December is here and Christmas is slowly on its way. Strings of colourful lights begin to brighten up the neighbourhoods, and the smell of cinnamon and hot chocolate is everywhere. At home, people are already huddling together to warm up and prepare for the festivities. Invitations are out, and we can't wait to get together. Until your favourite people are all brought together, we invite you to relax. Revive your best traditions, laugh and have a good time. The Christmas season is officially underway.
Whether you prefer a subdued, contemporary feel or a bold look filled with red, green and gold, decorating our home is one of the greatest Christmas traditions. To make it a memorable occasion, set aside the first few Saturday mornings in December to do it gradually, ending with the tree. Gather as a family, put on your plaid pyjamas and make gourmet coffees for everyone before letting your inner child run free!
Cover the staircase banisters with ribbons, hang the stockings on the hearth (or passageway cabinet) and change the entrance carpet. Place a mistletoe wreath on the table, dress your plant pots in velvet and hang jingle bells above the door. Your home will be transformed into a peaceful, inviting Christmas retreat.
For added coziness, add scented candles and strings of lights in glass vases. It'll create a warm, sparkling atmosphere. In any case, whether you prefer to follow a methodical, organized approach or to do as you please, it's your decor! The time you spend with your loved ones decorating the house is, without a doubt, what's really important.
Taking the time to do things that bring you joy is part of the magic of Christmas. If Christmas music fills you with happiness, start a family singing group for a few weeks, or go and listen to a local choir. You'll immediately be immersed in a world of magic and warmth. Hearing classic holiday songs can do just as much good: Michael Bublé and Mariah Carey, of course, but also Celine Dion, Diana Krall or Justin Bieber will get your holiday spirits up!
With friends, become Christmas elves for a day and set up a card-making workshop on the dining table. With the grandchildren, bake a gingerbread house from scratch and spend an afternoon decorating it. As lovers, relax by the fireplace and read some Christmas tales to warm your hearts. The most important part of enjoying the best traditions of the holiday season is spending time with loved ones and creating wonderful memories.
And it doesn't have to be complicated! There's a good reason why spending an afternoon under the covers watching Christmas movies such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Home Alone or It's a Wonderful Life is such a well-loved tradition! After your movie afternoon, all that's left for you to do is fill your thermos with hot chocolate, cover your ears with a toque and take a stroll in the crisp early evening air, looking at the lit-up houses in your neighborhood.
The holiday season is often a time associated with giving back. This year, consider donating non-perishable food, toys or other items that you no longer use, but that are in good condition. Many local charities collect food and gifts for distribution to the less fortunate. And if you feel so inclined, consider donating your time to a local organization. It may be your first time, but we're sure it won't be your last.
1799 Av. Pierre-Péladeau
Laval, QC H7T 2Y5, Canada