My Favourite Holiday Traditions

As a Muslim family, we don’t celebrate Christmas in the traditional, religious sense. However, as I’ve blogged about in the past, I embrace the spirit of the holiday season in many forms.  To put it more bluntly, I’m a Christmas junkie.  For example, yesterday I ran into the Dollarama for a quick errand, and was overcome with excitement by the walls of decorations – red, green and white everything – jingle bells, felt elf hats, plastic mistletoe, cello wrap with candy canes on it.  It was all good, and I was loving every inch of it.

For me, this is a great time to celebrate our family and friendships, to show appreciation for those people who make our lives easier and better, and to fulfill those creative urges we have to decorate, cook and make beautiful gestures.  What do the holidays mean to you?  Here’s my list of favourite holiday stuff:

1.  Baking cookies. I bake the same shortbread cookies that my mum used to bake, embellishing them with red and green maraschino cherry halves – the recipe is on the back of the corn starch box.  Also some sugar cookies which are fun to decorate with frosting and various sprinkles.  There is something so satisfying about filling little containers full of homemade goodies.  Here are some pics from this year’s baking session.  It’s even more fun now that I have a little helper!

2.  Holiday cards to long-distance family and friends with a recent picture of my kids and a personal note – just to say "hi" and say how much they’re missed.  Many of these cards are sent to St. Stephen N.B., my hometown and the residence of many close friends who played an integral part of my childhood and upbringing.  Christmas in St. Stephen meant homemade pies, handmade gifts like crocheted afghan blankets and handknit skating sweaters, chicken bone chocolates from the local Ganong chocolate factory, groups of children caroling in the evenings, church bake sales and skating at the rink.

3. Going to Calgary.  Heading out west has become an annual tradition for our family. My in-laws live there and we spend two weeks nestled in their home, enjoying the comfort and warmth of their company against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.  In the 8 years I’ve been married, I’ve grown to love Calgary – aside from its stunning natural beauty, it’s got a real buzz these days with great new restaurants and shops.

4.  My children’s holiday concert at their preschool, Petite Maison Montessori, an incredible institution.  The teachers’ dedication and creativity is unreal.  This year’s theme was the Polar Express, and my Boy was the conductor (played in the film by Tom Hanks).  My heart melted when he belted out "All Aboard" with so much heartfelt conviction.

5.  Christmas treats galore.  Gingerbread lattes, candy cane hot chocolate – you name it, I love it.  Cosy beverages serve as the perfect accompaniment to fireside chatter.

6.  Wrapping.  I love to wrap.  Every year I choose a colour theme and then coordinate a few different papers with matching ribbons and bows. Ikea is a great place for fun and unique wrapping ideas and products. This year’s theme, featured below, is contemporary and features bold stripes, polka dots and solids in shades of red, orange, green and white.