Embracing Small Joys In Carols, Chicken, Christmas Lights & Cuddles

The clocks have fallen back, and that to me is the surest sign that the season of comfort and joy is upon us. With shorter days, colder temps, and longer nights, it is this time of year that I actively draw on my toolbox of small joys. Since I can also not ignore the elephant in the room that is 2020, it occurs to me that these actions I’ve employed for years are more valuable than ever, and frankly need to be put into motion earlier.

@candacesaid

Ready to get on with the show. In 2020 there are no rules…#christmas #soitbegins #fyp #foryoupage

♬ Where Is The Love? – The Black Eyed Peas

Case in point, I used to wait until November 12th before pulling out the Christmas decorations. This year, there was barely a heartbeat between Halloween and holiday decorations. Not only must the show go on, as far as I’m concerned we can stop pretending that normal societal timelines apply. Gurl, if you want to put your tree up and blast holiday tunes 24/7 until Easter, I am here to cheer you on.

Which brings me to my latest small joy in Ottawa, Benny&Co. Rotisserie chicken is one of life’s small joys that delivers a one-two punch of comfort. One, being I don’t have to cook and two, it’s delicious comfort food I can’t even come close to preparing at home.

Benny&Co. has been a Quebec icon for over 60 years now and has recently made the jump to Ottawa with two locations in Orleans and Stittsville. As with any great company, I am drawn by a great product but what keeps me around is the great story behind it.

90% of the menu products that Benny&Co. serve are Canadian, and while you can get rotisserie chicken other places, you won’t come close to Benny&Co.’s three hour slow cooking technique. Paired with coleslaw and fries, their insanely delicious sauce, and a slice of Maple dulce de leche pie, it’s a perfectly Canadian comfort meal served straight to you door.

The story though is why I have had them on speed dial since they first opened their doors in Ottawa. Founded 60 years ago by eight brothers, the 63 Benny&Co. rotisseries that employ over 1800 Canadians are managed and run by 11 children and 25 grandchildren of the original founders.

Whenever I think of all these family members working in one great company, I smile. The greatest joy of all, the one thing we’ll all be seeking comfort in this coming winter is family. Frankly, I could only love this heartwarming family success story more if they adopted me, but for now I’ll accept feeling like part of their family every time we enjoy a meal from them.

Benny&Co is celebrating their 60th anniversary this year, and as a way for Ottawa residents to get to know their family better, I’ve partnered with them to give away a $60 Benny&Co. gift certificate. Simply head on over to my LifeinPleasantville Instagram between November 6th and 9th 2020 to enter. For an extra entry, drop a comment below sharing what small joys you’ll be taking advantage of this winter season. Good luck!

This post is sponsored by Benny&Co. as part of their 60th Anniversary celebrations and opening in Ottawa.