Last weekend, Edinburgh sprouted dozens of mini market stalls, more carnival rides than I thought could fit in this city, and illuminated it all with FAIRY LIGHTS.

As my mom put it, what’s cool about this is that it’s right around the corner from me. Oxford had a [tiny, one-weekend-only] winter fair, but I would bus to London’s Winter Wonderland for the festive sardine-packed experience. And I’m sure many of the families shuffling through Edinburgh’s fair this weekend had journeyed from out of town too, whereas Monkey and I simply strolled from our Old Town abode. [hey that rhymes, kinda.]

When the crowds were too much, we snuck one street over to avoid the bustle, and finished the other half of our wandering the following day. And if we ever want to try that tree maze, we could always get there right when it opens instead of queuing an hour for tickets mid-day. We have the luxury to enjoy the fair in bursts, when there’s a whole day’s worth to explore.

We can go back and finally master this wooden puzzle.

And sip mulled wine at the carousel bar. [!]

P.S. getting my Christmas cookie box ready…