Okay, let’s talk about the unofficial rulebook of Christmas — you know, the one no one admits exists, but somehow we’re all following. When do you decorate? Are you an all-out holiday girly who’s blasting Mariah Carey November 1st? A subtle celebrator with a tasteful garland and one candle that smells like pine dreams? Or are you the person who waits until the week of Christmas to put up the tree? Or are you firmly in the “not at all” camp, glaring at the neighbour’s
inflatables until January 2nd?
Because let’s be honest — there are so many unwritten rules about when and how we’re “supposed” to Christmas. But I, dear reader, am here to say: rules be damned. I am a full-blown, tinsel-coated, mistletoe-scented Christmas freak. And I get it from my mom — the dazzling, incomparable Charmaine.
My mom worked insane hours — fourteen-hour days fuelled by coffee, chocolate, and pure Christmas spirit — and still managed to make magic. That’s the part that stuck with me. That’s why I go all out. Because for me, Christmas isn’t just a day. It’s a whole season of joy, cookies,
community, and love. So yes, I’m that gal.
Growing up, my family worked through most holidays (the glamorous life of retail, right?). We’d stumble into family dinners half brain-dead, inhaling turkey and mashed potatoes before falling into a deep, gravy-induced coma. But Christmas? Christmas was different. It was special. It was
sparkle. And here’s the truth no one says out loud — the sparkle of Christmas is your mom. Or your mother figure. No one does Christmas dazzling like moms (sorry Santa, you had a good run).
November 1st hits and it’s full send: Christmas jammies, movies on repeat, lights twinkling, multiple trees (yes, plural), and carols blaring. Why? Because no one’s going to show up waving a magic wand for you. You create your own sparkle. Now, I know — cue the controversy — we have Remembrance Day. And let me be very clear: I
honour it, deeply. I have veterans in my family, I attend ceremonies, and I give thanks to those who sacrificed everything for our freedom. Because of them, I get to celebrate, to own a business, to live freely, to sparkle loudly. So, to every veteran and every family who carries that
legacy — thank you. Truly.
Meanwhile, I’m also knee-deep in homemade gifts — coffee rubs, pickles, ornaments (it’s giving “Pinterest but make it practical”) — and planning my parties. I’m marking down every local event, like Craft Revival, the Thunder Bay Country Market, and all the small craft shows I can squeeze in. Because supporting local is my love language. Sarah at Lovely Body already knows my go-to soap, and Jamie at Rose N Crantz always knows my mom’s favourite roast. These are our people — and they make our community magic. So hey, decorate when you’re ready. Put up your tree in July if you want (no judgment here).Make paper garlands, buy your cousin a fabulous local candle, give to charities who need it most, and just celebrate. Because my friends — the holiday season has officially begun. And I’m reminded once again how lucky I am: to do what I love, surrounded by who I love, with all the sparkle I can muster.
All my holiday love,
Graysen
