Welcome to the Holiday Issue

Welcome to the November/December issue of Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine – the issue we lovingly refer to as the Christmas Issue. 

As we usher in November it is easy to get caught up in the bustle of getting ready for Christmas and the holidays, stringing lights and decking the halls. But with November here, we encourage you to hold tight until after honouring our Veterans on November 11th. Our resident writer Russ Sanders always provides a glimpse into history this time of year with Remembrance Day on the horizon, be sure to flip to his column ‘Those Were The Days’.

With November comes frosty mornings, mittens and cozy hikes before the snow flies, it is a time when the busyness of summer and fall fades, we start turning to hot, hearty and nourishing meals filled with root vegetables and everything spiced, instead of cold brew – our hands are warmed with piping hot beverages.

“November is chill, frosted mornings with a silver sun rising behind the trees, red cardinals at the feeders, and squirrels running scallops along the tops of the gray stone walls.” — Jean Hersey

As November fades and December approaches we start to think of the new year, of closing up this season of 2023 and readying for the freshness of 2024. Here at the magazine, we publish along with the changing of the seasons, and December is a great time of reflection for all that the year has brought to us, all that we have accomplished, and all of the wonderful people 2023 brought us. We are so thankful to have amazing support from readers all over cottage country. 

In this issue there are many businesses that bring you holiday cheer. We have articles about the art of holiday entertaining, local favourites Griffins Greenhouses talks seasonal decorating and our annual Shop Local Gift Guide is in this issue highlighting our wonderful advertisers in hopes that you will choose to support local, small businesses this holiday season. We caught up with local country music favourite Robyn Ottolini for our artist profile, and Kawartha Settlers Village talks about getting ready for their annual Festival of Trees. Mark’s is on the cover and in the pages of this issue and talk about all the great brands they offer to keep you warm and trendy this winter, on that same note Haliburton outdoor enthusiast Rick Whitteker gives you the lowdown on staying dry and warm while winter adventuring. Weekend at the Cottage has great recipes to keep your guests’ tummies happy, and Craig Nicholson hits the funny bone with his humorous column Chronicles of A City Boy’s Life In The Country. 

We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we have enjoyed putting it together for you.

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and a talk beside the fire: it is time for home.” – Edith Sitwell