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This year, we're definitely going to experience a Christmas that's very different from what we've experienced before. A more intimate Christmas, certainly, but that doesn't mean any less magical! What if we took the opportunity to create a celebration that's more like us? We'll guide you through how to turn the situation around for the better.
Create your own tailor-made Christmas
Over the years, Christmas traditions may have taken root without everyone in your family actually choosing them. While the holiday season is often synonymous with a frantic rush, this year is the perfect time to create the Christmas of your dreams.
To do this, involve the whole family. Ask the children to tell you what activities they would like to do and what they would like to eat for Christmas. Write down everyone's ideas on a piece of paper or a board and create your own personalized Christmas. You'll be surprised by the responses from the little ones; they often find joy in the simplest things.
Are you spending Christmas as a couple? Do the same, take note of both partners' suggestions and build your own personalized celebration. Will you be alone? Write down all the little things that really make you happy at Christmas and plan an evening that you will completely enjoy.
Stuck for inspiration? We've got tons of ideas to add a little magic to your home.
To take some fresh air
During the day, dress warmly and go play outside! With the kids, sliding or building a fort are always memorable moments. When you get back, the traditional cup of hot chocolate will comfort everyone! With a touch of whipped cream, it's even more special! As a couple or alone, a simple walk in the forest or in the neighborhood in the evening to admire the light decorations will succeed in dazzling you.
A car ride with big blankets for the children to admire the illuminated houses is also a guarantee of wonder. An outdoor fire will also be most enchanting.
Cooking Christmas Desserts
Here's a fun activity that will also fill the house with sweet aromas. With the little ones, the traditional gingerbread house or Christmas cookies to decorate will be perfect! With the teens, why not take the opportunity to reveal the secrets of the family fudge recipe or your famous homemade fudge? Is Grandma usually the one who makes them? Get a head start and ask your family members to send you their classic holiday recipes that you can make at home.
Whether you're a couple or even single, if you're feeling adventurous, try making a homemade Yule log or decadent (but oh so simple!) flavored chocolate truffles . Don't want to be stuck with all those extra sweet treats? Play the happiness merchant by wrapping everything up in pretty bags or jars and handing them out to loved ones or neighbors. Along the same lines, you can make a series of homemade gifts to give away.
Meals reinvented
For an aperitif, transform yourself into aspiring mixologists and improvise a holiday cocktail or mocktail workshop. For two, you can also enjoy a blind tasting of different microbrewery beers.
For the meal, you can of course prepare classic dishes like turkey or young turkey , but other options will make the table just as festive, such as a good fondue, raclette, or a winter BBQ. Enjoying a romantic dinner for two? Treat yourselves to luxury items you wouldn't be able to serve in a larger group: truffles, oysters, foie gras, seafood, caviar, and so on. Dining alone? Create a platter of Quebec cheeses and charcuterie accompanied by a few appetizers, fresh bread, and crackers.
Some atmosphere please!
Use all your senses to create a magical world. Christmas music is one of the best ways to create a joyful atmosphere. Turn off other electronics and let your favorite Christmas tunes play throughout the house. Again, involve the whole family and create a playlist with everyone's suggestions.
Here are some suggestions if you are short of ideas:
The instrumental soundtrack to Charlie Brown Christmas by jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi, recorded in 1964. Music that is sometimes calm and soothing, and at other times just jazzy and rhythmic enough.
If you're looking for something heavenly, that captures the full scope and intensity of traditional carols, the album " Marie-Michèle Desrosiers chante les classiques de Noël" recorded with the Czech Symphony Orchestra is the perfect choice. The magic truly takes hold.
The album A Very She & Him Christmas, released in 2011 by the duo She and Him (Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward A), will envelop your home in a warm and inviting atmosphere, leaning towards lounge music , with a touch of imperfections. A very pleasant album!
There are, of course, tons of Christmas-themed albums in English, French, or instrumental, such as the album Ma liste de Noël by the talented Mélissa Bédard , jazzy and rhythmic classics like Elvis Presley 's The Classic Christmas Album , Frank Sinatra 's Ultimate Christmas , Noël Ensemble presented by Mario Pelchat and Les prêtres , Chilly Gonzales – A Very Chilly Christmas , and Noël en noir & blanc – by Gregory Charles and Marc Hervieux.
Lighting is another important factor in making you feel festive. Dim the lights and plug in string lights. Even the scent will help make the atmosphere more festive. Light balsam fir scented candles or use essential oil diffusers. Even if you're a small group, don't neglect the decorations and set the table properly! A pretty table always makes an impact: a tablecloth, Christmas-colored napkins, a decorative centerpiece, and you're done!
For you, Christmas means putting on a beautiful sequined dress? Do it anyway! On the contrary, is putting on your best clothes torture every year? Suggest a different dress code: a pajama party? Why not? With the little ones, we can also designate colors: everyone in red and green!
Fun activities
Watching a Christmas movie remains the quintessential activity. For a change of pace, you can also read a Christmas story to the children or listen to audio Christmas tales. Alone or as a couple? Let Fred Pellerin's Christmas story unfold before you.
The classic "lie detector" game or the "Who am I" game with names stuck to the forehead are also great to play with just a few people. Wrapping gifts in multiple diapers to be unwrapped with mittens is another easy and fun game. Board games are literally pouring onto the market, there are some for all ages and skill levels. With teenagers, you're sure to have a great time! Several games are also designed for two players, and there are even some for solo play.
The whole team of l’épicier wishes you a wonderful Christmas just like you!
