The Christmas Diaries: DAY 2!!!

YAY!!! It's that time of year again - CHRISTMAS AT THE CHATEAU has begun! Happy Advent!
Here is the second video in our daily Advent Calendar series. The Christmas Diaries will follow all of us at the chateau as we prepare for this festive season.
Each day will bring a different surprise - you'll have to watch the videos to find out! But you can expect a mixture of exuberant decorations, seasonal florals, delicious food, gift ideas, musical treats and even a little Christmas carpentry...

[@suzannehamilton1251]

Dear Stephanie, For the first time in 13 years I am looking forward to Christmas. My beautiful Mum passed away at Christmas and I have been unable to really face it since then. I went through the motions as I has two little boys of 6 & 9, but I think I have failed to instil the magic of Christmas due to the overwhelming grief I was caught in. We don’t have the same climate here in North Queensland, Australia. We usually have seafood, in our bathers, in a pool as it is usually around 37° (or higher). This year I am trying really hard to make it special for my boys. They deserve it so much. Thank you for sprinkling the magic of Christmas over me again. ❤️🙏🏻

[@barbarawatson1667]

Best wishes for a lovely Christmas, may you continue to be inspired through these lovely videos.

[@peggyvick935]

Suzanne, YES, please fake it till you make it. When my Dad died who was the Joy of Christmas, I fell into a horrible 13 year slump. I failed to make beautiful memories for my grandchildren. I still decorated, but I felt so sad, & they could tell. I wish I had realized my Dad was in his new mansion in Heaven, & one day I will see him there. Make precious memories for your kids. I wish you a happy, healthy blessed Christmas.

[@bunnyb3474]

I’m sure you’ve done a wonderful job with your boys and I bet they love the holidays regardless because they get to spend time with their wonderful mum ;) I hope this year you get to feel special again too

[@chasethecat3839]

Best of wishes to you. I cant imagine the grief. My mom is 87 and I thank God for everyday as I know time is short now. Happy Holidays and may He bless you with the Spirit this Christmas

[@aleciaj8098]

I’m so sorry for your loss but know she is there with you in spirit! Your boys are at such a wonderful age I hope you can throw yourself into their youthful fun and with time it will get easier! Sending love and hoping you have a wonderful Christmas Suzanne.

[@christinal.suarez1838]

Please, Pease, PLEASE sing/harmonize together again! That was so beautiful, it gave me goosebumps!

[@catherinemtc7795]

So cute how Stephanie and Phillip start singing together. 🎄

[@lynlijalysbalderdottir4563]

I so do love Cat more each time! Her humor is as dry and witty as my brain! Love to you all!

[@CarolChillsCasually]

I never want to see Cat go! She’s so much fun!

[@christinedavis5813]

I have not Liked Christmas For the Last Few Years Due To My Husband Dying And You Both Brought Me Back With These Advent Vlogs And By The End Of Them I find I have A Big Smile On My Face And I am Looking Forward To The Next One Thank You, Stephenie And Philip

[@philipjanssen]

I’m so sorry for your loss, but very happy to hear that we’re able to help in some way. I hope you’ll have an amazing Christmas this year ❤️

[@yummboy2]

When they sang Noel together, I got goosebumps. Lovely!

[@karlasmit7535]

Stephanie and Phillip and Cat should do a Christmas album. I would buy it.

[@elaineteut1249]

I come from a generation of letter writers. I lived about 1800 miles from my family and extended family. Through the years I received and sent hundreds of letters from my Mom, aunts, sisters, cousins and old friends. I always loved buying beautiful stationery to write my letters. I have lost my mother, all my aunts and a few cousins and friends. I miss receiving the wonderful letters so much and it’s hard to find beautiful stationery. I know with the electronic age, it’s slowly will be a thing of the past. It’s a shame. Stephanie, I love that you write letters to your patreons and gift givers. Never give up that beautiful tradition.

[@btlgr2901]

Dear Elaine, I would love to send you a christmas card. Just as a kind gesture. Nothing more. What do you think? I know it‘s pretty uncommon, but something tickled me. Let me know😉 Have great day, best wishes from Germany, Britta🙋🏼‍♀️

[@taitweigel64]

Philip and Stephanie are a wonderful creative team. He's brilliant! The invitations are keepsakes.

[@philipjanssen]

🥰

[@casperbenj]

Philip is an artist and Cat is a comedian -- why would I miss any of these vlogs. Many thanks to Stephanie and her gang of LaLanders for bringing us such joy everyday of Advent

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

Yes. "Your hearing hasn't gone ' "yet." ' That was hilarious. I think he's in his mid-20s, so his idea of youth is jaded. Hahaha.

[@opmaus]

Love all the different personalities of the LaLanders! Cat is definitely one of my favorites, although they are all delightful! And I am loving this intro for these Christmas videos - it perfectly captures the magic of the season!

[@christibellz]

Philip is such an adorable human being, also has great talent

[@philipjanssen]

🥰

[@arlenaroche4960]

Stephanie saying her handwriting looked bad and I could only dream of being able to write something half that good lol. I am also thoroughly enjoying the little clips of singing Christmas carols.

[@daynapost-willis242]

Omgosh I love Cat so much, she makes me laugh with her self deprecating humour ❤

[@twotanks6427]

Simple acts of creativity prove its not really necessary to have to try and buy your way to a Happy Christmas. Those invitations were very thoughtful and will be keepsakes. The Chateau Diaries is the vlog that keeps on giving.

[@bigboy77dk]

Idea for a new tradition, a Christmas book, with notes each year of who was there, (maybe have them write a little note?) What made this Christmas extra special and favourite decorations of the year, maybe? If you are artistic, do some sketches. If not, maybe add some photos, gift tags, cards... 🙂 Do it in a big, substantial and beautiful book, that can be a keepsake for the future 🙂

[@chasethecat3839]

Great, creative idea. I journal and have 5-6 different notebooks and journals going at any given time. There are wonderful videos on how to make your own on YT. As creative as Steohanie is, she would create a beautiful journal for sure

[@Marykguise]

Beautiful idea!!

[@evelyncortez8643]

Everytime I think I'm going to watch more boring television, Stephanie comes along and saves the day. Gracias! 🌲🦚🍄🏰

[@Burbankelly]

That peacock invitation was impressive, stunning, creative, elegant, unique and original! Amazing! What a gift and how lucky your guests are to receive it!

[@rose-marie7351]

It was so great!!! I looooove the wax seal and the card was so pretty! Well done Philip! :)

[@karlasmit7535]

Oh my gosh! Cat just couldn’t be funnier. She sparkles with such wit. What a fun Advent Calendar.

[@mcharlie260]

"Ive got to organise a babysitter " 😂😂

[@ta3970]

I know right? 🤣 I sure hope she finds one and catches a ride🤣 So much SUSPENSE ...

[@PleaseBeOurGuest]

I love Cat's personality. You all did a fantastic job.

[@kit2130]

I love the way she talks 😊

[@goldenineke]

She’s wonderful isn’t she?

[@bunnyb3474]

I cracked up when she said she’d have to organize a babysitter 😂

[@minahammonds7511]

Philip is such a cutie and both so talented! What fun! Thank you

[@philipjanssen]

🥰

[@eileeng2492]

I love this video. Philip and Stephanie make a great team! So creative.

[@carolynshepherd4153]

Phillip, you should do a larger watercolour to hang on the future gallery wall at the chateau......your work was beautiful👏👏👏

[@carolweaver3269]

Yes, it is beautiful and Selmer has paintings as well I think they should both have some of theirs added to the gallery?

[@philipjanssen]

Thank you 🥰 Lovely idea!

[@sharonpinnock9379]

Thankyou Stephanie for all the effort you put into your vlogs. An extra 30mins a day fir us to escape to your little slice of France is an absolute godsend! 🏰🎄🦚💙🤍

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

This is an epic installment! Loving the idea of using seals. Just right for a social event hosted in a chateau. Thank you for the video!

[@karinbergman1646]

The invitations are so artistically beautiful, and the sealing wax is perfect! Such a team! The tree is really gorgeous in that room, and your intro is beautiful as well. You are both dressed stunningly! 🙏🏻💙⚜️💗💜💗⚜️💙🙏🏻

[@philipjanssen]

🥰

[@mavep2855]

I shall look forward to Dec 6 in hopes of seeing you all enjoying your cocktail party. The invitations turned out beautifully, well done Phillip.🙏🏻🎄

[@philn9830]

OMG Wax Seal envy or what - team Lalande; awesome video so much fun as always - thank you :)

[@teresaobrien663]

I love that you are using all the gifts to create a beautiful Christmas for everyone at La Lande and for all of us to enjoy virtually 🥰

[@lawrencebaker2318]

The Lalande team spirit (and effort) came through again! Advent Calendars were not part of my family's Christmas tradition, though they are known here in the USA. While many of us may not have the Christmas that we want, your cocktail party reminds us to make the most of the Christmas that we have! Thank you!

[@sharon9399]

I cannot take how freaking cute you and Filipe are doing the envelopes. I am totally in the mood.

[@colleenlawrence6499]

Those invites are beautiful. Great wax seals!!!

[@louisegatti9262]

Thank you Stephanie and Philip for showing how to use the wax and seals. I have some downstairs. Think I will play with them tonight. Love your Advent vlogs Stephanie and that Christmas Tree is beautiful!!!

[@chasethecat3839]

So pretty with the snow in the intro, the photo of Steph and Steph and Phillip in their gorgeous complimenting outfits. Cant wait to see Day 2, now

[@clausnavarro4507]

23:21 Stephanie and Philip singing a Christmas carol so well that I was was surprised.

[@rosalindhambleton9012]

Great job ! Love the idea of using the wax seal !!! The design of the cards is so perfect and beautiful, bravo Philippe !

[@normamiller2599]

Thank you for my "Feel Good" fix today. So charming.

[@dakotarunningcrane3618]

This is making me so happy Steph! You guys brighten my day in such a sad time on my reservation ❤️❤️❤️ love from Browning Montana!

[@nettybubba7730]

Kat has the gift of the gab in responses. She knows how to deliver it in a dry sense of humour... Phillip is so talented, always delivered with that cheeky sensual smile...Love it..👍

[@carolinejobe9346]

being an artist myself, I love a household full of creativity, sooooo beautiful and joyous...

[@CatieValentino]

Imagine if Philip and Michael Petherick collaborated on an art piece...

[@jennifersouthin7764]

Perfect

[@johannaomdal3800]

)

[@juliarobinson4825]

A great idea! But often times artists are not great at collaborating 😁

[@carolweaver3269]

And Selmar. Not sure if you ever saw any of his or not but he does quite well. They are all very good at it.

[@CatieValentino]

@@carolweaver3269 Yes!! He’s incredible too

[@marilynryan7822]

How can one not be happy watching this! The laughs are intoxicating especially Stephanie’s.

[@mellymaker1282]

Oh my gosh the Chateau wax seal is so so beautiful, perfect finishing touch to a beautiful invite 🎄🎄🎄

[@kathyl3918]

Phillip truly is the perfect Yin to Stephanie's Yang. He is quite the Renaissance man

[@seanmcguire7974]

Those wax seal kits are awesome

[@cathyhatfield5340]

The invitations are beautiful! Nice job Philip 👍❤️

[@philipjanssen]

Thank you!

[@maryschlotter108]

Like last year, I am looking forward at the end of each day to these lovely and happy vlogs. Thank you so much.

[@Randy8923]

Enjoyed. Beautiful invitations. What a great idea to do things formally even though quarantined. Love to all ❤

[@nancycowan6109]

Thank you, thank you for making me laugh out loud and feel really happy. This is a brilliant and beautiful series - I know this after two episodes. I adore you all. ❤️

[@theceramicrepairstudio]

Really enjoying this new season of Christmas videos.🥰

[@sandijack6724]

Absolute happiness and joy to wake up each day to these wonderful advent calendar moments... Love to every member of my “other” family... 🌹🌹🌹🍷🌹🌹🌹 🌲Sandi🌲

[@chasethecat3839]

The tree is just perfect!!

[@kristyrash927]

So much 🤩 fun. Thanks Stephanie and Philip!

[@donnanancekivell9430]

This was just lovely....so interesting to see how the invites were done and so official with the melted wax as a seal........can’t wait for tomorrow.......Donna in Toronto

[@aprilninthr2886]

I love Cat’s sense of humor! Philip is delightful and so talented. Stephanie...where do you find these great men! Excited to watch Advent with you!

[@queaniesincetip4363]

I think they find Stephanie!

[@charityleland77]

Thanks for the impromptu Christmas song again :) How lovely!!

[@lindawentink2725]

Well done Philip and Mandy. What a beautiful invite. 🥰 love the folding 'knowledge'. Stunning seals too😊

[@joannehurcombe8541]

Another wonderful Vlog. You have reminded me that Rich sealed our wedding invitations with a wax stamp and I am already paper crafting my own Christmas cards this year. Therefore the stamp will be a perfect way to remember him by. X x

[@cathyenglish]

Thank you so much for creating these! I can’t stop smiling as I watch them! Merry Christmas to you all! You are such a blessing!

[@kinou_clem__6366]

I’m really not into Christmas but seeing you guys everyday is such a treat !! I’m so happy !

[@dennishardenstein7696]

Your voices are a joy to hear. Would love to hear more singing.

[@kaydonahue]

Very fun ideas! My granddaughters helped me pick out a bell and lock for my son's Sun Atlas X bike Christmas present. They put presents in the basket too. The old bike had a bent frame, toting the toddlers while biking about! So fun shopping with babies. Had to get an Atlas for their Titan Daddy.

[@sandicoppins]

You are both da bomb.... Soooo professionally produced... Wonderful invitations, sublime

[@kiethee]

Well done Stephanie and Philip I love the way everyone that comes to the chateau have special skills such a joy to watch as they all come together for one goal to help at the chateau lovely idea for the invitations makes people feel very special to receive on all hand made great team work

[@neenmach]

Wonderful! Lovely invitations. The sealing wax in my favorite. Thank you again!!

[@LittleMissSquirrel]

in love with your outfits!

[@ShipCreek]

Phillips design would make a wonderful postcard. Thanyou for making it feel like Christmas🌲🥳

[@philipjanssen]

Thank you! You can download it for free on sellfy.com/chateau-de-lalande-download/ if you’d like (:

[@johart8922]

I love these Advent Calendar vlogs what a countdown to the festive season for us all. Non fattening too totally calorie free. Merci beaucoup.

[@mariaportillo5276]

Wow 🤩 those invitations are sooo beautiful 😍! Just like everything else you guys make!!! I have always wanted my own wax seal, now even more. Thank you for bringing us to that fantastic château 🏰. Greetings from Montréal 🍁

[@ellend9739]

It was adorable! You both did a fabulous job making the invitations ! Thank you for a lovely vlog !

[@claudine1928]

For two people, who did that for the first time, Great succes! And lovely and fun to watch.

[@cliffhorman6846]

Absolutely loved the invitations and the comedy doing them. I meant to mention yesterday that the new intro is beautiful. Well done.

[@romiehutson5230]

I totally enjoyed your giggles and enjoyment of how the stamping came out. I want to get a stamping kit now

[@YourNextStep1234]

"That looks like an S. I think it's a J. Oh well, either way." LOLLLLLL

[@aimeelawrence-bespokefurni575]

Pps Thank you so much for the postcard print. I was so excited to open it. It's such good quality. Beautiful x

[@1weazy291]

Hi LaLande those invitations looked fabulous 🙀‼️

[@brendastewart39]

Castle is even more beautiful with snow, so magical

[@carolynshepherd4153]

Wonderful! I’d write a longer comment, but I have to go to the stationery store for sealing wax and a stamp🤗

[@amandagauthier-parker1399]

I love you guys so much!! You make everything so special!! 😍🥰😍

[@karenyuile3446]

During the war, the government had an amazing amount of carrots so told people it would aid them to see in the dark as they had to have regular blackouts. I love that this story is still told today as I used to believe this as a child xx

[@queaniesincetip4363]

Love it! I really enjoy Phillp's gracious and genteel manner!

[@philipjanssen]

😘

[@veronicarunge2241]

So much fun especially with the wax seals. Loved the invites and opening of the advent calendars. Keep well from Brisbane Australia.

[@aliceallan6109]

I have a wax Christmas stamp that I place on my Christmas cards every year. Such a nice touch💌

[@LilyFlower26]

What a joy. This reminds me that I need to play more.

[@sharongruener6078]

So fun, love those wax stamps, very pretty. Blessings.

[@Rosa7388]

I love the mischievous, fun, adorable sibling type vibe that Stephanie and Philip are settling into. It really warms my heart🥰 Oh, and if you're going to erase your work, then don't work with the usual dark lead pencils. Try using a blue colour lead (manga artists used to do this before everything was done digitally), and a putty eraser works best in my opinion. Still the blue lead really makes a difference.

[@philipjanssen]

Thanks for the tip!

[@roberthossen8354]

P.S. ABSOLUTELY LOVE the Christmas Diaries!!! Lovely, exciting, funny and warm. Precisely what I need in this bizarre Covid crisis (thank God the vaccines are on their way 🙏) . Like the series of 2019, I'll never miss an edition!!!!

[@artinaam]

6th of December is St. Nicholas' Day! What a perfect date for a party and gift exchange :)

[@kimbers65]

Stephanie how wonderful to have 2 gorgeous & fun hosts for 2 years in a row! I meant to tell you yesterday how much I LOVE your intro this year!!!!! The beautiful scenery, wonderful memories of past Christmas’s & friends & family who are dear to you! Only thing missing is a sleigh ride 😉. I hope you have one this year and capture it with the church or chateau in the background. Philip you are such a sweet addition to LaLande! Thank you for all you do for Stephanie & us. Your invitation artwork is amazing!! You and Stephanie have very similar taste almost like siblings...crazy fun! Natie & Cat are both so fun to watch. Natie with her soft humor & Cat with her witty fast comebacks! Thank you again for a wonderful vlog, well done! 🎄 Hugs from the Mitten State (Michigan, USA 🇺🇸) 🤗

[@philipjanssen]

Thank you 🥰

[@janetgorman8149]

oddly, I could watch the whole stamping/sealing/melting the wax process for hours, kind of like visual asmr! lol

[@mnizourin]

Great team in deed! I love that they are singing Carols spontaneoulsy...very enjoyable!

[@donnamiltier6961]

Lovely, elegant Christmas cocktail invitations !! Enjoyable watching Philip and Stephanie having such fun creating them !

[@paullittle8367]

Really loved the video - it’s so obvious that it was made with love, really appreciate your effort in keeping us all entertained x P

[@hasret2096]

I'm still in awe of that room. To think that Philip made it in just a day or so. I'd never leave that Christmas Corner! And again beautiful singing.

[@petajackson3305]

🤣awesome episode - so uplifting and fun ! Definitely making me excited for 🎄 Christmas 🎄. Love to you all x

[@reinettethurman2518]

What a wonderful gift you are giving us ✨ A bit of holiday cheer in these difficult times. Thank you for making us smile. I actually put up my tree after watching "day 1" , AND ordered candles for it , just like yours !!! Merry Christmas 🎄 from Reinette .... Georgette 's twin sister !

[@philipjanssen]

❤️

[@metropcs7560]

Wonderful video!!! Happy Holidays!!!

[@romiehutson5230]

I say he is a ditch Barron. He’s so sophisticated and charming

[@chasethecat3839]

Dutch? You made me smile, though. Reread it before changing it too.

[@hollyssimplelife1634]

Yes his voice is so beautiful as well

[@philipjanssen]

Thank you all so much ❤️, but nope, I wish haha