Last week was about the stuff. This week is about the stuff to do. While prettily wrapped packages are always a nice bonus (and are sometimes fun just to see how well people think they know you), what makes the holiday season special for me, is doing things that put you in a festive mood with those closest to you.
A holiday movie with a friend. Drinks downtown with girlfriends. A reason to dress up. A reason (or no reason at all) to just lay on the couch in the arms of that special someone. And of course, some time spent outside, snow and ice skating not optional.
To these ends, my holidays will be counted as a success, if all (or most) of the following happens:
Alberta Ballet’s The Nutcracker
I’m a sucker for it all: the costumes, the music, and the way the Sugar Plum Fairy glides across the stage. A reason to don a beautiful dress is just simply icing on the (fruit)cake. Magic.
Zoolights
I have to be honest and say that last year was my first foray into Calgary Zoo’s endless display of twinkling Christmas lights, which I count as odd considering I sometimes purposefully veer off course just to go admire Christmas lights in various neighbourhoods. This past Sunday saw me take it all in with my 3-year-old in tow, eyes wide and happy.
Snow Day(s)
Whether that means skating, skiing, sledding, or just simply going for a walk in Fish Creek Park, fun in the snow is holiday staple.
Movies
For me, the holidays have always meant movies. Whether it’s multiple trips to Chinook (Black Swan and How Do You Know here I come!), or the requisite holiday must-view of Love Actually, The Holiday, and Miracle on 34th St., popcorn and couch time is as part of my holidays as half sweet peppermint mochas.
Family Day
Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without the day being spent with the family I grew up in, and all our silly traditions. (Arguments and requisite over-eating and over-drinking included.) There is something about laying on the couch in your pj’s, awash in bits of wrapping paper and ribbon, watching Christmas Vacation for the 89th time to the glow of the fireplace, eating moms painstakingly made cookies. It just doesn’t get much better than that.
However you celebrate, Happy Holidays!