Christmas Eve Wishes

Golden retriever ready for XMas at our Newfoundland cottage rentalsSeasons Greetings from The Berry and Jerry, and who could forget sweet Murphy (above) and Friday. We all know that our fur babies count as much as our humans ones – we’re sure Santa will be bringing the four-leggeds some stocking stuffers tonight! Enjoy your family, furry or otherwise, and God bless.

Happy Tibb’s Eve!

Clifford George dressed as Santa

Happy Tibb’s Eve! If you celebrate tonight by dipping into your holiday rations, then you, my friend, are partaking in the very Newfoundland tradition of Tibb’s Eve.

The tradition of Tibb’s Eve originates on the South Coast of Newfoundland after World War II. At the time, small outport communities were very religious and observed the Advent period as strictly and soberly as they did Lent – ie, no libations, shall we say. Tibb’s Eve, in some places appropriately also called Tipsy Eve, was a loosening of the restraint.

So it became a tradition for men to go to each others’ houses the night before Christmas Eve, where they could ‘sample’ all the goodies planned for Christmas. Lighthearted and humourous, it was a way to extend the season and tip a glass with your neighbours.

So if you have a glass of wine tonight, know that you’re taking part of a time-honoured Newfoundland tradition! Hear hear! And read more about the origins of Tibb’s Eve here.

And of course, we’re all excited for Santa to come tomorrow. This photo was captured by Allison George, who happens to know Santa quite intimately. Lucky girl! And warms wishes to all for a bright holiday.

Last Day of our 12 Days of Newfoundland Christmas

Newfoundland Boat in winterIt’s the final day of our 12 Days of Newfoundland Christmas. If you follow us on Facebook, you know that we’ve been sharing gorgeous images of Newfoundland in winter, all thanks to Newfoundland photographer Bud Vincent. Bud is a good friend and he takes amazing pictures. If you’d like to enjoy his work in your own home, check out this deal he’s offering for the new year. And please let us know if you have any favourites from the past 12 Days!

Shag Rock Sunday: What a Treat

Shag RockThis is the view every morning from our oceanfront cottages. It’s almost all you need Christmas! We hope that most of your holiday-running-around, and that you’re able to relax today, maybe take a few deeps breaths, and take in all the beauty around you. Because if you live in this province, you’re probably surrounded by plenty of beauty, indeed!

Budding Saturday: Not Yet!

Skaters in NewfoundlandThanks to Bud Vincent for sharing this lovely photo with us (remember, he’s offering all his art for sale – find details here). Of course, he must have taken this photo in years past – so far, this winter has bee quite green! We’re not yet sure what the winter will bring, but we do know that with these specials The Berry dreamed up, we can guarantee one thing – yours will be quite cozy if you make a trip out to our cottages!

Snow for Christmas?

Snow in NewfoundlandSo it’s quite the warm winter we’ve been having so far. We’ve had some snow here and there, but nothing like we often do. We’re keeping our fingers crossed it stays nice and mild, but what’s your verdict – are you dreaming of a white Christmas, or a green one?

Although as much as we hate shovelling, we have to admit – the scenes Hollingside Images have shared with us for our 12 Days of Christmas, including this one, sure are gorgeous.

Day Six

Newfoundland mittensOur 12 Days of Newfoundland Christmas continues on our Facebook page, thank to all the lovely pictures that Bud Vincent has shared with us. Remember that Bud is offering a sale on his Newfoundland photography – check out the details here. A puffing on a hand-knit mitten, handing to dry – it doesn’t get any more ‘Newfoundland’ than that, does it?

Counting Down the Days

Room at our newfoundland inn and spaWe’re getting close to Christmas, and that means there’s not much time left to take advantage of our gift certificates for The Doctor’s House. We’ve come up with some great packages to make gift-giving easier (or, if you like, you can always just give a certificate for a dollar amount, that your recipient can use however she likes). Our Whiteway Newfoundland cottages are staying open all winter, but next weekend will be our last at The Doctor’s House until the Spring – so make sure to come on down while you still can!

Shag Rock Sunday: In a Fog

Shag RockShag Rock: giving new meaning to ‘in a fog’ for millennia! We’ve had a nice, Christmas-y weekend and we hope you have, too. One of our daughters comes home tomorrow and we wish her a safe flight, and can’t wait to see her. We’re sure many of you have family coming home, and we hope you get lots of time to hold them tight and celebrate the best of the season. Cheers.