Ornaments Hung with Care – courtesy of Allie

As Marnie’s family lives on the Sunshine Coast and mine lives locally in Tsawwassen, the convenience of having everyone so close to home at Christmas is nice. Although it can be difficult to be in both places on Christmas Day, we try to alternate home and away every year to ensure our individual families don’t feel left out.

It’s actually been three years since we were last up with Marnie’s folks as her work schedule over the holidays hasn’t been too accommodating. Fortunately, her parents were able to swing down to our place in Steveston, so we were able to share the festive season with both of our families at the same time!

But back on topic, the trip up to Halfmoon Bay (which for those who are keeping track, happens to be just north of Sechelt) is always nice – especially this time of year. There’s a certain sense of reward when you leave the hustle and bustle of the city for the laid back village feel the Sunshine Coast possesses. And making it even better is the fantastic warmth and contentment I get sitting in front of a wood fired cast iron stove while listening to Christmas Carols softly playing in the background – our gas fireplace is nice, but it just isn’t the same. It will only be a quick trip up for a few days, but one that I’ve been looking forward to for weeks!

But it shouldn’t always be about me – what are your plans for the Christmas weekend?