This weekend we took down the indoor Christmas decor which always makes me feel like its now officially the start of the new year. I’ll miss the warm glow of the candles in every window they’re one of my favourite holiday traditions, always the first things we put up in November and  the last thing to take down in January.

It was definitely a quiet Christmas and New Years break with no holiday parties or visiting planned.  The downtime was much needed though and we took full advantage with long daily walks, lots of reading and of course too much eating. There was an excessive amount of cookie baking, not all of it gifted….. ; ). Check out my Insta story highlights for all the different cookies. I also shared what I realized was a never before seen corner of my kitchen, this side of the range is the ‘baking zone’, where all my baking essentials are stored and where all the cookies cool before boxing them up.

My go to Christmas cookie recipes are from An Italian In my Kitchen. Almond Crescent Cookies, Simple Shortbread, Shortbread Two Ways, Turtle Bars, Pecan Snowballs, Chocolate Crackle Cookie.

The Christmas decor effort was minimal and simpler than usual but even though it couldn’t be a very social holiday season I always think its important to maintain traditions no matter what the circumstances - in small or big ways, its traditions that lift you through the holidays and into the spirit even in difficult or lonely times. Celebrating traditions are what turn just another day on the calendar into a special day.

Starting new traditions can create bonds and a sense of belonging. We’ve made new Christmas traditions here in Nova Scotia that are significantly different than ones we had in Toronto. They couldn’t be simpler but we always look forward to them with anticipation and enjoy every moment. Our East Coast Christmas day always includes lobster, a gift exchange and a beach walk. A couple of weeks before Christmas we cut a tree or two and some branches of fresh greenery from around the property to set the seasonal mood inside, I’ll make some simple wreaths and fill a couple of vessels with evergreen.

This is a rare occasion we didn’t use plain brown craft paper for wrapping but I couldn’t resist this ticking stripe paper found last year and we stocked up. There’s always a new design book under the tree, its what I look forward to the most - spending boxing day cuddled up by the fire with a new book!

I couldn’t resist bringing some seasonal touches into the barn too, on milder sunny days its a cozy place to hang out and just a welcome change of scene from the house. Foraged in early December, I’ll leave these beautiful winterberry branches here until Spring.

I’m looking forward to a fresh New Year ahead, its a year that I plan to focus on the concept of joy. Joy is about embracing the things and places and people that bring you peace and comfort - even during unhappy or challenging times.   At home Its so important to surround yourself with things that bring you joy, that’s truly what makes a house feel like home.

Cheers to a joy filled New Year!

From our home to yours,

May 2022 bring you much love and good health!