Season’s Greetings from my home to yours
Are you getting your Santa on? Our tree is up and decorated, as is the wreath above the fireplace. The outdoor lights are strung and mostly turn on/off at the designated times; rain plays havoc with the timers and some days they need a little coaxing.
This year, more than ever, we need the cheerful lights. I love it when darkness falls, and the twinkling lights take over. We spark a fire, pour a glass of wine, and soak up the comforting Christmas glow.
Quieter this year
The days leading up to Christmas will be quieter this year, but we’ll Zoom with far-flung family and enjoy their company long distance, along with fond reminiscences of Christmases past. For Christmas dinner, I’m preparing beef Wellington with a side of Rumpledethumps (mashed spuds with cabbage, onion, and cheese – SO good), and something green. Beans? Not sure yet.
We’re very lucky here on Denman Island to be able to source locally so much of what goes on our table. Corlan Vineyards produces award-winning wines. Fresh duck and chicken eggs are available all over the island. Neighbouring farms raise chickens, pork, beef, and lamb. Two Roads Farm grows a cornucopia of vegetables, and our general store carries pretty much everything else you might need.
Shop Local
Shopping local is more important than ever. The pandemic has hit artisans particularly hard with the lack of tourists and trade fairs. Many of their wares can be purchased at Abraxas Books and Gifts and the Denman Craft Shop. Each offers a wide selection of thoughtful gifts for everyone on your not-naughty list (and even some for the naughty crew).
Eggnog is a must, and I think I’ll dig out a puzzle and set it up on the card table. And we can’t forget Christmas carols. Following are some YouTube renditions I found for you. Enjoy the season, however you celebrate it. Stay safe and let’s hope 2021 kicks COVID to the curb.
XO
Jo-Anne
And if you’re looking for an escape this holiday season, the gift legacy is available in a boxed set at an exceptional price for a limited time. Season’s greetings.
Everybody wishes they could fly – until it happens.
Banner photo freestocks-org on unsplash
Merry Christmas!
While for many people it’s an unusual Christmas and holidays, for many others like me, it’s all the same.
It’s good to shop local and I believe most people do that.
I hope you are doing ok with some earnings, but mine were at zero for the entire year, not 1 dollar.
Life doesn’t end with this silent holiday season and Christmas day. I believe the New year might have better news for us.
This quiet year made lots of free time for creative expression, you probably were writing, too.
Merry Christmas and way better New Year than this we just had!
Yes! I’ll second that. Let’s hope 2021 shines brighter than 2020. Cheers!
Merry Christmas, Joanne – enjoy the lights! 🎄
Thanks so much. All the best to you and yours in 2021. Cheers!
Thanks for the beautiful newsletter, Jo-Anne. Best wishes!
Happy Christmas, Sussan! XO
How lovely Jo-Anne. Love your Christmas menu. I’ve printed out the recipe for Rumpledethumps. Maybe we’ll do the Beef Wellington combo for new years! Loved the Ramsay video. Would love to try it as well. Is that a filet mignon he used. Looked quite big.
Wishing you and John a wonderful Christmas and all the best in 2021! Happy writing!
Happy writing to you as well, Diana. And yes, that’s a centre cut filet mignon. It was a big hit when I made it two years ago. Fingers crossed it turns out just as well this year. XO
Very best wishes to you and John, Joanne. I am looking out at mountains (well, a huge amount) of new white snow and bright blue sky. Christmas card perfect! Except that it is minus 20 and a howling wind causing the snow to drift in as fast as we shovel. A quick refresher, after 13 years of warm winter!
I hope 2021 brings you good health and happiness, and less of 2020.
💕
Wendy
PS. I love the sound of your thumpledump (or whatever it was) – going to look that up, or request your recipe!
Good to hear from you, Wendy. Snowy mountains sound very Christmasy. Here’s a recipe for Rumpledethumps: https://www.food.com/recipe/rumpledethumps-182184
Sounds like a cozy Christmas and you are lucky to be able to buy so much of your food locally. The Rumpledethumps sounds amazing. I’ve never heard of it before.
I agree – we’re very lucky. Here’s one Rumpledethumps recipe (there are other versions) https://www.food.com/recipe/rumpledethumps-182184 Happy Christmas!