What home means to me

To me home is mainly a feeling but it can also be a place. For me home is where my family is. However, my family is not just my pets, sister, and parents, but also close friends who I feel loved and safe with. Home is where I celebrate the holidays with my family, Christmas tree glowing bright, Dad’s homemade tourtiere filling the house with wonderful scents while Mom is starting croissants for tomorrow morning. Playing Christmas music, feeling safe, cozy, and warm. Cuddling while singing carols in the living room with my grandparents. Knowing that the next morning is Christmas and then my other grandparents will come to share the traditions and merriment. Home is where my stuffies wait on my bed for when I sleep. Home is where I eat boerenkool stamppot, a dutch meal. Home is where I celebrate my heritage while also acknowledging that my settler ancestors hurt the indigenous people and many others greatly and caused severe damage. Home is family Friday nights, spent together outside or in the living room. Home is also our regular outdoor adventures. Home is Harold Town where I mountain bike with my family, the river where I whitewater kayak with my dad, Kawartha Nordic where I cross country ski with my family, Provincial Parks where we camp, and so much more! I hope you have gotten a glimpse into my home because all this and then some is what makes my Home, Home.