Staying Home for the Holidays

Staying home for the holidays? Take pleasure in the conviviality that envelops this season with a general feeling of coziness. The wafting aroma of cinnamon buns and mulled wine rich with nutmeg and star anise; the soft blowing of snow outside made more beautiful as you watch it fall from the couch. Winter is made for snuggling up beside those you love, perhaps with that newest best seller you’ve been dying to read, wearing your favourite shearling slippers with a hot peppermint tea nearby.

The season makes us think of candlelight, soft wooly blankets, frothy lattes, and a warm fireplace. Sure, when we think of cozy, we’re thinking of the extra layer and a warm cup beside us, but the true expression is found when we spend time together we those we love. The feelings of warmth in an intimate space of family and friendship. The sound of laughter roaring from every corner of the home. To stay home for the holidays means staying together, sharing in the small moments that make each day a little more magical.

For all the comforts of Christmas, you bring the family, we’ll bring the wine. For the softest, most luscious items to adorn yourself and your home, here’s a list of essentials so that you can hygge up for the holidays.

COMFORTABLE HOME

You want blankets? We’ve got plenty. Curl up like the human burrito you are in something softer than a baby kitten with blankets from Quilts Co like this frosty blue blanket (1. queen size, $39.99), arctic fox white blanket (2. $29.99), and this holiday deer blanket (3. $14.99). Warm up with a faux fur hot water bottle (4. $12.99) to get the party started. 

Kick up your feet and give a not-so-subtle message to your family with these "bring me wine" socks (5. twisted goods, $21.99). If you're afraid your sister's kids might knock over your glass, try using a cute hedgehog tumbler for your wine (6. David's tea, $18) (we won't tell anyone if you want to take it outside for a little sip by the fire).

A seasonal blend of Christmas teas will transport you to your favourite memories of the holidays. This delicious advent calendar (7. David's Tea, $49) is sure to bring the flavours of joy. Plus, watch the magic unfold as this heat sensitive mug (8. David's Tea, $25) transforms with a winter story before your eyes.

Set the scene with candles (9. Stokes, $9.99), festive glassware and a hefty glass of egg nog. Bring out your treasured holiday decorations to make your home glitter with the magic of gold and white. We love the glass infinity knots from Frenzy, perfect for the table or the vanity.

LOOK COZY, FEEL COZY

When it's cold outside, nothing is cozier than the perfect scarf and matching hat. Adorn yourself in winter’s favourite colour: mustard yellow. This rich tone compliments other neutrals well – this mustard yellow scarf (10. Suzy Shier, $25) and this yellow hat (12. Suzy Shier, $8) look luscious with the perfect coat: we suggest this soft striped grey coat (11. Suzy Shier, $80) for a night on the town, and a Canada Goose parka (starts at $1000) from Urban Trail for days at the ski hill. 

Staying in by the fireplace? A toasty, quiet moment calls for a great read to get lost in. Romantic novel or historical fiction? There’s a book at Coles for nearly everyone on your list.

For the self-care guru: Braving the Wilderness, Brene Brown (13. Coles, $37).

For the reader of any bestseller: There, There, Tommy Orange (14. Coles, $32).

For hopeless romantic: Crazy Rich Asians, Kevin Kwan (15. Coles, $21).

For the intellectual: Sapiens, A History of Humankind, Yuval Harari (16. Coles, $23).

For the bathroom reader: You Might Be From Saskatchewan If… (Vol.1 + 2), Carson Demmans (17. Coles, $12.95/ea)

Everything you need for a cozy life. Lawson.