Coming Home for Christmas

I'm coming home for Christmas and the Tomczak clan is running around like chickens with their heads cut off just to get things ready. It definitely feels like that scene in Christmas with the Kranks where Blair is on her way back home!

While I love living the Italian dream in Torino, this last month has been tough following the departure of my parents back home and trying to figure out what my next move is career-wise. I wasn’t sure I’d even be able to make it home, but everything happens for a reason and as the days draw closer, I feel myself getting more and more excited. I actually feel that holiday feeling—you know, the one that makes December feel like magic.

I haven't stopped babbling to my friends about all the things I can’t wait to see and do (and eat!) when I’m back home in the GTA. Ultimately, I’m thrilled for a few of reasons.

1) Seeing my parents of course, but also my nonni. In the last couple of months following their move into Villa Forum, I’ve felt a lot of different emotions and I’m sure my mom has too, but I really can’t wait to give my nonni a big hug and kiss. I’m kinda getting the itch to make a cipodat’ for Christmas Eve also... I think Nonna would like that.

2) Being reunited with my friends. Although I’ve made some great friendships here in Italy, The history that I have with my Canadian ride-or-dies is otherworldly. I know that my pal Disco is planning outings around downtown Toronto, acting like my personal 6ix tour guide. I know it’s going to be so much fun to catch up with everyone after so much time!

3) The food. Did you expect any other reason?! I have been craving poutine like nobody’s business, which means that I’m definitely going to be documenting a poutine crawl of Toronto! Then of course, McDonald’s hash browns and McMuffins and ChungChun rice dogs and breakfast at Capra’s and Kenzo veggie ramen and Krispy Kreme doughnuts….I just hope I have enough time to do it all! Of course, with a new perspective and approach to food and wine, I’m hoping to check out some new locales and pop-ups also.

I’ll be sharing it all here and on Instagram, so stay tuned for what’s to come! If you think I should check something out, let me know!