There are many things that I look forward to every year…holiday traditions that make the season feel so joyous and complete. Like getting our tree, decorating the house, and getting out and enjoying all our city has to offer! Each Christmas, Ryan and I divide our time between our families, trying to see as much of our loved ones as possible. We have incredible meals, exchange gifts and open stockings and usually play hilarious games. Recently, in the afternoon on Christmas, we’ve been going over to Ryan’s brother’s house and watching a movie all cozy in his theatre room. That has started to become a tradition I get especially excited for. I expect as our families change and grow, the traditions will as well, but each year, there are specific things I look forward to…my simple but absolutely favourite holiday traditions.
1. Attending all the Christmas Markets
It’s probably because I loved the Christmas markets in Germany so much, but I have to make sure and hit up each and every one in Edmonton leading up to the holidays. Whether it’s Royal Bison, The Butterdome Craft Sale, Make It or even the new addition of Shop the Loft, craft sales and markets are one of my favourite ways to start shopping for those special Christmas gifts.
2. Making Those Special Treats
It just wouldn’t be the holidays without my family baking traditions. I always make Spritz cookies (see the recipe here) and though it is much more difficult to make, my family always has Lefse, a soft Norwegian flatbread, at Christmas. It’s delicious! And as much as I love a good cup of steaming hot chocolate, each holiday season I make sure to whip up a batch of Mulled Wine (get the recipe I use here). Making festive treats with Christmas music playing on full blast will get anyone in the holiday spirit!
3. Watching My Favourite Holiday Film
There are a lot of movies that I love watching over the holidays but I can’t let a Christmas go past without watching my favourite, The Family Stone. I think this tradition started when I lived with my best friends after we came home from our world travels. All four of us got cozy on the couch, put on the movie and bawled our eyes out at the end. Ever since that year, I just have to watch it…and yes, I usually tear up still after seeing it dozens of times.
4. Seeing Great Theatre and Dance
Every year it varies, but we always make it a tradition of seeing a holiday production. Whether it’s The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol or Clara’s Dream, I absolutely love getting to see something festive onstage. This year, I was fortunate enough to get a behind the scenes look at Alberta Ballet’s The Nutcracker and then next week, I am supporting some of my dearest friends in Clara’s Dream. So excited!
5. Getting a New Ornament
Another tradition, though very simple, that I love, is getting a new Christmas ornament each year. I love that with every new tree I have a new addition. It makes it so personal, mismatched and fun. And my collection just keeps growing each year.
6. Hosting a Friends Xmas
If you know me, you know that I love decorating the house…and then hosting dinner and drinks! This year, we went to another friends house and it was spectacular. No matter where we gather, I love that we still get together as friends at Christmas time because really, it is like a second family.
7. Getting Out to the Mountains
I think the only year we didn’t make it out to Canmore and Banff was the year Ryan and I got engaged in Mexico. Every other Christmas Break, we always set aside time to be in the gorgeous mountains that are just that much more magical at this time of year.
There are many things that make the holidays special but most of all it’s being around the people I love. What are some of your favourite holiday traditions?
xo