my christmas week

happy new year!  thank you for your holiday wishes.  i hope you had a wonderful christmas week.  our last week of 2013 was a cozy one.  if you like, take a peek...
 
christmas day showed itself to be a restful and delicious day; wearing our pajamas all day, opening gifts, cats getting into the wrapping paper bits, eating good food and treats, playing, and just hanging out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



on the foodie front, stefan outdid himself yet again. we started the day with an omelet of leek, gruyere cheese, bacon, and topped with hazelnuts and ended it with apricot glazed ham, creamed corn and biscuits to soak up the gravy.  the best part?  there was leftovers :)  oh, and in between there was cheese and charcuterie too.
 
and that's not all, the night before he made individual parchment paper-wrapped arctic char with leek, carrot and zucchini laid on top - it was fresh and light - and accompanied by yummy potato latkes.  

i think he's started a christmas eve and day food tradition because i couldn't imagine eating anything else next year.

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



we took walks around the neighbourhood, we exchanged goodies with neighbours, we strolled the festival of lights, we hung out at coffee shops, we watched films (this and this) and kicked kai's new soccer ball around.







 

 

 

 

 

 



 



we spent time with friends... a little christmas eve day visit with ghazaleh, kam and their kiddos (one is only a couple of weeks old). and a new years eve with our dear friends darrin, alexia, and kara (and baby on the way). oh my, what fabulous friends we have, we are so grateful to have them in our lives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the time between christmas and new year is something special, i think.  it's a break from the holiday frenzy (although i love that part too!), there are no agendas and normal routines are put on hold.  there is peace and quiet and time to recharge.  we took this special time to hang out with family on the island.
 
we strolled beacon hill park, we visited butchart gardens and skated, we saw the hobbit, we ate, we crafted, we hiked.  it was a lovely few days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  



one handmade snowflake equals a free hot chocolate!

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 



photo by maya



 



photo by maya





and although the festivities are over (i am back at work today), the tree is still up, the house still looks festive -- the garlands drape the window, the wreath is on the door, and bowls of sweets are all around.  it will be sad to dismantle it all this weekend but happy for christmas 2014 when it starts all over again.