Hellllllllooo my friendly faces.
It’s currently Sunday night and I’m sitting here on the couch half-watching a documentary about bears on TV (fittingly entitled “Bears”) and nursing a pretty impressive food baby. There was a huge bowl of roasted veggies on the dinner table tonight and I pretty much destroyed that sucker single-handedly. But there was no way I could resist. Seasoned Yukon potatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, beets, brussels, peppers, carrots, parsnips… get.in.mah.belly. And they did.
You know what’s strange? I didn’t get hit by the post-Chrsitmas blues this year. Normally I start feeling a little down in the dumps as soon as Christmas is over, but so far, so good. Actually, to be completely honest, I still feel like I’m still riding that pre-Christmas high. You know the one I’m taking about — the giddy excitement that comes with the anticipation of something magical. Maybe it’s the New Year. Maybe it’s my birthday. Or maybe it’s nothing more than the contentment that comes with being stuffed with good food and surrounded by family… Either way, I’m feeling happy.
And reminiscent, which I figured sets the perfect tone for a little Christmas recap…
I’ve thought long and hard about how I wanted to go about doing this, and I’ve come to the conclusion that a photo dump was in everyone’s best interest.
In mine because it meant that I wouldn’t have to try to put into words a feeling that’s almost impossible to put into words. And in yours because it meant that you wouldn’t have to suffer through my failure to put into words a feeling that’s almost impossible to put into words. Know.what.I.mean?
In all seriousness, though, there are some cases where pictures really do speak louder than words, and this is one of those cases. So without further ado… random scenes from Christmas 2014.
View from our hotel room at the Fairmont Banff Springs. Oh.em.GEE.
My favourite room to chill in. Complete with two fireplaces, a huge tree, and two random people.
It was seriously like walking around in a castle. Didn’t feel like a hotel at all.
The many moods of the mountains.
Going up the gondola to ride Sunshine.
Home, sweet home.
Looking back now, I think a big part of the reason I was able to avoid the post-Christmas funk is because I really got a chance to take in the holidays without all the added stress that comes along with them. This was the first year we went away before Christmas, and while I thought it would feel a little strange, it actually ended up being great because it took us away from all the craziness that comes with buying presents and prepping elaborate meals. It was a beautifully quiet Christmas, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I hope yours was equally as wonderful 🙂
What’s one awesome memory from your Christmas or holidays?
What’s your favourite gift that you received?
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Your Christmas looks beautiful! I kind of feel the same this year – I’m a little bit sad that all the excitement of the holidays is winding down, but I’m devoted to making sure the next 3 months of holiday-less winter are filled with festive things and fun adventures. Happy New Year!
That’s the best way to approach it. Happy New Year to you too, Anna!
I got a lot of great gifts this year but it’s a toss-up between SoulCycle classes and my black patatgonia vest so I fit in in my neighborhood!
Haven’t visited your blog for so long and just wanted to say hello and hope all is well girl 🙂
that hotel was seriously insane, and I didn’t even get to see that much of it! It would have made for a magical Christmas, for sure.
As for best thing I got for Christmas…it was from chef-friend 😉
<3
Favorite memory from the Christmas – finally discovering a vegan gingerbread cookie recipe that my whole family enjoys!
Best thing I got – a ring light (helps to even out the color when filming makeup tutorials). Hooray!
Your Christmas sounds like it was magnificent. Great pictures!
http://youtube.com/sparklesandsuch26
Wow, your photos are BEAUTIFUL! This looks like a magical way to spend Christmas 🙂
And I get so stuffed when I eat tons of vegetables, but only for like an hour since they’re high volume, low density 🙂
I love the Banff springs. I think it is probably the most beautiful place I have ever stayed, and it is so much more magical at Christmas. I love the idea of going away with family for Christmas!
Now this is how a photo dump post is done. Well played Spoons, well played.
These pictures were great and that castle was on point. I felt like I let go of a lot of stress these past couple of weeks, and I really enjoyed the whole holiday season from the decorating straight through to the cards and baking, and it just made everything so much more enjoyable. I’m still riding that same holiday high as you.
Your snowboard is named Sunshine? Tres interessant.
I’m glad to hear it 🙂 And Sunshine [Village] is actually the name of the ski resort in Banff. My board doesn’t have a name, although now that you mention it… I feel kind of rude for not giving it one.
I feel so bad for you, That must have been the most regrettable vacation ever.
Why?
BECAUSE YOU HAD TO LEAVE THAT HEAVEN! Seriously, my sister would have had to drag my kicking and screaming body out of that unreal hotel and lock me in a straightjacket while we drove away from those damn gorgeous mountains so I wouldn’t jump out of the window. Even in the dropping temperatures, the jealousy flame is still burning strong over here.
What did I get? A FISH! Ahhh I’m so lonely in my studio, so my momma bought me a gallon tank and is mailing me a gift card to a pet store to buy a fish. It sounds like a toddler typing that, but it’s true; I’m excited to own a single fish.
I had a single fish years and years ago and loved the heck out of that thing. It’s a good present to get 🙂
That hotel looks seriously gorgeous! It looks almost magical. 😀 So glad you had a good Christmas girl!
My favourite memory from this Christmas was baking cookies with my grandma. It was nice to spend some one on one time with her!
Wowowowow!!! The Fairmont in Banff is absolutely gorgeous!!!!
Can you believe I have never been to Banff before?! It’s beautiful I need to go sometime.
You do! And tell me when so that we can grab some Starbucks 😉
Just beautiful!! Both the mountains and the castle. I’m so happy that you had a peaceful and joyous Christmas! I definitely feel pretty good about post-Christmas also. For me, it could be because I know I don’t have to go back to school until Jan 20th 🙂
Wow, so gorgeous!!! Glad you had a wonderful Christmas!
What a gorgeous place to stay!!! And the mountains. So beautiful! It’d be hard to be sad with those kinda memories. 🙂 I unfortunately had the flu, came down with it just after church on Christmas Eve. I pretty much laid in bed and on the couch until Saturday. BUT – I did get to spend some fun times with our family that came in for the week! so that’s a plus!
Awwr sorry to hear that, girl! I hope you’re feeling better <3
Those views are unbelievable! I’m in love with the colors of that sunset. The castle looked like an amazing place for pre-Christmas getaway.
My favorite gift that I received would have to be a childrens book that my grandmother gave me. It was from when she was a child and she also read it to my mom when she was little so it’s sort of a family heirloom. I think she might be dropping a hint though! 🙂
Omigosh I would die. I have so much love for sentimental children’s books, so that would have me bawling like a baby.
Incredible photos! So glad you had such a wonderful and relaxing Christmas. 🙂
I think you might have been stuck in a dream–every part of it is just gorgeous! I miss seeing mountains and those amazing sunsets that you can only get with that atmosphere…
Know what’s funny? Maybe it’s because I’m already spoiled here on the west coast with all our mountain views and gorgeous scenery but the thing that stands out the most to me out of all these pictures are those funky velour couches in the hotel lobby by the tree. Ohhh, I want them. Or just one would be fine. Happy New Year, upcoming birthday (mine is on January 7th! oh the joy of post-Christmas birthdays, eh?) and all that fun stuff.
😆 The struggle is real with post-holiday birthdays. Everyone’s in a slump and no one wants to celebrate! Still, it’s probably better than having it on or even closer to Christmas…
I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed your stay in the castle! I didn’t experience any post-Christmas blues either… but I think it’s because it didn’t feel like the holidays to me & it was SO NICE to drive home to the mountains & settle back into my regular routine again.
My fav gift was a box of goodies the BF hid in my car for me to find. 🙂 🙂
Hi Amanda! Those pictures are incredible. We have a Fairmont near my place in San Francisco, and I know first-hand that hotel chain offers the best Christmas tree and scene you can find anywhere. I’m afraid I have a little bit of post-Christmas blues though — I went to Florida for the week to see my family, and it’s always hard to come back to California after that. Hope you have a great Monday!! 🙂
Those photos are absolutely stunning. I didnt get hit with any post Christmas blues either because it weirdly didnt feel like Christmas to me. Yes we celebrated accordingly but it was just a different year I guess. Glad you had a good time.
I know exactly what you mean about it not feeling like Christmas. I almost feel like I’m still waiting for it to happen…
That hotel seriously looks like something out of a movie. Incredibly beautiful! I can’t get over the tree either that has branches to the ground. Where is this place? I’m pretty sure I need to visit it some day.
It’s in Banff, Alberta. Right in the heart of the Canadian Rockies 🙂
Oh my goooodnesss it is so beautiful!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂
How beautiful! I’ve already suggested going there to my family for next Christmas. I think they think I’m joking though…
Getting away from the stress of the holiday is so nice. It seems like no matter how much you try to avoid it, there is still stress that prevents us (me?) from enjoying it fully.
What great views from the castle! I’ve been wanting to go snowboarding this season. The best part for me during the holidays was hosting a Christmas party this past weekend. It was great to see friends and my in-laws.
Wow that hotel/castle looks incredible and the views of the mountains are so beautiful!! I’m jealous you got to go snowboarding! I’m hoping to go skiing soon. My Christmas was spent with family in Colorado and we got a little bit of snow.
Beautiful! That place looks like something out of a fairy tale. I’ve always wanted to go on vacation somewhere for Christmas. When I was a kid, we took a trip to Disney World for Thanksgiving and I remember thinking how cool it was to have zero lines for rides and to eat Thanksgiving dinner at Hard Rock cafe haha. Glad you had a wonderful trip!
I would -love- to see Disney around Christmas! We were actually thinking about going there this year, but in the end the mountains won out. Hopefully one year!
WOW all those pics are beautiful! and your tree is gorgeous!
Prior to your post I’d have said celebrating Christmas elsewhere but home was unimaginable for me. Now? Holy amazingness! That’s gorgeous! And honestly : this year taught me it’s possible to celebrate without a tree [or a very unusual one as seen in my recap post], too, so … as long as we’re with the ones we love Christmas will always be great. Minus the usual arguments here and there …
My favourite part was simply being around family members I hadn’t seen in months. Maybe that’s why I ended up with lots of people but not a single picture of gifts on my camera.
I still think that celebrating anywhere but home would feel a little strange. We ended up coming home late on the 23rd so that we could have the 24th at home and go to Midnight Mass like normal 😆
Oh how gorgeous!! I want to stay there for a few nights. It looks like the absolute perfect place to enjoy a mug (or two) of hot cocoa.
I can’t resist the roasted vegetables either although I wish I could because I hate the uncomfortable feeling it gives me after! Seriously looks like a castle, super cool.
Tell me about it — food babies are the worst. I’ve found that yoga and stretching help a -tonne- though.
Those pictures are all beautiful! I felt like traveling for the holidays added a lot of stress for me. Im hoping one of these years we can just stay home and have family visit us!
What a beautiful Christmas you had!! So glad you’re happy and content. Here’s to a fabulous 2015!
Wow, absolutely beautiful! What a wonderful place to spend Christmas!
Whoa- those are some amazing photos and it does look like a castle! My favorite gift I received was a gift card for a massage, mani and pedi. I already have the appointments booked 😉
My best Christmas memory and gift go hand-in-hand… A swanky night out in Chicago was an amazing gift/memory!
I also get the post Christmas blues. I haven’t been hit with them yet, but I’m sure it will come. At the moment, however, I am just enjoying doing nothing!!!!
That really does sound like a great gift! I’ve never been to Chicago, but it’s on my list of cities that I’d love to visit.
I agree that post-anything blues is usually about the stress involved in the event, glad you really enjoyed your Christmas this year and are still riding the high! The photos are really amazing! And definitely no need to resist all those amazing roasted veggies. Sounds like all my favorites too 🙂
Umm, so WOW. Everything looks so freaking GORGEOUS. No wonder you had such a wonderful time! Clearly, staying in that hotel is absolutely on my bucket list now. :D.
The castle (hotel) is gorgeous <3 I would have hung out in that room as often as possible too! And your home Christmas tree is so pretty. Happy early New Year!
Thanks, Liz! Happy [early] New Year to you as well 🙂
Wow! What a view! And seriously such a gorgeous hotel! So glad to hear you had a great Christmas. Being away from family was harder for me this year than I remember from holidays past but I had a great holiday anyway hanging out with my friend. 🙂