November always feels like a gentle pause before the sparkle of the holidays – a season where gratitude fills the air and we begin to reflect on the year that’s unfolded.

Now, November holds something extra special for our family, too: a new home.
I never imagined we’d be packing up our things and preparing to move once again when the year began. It’s funny how no matter how carefully we pave the road ahead, life always finds a way to surprise us – a bit like that famed “box of chocolates.” As we prepare for our new home, our hearts are full of excitement – and perhaps a little disbelief.

With boxes half-filled, plans in motion, and a quiet hope for what’s to come, the move and the magic of this time of year has us envisioning where the Christmas tree will stand, how the new space will feel once it’s filled with the familiar faces of loved ones, and how our family traditions will gently shift and grow with us. There’s a comforting truth in knowing that home isn’t just about walls and windows – it’s about the people who fill them, the laughter that echoes through, and the love that follows wherever we go.

November has a way of reminding us that not all change is uncomfortable – and sometimes, the best things come from stepping into the unknown. After selling our family home of two decades a few years ago – and thoroughly missing it ever since – what I’ve learned is to never settle for just any house. Walk through as many as you need, and when you step inside the one that’s meant for you, your heart will know. That undeniable warmth mixed with quiet joy is your compass signalling you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

As we step into this season of gratitude and new beginnings, may we all find moments of stillness amid the swirl of excitement – be it from a move like ours or celebrating cosy family traditions – and remember that the best parts of the holidays aren’t about perfection, but about presence.

With love and gratitude,
Mary Racioppo
Editor-In-Chief, City Parent