Toronto: The Savvy Guide to December

The Advent calendar is ready to go up, the outdoor lights need to be hung and the kids are planning a visit to the big man very soon. Dreidels are being dug out of drawers and festive menus planned. The season is officially here. Here’s our guide to making it through the month with superpowers still intact.

DO
Plan something new and different with the kids over the holidays. Take in a show, enjoy some culture (museums and art galleries) or visit a part of your city that even you have never been to.
Why? Because a little adventure can go a long way for kids and adults.

GO
To Habitat for Humanity’s 8th Annual Gingerbread Build, December 4–5.
Why? Because you can enjoy quality family time building and decorating a sweet holiday gingerbread house together. Even sweeter: the proceeds go towards building real homes for our community.

GET
A babysitter.
Why? Because you should take a night off with your beloved—whether it’s a romantic date night or a festive fête, sitters are tough to find around the holidays so book ‘em early.

PLAY
Your kids’ favourite music, and dance. Turn it into a game of freeze dance if you want, or just dance with your kids. To play freeze dance: play music, begin dancing and stop the music every minute or so. When silent, the dancers have to ‘freeze’—those who move are out.
Why? Because it’s more fun (and physically healthier) than watching other people dance on TV. 

SURF
www.farmersmarketonline.ca
Why? You’ll find amazing and unique handmade, home-grown, and local products that can all be delivered straight to your door. 

APP IT
Christmas Carols or Super Dreidel
Why? For some festive fun. You’ll always know the words to the classic holiday songs and kids will love the virtual twist on the classic Hanukkah game.

GREEN IT
Use LED lights this year if you haven’t already made the switch (we prefer the white ones).
Why? Because they use up to 90% less electricity and they produce virtually no heat so they are safer for little people. We’ll say it again—90% less electricity.

READ
The Distant Hours by Kate Morton
Why? Because the latest book by the author of The Forgotten Garden will take you away from your day-to-day routine as you follow the story of Edie Burchill and her journey to Milderhurst Castle, home of the Blythe spinsters, where her mother was billeted as a young child, during WWII. There she begins to unravel her mother’s past and uncovers more than she expected.

Special Savvy Contest: We have 10 copies of this just-released novel to give away. Just head over to our blog and tell us what you’re planning on reading over the holidays and you’ll be entered for your chance to win! (Contest closes December 1.)

HELP
Visit the DeSario Family Festival of Lights at 165 Benjamin Boake Trail, Toronto and take in the wonderful light display.
Why? Because the kids will go crazy over it and all proceeds go to the SickKids Foundation. It’s worth the drive from wherever you are—here are some photos as proof.

DEAL IT
Receive 20% off at Panty by Post until December 25 with code savvymom20.
Why? Because you don’t want to have your knickers in a knot when Santa comes to town…they also make great gifts (and they deliver).