The holiday season is here, and it’s one of our favourite times of the year! Whether you’re decking the halls, snuggling up for a movie night, or giving back to the community, there are so many ways to make the most of this magical season.
In this blog, we’re sharing some of our favourite holiday traditions and ideas to inspire your celebrations. From cozy reading nooks to outdoor adventures, you’ll find plenty of festive activities to bring joy and create memories with loved ones. And don’t miss our personal favourites sprinkled throughout—we hope they spark a little extra holiday cheer in your home this year!
Now, let’s dive into the season of joy, love, and giving!
1. Decorate Your Home with Holiday Spirit
Transforming your home into a festive winter wonderland can instantly lift your mood and set the holiday tone. Start with a beautiful Christmas tree adorned with ornaments, lights, and perhaps garlands or ribbons. Then, add smaller touches like wreaths, candles, and cozy blankets around the house. Decorating can be a fun family activity—encourage everyone to add their personal flair to the decor!
Meghan: My husband and I often go away at Christmas and skip decorating, but when we’re home, my favourite is the stockings over the fireplace. There’s nothing like coming downstairs at night and seeing the room lit only by the glow of the tree.
Kelsey: I love sprucing up the front entrance and adding fun inflatable decorations to the lawn!
Kira: Decorating the house and tree was always a family tradition. My mom used to create a Christmas village with snow that grew bigger every year. We’d always get to open one gift on Christmas Eve—new pajamas!
2. Plan a Christmas Movie Marathon
There’s nothing like snuggling up with a warm drink and watching classic Christmas movies. Dedicate an evening or even a full day to a cozy movie marathon. Watch nostalgic favorites like Home Alone, Elf, A Christmas Story, or It’s a Wonderful Life. Invite friends or family to join you, and don’t forget the snacks!
Kira: My favorite is Elf! But Home Alone is a close second.
Kelsey: Home Alone, both 1 and 2—obviously!
Meghan: I adore The Holiday, A Christmas Story, and the classic It’s a Wonderful Life.
It’s fun to see the generational differences in our favorite movies!
3. Try a New Holiday Recipe
The holidays are the perfect time to experiment in the kitchen. Bake Christmas cookies, whip up a batch of eggnog, or try making a gingerbread house. For savoury dishes, consider a traditional Christmas dinner or explore recipes from different cultures to expand your holiday palate.
Kelsey: My go-to is a rosemary and maple roasted nut mix.
Kira: My grandma used to send us a big box of her Christmas baking every year—such a sweet memory! Baking with her was always so special.
Meghan: Growing up, my mom, grandma, and I made amazing treats from scratch. My adult favorite? “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Punch.” It tasted like sparkling juice but packed quite a punch—literally!
4. Spread Holiday Cheer with Acts of Kindness
Giving back during the holidays can make the season even more special. Donate to a local charity, volunteer at a food bank, or participate in a toy drive. Simple gestures like baking cookies for neighbors or surprising a friend with a small gift can spread joy.
Meghan: I always donate to the Tigh-Na-Mara Toy Drive and love seeing the mountain of toys destined to bring smiles to local families.
Kelsey: We sponsor local families for Christmas and donate to our kids’ school every year.
Kira: Even small acts of kindness, like donating toys or necessities, make a big difference.
5. Enjoy Christmas Music: Caroling or Concerts
Christmas music brings people together, whether through caroling, attending a holiday concert, or enjoying live music at a local event. If singing isn’t your style, check out local performances or cozy up with a holiday playlist at home.
Kira: Elementary school Christmas concerts were such fun memories!
Kelsey: I love attending my kids’ Christmas concerts—it’s always a highlight.
Meghan: Fun fact: I used to sing in choir as a kid and loved caroling at seniors’ homes. We even sang at the Pan Pacific Hotel once!
6. Visit a Christmas Market or Festive Event
Explore the magic of a Christmas market filled with crafts, seasonal treats, and unique gifts. Many towns also host tree lightings, light displays, and holiday parades. These events make for perfect festive outings with family or friends.
Kira: I never miss the Vancouver Christmas Walk—this year, I get to bring my new puppy!
Kelsey: I’m obsessed with Christmas markets—every single one!
Meghan: My holiday mantra is “shop local.” Whether it’s visiting favorite stores or browsing island markets, supporting local businesses is a must.
7. Host a Christmas Party or Secret Santa
Throw a holiday party filled with games, music, and laughter. Consider a theme, like an ugly sweater party or a cozy pajama gathering. Adding a Secret Santa or White Elephant exchange can make it even more memorable.
Meghan: I attend local holiday parties for organizations and do all my gifting and socializing there. Our small family stopped exchanging presents years ago.
Kira: Christmas Day dinner with my whole family is always a highlight of the season!
Kelsey: I love our neighborhood light-up event—it’s so festive!
8. Enjoy Outdoor Winter Activities
Bundle up and embrace the season! Whether it’s sledding, ice skating, or visiting a snowy park, outdoor winter activities create lasting memories. Many places also offer magical light displays for a nighttime stroll.
Kira: I love skating on frozen lakes and watching my brother play hockey. Sledding on Coquitlam’s huge hills was a childhood favorite!
Kelsey: Taking the kids sledding is always a win when we get a good snowfall.
Meghan: A walk through Milner Gardens and Woodland’s Christmas light-up always puts me in the spirit.
9. Set Up a Cozy Reading Nook
Create a serene space with soft blankets, fairy lights, and a holiday-themed book. Whether it’s A Christmas Carol or a bestselling novel, this is a perfect way to relax during the holidays.
Kelsey: Nothing beats a good book by the fire.
Kira: Curling up with a book during the holidays is the ultimate cozy activity!
Meghan: My guilty pleasure? Reading in the middle of the day during the holidays—something I’d never do while working!
10. Reflect on the Year and Set New Intentions
Take a moment to pause and reflect on the highs and lows of the past year. Express gratitude for the good moments and set intentions for the year ahead.
Meghan: I set my intentions before the holidays and start new goals after my January birthday.
Kira: Right before the New Year, I love making a list of goals and positive thoughts for what’s to come.
Kelsey: Christmas is my time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the moment.
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