- The crackling sound of a fireplace ... and I don't mind if it's just the very politically correct "Holiday" Log on Shaw Cable. It's nice to see that Mr 'poker guy' has changed his plaid shirt this year. I'm watching it now!
- Trumpeter Swans - trumpeting, of course - was it my imagination or did I actually count seven of them? Seven swans a ... you get the drift. I love this time of the year on Vancouver Island when the Swans are still deciding whether to leave for their annual holiday trip to Washington State or stay here. I hope they stay here. Listen for them ... look up ... huge white gliders, wings and necks outstretched. An absolute marvel in flight.
- Sea Lions ... when the ocean is flat calm and the tide is hugging the shore in Qualicum Beach, the Sea Lions lazily float by with their flippers held high out of the water as if waving to the silly human taking pictures with a zoom lens from the seawall. (That would be me). "Smell my flipper-pits, you silly fool," I'm sure I heard one say. "And listen to me bark and bellow. I know you love that, too." Yes! Yes! I actually do!
- Turkey Vouchers from Quality Foods. What can I say ... I like free stuff - even if it's my own QF points that earn the coupon privilege throughout the year. My kitchen is a place for "cooking meditation" ... a place where I create holiday yummies (I made up that word!) and a time when I can focus on the pure joy of cooking.
- The annual Holiday Home Tour organized by Sunrise Rotary Club of Qualicum Beach. It's become an annual favourite - especially when the day is shared with a fun friend!
- Light, flaky, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread - terribly decadent memories of Christmas goodies at my Aunt Hilda's Toronto home, an old victorian that was always beautifully decked out for the holidays.
- Christmas Crackers ... I love the anticipation of the prize inside ... the silly hats and the motto of the day - it's all such fun and craziness around the dinner table.
- Holiday store windows ... I fell in love with them in Toronto before Eatons and Simpsons became part of department store heritage. The huge Queen Street West windows filled with animated elves, skating raccoons and Christmas music piped to the street, drew me to downtown Toronto each year.
- My Aunt Dorothy's butter tarts ... second only to my Mom's Christmas dinner ... turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and sweet peas ... need I say more! They're family favourites!
- The holidays means an end to the year, with spring just around the corner - another season of memories to be unlocked by the scent of Lilacs. I'm already looking forward to it.
What are your Christmas favourites?
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