Vancouver: The Savvy Guide to December
December isn’t just a month’it’s a season. We say embrace it with our handy recommendations on how to get the best of this festive and oh-so-busy month.
DO
Bring your kids to your local toy store and choose a gift for someone they don’t know’then drop it off at a toy drive
Why? Because it’s good for them to understand that some kids don’t get everything they want for the holidays’in fact, some don’t get anything at all.
GO
To Canyon Lights
Why? Because Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers a breathtaking view as thousands of lights decorate the bridge, rainforest and cliff-walk. Guests can take part in gingerbread cookie decorating and glass ornament blowing while enjoying seasonal music from the Holiday Band.
GET
Your quantities right when entertaining
Why? We have the ultimate checklist of how much food and wine to buy for the perfect party this year’and every year to come.
PLAY
A cooperative board game with your family, such as Race to the Treasure
Why? Because games like this foster team spirit and teach kids how to share responsibility (read: they don’t cause fights).
READ
How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character by Paul Tough
Why? Because it’s the hot new parenting book on the shelf this year that talks about how to develop character in your kids. Character is reflected in skills like perseverance, curiosity, conscientiousness, optimism and self-control.
GREEN IT
Make a homemade holiday gift
Why? Because DIY gifts are more thoughtful and better for your budget’and they have a much lower carbon footprint and no wasteful packaging.
SURF
Over 118 participating stores on December 12 for Free Shipping Day
Why? We think the name speaks for itself. Well, maybe the word ‘FREE’ does.
APP IT
Ditty Bop
Why? Because it’s a fun song game for your iPhone that you can play with the family’without using words. The rules are simple: choose a song to hum, whistle, beat box or sound out’no words allowed. Fellow players then try to guess the song within a certain period of time. The ease of use is what makes Ditty Bop so much fun and entertaining for players of all ages. Get it at dittybop.com. (From Our Partner: Ditty Bop)
MAKE
A batch of cookies
Why? Because we have a lot of great ideas to inspire you to wow your friends or family this holiday season. No complicated recipes allowed.
HELP
The Shoebox Project
Why? Because small gestures make a difference during the holidays. This initiative collects and distributes gifts (in shoeboxes) to women in shelters in Canada. They’re filled with items women enjoy but would not splurge on in difficult times. Help brighten the holiday season and let these women know they are special and not forgotten.
DEAL IT
Saplings is offering an additional 10% off to SavvyMom readers until January 31, 2013 with the code SAVVY
Why? Because Saplings is closing their online shop and they’re having a sale you won’t want to miss. With a great range of high-quality sustainable products, we’re sure you’ll check off all the names on your gift list.
For more great seasonal tips and tricks, check out our 101 Ways to Be a Holiday Hero.
