Magic in the Forest…

And just like that, we’re officially into December! I took some time this past weekend to rest, recharge, and just kick back with a cup of mint hot chocolate and zone out to some of my favorite holiday movies because these next few weeks I’m going to be going, going, going non-stop all the way to New Years with plans, parties, dinners and events! I don’t mind, and I’m not complaining by any means because I absolutely love the holidays, but I like to give myself a chance to decompress and reset my mind and my body accordingly so that I’m not getting frazzled or forgetful.

But to quickly rewind for a moment, I have to talk about my Thanksgiving weekend! Last Wednesday night, leading up to having dinner with my family the following day, I had headed out to Lenox, Massachusetts to check out the annual “NightWood” installations on the grounds at The Mount. Running from now through January 4th, NightWood is an immersive experience where visitors follow along a mile long trail that circles the woods surrounding the stunning mansion. Along the way, there are a number of light/sound experiences and displays to be a part of and which tell a story as you progress on the path. The timed experiences start over every couple of minutes, so there’s no rush to complete the trail and no need to worry about missing any of it.

It was all so beautiful, from the trees and the lights and music – and the trail ends at the mansion where you can warm you self by heaters in the courtyard and enjoy some treats at their café. I enjoyed a delicious gingerbread hot chocolate and a brown butter Rice Krispies Treat before I ventured inside to see more of their gorgeous holiday decorations and peruse their bookshop/gift store. While there, I picked up the perfect gift for one of my friends for Christmas.

It was such a cool, unique experience – and I’d happily go again next year to see what they come up with next!

Thanksgiving itself was a small affair, with myself and a handful of my relatives since one of my brothers is in Florida and the other is presently vacationing outside of the country – but it was still a blast and full of the best food since my mother loves to cook (and she’s one of the culinary greats!) While I put together the charcuterie board and brought a lemon chess pie from one of my favorite local bakeries to contribute to the spread – there was no shortage of sides and sweets.

And on Black Friday, Stef and I met up in Deerfield for a day of shopping at Yankee Candle’s Headquarters (which is right down the street from my apartment!) and mocktails and lunch at Champney’s in Deerfield Inn before it was time to head back home to tidy up, prepare for my aforementioned lazy day of nothing-ness and then a day trip to Boston on Sunday – which I’ll be sharing some photos from a little later on this week!