Letter from the Publisher

Happy New Year!

As I write this month’s letter, it’s late afternoon and I’m looking out my window at the oaks, maples and evergreens lining the block, their branches etched in sharp relief against a winter sky that shifts from pale gold to soft pinks and deep purples as the sun sets. It’s cold, yes, but there’s still a warmth in that light, in the color, in the quiet beauty. Gardens are resting, trees are holding their energy low, and beneath the surface, spring life is quietly preparing. January offers a different kind of beginning, one rooted in observation, intention and care, especially if we take a moment to notice what’s here around us.

Our January issue of Natural Awakenings Chicago is likewise rooted in whole-person health and wellness, with stories that reflect how we are shaped not just by what we do, but by how we live day to day. In “The Power of Integrative Medicine: A Guide to Whole-Person Care,” Hannah Tytus explores a growing shift toward care that looks beyond symptoms to the fuller aspects of our well-being. That perspective continues in “Strong for Life: The Power of Functional Fitness,” which reminds us that strength and mobility are built through everyday movements, especially important in winter when it is easy to slow down. And in “Soulful Sourdough: Why This Bread Still Heals,” Maya Whitman returns us to the quiet wisdom of traditional practices rooted in patience, fermentation and care.

That same sense of care shows up close to home through food, nature and community. In “Winter Farmers Markets Keep Local Food on the Table Year-Round,” Janie Maxwell, executive director of the Illinois Farmers Market Association, highlights how winter markets continue to connect shoppers with fresh, locally produced foods, while “Create a Flavorful Frittata With Winter Market Selections” offers an easy, comforting way to bring those ingredients to our table. Seed swaps return throughout the winter as well, giving gardeners a chance to gather, share and begin shaping spring. And for anyone looking for a reason to step outside, “As Northern Landscapes Freeze, Chicago Welcomes Seasonal Songbirds,” by Sheryl DeVore, invites us to notice the beauty of our winter bird visitors.

As always, I encourage you to step outside each day and stay connected to the natural world. Experience the slow return of the light as the days lengthen. Bundle up and take a walk to a forest preserve trail, lakefront path or neighborhood sidewalk. Look for winter birds moving through bare branches, animal tracks crossing the snow or the textures of ice along a creek or river’s edge. Notice how the landscape settles into a quieter rhythm after a fresh snowfall. January offers its own kind of beauty if we pause long enough to notice it.

As always, thank you for welcoming Natural Awakenings into your home and wellness routine. On behalf of our entire team, I wish you a bright, healthy and inspired 2026.