The holiday season invites reflection; an intentional pause to recognize the beauty of connection, purpose, and gracious giving. At Potomac Lifestyle, we are profoundly grateful for the remarkable people who come together each issue to bring meaningful stories to life. Each word written and every image captured serves a greater purpose: to illuminate the philanthropic efforts, community services, and inspiring individuals who enrich our lives and strengthen the fabric of our region.
Our contributors are the heartbeat of this magazine. Their talent, passion, and dedication shape the voice of Potomac Lifestyle, and without them, we would simply not be who we are. In this special issue, we invite you behind the pages for a glimpse into the lives of the people who help bring every story to light, and to discover what brings warmth, joy, and heartfelt meaning to their holiday season.
Bianca Bain Villegas | Editor
For my family, the holidays begin the moment we start decorating. We unwrap cherished heirlooms, retell the same beloved stories, and laugh through familiar songs. Together we trim the Victorian styled tree in Crystal and candles, and our big outdoor display, done with joy and love, becomes our gift to neighbors and anyone passing by, sharing in the season’s joy.
Anicia Juarez | Marketing Manager
My favorite part of the holidays is getting everyone in the kitchen together. There's something special about cooking with family, all of us crowded around the stove, catching up and laughing. And when my college friends are back in town, we always make time to meet up, it's the best way to reconnect and remember why the holidays feel like home.
Adam Taylor | Sales Manager
For me, the holidays are all about family, laughter, and tradition. You’ll usually find me with a cup of cocoa in hand and ice hockey on the TV, surrounded by holiday lights, my lovely wife, and kids, exactly how it should be. Every year, we also keep our favorite tradition alive by taking a group photo in front of the fireplace with my extended family in Canada, a simple moment that means the world to us.
Mindy Toran | Writer
One of my favorite holiday traditions is getting together with extended family on Thanksgiving. My aunt and uncle always host a big smorgasbord-style buffet and family and friends get together to relax, catch up and get a jump on the holiday season.
Marie Robey Wood | Writer
My favorite holiday traditions definitely center around Christmas. Every year I enjoy seeing my two grandchildren relive the Nativity in their school play, and I also enjoy my large family's gathering every Christmas Eve at my brother's house as we enjoy his famous lobster bisque soup. However my absolute favorite gathering is Christmas Day, after we've exchanged gifts and gone to church, when we gather with our immediate family to enjoy an early Christmas dinner at a nearby favorite eatery.
David Robert Lambert | Writer
Dave is retired, a freelance writer, and a certified pickleball coach. For the holidays, he and his wife Deborah have two favorites: exploring Colonial Williamsburg and visiting family in Pennsylvania. They enjoy 6 weeks of vacation, travelling the world. Their 2025 highlight was a trip to the Galápagos Islands.
Debra Wallace | Writer
Debra Wallace is an award-winning feature writer with 20+ years of experience, known for her heartfelt copy that focuses on celebrities, local heroes, and special needs parenting. Debra and her 19-year-old son appreciate their Hanukkah traditions of lighting the menorah, exchanging gifts, and eating Debra’s scrumptious homemade latkes (potato pancakes) served with apple sauce and sour cream.
Deborah Blumberg | Writer
My favorite holiday tradition is making homemade latkes, or potato pancakes, with my family during Chanukah. The latkes make the whole kitchen smell delicious as my family and I fry them to a golden brown. Some of us like to eat them with just applesauce on top, others with applesauce and sour cream.
Erica Land | Photographer
My favorite holiday tradition is simply being so to family. We take walks, vacations, and every year, I take a family portrait. It’s the one photo I never miss. Watching the changes over time reminds me how lucky we are to grow, love, and come home to each other.
Drew Xeron | Photographer
Having a three- and six-year-old makes Christmas morning pure magic in our house. The kids race downstairs in their pajamas, eyes wide with wonder at what Santa has brought. I even film myself on the Ring cam, dressed as Santa sneaking in gifts, and show them later. It’s the happiest I’ve ever been.
Dr. Ceylon Mitchell, II | Photographer
For the holidays, my wife and I love spending Christmas at the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor with our two young boys. From tempting treats, holiday shows, festive activities, and colossal ice sculptures, it's our favorite way to create lasting holiday memories together!
Ryan Corvello | Photographer
One of my favorite holiday traditions is to cook a really thick and juicy steak on Christmas Eve. My family is a big sports family so, NFL games are always on after a peaceful morning of opening up gifts with Christmas Vacation on in the background.