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MORTGAGE ARTICLES
Have yourself a Dickens of a Holiday!
The past few years have seen a trend away from our brief
flirtation with the snazzy, jazzy modern holiday season. Traditional red and
green are back in style as Canadians look to the Victorians for inspiration.
Without much effort you may be able to re-create an authentic Dickensian holiday
for your family and friends this year:
• Candles to light the Advent. December is our darkest
month, and we traditionally chase the darkness away with bonfires and lights:
one of the oldest customs of the season. Look for pure beeswax, or soy- based
candles for long clean burning indoors. Place candles on or next to mirrors
– for maximum glow. The golden colours of natural candles look wonderful
when surrounded by cranberries and bunches of green holly.
• Deck the halls with boughs of holly! For some lucky
Canadians, holly is readily available. If you cannot gather your own native
branches and sprigs, be assured that every florist carries a good supply of
B.C. holly this month. Tuck sprigs into mirror and picture frames, centerpieces,
wreaths -- and most importantly -- into your plum pudding.
• Bring us some figgy pudding! Figs, raisins, and other
dried fruits are the features in the famous plum pudding of holiday storybooks.
If you haven’t yet tried this spectacular dessert, find a recipe this
year and treat your loved ones to the dramatic presentation and rich taste
of this steamed classic. No need for a fancy mould, any ovenproof bowl will
do. Put the pudding on a small silver platter, plant a sprig of holly, douse
lightly with brandy, and bring it flaming and gorgeous to your table.
• Brown paper packages tied up with string. The Victorians
didn’t spend a gift-giving fortune on preprinted wrapping paper. Rediscover
the charm of a simple wrapping. Kids can rubberstamp plain brown paper with
festive designs: a flurry of snowflakes, or a potato print of red mittens,
for example. This is a great activity for children -- it will make them feel
important, and best of all, they can’t make a mistake!
• Bowls of seasonal fruit and nuts make your holidays
simple, delicious, and beautiful. Keep nutcrackers and picks at the ready
-- there will always be someone who will take advantage of the fresh nut harvest.
And what could be more attractive than heaps of glossy lady apples or crisp
golden pears?
• Your Tree! It must be fresh of course, and adorned
with whatever heirlooms (old and new) that are meaningful to you and your
family. The Victorians would have relied on many handmade items – like
garlands of berries and popcorn, paper chains, and cornucopia cones filled
with sugared almonds. All of these decorations are Victorian in style and
easy to make. It’s not wise or practical for us to put candles on our
evergreens, but small white lights will do the trick. No need for a fancy
tree stand; a sturdy galvanized bucket filled with sand will do the trick.
Remember to water regularly. If you have young children or pets, consider
tying your tree to a nearby wall or ceiling hook with fishing line. Wrap your
bucket with a pretty throw or length of fabric for a bit of luxury.
So celebrate a Dickens holiday this year: polish the apples,
light the candles and, if you can, roast chestnuts by the fire.
Then whisper loving thoughts to those who matter the most.
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