FROM THE EDITOR
From Gumdrops to Snowshoes: Creating Legendary Family Holidays
Stephanie Reed
Editor-in-Chief
There’s a Christmas tradition so popular at our family gatherings, even the grandchildren will look up from their Legos to witness it.
FROM THE EDITOR
From Gumdrops to Snowshoes: Creating Legendary Family Holidays
There’s a Christmas tradition so popular at our family gatherings, even the grandchildren will look up from their Legos to witness it.
Each year, my siblings and I gift each other items inspired by whatever materials we can find lying on a beach, or in an attic, or discarded in a Walmart parking lot (for example, a tire-dented crown presented in a velvet lined pizza box, or headphones studded with petrified gumdrops.)
It all began on a family Christmas trip to the Caribbean…
Trapped together on a small, internet-free sailing vessel, hopping from tiny island to tiny island, we began scavenging the beaches and Creole markets for entertainment, finding grotesquely-shaped shells and bits of flotsam to mold and glue into voodoo-style amulets, wrapped in banana leaves and tied with seaweed bows.
Every Christmas, we talk about how we wish we’d kept those first gag gifts—more memorable than anything we’ve glued together since. But more than that, we remember the gift of the experience—of a holiday shared in good company, in interesting places.
With that spirit in mind, your December issue is full of family adventures and travel ideas… like KK Stuart’s tour of Germany’s fairytale Christmas markets… Jon Sumple’s journey to Ireland in search of his ancestors… Greg Goodmacher’s snowshoeing safari in Japan (I’m booking my ticket)… and Seán Keenan’s disarming guide to the real treasures of Tuscany, and what the Insta-obsessed tourists are missing.
And that’s not all…
We’ve got Ronan McMahon’s inside look at the best places in the world to buy real estate in 2024. I’m pressed to think of a better Christmas gift than a condo in Cabo, except maybe a villa in the exquisite Portuguese town that comes in at No. 2…
P.S. If you don’t have a dusty basement to scour for gifts this year, turn to page 4, where Kristin Wilson offers inspired ideas for travel worshippers.
PUBLISHER INFORMATION
December 2023 Volume 44 Number 8
Founding Publisher: William Bonner
Publisher: Jackie Flynn
Executive Editor: Jennifer Stevens
Editor-in-Chief: Stephanie Reed
Managing Editor: Megan Ritchie
Designer: Derek Westwood
Online Editor: Donal Lucey
Illustrator: Colleen Clapp
Advertising Inquiries: Advertising@InternationalLiving.com
Media Inquiries: PR@InternationalLiving.com
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
International Living (ISSN 0277-2442), © Copyright 2023 by International Living Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. Protected by copyright laws of the United States and international treaties. This magazine may only be used pursuant to the subscription agreement and any reproduction, copying, or redistribution (electronic or otherwise, including on the world wide web), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the express written permission of International Living Publishing Ltd., Woodlock House, Carrick Road, Portlaw, Co. Waterford, Ireland. International Living is published monthly. Subscriptions: In the United States US$129 for one year, in Canada CAN$165 for one year, elsewhere US$149 for one year. Printed in the USA.
Postmaster: Send address changes to International Living, International Living Publishing Ltd., Woodlock House, Carrick Road, Portlaw, Co. Waterford, Ireland. Copies of this magazine are not available on newsstands but are furnished directly to the public by mail subscriptions only. International Living presents information and research believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. There are many dangers associated with international travel and investment, and readers should investigate any opportunity fully before committing to it. How to contact us:
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Stephanie Reed
,Editor-in-Chief
In the Issue (Articles)
Our Magazine Team
| Founding Publisher | William Bonner | |
| Publisher | Jackie Flynn | |
| Executive Editor, International Living | Jennifer Stevens | |
| Editor-in-Chief | Stephanie Reed | |
| Managing Editor | Megan Ritchie | |
| Designer | Derek Westwood | |
| Online Editor | Donal Lucey | |
| Illustrator | Colleen Clapp |
Past Issues
November 2025
Balancing Timing and Opportunity
October 2025
Finding Adventure—and Community—in Far-Flung Corners of the World
September 2025
The Path to a More Fulfilling Life Abroad Is Paved in… Gold
August 2025
This is for the Dreamers
July 2025
They Call It Retirement—We Call It Act II (With Better Wine)
June 2025
Your Dreams Deserve a Better Address
May 2025
You're Not Late to the Ball—We've Been Saving You the Best Dances
April 2025
The Right Community is Like a Good Melon
April 2025
The Most Livable Island in Southeast Asia
March 2025
One of These Hidden Places Could Be Your Next Home
November 2025
Balancing Timing and Opportunity
October 2025
Finding Adventure—and Community—in Far-Flung Corners of the World
September 2025
The Path to a More Fulfilling Life Abroad Is Paved in… Gold
August 2025
This is for the Dreamers
July 2025
They Call It Retirement—We Call It Act II (With Better Wine)
June 2025
Your Dreams Deserve a Better Address
May 2025
You're Not Late to the Ball—We've Been Saving You the Best Dances
April 2025
The Right Community is Like a Good Melon
April 2025
The Most Livable Island in Southeast Asia
March 2025
One of These Hidden Places Could Be Your Next Home
