About Jennifer Hughes
Ottawa City Editor Jennifer Hughes has an ongoing love affair with design, art, fashion and food that began many years ago with redecorating her dollhouse or staging impromptu Barbie fashion shows. Now she unearths the best of the above in our vibrant capital city.
Craze-free Christmas
capital city scene: holiday plans ottawa, canada
(Dec.21.11)
My holiday plans can be summed up quite easily: As little as possible. Here are 7 things I do plan to enjoy. Note the complete lack of ambition. I really want to try and kick back this year.
1. Head for the Hill
Though visiting Parliament Hill to see the lights display is something of an Ottawa rite of passage each year, it’s been many years since I’ve done it. Instead of the incidental drive-by, I’d love to take the family for a visit.
2. Read a book
I’m almost embarrassed to say how many months it’s been since I cracked the cover on a novel. Too many! In anticipation of the coming break, I’ve reserved my copy of Ami McKay’s The Virgin Cure from the library and plan to curl up with it for hours at a time.
3. Bake
I’m invited to a cookie exchange in a couple of days, just in time to break out a spectacular assortment of goodies after Christmas dinner. So as you read this, I’m probably donning my oven mitts and churning out multiple batches of treats. And you can bet it’ll be one of these delicious cookies that makes the cut.
4. Take a snow day
The best way to combat the cold winter weather is to get outside and enjoy it. With the backyard rink in full swing by Christmas, and new sleds under the tree, I’ll be hitting the snow for fun and frolic. My reward? A steaming hot chocolate – with marshmallows, please – to warm up afterwards.
5. Tree gazing
There’s always a time each year that I find myself sitting in the living room alone, enjoying the quiet in the late evening, and just admiring the Christmas tree with a sappy smile. I remember doing this as a kid, and it’s still one of my favourite holiday moments.
6. Have a relaxed New Year’s Eve
After the fun insanity of Christmas, the following week is generally one that I reserve for complete relaxation. This year, I’m skipping the New Year’s Eve shindigs and having friends over for a chilled-out celebration that includes a raclette meal (which essentially means I don’t have to cook). And champagne, of course.
7. Sleep
No explanation required. I might even schedule a few naps (and yes, these need to be scheduled or they won’t happen).
Happy holidays!