Christmas at our House is Always a Quiet Kind of Magic
In December, we like to slow down and truly savor the season. It’s a time to pause, unwind, and take in the little moments that make this month so special—the soft glow of lights, the quiet hush of winter mornings, and the simple rituals that mark the end of one year and the beginning of another. Looking back at 2006, here’s a glimpse of how we spent our December, embracing its calm, its joy, and the warmth of family and friends.
November 26
One of the highlights of the season is our visit to Hycroft Manor. This year felt especially magical, as a fresh blanket of snow made the experience all the more precious.
December 6
As always, Klaus reminds me well in advance that December 6 is the day of his patron saint—just in case I might forget. And still, that morning I was greeted with: “Do you know what day it is?”
Oops. I had forgotten to place the marzipan from Lübeck—his favorite Christmas treat—on his desk the night before.
December 17
Every year, on the weekend before Christmas Eve, we treat ourselves to a festive outing in the city. We head in early afternoon, check into a special hotel, and then wander through downtown, visiting some of our favorite shops.
We inevitably find our way to Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House for a drink—and, of course, their legendary crab cakes.
That evening, we had planned dinner at Lucy Mae Brown, but it was already packed. So we strolled into Yaletown and discovered Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill, where we enjoyed a delicious late-night meal. A nightcap back at the hotel was the perfect way to end the evening.
The next morning, we headed to Fairmont Hotel Vancouver for brunch—arguably the best in the city—complete with a magician who delights both the young and the young at heart.
December 22
The first day of Christmas vacation. I took the bus downtown and met Klaus for lunch. Afterwards, we headed to Granville Island to do our grocery and wine shopping for the holidays.
To our surprise, it wasn’t a zoo at all—quite the opposite, really. Well, with one exception: Les Amis du Fromage, which, as always, was delightfully packed.
Christmas Eve
As he does every year, Klaus prepared a wonderful meal for us.
Appetizer
Pear-Mozzarella-Prosciutto Salad
* * *
Soup
Lobster Bisque with Cream and Lemon-Cilantro Sticks
* * *
Main
Beef Tenderloin with Chestnut-Grape Puree in Puff Pastry
Marsala Jus
Wild Mushroom Ragout
Spaetzle
* * *
Cheese
Selection from Les Amis du Fromage:
Tomme au Marc de Raisin, Morbier, Le Vieux Pané, Tomme Fermier d’Alsace
* * *
Desserts
Chocolate Cambridge & Cream and Christmas in a Glass
(after a recipe by Jamie Oliver)
Christmas Day
On Christmas Eve, one of my suitcases sat under the tree, beautifully wrapped with a ribbon. When I opened it, I discovered two pairs of snowshoes—a perfect gift, since we love heading into the mountains for snowshoeing.
So, naturally, we tried them out on Christmas Day. Klaus packed a backpack with sausages, Tilsiter cheese, a bottle of red wine—no corkscrew, though—and a thermos of hot chocolate.
It was great fun, and I managed to capture some fantastic photos along the way.
Boxing Day
We went for an evening walk with an apéro along the False Creek loop. By the time we finished, we were more than ready for a hearty dinner.
December 27
We went snowshoeing on Cypress Mountain. The weather was fantastic, and on our return to the base, we were treated to a stunning view of the ocean—one of the reasons why our license plates proudly read “Beautiful British Columbia.”
December 29
I asked Klaus if he would like to join me again to see the Nutcracker ballet. His answer: only if you come to see Casino Royale… So to the movies we went.
December 30
We saw the Nutcracker.
The end.
2006/2026