There are so many reasons to be grateful this time of the year. Just looking back on how beautiful the summer months were, how lucky we were to have spent time with family and friends, enjoying the warm air at the cottage, the beach, the BBQ’s and games, the genuine play. It is a special thing to be able to experience so much joy, and to share it with others. To be able to create wonderful memories of lasting comfort.

November 11th this year, seemed to particularly resonate with me. It is that marked day that we gather to be grateful for the good fortune in our lives, and to give thanks for the freedom, the comforts and the opportunities that we are so lucky to have and contemplate. In a world that seems to be enduring so much struggle at this moment, it would seem to be more important more now than ever to not lose sight of giving thanks, on this day and every other. And to make a further commitment to share that sentiment with one another regularly. With hope, it is perhaps an opportunity for renewal, to learn from past mistakes, to learn from each other, and to carefully reflect. And a reminder to give back where we can.

And how exciting and lucky we are to be able to start planning our celebrations for the upcoming season. A new year full of hope is also just around the corner, and we can all work towards our goals to make each day brighter and better, for ourselves, and others. I am thrilled to be able to share in some memorable moments in the weeks ahead with family and friends. There are so many options to engage and feel the magic that this time of the year brings. Many opportunities to get out and enjoy time with one another, and to show support for local friends and family. A few festive celebrations are here below. There is a ton out there though, I have missed great ones here, I am sure. Whatever you do catch, I hope you enjoy.

Kingston Holiday Market
The Tett
December 2-3^rd, 9-10^th, 16-17^th from 11:00-4:00
https://www.tettcentre.org/

Fat Goose Craft Fair
Grant Hall, Queens Campus
December 2^nd, 10-4
http://www.fatgoosecraftfair.com/

MacKinnon Brothers Holiday Market
MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company, Bath
November 25-26, December 2-3
https://www.mackinnonbrewing.com/

Holiday Evening
Market Memorial Centre Bennett Barn
December 21^st 4-8
https://www.memorialcentrefarmersmarket.ca/events/holiday-market/

German Christmas Market
Amadeus Café
https://www.amadeuscafe.ca/

The Nutcracker- The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine
The Grand Theatre
December 7and 8^th
https://www.kingstongrand.ca/

The Kingston Symphony’s Candlelight Christmas
Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts
December 18^th, 19^th and 20^th
https://www.queensu.ca/theisabel/

Celebrating the Holidays with Miss Emily
Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts
December 9^th
https://www.queensu.ca/theisabel/

Holly Cole Jazz Classics Performance
The Grand Theatre
December 14^th
https://www.kingstongrand.ca/

Holiday Magic
Orchestra Kingston
December 10^th, 2:30-4:00, The Spire
https://thespirekingston.org/

Festive Fridays
Downtown Kingston
Dec 1,8, 25, 22
https://downtownkingston.ca/blogs/things-to-do/monthly-events-calendar

Skating in the Square
December-March, while it’s cold and beautiful https://www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/recreation/facilities/arenas/springer-market-square

And… a few more outside of Kingston.

I am from Essa Township, Utopia to be exact. I grew up and went to school in Baxter, and then Barrie, before moving away a long time ago to go to university. Since then, I have continued to call it my home. My mum and dad have lived on our family property now for 49 years. And so, I have been sharing my time between two places ever since. We used to walk down the road to our neighbour’s property and select our Christmas tree this time of the year when I was young (they invited us to I swear). They had a huge amount of acreage, and it was lined on the southern end with Balsam Fir. Every year it was tradition, my dad would chop a tree down, and we’d drag it back to the house to decorate. I have wonderful memories of those times. The road was gravel back then, the stars on any night could be seen. And there weren’t many cars that ever passed by. I have a photo somewhere of the tree cutting, and the cats and our dog walking single file behind us straight down the middle of the road. Things were a lot simpler back then, and in many ways for the better.

I’ll be up there and taking part and celebrating in the events local to that area as well this year, as I have ever year that I can remember. The holidays are a time for slowing down and spending quality time together, and now more than ever in the world, I think there’s good reason to get out and celebrate our good fortune.

Drysdale’s Tree Farm Christmas and Holiday Village Weekends
November 18^th– December 17th
https://www.drysdales.ca/

First Light, Saint-Marie Among the Hurons
(It’s a beautiful evening. I went last year for my first time in many. And outdoor walk by candlelight through historic buildings and walkways. It is an opportunity to reflect on history and spend some quality time with family and friends. There is a great holiday market too full of local artisans to support)
November and December, selected evenings 5:30-9pm
https://saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca/

Noella Festival at Meridian Place
November 18th to December 17th
https://downtownbarrie.ca/events/noella-festival/

Quayle’s Annual Christmas Market
November 18th and 19th, and 25th and 26th from 11-5
https://quaylesbrewery.ca/

Magic of Lights Barrie at Springwater Park
November 16th to January 6^th, Springwater Provincial Park.
https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/springwater
https://magicoflights.com/events/barrie/

Soul of Motown Christmas Special
Georgian Theatre Dec. 15^th
https://www.barrie.ca/community-recreation-environment/arts-culture/theatres-tickets

A Christmas Carol
Collier Street United Church. December 8th at 7pm.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-christmas-carol-tickets-751224491677

A sampling of many events at the Orillia Opera House
Ballet Jorgen’s The Nutcracker
A Lunch at Allen’s Christmas
The Barra MacNeil’s an East Coast Christmas Serena Ryder Merry Myths Tour
http://www.orilliaoperahouse.ca/en/index.aspx