Holidays at Home

As this rollercoaster of a year comes to an end, it is exciting to be able to close it on a festive and positive note. The holiday season will inevitably look a little different this year, inspiring creativity to make it as amazing as ever and filled with tradition! Here are some tips for making the most of the holidays… 2020-style!

Go all out for decorations this year!

This familiar holiday activity is completely COVID-approved and can drastically lift your holiday spirits. Not only will your home make you feel cozy and festive, but it will also do the same for others. Imagine the joy you might bring to people driving by your house and seeing its outside decorations!

Buy your gifts online/shop locally:

Gift-giving is one of the most rewarding things about the holiday season! Online buying is most arguably the easiest and safest approach to purchasing gifts this year. Avoid crowded and stressful shopping mall situations altogether; instead, make some coffee or tea and a snack of your choice and scope the internet for gifts for your loved ones! Especially now, it's important to support our local businesses! Below we've listed a few great options:

1. The Lonsdale Quay Market has some beautiful gift options from small artisanal businesses!

2. If you live in the city, Granville Island Market is another similar option, with artisanal treats, jewellery, and knick-knacks available from local vendors!

3. Try shopping on Etsy and support small sellers!

Video call (or call) your loved ones:

The holiday season is generally a time for connection with family and friends, and, considering our circumstances, this can be accomplished fairly seamlessly online! With your household bubble, you can all spend some time calling and catching up with relatives and friends that you cannot visit in person for the time being. This is an amazing way to be able to connect with loved ones in a safe and responsible manner!

Blast the holiday music:

Music is an amazing way to feel the holiday spirit and familiar sounds of the season! Jam out to some “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey or perhaps some Michael Bublé: the choice is yours! But if holiday music isn’t your thing, not to worry! There are many other things you can do to feel a sense of festive spirit!

Holiday movie night:

Hold a holiday movie night with your household circle! Decorate and get in your cozy pyjamas, make some snacks or bake some treats, and relax with some classic holiday movies! Take this time to enjoy yourself and revitalize from a busy first two quarters! Some of our recommendations include:

1. For something comforting, try the classic "A Charlie Brown Christmas"!

2. You can't go wrong with the legendary comedy "Elf"!

3. And of course, "It's a Wonderful Life" is the perfect feel-good drama!

Participate in a drive-by Christmas lights show:

The PNE is offering a “Winterlights” show this year, where you’re able to observe Christmas lights from the comfort of your own car! Here is a description of the show from the PNE website:

“Buckle up for this safe, holiday experience that you can enjoy with your family from the warmth of your car along a 2-kilometre route. You will be transported through nine enchanted lands filled with glowing lights in your mission to discover Santa, with special characters and festive performers to help you along your way.”