Holiday Cheer
STORY RACHAEL HAVENS l PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY
As a self-professed Christmas buff, Jennifer Lamont considered putting her Christmas tree up in August. After
a year that’s been so unusual, she speculated that some holiday cheer might be just what her family needs. “I bring Christmas into my house as early as i can,” she says with a laugh.
Jennifer, alongside her husband Rob, built their home in Port Elgin two years ago with the help of Snyder Development. Snyder also built their first home 12 years ago, so the couple trusted the builder with their forever home. Jennifer had only one caveat: She wanted to create her own layout, one that would suit the family for years to come.
With two little boys, ages nine and 11, the house had to be family-friendly. But Jennifer and Rob also plan to retire here, so it couldn’t be too big for just two people. That being said, there will always be plenty of room to host. The dining room seats 12, and the living room features a big sectional where the family loves to relax.
The holiday season is particularly special for the Lamonts. 2020 notwithstanding, the Christmas tree always goes up on November 1. It’s 12 feet tall and placed right in front of the big bay window. This creates a magical atmosphere inside the home and out, where passersby can see the twinkling lights.
The wood-burning fireplace is another key element of Christmas for the family. Jennifer grew up with one in her childhood home, and fondly remembers waking up on Christmas morning to a house smelling of burning logs. Now she is creating the same memories for her boys.
The Lamont home appeared on the Chantry Island Cham-bettes 2019 Christmas Tour of Homes. The majority of the decorations belong to Jennifer, and she did most of the decorating herself, infusing the home with Christmas spirit in shades of blue and silver, with just a hint of classic red. She had assistance from Rhonda Kirk of Home Décor & More and Accents. The additional trees came from Martin’s Home Hardware.
The Lamonts describe their hometown as cosy and beautiful, and never is this more true than during the holidays. Jennifer also praises the incredible community that makes it such a wonderful place to raise a family. She and Rob have a tradition of hosting their local friends on Boxing Day to celebrate the season.
What Jennifer loves most about Christmas is actually what she loves most about living in Grey Bruce – the kindness that abounds. “You can walk down the street and everyone says ‘hello’ or ‘Merry Christmas,’ Jennifer says, “I really believe in kindness, and Christmas is all about kindness.”
