Thanksgiving doesn’t usually involve hopping across the Atlantic, but when your husband is from Belgium, “going home for the holidays” takes on an extra layer of sweetness—and adventure. As the years pass and our elders get a little older, these trips feel more precious. They become less about the busy itinerary and more about the quiet moments: sitting with parents, laughing with siblings, watching cousins reconnect like no time has passed.
The Cozy Welcome of a Belgian Winter
Every trip begins the same way: stepping into a warm, wood-burning house that smells like comfort incarnate. Outside, the air is crisp, the first whispers of snowfall dancing in the breeze. Inside, it’s all slippers, soft lighting, and the familiar hum of family.
Mornings in Belgium deserve their own love letter. They start with krentenmik (or ‘kremik’ as we lovingly call it)—a light, brioche-like bread studded with raisins and somehow magically delicious without added sugar or cinnamon. Add a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth croissant to the plate and finish it off with a baguette smeared with Kwatta, Belgium’s answer to chocolate spread… except darker, richer, and without a trace of hazelnut. (It ruins all other chocolate spreads forever. No joke.)
Afternoons bring waffles—because of course they do. A Brussels waffle, light and cloudlike with just a dusting of powdered sugar, or a Liège waffle, dense, caramelized, and coated in little gems of pearl sugar. It’s practically a cultural requirement.
Evenings? A cozy glass of red wine to wind everything down.
Family, Food, and a Little Belgian Adventure
We kicked things off with a cousin brunch in Nivelles at Billy, which was buzzing with laughter, strong coffee, and the kind of effortless conversation only cousins can deliver. After brunch we wandered to the Grand Place and the church where my mother-in-law—and generations before her—were married. Standing there felt like walking through our family tree.
A Trip to the Ardennes
One highlight was a peaceful overnight escape to the Ardennes, Belgium’s region known for its forests, hills, rivers, and postcard-perfect charm. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, fireplaces crackle louder, and even the silence feels comforting.
Dinant: A Town Straight From a Storybook
A cliffside town draped along the Meuse River, famous for its citadel, saxophone history (yes, Adolphe Sax was born there), and dramatic scenery. Think medieval-meets-magical.
Durbuy: The “Smallest City in the World”
We continued to Durbuy, which proudly—if somewhat debatably—holds the title of smallest city in the world. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. Cobbled streets, stone cottages, tiny shops… it’s like wandering through the set of a fairy tale.
A Backstage Pass to Spa-Francorchamps
For my husband and our older one, the real treat was a behind-the-scenes tour of the Spa-Francorchamps F1 circuit—the legendary track that is equal parts adrenaline and engineering. Standing on the podium exacly where Lando and others have stood gave my daughter pure excitement and watching that was half the joy.
Walking Through Heritage at Louvain-la-Neuve
We wrapped the trip with a tour of my husband’s university, Louvain-la-Neuve, letting our high-school junior soak in European campus life. Nothing like a little international inspiration for the college-search journey.
And finally—a sweet gathering to decorate a mini Christmas tree for my mother-in-law. A quiet, lovely tradition that perfectly wrapped the trip in warmth.
The Only Thing Missing? My Family in Photos.
Now, here’s where a blogger would typically place beautifully curated family pictures.
But my family has made a collective decision that posting photos of them are against their religion.
So instead, you get… my best attempts at Belgian landscape photography. You’re welcome. (Just imagine some faces smiling somewhere off-camera.)
Jewelry Packing: The Joyous Edit
Of course, no trip recap is complete without the part I secretly (or not-so-secretly) look forward to: the jewelry I brought.
Necklaces
- My large Fleur pendant, the star of this trip, which layered beautifully with the Mylène necklace.
- My beloved P.S. charms, engraved with the kids’ initials and birthdays, plus a tiny elephant charm—a matching piece my sister and I both wear.
Rings & Stacking Bands
My travel stacking ring capsule was, admittedly, robust. I packed the
With these, I created 4–5 unique stacks—yellow gold, white gold, mixed metals… the full spectrum of play.
And a new addition - an Ascher cut double bezel set diamond ring in yellow gold.
Watch
- My trusty Rolex two-tone Explorer with a Black dial—classic, elegant, always appropriate.
Earrings
- Enchanted Garden triple-flower studs (a forever favorite)
- Modern bezel huggies in white gold
- A delicate bezel drop earring passed down from my mom
What made my heart swell, though, was watching my kids pack their own jewelry. Their P.S. charms, fine vine necklace, huggies and their multitude of rings—proof that yes, jewelry obsession does run in the family.
Leaving Belgium With Full Hearts
As we boarded the plane home, I felt that familiar post-Belgium glow—a mix of overeating, deep gratitude, and the quiet reminder that family, heritage, and tradition are the threads that keep us anchored.
These trips remind me that the things we carry—our stories, our rituals, our shared memories—are far more precious than anything we can pack in a suitcase…
though the jewelry certainly doesn’t hurt.
Until next time, Belgium. Thank you for the warmth, the waffles, the winter magic, and the love.