December 2020

If you read my last post you will know I am really feeling the Christmas spirit this year. The Covid quarantine has really put me in the mood for celebrating a holiday that we often associate with togetherness and fun. I have been listening to Christmas music (since before Thanksgiving), and have put all my decor up and dressed my fur and feather babies in their best holiday finery. Since Covid has stymied my ability to invite people over to enjoy our farm festivities, I thought I would just post some photos on the blog. I hope you enjoy them!

Sasha is not a fan of frivolous attire, but she will tolerate things like this red plaid bow on her collar.

The kitties are enjoying snuggling up on cozy Christmas throws.

Covid can’t stop us from having fun on the farm. Even the chickens are feeling festive!

The goats are pretending to be reindeer in hopes that Santa will hire them to pull his sleigh.

The stockings have been hung by the chimney with care.

The kitchen is ready for baking some holiday goodies! My friend Brian gave me the California holly, also known as Christmas berry-he has it growing in his yard.

Holiday poinsettias in an antique wood bucket from Argyle, Wisconsin my Dad gave me long ago. The wreath is from Hobby Lobby.

Georgie enjoys hanging out by the Christmas tree.

My doormat reminds me to keep my spirits bright!

A snowman and some tiny trees on a vintage chippy table I found at a thrift store in Monterey.

Now we have only three days “til Christmas! I found this cute little sign at Target.

Sometimes, you just need a warm cup of cocoa or tea while you snuggle up and watch Christmas movies. My favorite is “It’s a Wonderful Life”!

If I start feeling the quarantine blues, I look at my Christmas cards and remind myself that it won’t be long before I can visit my friends and family again.

With sons Nick & Peter at a previous Christmas. Missing all my boys.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you enjoyed my snapshots of my cozy Christmas on the farm. You may also enjoy Christmas in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Wishing you peace, love, joy, and Christmas kisses from Aliyah and Anushka the goats.

Let’s face it, 2020 has been a pretty yucky year overall. Maybe that’s why I am so into holiday feels this year. Christmas is the season for celebration and cheer, for togetherness and twinkling lights and good tidings. I am so grateful for all good things, my family, friends, neighbors, and my list goes on and on. I also give thanks to be able to live in such a beautiful area that provides me with joy daily. The following are some of my favorite Christmas views from Carmel-by-the-Sea. So grab yourself a hot cup of cocoa, or eggnog, or a glass of wine, and enjoy!

One of the most iconic places in Carmel is the Cottage of Sweets. It was originally built in 1922 as a weaving studio. When the Court of the Golden Bough Theatre was built, the quaint cottage was loaded onto logs and rolled down Ocean Avenue to its current location, where it served as a ticket office for the theatre. Fast forward to today, where the tiny shop is jam-packed with delicious British sweets, chocolates, fudge, and more than 90 different licorices. It just radiates “Merry Christmas”, do you not agree?

Bluebird Cottage at the Lamp Lighter Inn is guarded by a husky this Christmas. If you did not know, dogs are such beloved in this seaside town. Here, they are treated (as they should be!) with dog friendly beaches and hotels, water bowls in front of many shops, and even doggy massages, surf lessons, and yappy hours. It is the perfect place to visit with your furry friend!

During the holiday season, Carmel has not only magical sights, but smells and tastes too! Who could resist the enticing goodies in this window?

Christmas is all about good food too! Carmel has some of the best, and often in super cute vintage dwellings. I love this one located adjacent to the Cottage of Sweets.

Entering through the gate to the Tuck Box English Tea Room is like entering a winter fairyland.

Carmel has the most enchanting little secret passages everywhere. You never know what you will find at the end! Maybe some mistletoe?

All the shops are so festive and fun in anticipation of holiday shoppers. And even though you may not be able to visit in person, you can always shop online for that special person who just loves Carmel!

Doris Day’s Cypress Inn sparkles with holiday cheer. This dog-friendly hotel features a “Yappy Hour” where folks bring their pooches and enjoy cocktails.

The Lincoln Green Inn’s lush flower gardens shower the holiday season with romance and color. Built in 1925, the Lincoln green Inn features four quaint cottages named after the tales of Robin Hood, including the protagonist as well as Maid Marian, Little John and Friar Tuck.

Uh oh, Santa left his boots! Maybe he just wants an excuse to come back to Carmel?

One of the most enjoyable things to do during the winter holidays is stroll the streets and enjoy the lights and decor. This little cottage has always been a favorite of mine. Loving the little dachshund on the roof!

Whether simple or fancy, holiday decor adds extra charm to the already lovely homes here.

Thank you so much, dear hearts, for visiting my blog. If you enjoyed this post you may also like Quarantine in Captivating Carmel-by-the-Sea and Fairy Tale Cottages in Carmel-by-the-Sea. For more information on visiting Carmel, see carmelcalifornia.com.

Wishing you peace, love, joy, and a beautiful holiday season. We can get through even the most challenging of times, if we are there for each other. Hugs!