Last weekend, after taking in the cinematic marvel that is "Hot Frosty" the night before, my husband and I logged back into Netflix for another festive holiday movie The winner? The Merry Gentlemen If you haven't had the viewing pleasure, let me simply say Chad Michael Murray + Magic Mike + Small Town Christmas The cringe factor was high, the shirtless content vastly outnumbered anything else, and while I've never associated six-pack abs with Christmas (the opposite actually, stretchy pants for the win!) we thoroughly enjoyed laughing with - and at - the film
To some, I suppose these steamy Hallmark-style Christmas movies are not of the season. They're definitely not traditional. Yet, I find myself wondering, what's wrong with a non-traditional holiday tradition? When did the goal become recreating Christmas past? With so much backwards movement, socially and politically, in the world right now, what's wrong with being enamoured with the traditionally defiant? If we don't enjoy The Bleacher's depressing new song "Merry Christmas Please Don't Call" how will it ever become a future Christmas classic?
As someone who has painstakingly amassed a collection of vintage glass ornaments which glitter from the tree set-up next to a collection of old brass deer on a vintage poinsettia print tablecloth, I adore looking back at the decor, fashion, and music of these bygone eras As an elder millennial raised on One Tree Hill, I'm also not going to tell Chad Michael Murray to put his shirt on.
Letter From the Owner December, 2024
Perhaps there is room for compromise We keep the beloved holiday traditions but refuse to slide back socially or politically in the coming year. We seek out thoughtful and loving gifts, then pair them with a cheeky card from a cute small shop. We bake our great-grandmother's famous shortbread cookies but sit down to enjoy them over a brash and offbeat board game with friends We dawn those silly paper crowns from our Christmas crackers but banish tomato aspic from the menu (or whatever jello mould concoction your family has tried to normalize for 60+ years)
If the above examples appear niche, they are It's me, this is my vision for Christmas for 2024 However, I won't advocate for one traditional swap out more than any other. Keep the parts you love about this time of year, I'll just be the little voice in your ear letting you know it's ok to scrap the rest and replace them with activities, decor, music, or foods that you like for a truly personalized and properly modernized holiday season After all, Christmas should feel good, shouldn't it?
Whether you take my movie recommendations or not, we wish you a wonderful holiday season.
From all of us at Far + Wide, Happy Holidays!.
xoxo Calli
Winter Playlist
Classy with a hint of nostalgia
Add a little flair with a pop of colour
The perfect mini Christmas card does exist
HOLIDAY GREETINGS
Shop Christmas Cards
The Christmas card for the Swiftie in your life
The ideal card for your cocktail loving friends
Drop It In The Mail
Stocking Stuffers
Easy way to add a touch of glam to your look
GIFTS UNDER $15
Shop Stocking Stuffers
For the person in your life who wants to learn how to mend
Spice up cocktails with a Smoky Ancho Salt rim
Secret Santa
Cinnamon bun in a cup - what more could your Secret Santa want?
Pair this hot honey with a list of all the delicious ways you can use it - our favourite is drizzled on pizza!
S UNDER $30
op Secret Santa
A literary classic that will look great on their bookshelf
Cute mug and a pair of cozy socks - just thrift a holiday movie and then you’re done!
FGifts or Her
For the mom who loves to stay organized
Holiday candle in a charming dish - what more could she want?
Everyone’s favourite brand is back with a bath soak
A GIFT FROM THE HEART
Shop For Mom
Sophisticated and stylish
Looks cute and smells good too
Splurge A Little
Gold-plated necklaces that can be worn separately or together to increase the drama!
A musky, deep scent of seeping honey resin, spruce trees, and ocean tides, are a sweet memory of summer
The dress of her dreams
SHE DESERVES A TREAT
Shop For Her
This piece is both effortless and on trend
The hand tufted texture and design makes this the perfect ground layer in any room of the house.
Christmas Spirits
A gimlet ornament paired with the fixings to make one? Yes please!
The whiskey drinkers will love this little deck almost as much as a bottle of whisky!
Pair with a bottle of wine for the perfect gift
LEVEL IT UP
Everyone needs these adorable olive picks! Shop Great
For those who love non-alcoholic recipes
Addition
Add this hibiscus salt rimmer to level up holiday cocktails
rap this with se of beer a a gift card fo acos if you’r feeling extra generous
Perfect for the gin drinkers
PPerfect airings
WE DID THE WORK SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO
1 COCKTAIL FANATICS
Whether you’re getting a gift for someone who enjoys mixing cocktails or mocktails, this is the perfect set. The Montenegro Tumbler is the perfect glass to ground this gift. Add the Vanilla Syrup from Bacanha for flavour, and then finish it off with the Smoky Ancho Salt Rimmer.
Montenegro Tumbler $14.00
Bacanha Raw Syrup $25.00
Smoky Ancho Salt Rimmer $12.00
Total $51.00 before tax
2 YES CHEF
Looking for a gift for a chef - or maybe an aspiring chef who’s currently watching The Bear? You can’t go wrong with this pasta made in Ontario, authentic pasta sauce shipped from Italy, and, of course, the Pasta Grannies Cookbook. Your next dinner party is going to taste delicious!
Casarecce Pasta $6.00
Calabrian Chili Amateur Sauce $12.50
Pasta Grannies: The Official Cookbook $56.50
Total $75.00 before tax
GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF EASE
3 FASHION ICON
The gift for the girl who is always put together and smells amazing. Mix and match this curated blend of products for the perfect gift. Bkind is a Canadian nail polish that comes in so many beautiful colours. The Butter Bliss adds a dash of colour while keeping lips hydrated. The perfume rollers come in heavenly scents and are the perfect size to throw in your purse and take on the go The gold-plated earrings are a stunning design that goes with every outfit.
Bkind Nail Polish - T'as Ben Raisin $16.00
Bliss Lip Balms $14.75
Perfume Roller $34.50
Chunky Wave Earrings $54.00
Total $119.25 before tax - mix and match your favourites!
4 SELF CARE PACKAGE
Give the gift of relaxation this Christmas with a bundle of bath and beauty items. Find everything from face and eye masks, bath bombs and shower steamers, face and body tools, and so much more!
Depuffing + Hydrating Eye Patches $9.00
Total $78.00 before tax - mix and match your favourites!
5 HOMEBODY SET
A little something for those who love the comforts of home. The little heart mug is a sweet cup to sip a Salted Caramel drink from while reading a book. They can munch on some delicious chocolate made in Squamish while lighting our favourite Moodgie incense.
Blume Salted Caramel Blend $25.00
Schoki Chocolate Bar $11.00
Moodgie Incense $24.50
Black Sweetheart Mug $18.75
Total $79.25 before tax
6 WANDERLUST
Those who are looking for an adventure would love the My Tiny Atlas books! Full of inspiration, places, photos, and reflection, the two make. a great combo for any jetsetter. Add on the little passport ornament to finish off the gift
My Tiny Atlas $40.00
My Tiny Atlas Travel Journal $22.99
Hand Painted Passport Ornament $16.50
Total $79.49 before tax
Don Your Fancy Apparel
CHRISTMAS PARTY STYLE
CUTE AND COMFY
This classic cardigan is an understated way to dress up this season
She’s flirty, but classy! This dress hits all the notes for your party
Carry everything you need and look good doing it with this Baggu Crescent Bag
Lean into the vintage look with this stunning watch
Stay cozy with this soft cardigan while not coving up that beautiful dress
The pants everyone needs! Extremely cute, but professional - what more do you need?
Shop Now
Silk and bowswhat more do you need for a Christmas party?
Add a sparkly shirt underneath for an extra layer of wow
GET DRESSED UP SLEEK AND GLAMOUROUS
Catch their eye with these dazzling earrings that will compliment any holiday look
Add a striking piece of sliver jewelry to finish off this gorgeous outfit
Turn heads in this elegant velvet dress that is the colour of the season
Crushed blue velvet pants are the perfect pants for this festive season
Adjustable straps to fit every wrist and just enough bling to elevate your outfit
Shop The Looks
Drape Yourself In Bling
ADD THE FINISHING TOUCH
BOW PEARL NECKLACE
BECCA G
GOLD SCALLOP HOOPS
TRIO TENNIS BRACELET DOUBLE HOOPS
Eleven Love
100% SILK STRING
MADE IN CANADA
CUT CRYSTAL BEADS AND NATURAL GEMSTONES
Beautiful, dainty and minimalistic. Each bracelet holds a unique meaning with custom packaging, artwork, affirmations, and stones. A special wish is written on the back of each card.
Each of Eleven Love’s products is handmade and inspired to help connect you to the universe’s magical energy. Created to uplift in the most inspiring or trying of times.
Stay Warm
E YOUR PICK
PERC COFFEE
Delicious coffee, and cute packaging - the perfect gift! Whether it’s for someone ’ s first bag of beans or hundredth, they’re bound to love these unique blends.
SCHOKI HOT CHOCOLATE
These rich and creamy Swiss-style hot chocolate mixes are made with ethically sourced cacao beans from Nicaragua Based in Squamish, BC
BUSHBERRY TEA
Bush Berry Tea hand blends organic, loose-leaf teas with ingredients sourced from small, sustainable farms. Their quality and eco-friendly packaging means every cup is a win for you and the planet
FERNWOOD COFFEE
Fernwood coffee is luxurious, comforting, and truly delicious. Founded on Vancouver Island, they are dedicated to bringing the best coffee from all the far corners of the world right to your cup.
THEY’RE ALL GOOD
SUPERLOST COFFEE
When people think of that traditional taste of coffee, that cup of nostalgia, it’s a cup from Superlost. Roasted in Brooklyn, they pride themselves on the traceability of their coffee.
UME BLENDS
me believes that feeling good about t you put in your body shouldn’t e bad. They create organic, planted, functional blends for your cup, g, smoothie, oatmeal bowl, and life!
BIG HEART TEA
Big Heart Tea is female-founded and on a mission to make healing herbs and teas more fun and more accessible. This delicious tea is made with certified organic or direct-trade ingredients
LAKE AND OAK TEA
This female-powered wellness brand is known for their clean and functional Superfood Teas and Latte Blends that also happen to be the *best* you've ever tasted.
Elevate Your Drink
MAKE IT FANCY
Let’s Play A Game
GET COMPETITIVE
1 OVERRATED/UNDERRATED
A game about how well you know your friends–and their horrible taste in pretty much everything. Inside you’ll find over 300 well-known (and entertaining) ‘things’ to weigh in on–from ‘nonalcoholic mixed drinks’ to ‘high school reunions’ and everything in between
3 COCKTAIL DICE
Can’t decide between a Sidecar or an Old Fashioned, or want to try something altogether new? Let these dice call the shots!
4 IRRELEVANT CELEBRITY TRIVIA
Trivia should be fun – not feel like a homework assignment. That’s why this trivia game is filled with as many completely useless celebrity facts as possible and even better, you’ll choose questions from a bunch of misleading categories.
5 THE (OVER) LOADED BLOODY MARY GAME
Gather your favourite pals, all your fav bloody mary (or cesear!) ingredients, and open up this game! Hopefully those jenga skills stuck with you, cause you’ll need them for this stackable wooden bloody mary game!
2 CRIBBAGE IN A BOX
It’s cribbage in a box –everyone’s favourite nostalgic game, but like, really cute!
