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” film franchise began chasing them
Post-Divorce Planning for Peaceful Presents
The holidays can be a stressful time for anyone, but they’re often even more demanding on divorced couples with children. In addition to coordinating when and where the kids will celebrate the festivities, separated or divorced parents often contend with a more pressing question: Who’s buying what for the kids? Here are a few ideas to make this season a smoother experience for everyone. Share and compare your shopping. Before buying presents this year, work with the other parent to develop ways to keep your individual purchases coherent. Asking your children to create wish lists in advance of the big day allows both parents to determine which gifts to purchase for each child. Splitting these tasks will help avoid duplicates under the tree and ensure your gifts bring happiness to your kids. Avoid a cash competition. As divorced parents of one or more young children, it’s unwise to use the upcoming festivities as a way to compete for your children’s affection by lavishing them with expensive gifts that your ex may not be able to match. To help maintain peace and make things more equitable, consider establishing an individual spending limit that each parent finds reasonable and respectful of the other’s financial
situation. By approaching the holidays as a united
front despite your differences, your
children will feel less pressure to choose sides during what should be a happy time of year for everyone. When in doubt, count on ‘Santa.’
When it comes to giving your kids a memorable Christmas, remember that perception is reality.
Neither parent should be the one to provide all the “best” gifts, as this may make the other one feel as if they didn’t contribute enough to the proceedings. If this is a concern for you or your former spouse, consider giving joint gifts or ones from “Santa.” This way, everyone can enjoy gift-giving without giving your child the impression that one parent provided more, and thus cared more, than the other.
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Fresh Freedom Resolutions for the Newly Single
A new year is an opportunity to start anew toward a better future … even if you’re beginning 2026 no longer married. Divorcing your former partner is rarely easy or positive, but the next few weeks will provide an opportunity to reflect on what has been and what could be in the future. If you’re struggling to envision life as a newly single person, committing to these New Year’s resolutions may help. Keep your words kind. Naturally, most divorces occur due to a breakdown of a relationship. With emotions running high, it’s common for one or more former partners to vent their frustrations or anger about the other to anyone who will listen, especially in the era of social media. Instead of going
into attack mode and potentially adding more fuel to the fire, speaking well and respectfully about your ex can have a positive effect on your physical and mental well-being. Research suggests that thinking and speaking positively calms our nervous systems. If you struggle to find anything good to say about your ex, perhaps saying nothing at all is the best course of action. Don’t make your kids your confidants. Few things make a child happier than pleasing their parents, which is why they should never be placed in a position where doing so comes at the expense of one parent or the other. While it may be tempting to gather intel from your child after they spend time with your former partner, refrain from asking them to report back to you about your ex’s personal life or from pressuring them to relay messages that you can easily communicate to your separated spouse yourself. Above all, remember that your children are not your therapists. When you need a receptive and helpful ear, seek out friends or a trained professional who can offer insight and assistance. Stay centered and step confidently. Starting a new year without a partner by your side can be daunting, but it can also be your pathway to new experiences that will give you a stronger sense of self. Reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, or exploring long-dormant interests and hobbies can help you embrace your new independence in inspiring and fulfilling ways. Life may be different for you entering 2026, but that doesn’t mean you can’t live it to its fullest.
TAKE A BREAK
Baked Feta, Tomato, and White Bean Skillet
Ingredients • 2 pints cherry tomatoes • 2 (15-oz) cans no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed • 4 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped • 2 tsp Italian seasoning • 1/4 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided • 6 oz feta cheese, packed in brine, cut into 4 pieces • 1 tbsp hot honey • Basil leaves, for garnish • 4 slices toasted whole-wheat country bread, optional, for serving
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 450 F. 2. In a large, oven-safe skillet, combine tomatoes, beans, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. 3. Drizzle with 5 tbsp of olive oil and stir gently. 4. Add feta pieces 2 inches apart in the mixture and drizzle with remaining olive oil. 5. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst. 6. Remove from oven and drizzle with hot honey. Garnish with basil leaves, and serve with toast if desired.
Inspired by EatingWell.com
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IN THIS ISSUE
1.
Farewells and Fond Memories
2.
Terror Turns to Trial
Seasonal Shopping Sanity After a Divorce
3.
Thrive Through Transition
Baked Feta, Tomato, and White Bean Skillet
4.
3 Train Trips to Take Today
TRACKS AND TREASURES
SCENIC RAIL JOURNEYS WORTH RIDING
Flying over beautiful landscapes can be exhilarating, but what if you could experience those beautiful sights in a closer and more personal way? With railway vacations, you can. Whether you’re a seasoned train traveler or curious about cruising on the tracks, here are three travel options you can only experience and appreciate on the rails. A Euphoric European Escape While there are plenty of thrilling sights to behold in America, the glamorous international excursion of the Venice Simplon-Orient- Express is incomparable. From its pristinely preserved 1920s/1930s- era carriages and stunning Art Deco interior to its remarkable gourmet food (including breakfast in bed!) and live entertainment, this world- renowned train will take you through Venice, Paris, Istanbul, and other
and alpine meadows. Often referred to as “the slowest express train in the world,” it travels 24 miles per hour, allowing you to feast your eyes on the scenery through its panoramic windows. Boasting millions of passengers in its decades-long history, the Glacier Express has earned its rightful place as one of the most celebrated names in tourism. An Alaskan Adventure If you’re looking for railway adventures closer to home, consider hitting the tracks in Alaska. Since 1903, the Alaska Railroad has provided travelers an intimate way to explore what later became our 49th state. Getting a seat will guarantee a breathtaking journey through scenic landscapes, national parks, fjords, snow-capped peaks, and valleys brimming with wildlife. For the ultimate Alaska experience, opt for the Alaska Railroad’s GoldStar Service, which offers glass-dome ceilings for panoramic nature viewing, a full-service dining room, and a one-of-a-kind upper- level platform for additional sightseeing. The next time your wanderlust inspires you to explore new wonders, skip the plane and take a train!
legendary European destinations. A Symphony of Swiss Scenes
For many travelers seeking some of the most breathtaking visuals imaginable, all rails lead to the Swiss Alps. The Glacier Express’ 292-bridge/91-tunnel track from Zermatt to St. Moritz gives passengers a personal view of picturesque valleys, mountain streams,
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