The Sentinel Sun

As one year fades into the next and the clock strikes midnight, people all around the world pause to celebrate one shared moment in time: the beginning of a new year. While the dates and traditions may differ depending on where you are, the spirit behind them remains universal: hope, connection, and a fresh start.  In many Western cultures and countries, including Canada, the United States, and Europe, New Year’s Eve is welcomed with countdowns, fireworks, and parties. From N

Holidays are not only about distance traveled but perspective gained, and lucky for us, here in Metro Vancouver, there’s lots for you to discover! Winter in the Lower Mainland isn’t just a season, it’s a dazzling spectacle filled with lights, laughter, and sparkle. From glittering outdoor displays to cozy fun indoors, the holiday season promises winter activities for everybody!  Burnaby Burnaby Village Museum  The Burnaby Village Museum offers  vintage light displays, live en

While many dream of a white Christmas, half the world dreams of a bright one. In the Northern Hemisphere, the holiday season is synonymous with cold weather, snow, and steaming cups of cocoa. However, in the Southern Hemisphere, the holidays tell a different story — trading snowflakes for sunshine and chilly nights for blazing summer days. These opposite climates have shaped holiday celebrations around the globe, with people adapting these originally ‘winter holidays’ to fit

This year marks the 15th iteration of the annual Vancouver Christmas Market, one of the city's most recognizable winter events. Every year at the Jack Poole Plaza, the area is transformed into a small European-styled village filled with wooden stalls, glowing lights, and joy. The market was first introduced in 2010, and while it has grown over the years, its appeal has mostly stayed the same: a mix of food, music, and holiday traditions. The festival offers seasonal foods, ha

Once October comes around, Canadians find themselves eating turkey and expressing their gratitude during Thanksgiving weekend, but Americans don’t join the festivities until November. Despite the dates being different, the holiday at its core is the same in both countries - yet, they still have some differences. In this article, I’ll unpack some of the key differences, similarities, and the history that explains them.  History and Dates  In Canada, Thanksgiving falls on the s

The moment pumpkins and skeletons are replaced by twinkling lights and our living rooms suddenly sprout Christmas trees marks not only a shift in the calendar, but also a shift in our lives. Still, every year it seems Christmas sneaks in just a little sooner. Walk into any store on November 1st, and you’ll hear Mariah Carey blasting through aisles adorned with elves and mistletoe where spiders and skeletons lived just hours earlier. While I love Christmas, I can’t help but wo