Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year, and Burlington always has that Hallmark touch you just don’t find often. From cozy markets to sparkling lakeside lights and even a step back in time to a Victorian Christmas, there’s something magical around every corner.

You don’t need to go across the pond to feel like you’ve walked straight into Downton Abbey. In fact, Dundurn Castle may just be the closest thing Canada has to its own Downton Abbey. Visiting Dundurn Castle in Hamilton gives period-loving hearts exactly what they need to get their Victorian-era experience.

I used to have a pretty specific idea of how life was supposed to look by now. There was a timeline in my head, one I assumed everyone else was following too — with the major milestones checked off in just the right order. I figured by this point, I’d have more certainty, more clarity, maybe even a few more answers.

Donata Delano is the founder of The Good Canvas, a creative studio that blends artistry with strategy to design meaningful, elegant websites for entrepreneurs. As I was having lunch with Donata at Bardo Restaurant in Burlington, I was struck by her laid-back demeanor and the structured energy sitting just beneath it.