Vancouver: The Savvy Guide to December

No more frowning at the holiday music in the grocery store. December will be here in five days and you’ll want to embrace and enjoy all the excitement of the season. Here are our top tips to help you do just that.

DO
Something for yourself this month while you are out and about.
Why? A haircut, a blow dry or even a massage (how indulgent) before a festive party will make you feel good.

GO
To the Rogers Santa Claus Parade on Sunday, December 6.
Why? Because it’s a fun way to kick-off the holiday season with your kids. Bring non-perishable food items for the The Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society, and the Spirit Train will come along the parade route prior to the start to collect them (and give your child a set of pom poms in return).

GET
Something to keep him in place from Saxx.
Why? Because they fit his form, and they are the hot product this season for men.

PLAY
Sardines. It doesn’t sound very festive, but it’s fun when you have lots of kids around.
Why? It’s the reverse of hide and seek—one person hides and the rest look for him. Players count to 100 while one child hides. The search party then breaks up and looks for ‘it’ (the hidden child). As each player finds ‘it’ they squeeze (like sardines) into the hiding space until the spot is jammed with kids. The last kid to find the hiding place gets to start a new game by hiding first.

READ
Days to Treasure, written by Agnes Bellegris and illustrated by Canadian painter Katerina Mertikas.
Why? Because it’s a delightful book with beautiful images that you and your children will enjoy.

SURF
www.travelpod.com
Why? Because the travel games are kind of addictive (and it tests your geography knowledge too).

GREEN IT
Rather than go out and spend a ton of cash on the latest and greatest sparkly ornaments, create your own natural versions with recycled materials and edible ingredients.
Why? Because you’re trying to reduce reuse and recycle, right? This is the season to get started on that. Right now.

HELP
Raise money for the Strathcona Community Centre’s Food Security for Children program by visiting Canada Place this Christmas season. Take in the evening light shows on the sails or reserve your spot for breakfast with Santa (book early as this sells out) and be sure to make a donation online.
Why? Because this program ensures children on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside are fed nutritious meals year round.

DEAL IT
Get 30% off everything in stock at Agoo Clothes for Active Kids until December 24, while supplies last. Use coupon code Savvy30 at checkout.
Why? Because this month we’re introducing a special monthly deal just for our readers and our first one’s a goodie: Agoo’s awesome clothing line for active kids (think four-way stretch and wicking properties).

Photo credit: Holly Sisson Photography

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