By Miwa Hiroe

As far as Christmas goes, you’re probably way ahead of me. In fact, this post would benefit (a lot) from someone else’s perspective. But, since it’s only a few more days until Christmas, I’m going to skip optimized information and share 5 very subjective highlights about the season.

1. The Lights

They are my gateway to holiday spirit; a cheerful beacon in the darkness. Whether it’s a beeswax candle adorned with holly or a house that’s lit with elaborate decor, lights delight me. (They also delight my toddler, whose exclamations of sheer joy upon seeing them hits me like spiked hot chocolate to the heart)

2. The Crafts

My desire for household items to have purpose sometimes rains on my enthusiasm for crafting. Luckily, a bit of string can turn any small craft into a tree decoration where it may hang, perfectly fulfilled. By the end of December, I’m a decent shot with the glue gun and a paper snowflake genius.

3. The Beverages

Just as limited quantity increases value, seasonal luxuries are perks to savour. I grew up on hot eggnog made from scratch and didn’t realize it was sold in refrigerated cartons until my 20’s. When it comes to spiced creaminess I’m not one to discriminate, they’ve all got their places. Here’s a vegan one that you might even replace your breakfast with:

https://healthyblenderrecipes.com/recipes/raw_vegan_eggnog_recipe (I like adding hemp hearts)

Another one of my favorite seasonal beverages is Mulled Wine. It’s wine, and a hand warmer in a mug. Bingo.

4. The Cookies

The baking at this time of year is always at least one of these things: more fancy, more fun, or more nutty. Edible art is, logically, the superior treat but my taste buds usually prefer the nuttier confections. Here are some Vegan Thumbprints I enjoy and, goodness, they’re healthy to boot. https://www.alive.com/recipe/walnut-raspberry-jam-thumbprints/ (I like to substitute half the olive oil for coconut oil or butter and fill them with homemade chia and berry jam)

5. The Giving

I have to be careful with this one – it can leave me as stumped as the remnants of last year’s Christmas tree. I’m guilty of wracking my brain for what someone needs or what they would LOVE and remaining hopelessly blank. I haven’t the mind reading capabilities or the resources. (Where can one buy a real unicorn these days anyway?) The solution to presents is presence. If people really enjoy your company they might forget you came empty handed. I’m kidding. Sort of. If you’re groaning and rolling your eyes at me because you left everything to last minute and were really hoping for a solid idea, consider this: a gift is not given to provide, it is a gesture of love, or perhaps kindness or appreciation. A thoughtfully written card? That’s love. So is time in the kitchen, homemade cookies and eggnog. Still rolling your eyes? Buy a locally made novelty – knitted alpaca mittens and beautifully handpainted oil & vinegar bottles. Bam!

Merry Christmas everyone!