I’ve talked at length across multiple posts here on ‘Coffee & Chiffon’ and on my social media platforms about how lucky I am to have the incredible and vast circles of friends that I do. Not a day goes by where I don’t feel blessed and beyond grateful to be so loved, supported and happily included by such wonderful people at all times. That love and support has been felt tenfold in recent days since my beloved Uncle Mark passed away unexpectedly last week. I speak on behalf of my family, both immediate and extended, when I say we are so thankful for all the kind words and sentiments that have been sent our way.
I recently got to celebrate some of my aforementioned dear friends over a lovely fireside dinner and drinks during our annual Friendsgiving celebration at The 1761 Old Mill in Westminster, Massachusetts- which has become the convenient “go-to” location each year. I sipped champagne, ate waffle fry nachos and baked haddock- all while we talked about our adventures from this past year and our plans for 2024. It was such a cute, cozy evening!
And when I haven’t been wrapping up my last minute holiday shopping (and wrapping presents, period!) and preparing for more solemn arrangements with my family that are taking place in the coming days ahead, my friends have kept my spirits up by taking me to festive activities and outings. For example, this past weekend Stef and I enjoyed home cooked soup and Christmas cookies at her house before she made us travel mugs of cocoa and we drove around to participate in Hubbardston’s ‘Light Fight’ event.
Basically, residents in town sign up to participate in one of three categories- “Traditional/Classic,” “Go Big or Go Home,” and “Brightest Bulb.” People are then provided with a map of all the entrants’ addresses via the event website and they drive around to check out the light/decoration displays and vote for a winner in each category. Stef and I listed to Christmas music while we went from location to location over the course of a couple of hours- and we had an absolute blast! There were a few locations that definitely stood out as our favorites- and we made sure to lock our votes in ASAP once we were done.
I hope Hubbardston does it again next year! Stef and I would love to bring a few more of our friends and make a true event out of it!
Although the next few days are undoubtedly going to be difficult and very, very busy- saying one final goodbye to my Uncle, putting the finishing touches on Christmas plans, and getting ready for the New Year- I’m looking forward to sharing my usual end-of-the-year content over the next couple of weeks since I’ve been working on it tirelessly since just before Thanksgiving! That includes writing about my favorite things from this past month, talking about the top photos I’ve snapped this year, and my full recap of 2023 in its entirety!
But as hectic as things can get this time of year, I want to again thank everyone who has reached out to offer their condolences and warmest wishes over this past week. My family and I truly appreciate it- and are doing our best to keep some Christmas joy alive and well for this holiday season.
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 