I mentioned in my welcome email that spam isn’t my intention — and I meant that. I did, however, decide to start sharing updates at the beginning of the month instead of the end. So here’s another go-round of the newsletter. You won’t hear from me again until March. Promise.

I don’t typically follow Hallmark holidays. We are encouraged so often to consume, consume, consume — and Valentine’s Day is next. My algorithm has already started pushing red hearts and “love bites.” Keeping up with the retail marketing calendar can feel like a full-time job, and I simply don’t have the headspace to honour every aspect of these holidays. I am however always here for the chocolate.

Valentine’s Day does however have archaic roots. Long before candy and cards took over, it was connected to fertility and the return of spring. Lupercalia, a pagan festival in Ancient Rome celebrated around February 13–15, honoured purification, fertility, and the coming agricultural season. It centred on life, renewal, feasting, and even matchmaking.

Over time, the holiday became associated with Christian martyrs named Valentine. By the Middle Ages, poetry — and the belief that birds began pairing around this time of year — helped shape the romantic version that we recognize today. Hallmark aside, it remains a reason to pause in the heart of winter and celebrate love in its many forms -and eat chocolate!

You will not find red heart cut-outs in the windows, or other kitschy decor here. What you will find are offerings focused on deep rest, renewal, relaxation (and chocolate.) Whether you are flying solo, or are partnered up, Handmade Herbology has curated products that reflect these values - including (but not limited to) hand crafted incense cones, botanical bath soaks, edible massage oil, bath bombs, etc. that all truly nourish your body and soul.

I’ve also been known to make an herbal-infused aphrodisiac chocolate, so I might hop back on that train again. And I’m definitely planning to make more marshmallows — I found my old chocolate molds and am hoping for neatly shaped results this time, rather than the rough-cut debauchery some of you have seen before.

All of this, of course, depends on how much time I actually have to make these tasty treats. I’ll do my best not to disappoint, and I’ll keep you posted through social media — no extra newsletters. 😉

Golden Gatherings: Instagram & Facebook

Since time is weird, I’m also bringing in more Cheeky Mama Chocolates — yes, they’ll be love-themed (because it’s chocolate!). Lollipops, Forever Hearts, and LOVE bars are coming soon. I’ve asked that she skip the glitter and other decorations that aren’t made with the cleanest ingredients, so you can expect the same flavours that many of you enjoyed over the holidays.

Some Bits & Bites
Picking Dixie has restocked her personal pies, both turkey pot pie and tortierre, and we have added some new pickles and sauces to the shelves.
Charros has also restocked her authentic Mexican inspired sauces and salsa, and there are some new flavours the shelf. Enchilada kits are back in the freezer as well.
Around The Block sausage rolls have added to their flavour options. We now have Apple, Maple Rosemary and a Spinach and Feta available in 6-packs in the freezer.

If you feel so inclined, please consider leaving a Google and/or Facebook review for Golden Gatherings. It’s an easy way to support a small business like Golden Gatherings. We haven’t yet been rated on Facebook, so spreading a little love there would mean a lot. 😉

One important note: Marie Manchester of Moving Forward Osteopathy will be leaving the space here as of March 1, 2026. February will be your last opportunity to book with her in the upstairs treatment room. We are sad to see her go, but her practice is growing quickly at another location. Booking details are available HERE.

Once again, thank you for being here and following along. It truly means the world to me.

Until next time,

Jessica

Golden Gatherings