Dear Readers: Here’s to a Merry & Magical December

Dear Readers,

This is the time of year I love. It’s magical.

There are twinkling lights in the shop windows and colourful ones wound around the neighbourhood. There’s a little dusting of snow on the ground—just enough to say, Santa is on his way.

I’ve saved more Christmas cookie recipes than I know what to do with, and I’ll probably feel like there isn’t enough time to bake and make as much as I’d like. Nevertheless, I’ll take the time I have and make the most of the holiday spirit with it. And I hope you will too.

This is the season of making, sharing, and giving. I love buying presents, I love making crafts, and I love baking treats—all to share. And I have a feeling you do too, because that’s the best of this life!

Every year, there’s a slightly different tempo or theme in the festive air. This year, there’s both a drive toward nostalgic opulence (Ralph Lauren Christmas) and a call for simpler fare—making fruitcake, crafting garlands, and drying oranges to scent your home. While I truly love both ends of those spectrums, the reality is that our days are also filled with work, errands, kids, friends, chores, and everything else that keeps life moving.

Many people are just trying to keep food in their pantry, let alone bake a freezer full.

My recommendation: keep it simple. Keep it meaningful. Keep it magical.

Whatever that looks like for you—maybe it’s adding deep red bows to your tree for that Ralph Lauren touch, or making a dried orange garland. Or maybe it’s skipping all of that and leaning into your family traditions, from watching favourite holiday movies to baking cookies with store-bought dough.

Lean into the meaningful moments.

Come home for the holidays, to whatever home is in your heart.

Thank you for letting The Best of This Life be part of your inspiration.

Happy Holidays! Here’s to a magical and merry season.

Warmly,
Emily

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Emily Smith

Emily Smith, Editor of The Best of This Life, has been crafting lifestyle content and delicious recipes for over a decade. Featured on platforms like BRIT + CO, Today's Parent, and Chatelaine, she writes about family, food, home, and wellness, inspiring readers to live well and savour life's beauty. Based in Ottawa, she shares her adventures with her husband, two beautiful kids, and their mischievous cat, Zoro.

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