Letter From The Editor

It seems to me like it was just Thanksgiving, but here we are already, on the home stretch to Christmas. This is usually about the time I realize just how screwed I am when it comes to gift shopping, and then I proceed to frantically run around the mall for hours in peak holiday traffic.

That can be kind of fun, in a way, but this year I was lucky enough to receive gift suggestions ahead of time — in Jaimie Kim’s food-related holiday gift guide on Page 16, and in Anton Glamb’s guide to DIY presents on Page 8. (He’s right; I really can’t buy anything as bad as the things I make myself. Enjoy, friends.)

All of that time-saving will come in handy with the plethora of can’t-miss events coming up, like Young The Giant playing at The Republik, and a Christmas-themed Honolulu Night Market. Check out our On The Grid events calendar on Page 6 for details on these and more.

One event that I am particularly excited about is the 2014 Sundance Film Festival Animated Shorts On Tour, which plays at Doris Duke Theatre starting Dec. 26. I had the opportunity to screen the films in advance, and I was completely blown away. (For me, Belly and It’s Such A Beautiful Day, especially, have required multiple viewings.) See the full story on Page 12. Plus, Honolulu Museum of Art has more partnerships with Sundance Institute lined up in 2015, which is really exciting.

This is the first time that my entire family has not been together for the holidays, so I have had a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit. If you’re feeling like a Grinch like me, our reader-submitted essay on Page 2 will cheer you right up. Kait Sawyer Hanson writes about people coming together to save a paralyzed dog.

And if you like dogs and Christmas, our Metrogram (Page 27) is made for you.