Don’t Forget to Celebrate

Marking life’s happier moments is more important than ever.

“HANGING WITH MY POD PEOPLE IN AN IGLOO is not a sentence I would have imagined a year ago, but here we are.” So reads the caption on one of the first photos I’ve posted on Instagram in quite some time. Well, other than shots of my neurotic cat doing something weird and inscrutable, or the latest dish I learned to cook (my quest for perfect crispy pan pizza continues). In other words, a rare photo of the world beyond the limits of my yard.

Our little pandemic group—my husband, me, our two friends and their two kids—went out to celebrate our birthdays, as all four adults were born somewhere between mid-January and the end of February. Brewery patio igloos, it turns out, are not overly spacious. Or comfy. Or really all that warm. We huddled in our plastic dome, cranked the heater and raised our glasses to another year on the Earth.

It was cramped, chilly and strange. It was also wonderful. I highly recommend it.

I was reminded that celebrating is important; perhaps even more so in a time filled with isolation, tragedy and grief. It’s been a dark year, and we need to find light wherever and whenever we can.

This is, in part, why we went ahead with the Design Awards. By shining a light on to some of the outstanding work happening here in New Hampshire, we hope we’re helping you find just a little more brightness.

It’s also comforting to know that despite the many uncertainties we’re facing, creativity is not only still possible, it’s thriving. That’s certainly worth celebrating, even if we can’t do so in person.

Our virtual awards event, held on January 20, was definitely strange, and at times a little awkward. Publisher Ernesto Burden and I stood in front of a green screen in our empty office, addressing an audience we couldn’t see, improvising mostly adequately (I hope) during a few technical difficulties. Erin Fehlau and Tom Griffith we are not.

But after every award was announced, the winners appeared on the screen to give a short speech. It was not, clearly, the same as joining in on the applause as the winner takes the stage, shaking their hand as you step aside. Yet simply seeing happy faces, hearing their words of gratitude and thanks—it was another notso-small light I’ll hold onto.

None of this would have been possible without the many talented architects, builders and designers who entered this year’s awards—thank you to everyone who submitted. All of us at New Hampshire Home realize this has been a difficult year, both personally and professionally, and we’re grateful you spent the time and energy to share your best projects with us. It was wonderful to have a reason to celebrate, even if only through screens and here in the pages of the magazine.

For those who are discovering for the first time who won (see page 68), at the very least, I hope you find a few moments of pleasant distraction and, better yet, perhaps some inspiration. All of the winning entries showcase the incredible talent you can find right here in New Hampshire.

I also hope you all find ways to bring a little light to your lives. Maybe that looks like hanging with your birthday bubble people in an actual bubble. Maybe it’s decking out your car in streamers and paint for a drive-by wedding reception, or learning some unnecessarily complicated French entrée to make with your partner on your anniversary. Whatever it is, I wish you the best, and I look forward to hosting you in person at the 2022 New Hampshire Home Design Awards. See you then.