This holiday season has had me looking back a bit at Christmases past, not in a 'Scrooge' kind of way, but recalling the family and friends who have helped shape my life and the traditions we held dear which held our family close. I worked to pass these traditions on to my children, and they in turn to theirs.

One of the traditions we had was visiting the castle (Casa Loma) over the holidays, to see the trees decorated and lit throughout the spectacular rooms, and climb the winding stairs to the towers for an overview of the city.




                                                    



                      


   
                                        


The decorations aesthetically placed all through the castle cast a magical spell, and one could almost imagine the great feasts which must have been prepared.

                                 
                                                               



                                                   


After visiting the castle, home we would go for our own feasts and enjoy the warmth of the season. And to coin an old cliche,  Be it ever so humble, there is no place like home for the Holidays.



                                        Candles                                                 Photo Diann Haist

   

                                              Decorations                                  Photo Diann Haist

                                                Our Real Christmas Tree                 Photo Diann Haist