Five simple ideas to boost your holiday spirit
Presenter, The Weather Network
Thursday, November 22, 2018, 3:21 PM - The countdown to Christmas in on!
I have a few ideas that will boost your holiday spirit.
1. GO FOR A SKATE
Bundle up with the kids and head to an outdoor rink. Breathe in that crisp air and enjoy the holiday jingles. You can skate for free at Celebration Square in Mississauga, or even along the waterfront in Hamilton at Pier 8. And, of course, there's the classic Christmas experience of skating outdoors at Nathan Philips Square in Toronto!
If you make the trip to Toronto, check out the Eaton Centre for Canada's biggest Christmas tree. It towers 30-metres tall and looks like a sparkly delight!
2. Get crafty
I love a good DIY project! I came up with this one (below) in November.
Start with a nature walk. Gather some pine cones and dried branches. Find a base, like a piece of scrap wood. Assemble your natural decor with some artificial holly and candles to create this stunning display! Then use hot glue to put it all together, and use it as a centrepiece for Christmas dinner.
3. Head to the Falls
Niagara Falls proves that the holiday cheer is here! Over-the-top light displays, the roaring mist of the Falls, Christmas décor on every street corner. You can catch fireworks here every Friday in December. And don't forget about Deck the Falls and The Winter Festival of Lights! You can walk an 8 km path of dazzling light displays and indulge with some of the best ways to decorate for Christmas by professional designers.
4. Get baking
Everyone has a sweet tooth in December, so light up your kitchen with the spirit of the season with this super easy recipe idea! In a double boiler melt chocolate. In a plastic bag crush candy cane. Have some pretzels on standby, because what happens next is the delicious part! Dip each pretzel into the melted chocolate and then dip into the crushed candy cane. Set each one onto wax paper and place into the fridge to harden. In about 20 minutes you'll have a delicious and beautiful Christmas treat!
5. GATHER THE FAMILY
Making memories, building traditions, and choosing to give is my favourite part of the season. Maybe this year you start a new tradition. Here's an idea from my family:
Each year my mom writes our yearly accomplishments and highlights and includes this note in our stocking (yes, I'm in my mid 20s and I still get a stocking -- thanks Santa!)
It's amazing to reflect on the year and remember all the moments that have shaped our lives. Perhaps you may want to seek out a new charity as a tradition. Or rekindle an old memory like watching a movie you always put on at Christmas as a kid. Or start with getting matching sweaters for you and your dog. Yup, that happened. Christmas 2015!
However you spend the season, I hope it's your best one yet! Now bring on the snow Mother Nature, so all our Christmases are white!
Happy Holidays,
Rachel
