It's the most wonderful time of the year!

I know, I know it’s only just November and we’ve barely removed the poppies from our lapel, but I received a lot of feedback from readers who enjoyed my ‘catch-all’ events listing for Halloween, so I’ve got another one for you here for the holiday season—and believe it or not, the holiday season begins this weekend! (Er...update...last weekend!)

I know I’m always looking for fun and festive ways of celebrating the season, seeing the city, meeting new people and trying new things. I can’t be the only one! So, if you are looking for a parade to kick-off your festive season, a glittering gala to attend or a simple way to spend some quality time with the kids, check out my list. I’ve divvied up the events into categories and added info where available. I’ve also noted what events are free.

I’m going to try to keep this list updated for the season, so if you know of an event that seems like a good fit, please let me know and I’ll include it here and then will repost it weekly throughout the season. Unfortunately, I won’t be advertising concerts, church fairs and craft shows, ‘cause let’s face it—there’s a helluva lot of them and no way I could do justice to that list!

Happy celebrating!

Santa Claus is coming to town
A listing of where you can go to visit Santa, take photos with him or share a bite with the Big Man in Red. There are other malls that I have not included on the list because information was not yet available.



Ol’ Kris Kringle celebrates his arrival at the Rideau Centre on Saturday, November 12 from 11 to 1pm. Photo packages will be available for $15 each, with proceeds going to Door Youth Centre.

· St. Nick will be available for photos at Hazeldean Mall following the parade on Saturday, November 12 from noon to 2pm. For $12, you can get four poses on a CD. He will also host two Christmas breakfasts at 8am on December 4 and December 11.

· Mr. Claus will be dropping by Les Galleries de Hull at 10am on Saturday, November 12. The party begins at 9am, however, with face painters, clowns and fiddlers.

· Santa arrives at Bayshore Shopping Centre on Sunday, November 13 at 9:00am. A tree-trimming jamboree will take place with photos with Santa (from 9 to 9), holiday choirs and Dickens carollers (9 to 2), face painting and balloon artists (in front of Winners from 9 to 3), stiltwalkers and puppets (10 to 3), Mrs. Claus cookies (9 to 3) and Santa’s Letter Writing Helper Workshop (in front of Mrs. Tiggy Winkles from 1 to 3).

· Santa makes his first appearance at St. Laurent Centre on Sunday, November 13 at 9:00am. A pancake and pyjama breakfast will welcome him to the mall from 9 to 10. Tickets are $7 each with proceeds going to the Ottawa Food Bank. Santa will then make his way to Centre Court for photos until 4pm.

· St. Nick arrives at Carlingwood Mall on Friday, November 18 from 11am to 8pm. You can visit the Carling Woods display to visit and take photos with Santa ($10 for a DVD). Kids will receive a plush Rocky the Raccoon, Carlingwoods feature creature. There will be face painting and music. Anyone who brings a food bank donation will also receive a festive shopping bag.



· Santa Paws will be coming to the Westgate Shopping Centre on Friday, November 18 (and staying on through the weekend) to take photos of your pets with the Big Man himself. Cost is $15 (or $10 for OHS animals) and proceeds go to the Ottawa Humane Society.

· St. Nick will arrive to fanfare at Billings Bridge Plaza on Saturday, November 19 at 1pm. A party will take place from 1 to 2:30pm, with photos continuing until 4pm.

· Santa’s workshop begins at Place d’Orleans Shopping Centre on Sunday, November 20. A VIP pass for $5 will allow you to participate in face painting, gingerbread house building and a photo of the Big Man himself. Space is limited, so register early.

· Père Noel arrive at Les Promenades de l’Outaouais on Sunday, November 20. To celebrate, the mall will be offering a Sonia Yaya show at 11am, followed by an autograph session (does anyone know who this is? Does she really need an autograph session?!?). There will also be magicians, musicians, clowns and le p’tit Train des Promenades.

· Santa Paws returns, this time to the Lincoln Fields mall for more pet photos from November 25 to November 27. He will also make appearances at the Ottawa Humane Society the three weekends in December leading up to Christmas.

· Visit with Santa at the CIBC bank located at the corner of Innes and Trim on December 10 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. There will be photos with Santa, refreshments and activities.

Jingle bell rock
A listing of holiday-themed (or in some cases, not holiday-themed, but just kinda fun!) parties, events or activities taking place throughout the city.

· Take a stroll down Taffy Lane in Orleans to see the amazing lights-and-decoration displays put up by residents. Can get crowded along the route, especially on weekend evenings, so park the car, bundle up and walk the route to really appreciate the displays. Truly a winter wonderland!

· Check out the Gingerbread House Exhibit and Silent Auction at the Rideau Centre (in the bridge) as of November 18. The event is sponsored by CMHC in support of Habitat for Humanity and features celebrity houses.

· Grand Opening weekend for the new Mayfair Theatre in Orleans. For a great price, you can check out the “Back to the Future” triology, the original “Muppets” movie (followed by “The Great Muppets Caper”) and “Gone with the Wind.” Will also be featuring a "The Great Escape" comedy/magic/juggling show by The Cow Guys at 1pm all weekend long. Price is $12 for adults, $5 for kids under 12 and $10 for all seniors and Mayfair members. Proceeds going to prostate cancer research in support of "Movember."

· The North Grenville Municipal Centre offers Family Movie nights every Friday. November 18 will feature “Super 8” and November 25 will be “Another Earth.” Free.

· Stargazing party at the Helen Sawyer Hogg Observatory at the Canadian Museum of Science and Technology on November 18 at 9:00pm. Free. Dress warmly!

· Build a wooden Santa’s sleigh at Lowes’ Build-and-Grow Clinic at 10:00am on Saturday, November 19. For ages 5 and up. Registration required. Free.

· Celebrate National Children’s Day at the Nepean Museum on Sunday, November 20 from 1:00 to 4:00pm. Play Victorian games, crafts, celebrate being a child and everything that makes you special. $1 minimum donation.

· The Ottawa Waldorf School in Stittsville will be hosting a Christmas Fair on November 20 from 10am to 3pm. Celebrate in an atmosphere that evokes Christmas past. A market with local vendors, a café serving homemade dishes, a children’s store for kids’ gift shopping, candledipping crafts, a puppet show and an enchanted Cookie Cave full of surprise.

· Enjoy a local talent show and Christmas concert at the “An Evening of Sharing” in Rockland on Friday, November 25 at 7pm. Admission is free with a cash or food donation to stock local food banks. Variety show with singing, dancing and musical interludes.

· St. Andrew’s Church on Wellington will be hosting a Scottish Tea and Bazaar on November 26 from 1 to 3:30pm. It will feature attic treasures, art collectibles, handicrafts, Christmas items, baked goods, books, jams, jewellery and a silent auction.

· Visit the Sugar Plum Fair as hosted by the Ottawa School of Dance on Saturday, November 26 from 9:30 to 2pm. The winter fair will feature baked goods, fine arts, fruitcakes, crafts and other vendors. Proceeds go to the charity’s outreach programs.

· Stop by the Chateau Laurier to see the CHEO Trees of Hope—corporate and group sponsored Christmas trees that will be sold with proceeds going to CHEO. The trees are found throughout the hotel and in the ballroom. They will be on display until January 4, 2012, so have a look and vote for your favourite!

· Check out the sumptuous Christmas decorations at Parliament Hill’s Centre Block, starting November 30. Nearly 40 trees are hidden throughout the building, including the 20-foot tree in the House of Commons foyer, and decorations in the Rotunda, Senate and Hall of Honour.

· Love to run? Take part in the Santa Shuffle in Tunney’s Pasture on Saturday, December 3 in support of the Salvation Army’s Christmas families. Involves a 5km Fun Run or a 1km Elf Walk. Open to individuals, families and corporate teams. Prizes in both adult and children divisions. There will be post-race refreshments, awards and prizes. Free event t-shirts to anyone with a minimum $50 pledge. Pre-registration discount.

· Ottawa Public Library – Carp Branch – will offer a Christmas puppet show on Saturday, December 3 at 1:30 to 2pm. Free.

· The Byward Market is lovely to visit anytime of the year, but starting on December 3, the Market will feature choirs and Dickens carollers on streetcorners every weekend from 12 to 4pm and free horse-drawn carriage rides from 1 to 4pm. Register early for the carriage rides in front of Moulin de Provence.

· Salsa Loca’s ‘’Christmas Celebration’’ will take place at Moussette Park on December 3 from 8:30pm to 1am. Tix are $7. Bring your dancing shoes!

· Build a wooden caboose on December 3, a coal car on December 10 and a train engine on December 17 for a whole train set at Lowes’ Build-and-Grow Clinic. Clinics begin at 10:00am and registration is required. Free.

· Samichlaus Party for children, hosted by Ottawa Valley Swiss Club on December 4 from 11am to 2:30pm. There will be crafts, games, treats, a talent show and visit from Santa (a gift for every child.) Free for members, $15 per child for non-members. All are welcome.

· Free admission day at the Bytown Museum on Sunday, December 4 from 1 to 4pm. Festive fun planned for this afternoon.

· Learn about gift-giving traditions from around the world at the Nepean Museum on Sunday, December 4 from 1 to 4pm. Try out new games, make gifts and enjoy holiday treats. Minimum donation of $1 per child.

· Visit the Children’s Museum at the Canadian Museum of Civilization at 2pm on Sunday, December 4 for a reading of the popular children’s book ‘’A Chanukah Noel’’ by the author herself. There will also be a craft activity. Free with museum admission.

· Enjoy a festive Big Band music at the ‘’Snowflakes and Starlight’’ Dance held at the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre (Brittania Park) on December 8 from 7:30 to 11:30pm. Featuring the Grey Jazz Big Band, tickets also include a light lunch and door prizes. Cash bar. Tickets are $19 in advance and $23 at the door. Adults of all ages are welcome!

· Lumberjack Breakfast at the Bytown Museum at 10:00am to 12:00pm on Friday, December 9. Reserve by December 3.

· Take the kids to Ottawa Family Cinema on Saturday, December 10 at 2:00pm to see “Rio” in 3D. Free admission! Door prizes!

· Build a wooden snowman napkin holder on Saturday, December 10 at Home Depot at 10:00am. For kids ages 4 to 12 years. Registration required. Free.

· The Ottawa Public Library will host a puppet show of “The Grinch” at the Beaverbrook Branch on December 10 at 1:30pm. For ages 3 to 7 years. Free.

· The Greenboro Branch will offer “A Wonderful Winter” program featuring songs, stories and crafts on December 10 at 10:30 am. For ages 3 to 6. Free.

· The Blackburn Hamlet Branch will feature a “Gifts of the Season” program for kids ages 7 to 12 years at 2pm on December 10. Kids will get to make a holiday gift for a loved one. Free.

· The Hazeldean Branch will also host a puppet show at 10:30 on December 10. Free.

· The Barrhaven Lions Club will be hosting a Children’s Christmas Party on Saturday, December 10 at 10am. There will be entertainment, a visit with Santa, storytelling by Mrs. Claus, a sing-a-long, a hot dog lunch and party favours. Free with food bank donation.

· Enjoy lunch with Santa at Upper Canada Village on December 10 at 1:30pm at the Harvest Barn. You will get a hot turkey sandwich combo (or hot dog combo for kids), decorate gingerbread men, make your own Christmas wrapping paper, see Santa, visit the Village Boutique and see the nighttime lights all for $37.50 for adults, $27.50 for seniors and students and $7 for children.

· Victorian Christmas Tea at the Billings Estate Museum on December 10 and 11 from 11am to 4pm. There will be several tea sittings throughout the day, with holiday music, Victorian crafts and—weather permitting—an outdoor bonfire. Tix are $11.95.

· Mayor’s 11th Annual Children’s Christmas Party will be celebrated on Saturday, December 10 at the Aberdeen Pavillion at Lansdown Park from 2pm to 6pm. There will be visits with Santa and other characters, crafts at the Elves Workshop, carousel and train rides, face painting, musical entertainment, Beaver Tails and Papa Jack popcorn. OC Transpo will provide free bus shuttles to the party. Free admission with an Ottawa Food Bank donation.

· The Ottawa Public Library – Centennial Branch – will present their “Holiday Magic” program, featuring stories and songs for ages 3 to 7 on December 15 at 10:15am. Free.

· Family Movie Night at the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group will feature “Polar Express” on December 16 at 7pm. Free.

· The Ottawa Public Library – Sunnyside Branch – will “Celebrate the Solstice” on December 17 at 2pm. Will include crafts and stories for ages 5 to 9. Free.

· Join moviegoers for a movie and a show at the Ottawa Family Cinema at 2pm on Saturday, December 17. First, the movie “Arthur Christmas”—an animated film about the youngest son of Santa and his adventures. Followed by a stage show by Santa, his elves and some musicians. Each child will visit with Santa on stage and receive a gift. Treats for everyone. Tix are $8 at the door and $6 in advance for members and $10 at door and $8 in advance for non-members.

· Christmas Day Camp at Watson’s Mill (in the Carriage Shed) on December 17 from 9:30 to 3:30pm. Will include holiday-themed activities, crafts, games and guests. $25 each child or $20 for members.

· Tamir Family Chanukah Party on December 20 from 6:30 to 8:30pm.

· Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Parliament Hill on December 20 from 5:30 to 6:30pm. All are welcome.

· Winter Solstice Stargazing Party will take place at 7pm outside of the Canadian Museum of Science and Technology. Dress warmly!

· Christmas exhibits and children’s activities at the Osgoode Township Historical Museum on December 22 from 1 to 3pm.

· The Ottawa Public Library – Osgoode Branch – will celebrate with a “Gingerbread House” decorating program on Thursday, December 22 at 6:30pm. Free.

· A Chanukah Family Breakfast will be held on December 25 at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre from 10 to 12pm. Includes a light breakfast bar, donut and latke treats, and children’s activities. Pre-registration required. $10 per adult, $5 per child, age 2 and under, free.
Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings
A listing of holiday-themed performances, concerts and shows. This is, of course, in no way an exhaustive list. Just a sampling of the festive shows taking place this year!

· A musical version of the 1954 holiday film “White Christmas” will be performed at the Centrepointe Theatre from November 11 to November 20.

· Arthur L’Aventurier will rediscover the magic of Christmas in his “L’Aventure de Noel” on Saturday, November 12 at 3pm at the Desjardins Hall in Gatineau. Tickets are $16.

· Ginette Charbonneau will be talking about the rites of Christmas across time and across the world in her lecture at Maison de la Culture in Gatineau on November 17 at 7pm. Free.

· Handel’s ‘’Messiah” will be performed at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in the Glebe on November 18 and 19. Tix are $23.50 for adults, $15.20 for students. (Why not round these fees up?!?!)

· The Pennsylvania Ballet present “The Nutcracker” at the National Arts Centre from December 1 to December 4.

· University of Ottawa Orchestra will perform selections from Handel and Beethoven at Saint Brigid’s Centre for the Arts on Friday, December 2 at 8pm. Voluntary contribution.

· The Cantata Singers of Ottawa will perform a selection of favourite holiday classics from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Part’s Magnificant and other festive music. Adrian Harewood will narrate. A preconcert talk will take place at 7:30pm and the event will end with a carol sing-a-long at 10pm. Knox Presbyterian Church on Lisgar Street on December 3. $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for students.

· Watch ‘’A Little Princess Ballet’’ (adapted from the famous story of “The Little Princess’’) as performed by Les Petits Ballets on Saturday, December 3 at the Centrepointe Theatre. Tix are $20 for adults, $17 for kids under 12.

· University of Ottawa Choral Group will be performing a Christmas concert at Tabaret Hall (Room 112) from noon to 1:15pm on Wednesday, December 7. Voluntary contribution.

· ‘’Sing Noel’’ with the Goulbourn Male Chorus on December 11 at St. John’s Anglican Church in Richmond at 4pm. Tix are $15 for adults and free for anyone under the age of 16.

· The Goulbourn Male Chorus will also be performing ‘’Snack, Cider and Song’’ at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Stittsville on December 18 at 4pm. Will feature the Anglican Children’s Choir, the Yuletide Ladies Chorus and the Trinity Hilltop Ringers (bell choir). Free.

· Rag and Bone Puppet Theatre presents “The Story of Holly and Ivy”—a Christmas tale based on the popular book where an orphan girl dreams of a Christmas doll and the doll dreams of a girl for Christmas Day. Shows will at 7pm on December 16, at 1:30 and 3:30 on December 17 and 18. Tix are $10 or a four-pack for $32.

· ‘’Disney Live” presents three classical fairy tales in a musical show at Scotiabank Place on December 17 and 18. The stories will cover Snow White, Cinderella and Belle’s stories and will also feature Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy.

· The Ballet Jorgen will perform a Canadian version of the timeless holiday classic: “The Nutcracker” at the Shenkman Arts Centre on December 19 at 7pm and at 1pm and 7pm on December 20. Tix run from $35 to $50.

It’s Christmastime in the city
A listing of the parades and lighting ceremonies throughout the city.

· Kanata/Hazeldean Mall’s Santa Claus Parade is Saturday, November 12 at 10am.
· The Kemptville Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade will take place at 1pm on Saturday, November 19.
· Ottawa’s Help Santa Toy Parade is on Saturday, November 19 at 5pm.
· Cornwall’s Santa Claus Parade is on Saturday, November 19.
· Barrhaven Lions Club Santa Claus Parade is Sunday, November 20 at 5:30pm.
· Gatineau’s Santa’s Parade will take place Friday, November 25 at 7pm.
· Aylmer will have a parade on Friday, November 25 at 7pm.
· Brockville’s Santa Clause Parade is Saturday, November 26 at 2pm.
· Westport’s parade is on Saturday, November 26 at 2pm.
· Carleton Place Santa Claus Parade is at 5pm on Saturday, November 26.
· Pembroke’s Christmas Parade is Saturday, November 26 at 5:30pm.
· Orleans’ Santa’s Parade of Lights is Saturday, November 26 at 6pm.
· Gananoque’s Christmas Parade is Saturday, November 26 at 6pm.
· Embrun’s Santa’s Parade is Saturday, November 26 at 6:30pm.
· Stittsville will have a parade on Saturday, November 26 at 7:30pm.
· Smith Falls’ Santa Clause Parade is Sunday, November 27.
· Russell’s Christmas Parade is Sunday, November 27 at 1pm.
· Casselman’s Christmas Parade is Sunday, November 27 at 1:30pm.
· Clarence-Rockland’s Christmas Parade of Lights is at 4:30 pm on Sunday, November 27.
· Vankleek Hill’s Parade of Lights is Friday, December 2 at 7pm.
· Richmond Santa Clause Parade is Saturday, December 3 at 11am.
· Pakenham’s parade is on Saturday, December 3 at 1pm.
· Manotick’s parade will take place on Saturday, December 3 at 1pm.
· Perth’s Santa Clause Parade is Saturday, December 3 at 5pm.
· Spencerville’s Starlight Parade is at 7pm on Saturday, December 3.
· Hawkesbury’s Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 3 at 7pm.
· Osgoode’s parade will take place on Sunday, December 4 at 11:30am.
· Picton’s Santa Clause Parade is Sunday, December 4 at 1pm.
· Almonte’s Santa Clause Parade is Sunday, December 4 at 1:30pm.
· Carp’s Santa Clause Parade is Saturday, December 10 at noon.
· Metcalfe parade will be Sunday, December 11 at 2pm.

· “Christmas Lights Across Canada” started with the Christmas lights display on Parliament Hill. Now, not only are 60 sites throughout Ottawa and Gatineau lit up with lights from December 1, 2011 to January 7, 2012, but 13 capital cities have joined in the program. The Illumination Ceremony, which takes place on the Hill on December 7 at 6pm will feature choirs, a candle-lit vigil, special effects show, and celebrity and musical guests. Free.

· “Light Up the Night” in Almonte is part of Wayne Rostad’s “Christmas in the Valley” festival. On Friday, December 2 at 7pm, the entire town of Almonte will light up with festive decorations to hold an outdoor holiday concert. It will feature local musicians, choirs, singers, puppeteers, a town crier, Snow Queen, Twinkle Fairies and the Big Man himself. Also, a fireworks display. Free.

· Starting Thursday to Sunday weekends beginning December 2 to December 18 and then nightly until January 7 (closed December 24 and 25) from 4:30 pm to 9:00pm, Upper Canada Village will be open for its “Alight at Night Festival.” The heritage town will be alight with half-a-million Christmas lights and will feature special programming. Horse-drawn wagon rides, train rides, shopping in the Village Boutique, the Sound and Light Spectacular at Crysler House, Gingerbread House Exhibit and Competition, carolling at the Church and enjoying a meal at the three Village restaurants is perfect for a family gathering or a corporate event. Adults $13, Seniors/students $10 and Children under 5, free.

· CP Holiday Train is North America’s largest, roaming food bank. It features a festively decorated commuter train that crosses the country (and some US states), stopping at small towns along the way to perform boxcar, outdoor concerts of some of North America’s rising stars and collect food bank donations along the way. The Holiday Train will be passing by Beaconsfield, Quebec on Sunday, November 27 at 1:30pm; Merrickville, Ontario at 6:45pm and Smith Falls, Ontario at 8pm. It will continue across the country until December 6th. Check the site to see if there’s a stop near you!

O little town of Bethlehem
A listing of local, small-town Christmas festivals. Perfect for a weekend getaway!

· “Christmas in Merrickville” is a three-day festival, beginning with a Village Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 2 at 5pm. Shops will stay open late to encourage local holiday shopping and carolling will take place. On Saturday, December 3 there will be a “Breakfast with Santa” event from 8:30 to 10:30am. $5 adults, $3 for kids. There will also be a “Cookie Walk and Weigh” from 9am to 1pm, allowing participants to fill up a box with baked goods, then pay by weight. $5 a pound. On Sunday, Handel’s “Messiah” will be performed at United Church at 2pm ($20 tix). The CP Holiday Train will pass by with its free outdoor concert at 6:45pm. All weekend, there will be a Home and Business Decorating Contest, a chilli tent available from 5 to 8pm ($5 a bowl), as well as street carolling, wagon rides ($3), free hot apple cider and hot dogs and marshmallows roasted over an open fire, Crazy Hat Contest, pet station, hamper collections, pictures with Santa, Christmas tree decorating by nursery school children, children’s activities and entertainment, silent auction, magician and street hockey tournament.

· Manotick’s “Olde Fashioned Christmas” will be held on December 3 and 4. The quaint village will be transformed into a Village of Yesteryear. There will be strolling Dickens carollers, a Saturday parade at 1pm, wagon rides, face painting, a Victorian penny sale, Christmas Market at Watson’s Mill, apple cider and hot chocolate and cookies, breakfast with Father and Mary Christmas on Sunday at 9am (family games, crafts, pics with Santa) and a sunset carol sing-a-long at the mill at 4:30pm on December 4. (Dress warmly!).

· Casselman’s “Christmas Festival” will take place from November 24 to November 27. There will be a number of different events taking place throughout the weekend, including a bowling tournament, Christmas market, outdoor cinema (Friday at 5:45pm, bring chairs and dress warmly!), four-on-four hockey tournament, choir and rock concerts, disco skating (Thursday from 6pm to 7:30pm), spaghetti dinners, wine and cheese, horse and buggy rides, a parade, face painting, bonfire (Saturday, noon to 7pm), visits with Santa Claus, Santa Claus’ workshop, the official lighting ceremony and more.

· Spencerville will be celebrating it’s “A Country Christmas Remembered” from December 2 to 4. Some events require a passport (a family passport is $15), but others are free to attend. There will be a parade, a lighting ceremony, decorating and gingerbread house contests, juice jams, storytelling, children’s entertainment, karaoke singing, talent shows, concerts, traditional turkey and roast beef dinners, breakfast with Santa, elf mascots and wandering minstrels, wagon rides, cookie sales, craft shows, Santa’s workshop, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, fireworks, a family skating party, art exhibits and a rural ramble.

My Christmas wish
A listing of unique Christmas gift or décor ideas.

· Gourmet fruitcakes made by Cistercian Monks from the Oka Monastery will be on sale at the Notre Dame Basilica Cathedral on November 19 and 20. Large cakes (in decorative tins) will sell for $22, while small loaf-shaped cakes will sell for $15. On sale at the back of the church after mass.

· Fresh holly sale - hollies have been cultivated in BC and will be sold to anyone across the country until November 25 in support of Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. For $42, you get 10 holly sprays (8 green and 2 variegated), 2 pinecones, and 2 cedar boughs. The items will be beauty and nature into your home and luck into your lives. Buy for yourself or have it delivered as a gift. Will include a gift card.

O’er the hills we go, in a one-horse open sleigh
A listing of places throughout the city where you can go for a sleigh ride.

· Beckett’s Creek Farm
· Lucky Luc Carriage and Sleigh Services
· Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm
· Smithvale Stables
· Pinto Valley Ranch
· Captiva Farms
· Happy Trails Riding Stables
· Fulton’s Sugar Bush
· Hazeldean Mall – Sleigh rides will be held there on weekends in December, in front of the Zeller’s entrance. Food donations required.
· Byward Market – Free sleigh rides on December weekends. Register early in front of Moulin Du Provence.
· Sparks Street Mall – Free sleigh rides
· Westboro – Free sleigh rides

An old Christmas card
A listing of fun Christmasy activities you can do from the comfort of your own home.

· Send a Canadian soldier some holiday spirit. Make or purchase a holiday card, address it to ‘A Canadian Solider’ with a message of thanks and seasons’ greetings in it, add a Tim Horton’s gift card to it and send it Red Fridays Foundation of Canada in Ajax, Ontario by November 15th. One of the 4,000 soldiers stationed abroad will be delighted to enjoy a cup of tastes-like-home coffee and a donut over the holidays thanks to you.

· Write to Santa. Send him a letter or your Christmas wishlist, via Canada Post, before December 19th and he’ll write you back. No postage necessary, just be sure to include a return address. You can also send him an e-mail. In honour of 30 years of this letter-writing tradition with Canada Post, check online in late November to see Santa on YouTube, reading some of the letters he received this year. One of them might be yours!

· Send your children a video message from the North Pole. Santa will personalize a video message with your child’s name, age, favourite toys, and other information and then send it to you by e-mail. You can even include a photo of your child for an extra effect. Free—and fun!