“PEACE BEGINS WITH A SMILE” – MOTHER TERESA
There’s a peaceful kind of magic that settles over our community this time of year — the quiet glow of lights along our main streets, the warmth of traditions old and new, the prayers of our community in our places of worship and the simple joy of greeting a neighbor with a smile, reminds us how blessed we are to call this community our home. Welcome to The Showcase Magazine’s Holiday issue!
In this issue, we’re celebrating the season's moments, highlighted by our beautiful front cover painting, “Peace,” by the talented Nancy Peer. Explore the very best of LOCAL and discover everything our LOCAL business community has to offer.
No matter if you're celebrating Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, or any other special holiday, within these pages we celebrate the people, places, and traditions that bring us together— from festive neighborhood events to the small acts of kindness that remind us of the true spirit of the season.
Whether you're decking the halls or gathering with loved ones, utilize our popular “DINING, SHOPPING & SPECIAL EVENTS” section serving as your ultimate “Holiday Celebration Guide”. Please remember to shop small and support our LOCAL entrepreneurs. Your purchases make a big difference! Stuck for the perfect gift? No worries, gift cards from LOCAL retailers and restaurants make ideal presents and stocking stuffers! Speaking of supporting LOCAL, mark your calendars, November 29th is Small-Business Saturday!
Get into the holiday spirit with family-friendly fun! Explore the Family Fun Holiday Calendar, The Warren Holiday Festival, The Berkeley Heights Winter Walk, Hoboken Happenings, On the Record in NYC, Simply Entertaining, and our Community Calendar of Events. Don’t miss the Holiday Word Find on page 15 for a chance to win a $200 prize package and check page 8 for our Cutie Pie Award contest—we love seeing your little ones!
We’re thrilled to showcase four LOCAL businesses in this issue—Cellar 97, Proud Thai Cookery, Times Thai Streatery, and Lupa Ristorante—each with inspiring success stories. Plus, be sure to read our “WOMEN IN BUSINESS” column featuring Michelle Garced of Arthur Murray Dance Centers.
In our “Giving Back” column, we Showcase organizations making a difference. This holiday season, we proudly donated to FEEDING AMERICA on behalf of our loyal clients and readers. For a complete list of supported organizations, visit www.theshowcasemagazine.net.
Celebrating 29 years as our community’s original magazine, The Showcase Magazine continues to bring engaging LOCAL content while supporting LOCAL merchants with affordable print and digital advertising. Follow us on social media to stay informed.
As the year draws to a close and the world slows beneath a blanket of lights and quiet wonder, we turn our thoughts to the simple, powerful idea of peace. Peace within our homes, communities, and hearts. This season, may peace be more than a wish we share, may it be a gift we nurture and pass on to one another.
With 2026 just ahead, Patti and I, along with the Showcase family, wish you and your loved ones a holiday season full of peace, joy, and cherished moments. May the New Year shine bright with health and be filled with laughter, success, and endless happiness!
We encourage you to SHOP SMART & SHOP LOCAL! Your support goes beyond a purchase—it’s a key investment in the growth and success of our community.
BE WELL, BE SAFE, BE KIND
Nina & Patti
