Candles, tinsel, twinkling lights — when we hit peak December darkness, it’s time to find some shine. That’s why we turned our winter issue into a moment to glitter and glisten. We put megawatt lights (and fashion: Alexandre Vauthier, Valentino, Marc Jacobs, Gucci!) onto cover star Zoe Saldaña in photos that put a kirakira filter to shame. We talked to Michelle Obama herself about how to find, harness, and shine your own light out into the world; and we asked revered psychologists if, when SAD hits, more light is actually enough. In case it isn’t, we’ve got your guide to wearing sparkly things (but being chill about it), beauty products we could not have lived without this year — special thanks to our sponsor Carolina Herrera Fragrances — and more ways to brighten up your life. As the former first lady said, “I feel the most in style when I'm wearing something I love. When I feel good about what I'm wearing, I feel good about myself.” Find whatever that is for you, and way more, ahead.