Making a French Canadian Gothmas!

My Holiday festivities started when I was invited to my friend's birthday party earlier this month. It was a formal affair and since I lost a considerable amount of weight, I had a cornucopia of clothing to choose from! I decided on a simple black dress that had a small layer of tulle underneath. Once I tried the dress on, I immediately got Sailor Moon vibes and I was inspired! Here is a cute photo of me! 

A gothic Moon Princess!

Working part-time during this period has made the Holiday preparations less stressful. I got to make a lovely homemade tourtière (meat pie) My father was French Canadian and I tend to miss him this time of the year. Being able to make this dish is an excellent way to honour his memory. Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos but the pie is safe in my freezer and we are all excited to devour it on the 24th! 

Considering Dad was French Canadian and my mom was an Anglophone, my dad tried to pass on some of his traditions to me when I was younger. Usually, my dad and I had a little celebration just the two of us on Christmas Eve or Réveillon as we call it. My mom would sometimes serve tourtière as a main dish, much to Pop's insistence that it was made a certain way! My mother told me how to make it years ago and I have been making it "dad's way" ever since! We would watch Christmas movies together and our favourites were National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, and A Christmas Carol We often drank eggnog together too while watching these movies. He had rum or cognac in his drink until I got old enough to indulge with him! We often attended Midnight Mass in French and while I am not religious by any means, the service was always beautiful and it meant so much to him that I went with him. He always made sure I had a new pretty dress to wear and I would tie my waist-length hair in a half ponytail with a pretty bow. I felt like a princess and to this day, I can be very feminine and I enjoy dressing up! We would come home afterwards and I was allowed to open one gift. It was always something meaningful or special. I usually got a beautiful piece of jewellery or a porcelain doll or a ceramic figure. My dad set the bar high for any future potential partners! It comes as no surprise that I am a bit of a princess today. I was spoiled and I like being spoiled! I was his princess but his unconditional love and devotion have helped shape me into the woman I am today. The best part wasn't the gift or the pretty clothes I received from him to wear to mass. My dad worked long hours to provide for his family and I didn't see much of him growing up during the week. This was our time to be together, just the two of us before my adult half-siblings arrived the next day with their families! I remember looking forward to Christmas Eve because I got to spend quality time with my dad. Making tourtière is just my way of remembering our time together and in some weird way, it is my way of showing my appreciation for everything he has done for me growing up. How can I not celebrate the holidays without him? His presence played such an important role in my childhood, the least I could do is remember him and the times we shared on Christmas Eve! It was OUR day! 

I recently attended my work's Christmas supper at a local restaurant not far from my house. Living in Montreal is always fun because it is such a cosmopolitan city! I got to try some amazing cuisine from Laos. The restaurant is really pretty and had a very comfortable atmosphere! The food was absolutely delicious, everything tasted fantastic and the ambiance was just so wonderful! I plan on going back once the craziness of the holidays are finally over! Hopefully, I can find my King Endymion to escort me on a date because this restaurant is perfect for a romantic rendezvous! For any locals reading this, the resto is called Sep Lai. 

A comfortable and relaxed atmosphere (Sep Lai Restaurant)

These filet mignon brochettes were to die for (Sep Lai)

Me trying and failing at taking a selfie with the beautiful background of the restaurant

I have been baking up a storm too! I love to bake! I made date squares, chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, and a chocolate swirl loaf! Most of these are going to my baby bat's dad as a gift since he loves my baking but I also made some cute little treat bags for my coworkers. I work with some amazing people who are super nice and helpful. It is a small way to show my appreciation. I like to think of myself as the friendly office gothmother! 

Cute treat bags from the dollar store, I got them cause it looks like Santa is about to do something naughty, haha!

Life over here has been hectic. I am looking forward to being off of work next week and starting my classes in two weeks! I am going to get as much relaxation as possible while I still can! I have so much to celebrate this year because I am sure 2023 is going to be MY year! 

Without further adieu my lovely readers, happy holidays and today is Yule so Merry Yule as well!