Note 08 - The Holidays
October has come and gone, and that can only mean one thing: the holiday season is here. Every year, this is the moment I look forward to the most: when I can finally start decorating. I even saw my first snowfall of the year yesterday!
I’ve always loved the weeks leading up to Christmas even more than the holidays themselves. For me, it’s all about the anticipation: waiting for the first snowfall, filling the house with the comforting scents of baked treats, rewatching my go-to holiday movies (The Holiday and Love Actually, of course), preparing Christmas cards, and lighting up my paper stars to brighten up the darker days.
In this post, I’ll share my personalized gift guide, some of my favourite holiday traditions, a few decoration ideas, and my recommendations from the week (non-Christmas related, I promise!). Buckle up because it’s a big one!
Gift Guide
Pitcher - Georg Jensen / Alarm Clock - Båge & Söner / Hand Cream - Mantle / Robe - Tekla / Lipstick - Westman Atelier / Knit Book - Skall Studio / Earrings - Lié Studio / Triangle Cashmere scarf - Aritzia / Headphones - Bang & Olufsen / Wooden Tray - Kay Bojesen / Jewelry Box - Sophie Bille Brahe / Hand weights - Bala / Notebook - Papier / Rose Balm - Mantle / Genna Gloves - By Malene Birger / Salt & Pepper shakers - Ferm Living / Book - Marisa Meltzer
A few ideas if you’re looking for a gift for someone special, or want to add a few things to your own wish list. Most of these are things I already use and love, like the Sophie Bille Brahe jewelry box or the Bang & Olufsen noise-cancelling headphones. I also added items I’m coveting, such as the Genna gleather gloves from By Malene Birger, which are high on my wish list for this winter, and these Lié Studio earrings.
For me, the perfect holiday gifts must be, above all, cozy: reading material, something to wear when you bundle up at home, beautiful home objects, or special beauty products that one wouldn’t necessarily buy for oneself. Most importantly, it has to be thoughtful and make you think of the person you’re gifting to.
I also love gifts that fall into the “practical luxury” category. Elevated versions of everyday items that someone uses often but wouldn’t splurge on for themselves, like a fancy hand soap, a good pair of pyjamas, cashmere socks, and personalized anything!
What I Wore… to the Munich Christmas Market last year
Last year, I was lucky enough to visit the Munich Christmas Market for the first time, and it was nothing short of magical. The twinkling lights, the charming wooden stalls, and the cozy aroma of Glühwein filling the air made it feel straight out of a fairy tale.
It was a chilly day, so I bundled up in my trusty Arket wool coat layered over a ribbed cardigan (just visible at the sleeves for a touch of texture), my black ATP Atelier crossbody bag, and a playful GANNI scarf that reminds me of traditional Fair Isle patterns.
GANNI scarf, Totême cardigan, Arket wool coat, ATP Atelier bag
Ornaments
Toronto Distillery District Christmas Market
Ornaments from the Munich Christmas market
Ferm Living Ornaments
Similar to gifts, I love ornaments that tell a story about the people who live in a home. Some of the ones I treasure most are Copenhagen-inspired pieces from Ferm Living, which add a touch of Scandinavian elegance to my tree, and a set of delicate straw ornaments (traditional German decorations) that my boyfriend’s mom sent from Munich.
A few years ago, I spotted beautiful sparkly oyster ornaments at the Toronto Distillery District Christmas Market, and they’ve lived rent-free in my mind ever since. I’m going to Toronto in two weeks, and I’m tempted to visit the market’s opening to see if they still have them.
Above all, I have a real soft spot for Swedish paper stars. The year I lived in London, I spent Christmas in Sweden with my best friend, and every window glowed with these cozy stars. Ever since then, I’ve made sure to hang them in my own home. Mine come from Ikea. Their selection of Christmas stars is just perfect with lots of different sizes, shapes and designs.
Swedish paper star - Ikea
Traditions
Advent candle
Lussekatt & Pepparkakor
Sending Christmas cards
I’ve always loved traditions, there’s something magical about repeating small rituals that connect one year to the next. Many of my favourite traditions are inspired by Scandinavian culture, which has such a cozy, light-filled way of celebrating the dark winter months. One I especially cherish is the Advent candle tradition. Either lighting a single candle that burns a little each day leading up to Christmas, or using four candles and lighting one for each Advent Sunday.
Another tradition I adore is baking classic Christmas treats such as the Swedish saffron buns, Lussekatter, or the thin gingerbread cookies, Pepparkakor. The scent of saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon fills the house and instantly makes it feel like the holidays have truly begun.
And finally, I love the ritual of sending holiday cards to friends and family. Choosing the right cards, writing thoughtful messages, and selecting festive stamps all feel special, especially since many of my friends are long-distance. This year, I’ve picked up pink and red cards from By Hollie Startup, a UK-based illustrator.
Everyday delights
By Malene Birger Trench
Homemade cardamom buns
Baum Und Pferdgarten dress
Joe Beef
This week, my mom and I took a brioche-making course together. We learned how to make the dough from scratch, knead it properly, and pick up all the little tricks every good baker should know. I practiced yesterday and made cardamom buns. They didn’t turn out perfectly shaped, but they were delicious, soft, and super fluffy. I’ve never managed to make a good version before, so I’ll call this progress. It can only go up from here!
I also got to wear my By Malene Birger trench coat for the first time this week and received so many compliments. It’s quickly become one of my favourite ‘show-pony’ pieces.
To wrap up the week, my boyfriend and I had a date night at Joe Beef (a Montreal institution). I wore my polka-dot dress from Baum und Pferdgarten and felt amazing in it. The restaurant is a victim of its success. I thought it was a bit loud and overstimulating. Still, the lobster spaghetti and Boston scallops were so worth it.
This Week’s Edit
Lily Allen’s West End Girl Album
I grew up listening to Lily Allen (and even got to meet her at one of her shows a few years ago!), so I was pleasantly surprised when she dropped her new album West End Girl last week. It’s been on repeat ever since. I love listening to albums from start to finish, and this one feels especially cohesive with the storytelling. Definitely give it a listen if you haven’t already.
Miu Miu Periwinkle Ballet Flats
By now, these are probably resting in my RealReal graveyard, and I’d never splurge on them at full price. BUT, how gorgeous are these Miu Miu satin shoes in that rich periwinkle blue? I can picture them paired with a long white cotton dress or even dressed down with jeans and a cozy sweater. I have no words, they are stunning! I especially love the contrast between the blue satin and the blush elastic.
I’ve somehow found myself deep on the Ballymaloe side of TikTok lately, and I’m not mad about it. I’ve watched a few videos of girls taking the week-long cooking course at this organic farm and cookery school in Cork, Ireland, and it looks absolutely magical. You learn how to bake sourdough, cook with local ingredients, and prepare the most incredible meals. Not going to lie, it’s officially on my bucket list of things to do before I turn 30!
Reservatet on Netflix
I watched this show last week, set in Hellerup, a fancy Copenhagen suburb. It’s a thriller that peels back the polished surface of upper-class life, revealing all the secrets and tensions that lie beneath. The story follows a group of neighbours whose lives become entangled after a mysterious disappearance shakes their quiet community. Good if you’re into Nordic Noir!
Love, S.
