Ring those bells, baby

It’s the first door on the Advent Calendar! December 1. Time to hang the Xmas buckets on the girls’ bedroom doors.

What will they find inside, today? Well, a little chocolate and, for the activity, a picture of some Christmas cookies. I wanted to put up the trees tonight, but Hubby has an evening full of charity events and hockey games, so we’ll wait until tomorrow so all of us can trim the tree together. (It’s not just a sentimental ‘whole family’ thing—I just really, really hate putting up Christmas lights. Better him than me.) So, in his absence, the girls will don their adorable snowman and gingerbread man aprons and help me make five dozen cookies for a cookie exchange party on Saturday. Eek!

Better make six dozen---the kids are gonna want to sample the goods. Who am I kidding? I count myself among ‘the kids.’

Are you starting a Family Advent Activity Calendar this year? It’s such a simple way of making the festive season all the more fun! I'm gonna post up some suggestions for the calendar in a few mins, but first---a repost on the holiday calendar. Some new items have been listed here care of some readers, family and friends! Thanks for adding to the list, folks! ***

Enjoy your first day of December....

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 is at the Rideau Centre. Photo packages will be available for $15 each, with proceeds going to Door Youth Centre.

· St. Nick is at Hazeldean Mall. 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 can be found at Les Galleries de Hull.

· Santa visits Bayshore Shopping Centre.

· Santa will be at St. Laurent Centre.

· St. Nick stops by Carlingwood Mall. Photos are $10 for a DVD.

· St. Nick can be found at Billings Bridge Plaza.

· Santa’s got a workshop at Place d’Orleans Shopping Centre. Digital photos!

· Père Noel visits Les Promenades de l’Outaouais.

· 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.

· ***The Jolly Ol’ Elf will host a brunch at the Rideau Carleton Raceway Entertainment Centre on Sunday, December 11 from 11am to 3pm. Adults $12.99, Kids 6-12 $9.99, Kids 5 and under, free. Santa will visit and be handing out treats.***

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.

· 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.

· *** “Royal Yoga” at Pranashanti Yoga. Need to get some Xmas shopping done? Sunday, December 4 from 1 to 2:30 pm, get kids to stretch out their sillies and play princess games and royal crafts. Crowns and costumes encouraged. No previous yoga experience required. $15 per person. ***

· 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!

· *** Snowflake Special and the Glebe Community Centre on Saturday, December 10 from 6 to 9pm. Face painting, games, crafts, sports, sleigh rides, refreshments and other activities. ***
· 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 6:30.

· 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.
· *** The 19th Annual Christmas Day Dinner with the Elvis Sighting Society of Ottawa. Join friends at the Newport Restaurant for entertainment, food and fellowship on December 25, 2011 from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.***

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 Christmas Carol” kinderconcert presentation at the National Arts Centre, from December 1 to December 4 at 9:30 am. Kids join Scrooge in an interactive and hands-on musical retelling of this kid-friendly version of the Christmas classic. Tickets are $18. ***

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

· ***The Annual Ottawa 67s Teddy Bear Toss at Lansdowne Park. Bring a new or gently used stuffed animal and toss it on the ice after the 67s score their first goal. Toys will be collected to add to the Toy Mountain drive. ***

· ***“Walk to Bethlehem,” a live nativity theatrical excursion, takes place on Friday, December 2 (6 to 9pm) and Saturday, December 3 (5 to 9pm), as hosted by the Hudson Community Baptist Church. A friendly guide will transport you back to ancient Bethlehem, providing you with shekels, and then escorting you through the city, past Roman soldiers, beggars and thieves. You and your party will meet angels and shepherds, and the Three Wisemen as you follow the path of the Holy Family. You will knock upon the Innkeeper’s door and present gifts to Baby Jesus in the manger and experience the First Christmas. Then, you will return to the 21st century to enjoy Christmas goodies, hot chocolate and carolling and the live animals. Free admission. Tours leave every 10 minutes. Dress warmly. ***

· ***“The Nutcracker” put on by the OYP Theatre School on December 2 at 7:30 pm and 2:30pm and 7:30 pm on December 3. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. The team will also be collecting new or gently used snowsuits and cold weather gear for The Snowsuit Fund.

· 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.

· ***“Northern Lights” – a choral selection of religious and traditional French Canadian, Acadian, Aboriginal and Appalachain songs. Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3 at 7:30pm at Orleans United Church. $20 a tix (14 and under are free). ***

· 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.

· ***Ashbury College Carol Service 2011 will take place on Sunday, December 4 at 4:30pm at the Mackay United Church in Ottawa. All are welcome to attend and listen to the carolling. ***

· 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.

· 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 Christmas festivals.

· “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!).

· 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.

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

***Kanata Centrum City Walks - Free sleigh rides***

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

· 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 email. 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, favourite toys and other information. You can even include a photo of your child for an extra effect. Free—and fun!

· ***Another personalized video message from Magic Santa. Good for sending to your spouses, siblings and friends, too. Also, free! ***

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!

Secret Santa

So, I have learned that Brooke is absolutely the worst secret-keeper ever. I should never have trusted her with any kind of insider information, but as she was standing beside me when I made the discovery, it was hard not to include her and take her into my confidence.

Set scenario? Okay. Yesterday, I'm flipping around online while Avie is taking her nap, looking at the Jean Coutu website as Jax had mentioned to me the night before that enlargements were 40% off this week and I was thinking of printing some photos in time for the holidays.

Out of curiosity, I decided to check out photo gifts and found some thermal coffee travel mugs that you can personalize with a photo or drawing. I thought that for $19.99, Hubby might like one with a photo of the girls on it or some of Brooke's artwork. Would make a great Christmas gift for a proud papa who drinks coffee like it is going out of style. And, he never seems to have enough of those mugs!

So, my ''aha!'' moment arrived and as Brooke was beside me, I asked her wouldn't it be a great gift idea for Daddy? She jumped and clapped her hands. ''That's me!'' she exclaimed, as I tooled around with some design samples, "It's perfect!''

I then explained to her that it would be a surprise for Christmas and that she couldn't tell him about it. I figured she'd be good at keeping the secret as she herself had already 'purchased' him some gifts at the dollar store and hadn't mentioned them to him. (Now, I realize it's either because she's forgotten them or simply had no idea what she got him in the first place.)

About 20 minutes later, I hear her knock on the garage door to talk to her daddy (where he was busily working on his own Christmas surprise for us). She was going around with a little notepad and a pen, asking everyone what they wanted for Christmas, so she could send Santa 'our lists' and she didn't want to leave Daddy out of the game.

Hubby responds to her question with ''Clamps. Ask Mommy about them. She'll know the ones I mean.''

Yes, I do. The ones that were on sale in the Canadian Tire flyer this week. (Already bought two of them. No worries. A) He rarely reads my blog. B) He was with me and picked them out.)Naturally, Brooke comes back to me and says:

''Daddy says he wants clams...and seashells.''

Having overheard their conversation, I thought this was pretty funny and had to share it with him. So, I went back to the garage door and said:

''So you want clams and seashells, eh?''

Just then, Brooke pops out from behind me and says to Hubby, clapping excitedly ''Daddy, we just found a special cuppy to give to you for Christmas, but I can't talk to you about it because it's a secret.''

Hubby burst out laughing. ''Oh really?'' He looked up at me, his eyes twinkling merrily. She danced around, clapping.

''Yup! Mommy says it's a surprise.''

Geez, thanks Brooke.

The Activity Advent Calendar

I am all about making new family traditions. I feel, that when you become a parent, that it's part of your duty to create these ties that connect your children both to your family and to their heritage--and what better way than to create a tradition that the kids will cherish for years to come?

When her first son was born, my sister started the tradition of Christmas pyjamas. The kids all get new jammies on Christmas Eve, that they wear to bed that evening. When Brooke was born, I started the tradition of Christmas books. I add at least one to my collection every year. Brooke and I try to read one every evening during the Christmas season.

This year, I decided to adopt a new tradition in honour of Avie--it's a concept I read about on another blog. Basically, I've created an Activity Advent Calendar for the girls this year. Yes, B still has her chocolate calendar, but this year, I also decided to do something simple, but special, with the girls every day up until Christmas Eve.

I purchased two little treat buckets from WalMart (a buck each, notch!) to hang from the girls' doorknobs. The plan is that every day I will put in a chocolate treat (bag of foil-wrapped chocolates courtesy of Dollarama) and a hint as to what special Christmasy thing we are going to do that day.

For the most part, the activities are holiday things we have to do anyways--go pick up and decorate a Christmas tree, send out our Christmas cards, attend Christmas parties, wrap presents, etc. Other activities are just plain good fun: make Christmas ornaments, make our own gift wrap, create Christmas 'pizzas' for the birds, build a snowman (gotta wait for the snow on that one!), go for a sled ride, check out the Christmas lights on the Hill, etc.

I received some other great suggestions from friends, such as making popcorn garlands, building a gingerbread house, purchasing a gift for the Angel Tree at WalMart or dressing up for family dinner (think tiaras and meatloaf). And, I'm thinking of an impromptu Christmas dance contest, too, as well as a Christmas TV movie marathon. Other ideas I've come up with: making stockings for CHEO's kids (got the idea from last year's Christmas Day visit to the ER), eating breakfast for dinner (who doesn't like that?), and baking cookies for the nurses at the Medical Day Unit.

Anyways, yesterday I gave Brooke the buckets and explained what we were going to do with them. She was very excited to hang them up on the doorknobs. Didn't want the one I chose for and switched with Avie, but all's good. She hung them up last night while I was out Christmas shopping with Jax. When I got home, I went to put in her treat and clue and found the bucket hanging on the inside of her door. Cuckoo bird. Love that kid.

She completely forgot about the bucket this morning, so didn't notice the treat until I mentioned it to her. She was so excited. She looked at the photo I had printed off as her clue for what today's activity was and her face lit up.

"Look, Mom. It's a mission! It says 'Dear Princess Brooke, I can't wait to see you.' '' (It said nothing of the kind, as she is just three and cannot read anything beyond her own name. Besides, why would I write that? Still, very amusing to overhear her 'reading' her 'mission.')

What, in fact, was the photo? Well, it was a humdinger of an activity, and as Hubby noted, might be setting the bar a little high for Day 1 of the Advent, but I couldn't help it!

It was a photo from The Nutcracker Ballet, which will be performing tonight at the National Arts Centre. We received the tickets as part of the NAC's Share the Spirit program, which offers tickets for holiday events free of charge to families with sick children or families who cannot afford such luxuries.

The back story on the Nutcracker? It has always been my dream and that of my sister to one day take our daughters to that show. We've both seen it as girls (and I've seen it as an adult too!) and remember it as a very special event in our lives. It was the first time either of us got dressed up and went 'out' for an evening. The first time we got to hold our very own tickets and do something so 'grown-up' (even if the story is for children!) as attend a ballet performance. It was very special for us and we wanted it to be very special for our girls.

Jackie and I have been envisioning the night for years now, long before our daughters were born: we'd dress the girls up in fancy Christmas dresses and go for a special dinner, then to show where we would all be enchanted by the magic of this timeless story, the sparkly over-the-top costumes and scenery, the incredible music and cherography.

The Nutcracker dream is an important tradition we wanted to share with our girls. Months ago, we even considered taking the girls this year. (Grace just started ballet, so she is particularly 'into' the Nutcracker at the moment and Brooke is still enthralled with anything magical, princessy and fairy-like.) But, after checking out the prices for the event and considering schedules, we decided against it. Maybe the girls are still too young to fully appreciate a full-feature ballet, we thought. They might get bored and want to leave, they might fall asleep 10 minutes into the show--and at $60 a pop for a children's ticket, it might be better to wait a bit.

Then, last week, I received an e-mail from Tamsin, the program co-ordinator at Candlelighters. They had received a number of tickets to select holiday shows at the NAC and were offering them to any member family wishing to attend. At first, I hummed and hawed, was Brooke still too young? Was she too sick to attend? Would she enjoy it?

She has an incredible attention span for movies, so Hubby thinks she could handle it. I agreed, and after hearing that her numbers had gone back up this week, I decided to check with Tamsin to see if there were any tickets for opening night left. Sure enough, there was! Enough for Jax and Gracie to join us, in fact! Awesome!!!

I am so excited for tonight--and B is elated with the thought of seeing the show. The photo was a great idea on my part (pat your own back, Ginger) and B has been carrying it folded in her basket all morning.

Now, the only hitch tonight will be whether or not Jax and Grace will be attending. (Grace was not feeling well yesterday, so it is touch and go today. Jax doesn't want to chance Grace near Brooke, even if her numbers are high this week. She did just have chemo on Monday. So, perhaps Jax will come alone or take one of the boys.)

And, as for the Activity Advent Calendar? So far, so good. (Although B was a little disappointed that there were no chocolate treats in Avie's bucket for her to ''eat for my sister cause she's too little for chocolate--hey, Avie has nothing in her bucket!'' Note to self tomorrow: Put in Baby MumMums for Aviecakes.)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Well, not really. In fact, I can't recall a November as non-wintery as this, but it's beginning to 'look' a lot like Christmas in our house. Almost all of the decorations are up (with the exception of the trees, as we have decided to go with two real pines this year), Diana Krall is on the CD player and sugar cookies have been baked and iced (in hideously garish fashion!) and now reside in a Tupperware container on the kitchen island, awaiting eager little hands.

Still, I feel every bit behind this year. Not much shopping has been done (beyond a few Etsy orders and a last-minute trip to the Samko and Miko sale, that really only produced a few books), the Christmas cards have been ordered, but not yet started and the Santa letters, although in the works, have not been completed. I still have to attempt a new recipe for a Christmas cookie exchange next week, buy some decorations for the float Hubby has been working on putting together for this weekend's parade and RSVP some holiday invitations.

Plus, there's all the things I would like to do, but feel we will simply not have time for this year. (For example, I wanted to sew up somnot e presents and do some crafting in time for the holidays, but realistically, I know that that is going to happen.) This isn't unusual. I always have a huge 'to-do' list each holiday season, but I generally get most of it accomplished with time to spare. This year, I'm really feeling bogged down by it, though.

Why am I dragging my feet a little this year? Is it simple lack of time or a deeper hesitation? Not sure. I'm usually all over Christmas. And, as excited as I am for the parties and family visits, turkey dinners, twinkling lights, mailboxes full of glittery cards and delighted faces Christmas morning, lately, I've been preoccupied with other things.

A lot of it has to do with Brooke. She's been a superstar throughout this whole cancer ordeal--tolerant and rocker tough, but the chemo treatments have finally caught up to her. I find the meds are really taking their toll on her these last couple of treatments. She has not tolerated them as well as she has in the past. And, although her numbers are usually quite high, she's feeling the effects of the treatment.

Lately, her appetite is nil. And, because of mouth sores that she has developed as a result of the chemo, it hurts to eat. She's fed up of medication and having to take upwards of five syringes of medication a day (usually just two, but last week, she had an ear infection, so had more meds to take.)

Her balance and equilibrium are completely off-kilter, so she has been falling down and running into things more than usual--even for a naturally clumsy kid. And, of course, she bruises like nobody's business now, so the bumps and scrapes really look worse than they are. And, we think, because of her balance sensitivity, she's become prone to motion sickness. We've had a few vomiting incidents of late that seem to suggest she can't handle more than 30 minutes in the car any longer.

Sometimes, she seems so tired, or rather tired of being sick, that she just curls up in my lap and says ''I want you.'' It makes me want to cry.

This morning, I cajoled her into taking her medication and allowing me to swab her gums with a medicated mouthwash. It was so painful and/or yucky, she began to cry. I gave her some water to wash out her mouth and she spit it out. Then, she just lifted her hand up and patted my cheek and crying said. ''I just want you to colour with me.'' So, off we went.

She's pale, she's skinny and she's sniffly. She's sick of being sick and I'm sick of having a sick kid. I want my robust, rosy-cheeked, cheerful girl back. It sucks.

On the bright side, it's almost over. My little Fuzz Buzz only has to endure another month of pokes and bandaids and anti-nausea medication. Another chemo treatment on Monday and the final one four days before Santa makes his big trip. To be done with this whole thing will be a relief--and the best Christmas present of all.

I think that's what I'm really looking forward to this year--not really Christmas, so much as the New Year. Starting 2011 healthy and happy. Hubby and I have already decided to spend an LCBO gift certificate our friends gave us on a bottle of champagne to ring in the New Year. It will be a clean slate for all of us. I can't wait.

Until then, Brooke and I will finish her Santa letter. I'm going to include a post-script at the bottom to let Santa know just how great she's been this year. Brave, patient and the best big sister Avie could hope for. I think he will agree that she is deserving of an extra-special present this year.

P.S.: Wrote this yesterday--mailed Santa letters today. Got some shopping done yesterday and RSVPed to a few shindigs. Feel like I finally accomplished somethings. Good thing, too--only one month to go!

P.P.S.: The close-up of the cookies--yikes. Brooke has the benefit of impatience and lack of dexterity on her side. I don't know what the hell my problem is. And, yes, sadly--that's my batch.

P.P.P.S.: To my French-Canadian readers, Happy St.Catherine's Day! To my American readers (should I have any?), Happy Thanksgiving!!

A few of my favourite things

My in-the-moment fave things:

1) Watching B try to feed Avie with a baby spoon. The two of them enjoy it for a few minutes, before B gets bored with how difficult it is to gauge where Avie's mouth will be and Avie gets frustrated that B is taking so long to get any grub in! But those few moments of shared giggles? Priceless.

2) Holiday commercials on TV--yes, they've started, and I don't mind at all. I'm hoping to see some tear-jerkers again this year. (Best ones to date? The Pampers Silent Night ad--huge, ugly tears every bloody time I see it!--the Tim Horton's one where the kid brings a coffee to his elderly neighbour while the old man shovels the driveway, the Dieppe Bell Canada one (my Hubby's personal fave), and the Canadian Tire no-fireplace-for-Santa commercial.)

3) Loading up my Playlist.com with holiday tunes and then setting my laptop to the page so I can listen to my family's playlist over and over again while I dice carrots or fold laundry.

4) My new lunettes. Browny librarian frames from Ray Ban. I like the contrast punch of dark tortoiseshell against my pale, freckled skin each time my eyes flicker over my own reflection.

5) Avie's two little teeth, set into that sugary-sweet, gummy smile. I love you, cupcake, like vanilla batter loves chocolate frosting.

6) Following the Enjoying the Small Things blog by Kelle Hampton. Vivid, evocative photos + passionate, heartfelt writing = great friggin' read. I find both her blog and how she views ordinary things--motherhood, everyday life, simple moments--truly inspiring. Don't even know her and yet feel she is a kindred spirit--or at least the kind of the spirit I aspire to be. Check her blog out if you need a pick-me-up.

7) Hubby's Movember makeover. In support of prostrate cancer, he has decided to turn his goatee into a moustache. To be entirely fair to the cause, he decided to start from scratch. He shaved off the ol' facial hair to make room for the new. He took off the hair on his head, too. He's a cueball. B has more hair on her little chemo head than he does now (her hair, by the by, has started to grow back. I love feeling the soft little tufts sprouting on her head. The little hairs look dark right now, but we'll see what comes of them with time.). In spite of looking like a newborn baby, it's kinda fun to run your hand over his bristly pate. Like wide-weave velcro.

8) B's continued love for her baby dolls. Yesterday, when we were preparing for our walk to the mailbox, she asked if we had a baby sling or a car seat for her doll (I was trying to find the Bjorn for Avie). I told her we didn't have one, but maybe we could ask for one from Santa. She agreed, then promptly unzipped her jacket halfway, stuffed her doll inside and proceeded outside. A mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do to keep her kid warm.

9) Getting back into scrapbooking. Made three pages at my sister's Stampin' Up club get-together last weekend. Felt good to sit down with the ladies, chat about the latest goings-on and get our creative juices flowing. Can't wait to make Christmas cards and gift tags!

10) Watching my precious babies sleep. Every night from the time we brought Brooke home until I stopped some months ago, I used to peek in on Brooke before I myself hit the hay. I told myself I was just checking in, to make sure she was alright and still breathing, but the reality was just to catch a glimpse of her relaxed face, dark lashes sweeping peacefully across her seashell-pink skin, her plump, bow-shaped lips sucking peacefully at nothing, an uncurled fist flung carelessly across a plush snuggly toy.

I stopped slipping into her room a few months after she turned two because I found that she was startling awake each time I inched the door open. I hated to do it, but I decided that her need for a good's night rest outweighed my desire to watch her sleep. (Why I simply didn't think to get Hubby to WD40 the hinges is beyond me, but that's besides the point of the story. ) Anyways, I simply got out of the habit of checking in. I haven't even done it that much with Avie. She slept beside us in a bassinette for the first three months, so I checked in with her then, but that's about it.

The other day? I did just that.

I had to wake up Avie from her nap to make it to an appointment on time. (Trust me, I did not want to do it. I HATE waking a sleeping baby--and it would figure that the one time I need Avery to take a short nap, she decides to pull a two-hour siesta.) I went into her room and just stood there for a few moments. Watched the breath go in and out of her, eyelashes fluttering, cheek buried in the brown satin of her blankie. Pure bliss.

Was so struck by how sweet that moment was and how I missed the checking in that I decided to peek in on Brooke, too. Cracked open her bedroom door. Her bald little head was popping out of her blanket cocoon, bunnies falling halfway out of bed, dolls haphazardly perched on the edge, books strewn about the comforter. Complete and utter peace and comfort.

Filled me with goodness. Really missed that. Thankful for the moment that reminded me of how precious it is to have children to watch over--even if it meant having to wake Avie from a sound sleep.

What are some of your must-haves this month?

And it begins anew

Halloween has been over for days now, and I am amazed that the snow is still here. It fell in huge, fluffy clumps on the night of the 30th, just as Hunter's Birthday Surprise (which went off without a hitch! He was so confused and stunned!) was coming to an end.

The snow, a sparkling white blanket, was still there the next morning--inches thick on the car and back deck. The chickens were huddled in the shed, leery of the frost out in their pen and the ice that had formed in their water bowls. It was so cold that Hubby had to shut their little door to the pen and plug in the heat lamp for the old girls. Their days are numbered, but no need to freeze 'em beforehand.

That morning, we defrosted the windows of the car and cranked up the heater, then packed up the trunk with costumes and pumpkins and treats.

The chill outside was palpable. The pines in our front yard drooped from the heavy snowfall. The chimneys of our neighbours puffed merrily as if each was trying to out-puff the others. The kids on our street threw snowballs and made snow angels and wiped mittened hands across runny noses with glee.

In fact, the entire drive to my in-laws was every inch a Christmas scene, and had we a holiday CD in the car, Hubby would have popped it in the player. The only difference between that drive and the usual wintery landscape? The pumpkin heads on the snowmen!

Parkas-over-costumes aside, the kids weren't too bothered by the weather that night. They traipsed from house to house, begging foodstuffs from Jackie's neighbours. They came back, after 1.5 hours of trick-or-treating, with rosy cheeks, chilled hands and bulging bags of goodies. And, even though it was a school night, we ended the evening by going over to my Dad's place for post-Halloween burgers and pumpkin cake. A good time had by all for sure.

And, now? It looks like Christmas is settling in for the long haul. The snow is on the ground (with more flurries expected this weekend). The songs are already playing on my car stereo. The December magazines have started appearing. And--dare I say it? I already received my first holiday party invitation in the mail! Sure, it's a community ''Breakfast with Santa'' thing sent to everyone in our village--and sure, it was printed on pink paper as opposed to red or green--but it still counts. Sorta.

Can you hear the Whoville Whos singing "Welcome Christmas, Welcome, Welcome" in the background or is it just me?