Welcome to the Holiday Issue
The temperatures have dropped, and the brisk winds of winter are at your doorstep. Seasonal favourites have packed up and are hibernating as winter visits Cottage Country. But the bustling region doesn’t just grind to a halt when the snow hits – quite the opposite, actually. Cottagers may not be listening to the lake lap at the shore, but many spend the winter months watching the snow fall on an icy lake, enjoying all that winter cottaging has to offer.
Hobbies turn from swimming in the lake, to skating on it – a friendly game of hockey in front of the cottage with a warming fire and hot cocoa, make for a great afternoon. Snowmobiles come out and trails are groomed for the influx of riders who visit Cottage Country for the amazing winter riding we have to offer. There are many clubs in the area that suggest snowmobile day trips with stops along the way, these stops showcase the amazing character the small towns that sprinkle our countryside have to offer. Toboggans are brought out, and children bundle up to go flying down the same hills they hike in the summer months. I even know one cottager who builds the most epic snow luge for brave friends and family – helmets are a must!
No matter what you get up to this winter, we suggest you take a few quiet moments with a warm drink and a cozy blanket and give this holiday issue a read-through. Inside you will find articles from reader favourites like Jacob Rodenburg, and Jaquelyn Toupin. A new writer we have contributing is Craig Nicholson – who you might know as the intrepid Snowmobiler/Cottager – but this time he is giving his humorous take on how a city boy learns the ropes at the cottage.
On the cover Mark’s wows with gift giving ideas for the hard-working humans in your life, with specialty brands and recommendations for winter workwear and footwear.
We have the shop local gift guide that showcases some of the amazing ways you can spend your gift-giving dollars locally. Design ideas from local favourite Birchview Design, and seasonal greenery suggestions from Griffins Greenhouse get your home or cottage ready for the festive season. We bring you recipes from Weekend at the Cottage, sure to make your guests’ mouths water this Christmas and suggestions about 2 quick ways to upgrade your curb appeal.
This year we are proud to be sponsoring the Festival of Trees, put on annually by Kawartha Settlers Village – read about what they have in store for this year, and be sure to mark the calendar.
The end of the year is upon us, as we look back at the happenings of 2022, I hope you smile with amazing memories made with all the people who mean the most to you. Look forward to 2023 with excitement; for as we know, you never know what a new year has in store for us!
Here at Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine, we wish you all the best for a happy and healthy Christmas, complete with family and friends. We wish you all the best in the fresh new year of 2023, and hope it has all the magic in store to make your wishes and dreams come true.
