Christmas

How to Make Simple, Cotton Christmas Stockings

Posted on by Melissa Harrison

For the first time since we have lived together, my husband and I are not travelling to see family on Christmas. We realized that this means we don’t have any parents to fill stocking for us. I became very excited to shop for “stocking stuffers” for the first time in my life and lovingly fill a stocking for my hubs. One problem was immediately brought to my attention: we don’t own stockings. Since I am not a skilled knitter, we went to our local fabric store to pick our stocking fabric. After my husband not being able to find his first choice – anything with cats on it – and after me discouraging him from choosing a Hanukkah themed print, camouflage, digital camouflage, animal print, fur and leather (seriously, what’s wrong with this guy?), he decided on the green fabric below. I then picked the red one to match because I hold all the sanity of the relationship.

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Hostess Gift Ideas

Posted on by Melissa Harrison

Hostess gifts are rarely seen outside of the holiday season among my generation. Come to think of it, they are rarely seen inside the holiday season as well. Our grandmothers would cringe to see that young women these days attend a party at a friend’s home and show up with nothing but a bottle of wine for themselves. Maybe you occasionally bring an appetiser or a dessert to share, but I say that’s not enough. Our grandmothers would bring gifts for their hostess to thank her for inviting them, for decorating and creating a relaxing atmosphere, for food, wine and the occasional party favour and, most importantly, for letting them have a fun evening without all the pesky cleaning up to do afterwards. I think it’s high time to bring back the hostess gift! At least at the bigger Christmas parties ladies.

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The Christmas Debt

Posted on by Mitch Hanna

The holidays have come and gone once more, but for me this year was unique, it was my first Christmas away from home. Even when I was studying abroad (when you grow up in a town where you’re never more than a few kilometers away from a cornfield, a 3 hour drive is considered abroad) I still came home for the holidays and, more importantly, had financial support from my parents. Continue reading →

Tradition-bending Ideas for Christmas Dinner

Posted on by Melissa Harrison

Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner or attending a festive potluck dinner party, it’s hard to walk the line between tradition and innovation. Some people are happy with the same turkey, mashed potatoes and jell-o your family has been making all your life, which is to say, as long as time itself. However, some people like to branch out and try cooking and consuming new and exciting things. Although I look forward to eating my Granny’s pies and making jokes about jell-o all year long, I also like exploring new foods. Here is my list of dishes to try this Christmas that are exotic enough to be exciting, but inconspicuous enough to entice even the most stringent of tradition upholders. Continue reading →