It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s… SNOW?!

Christmas is in the air, Vancouver! Has everyone started their Christmas shopping?!

How has everybody’s week been? Well, after the snow blasted down and painted the city white, I called up some friends, and we all piled into one vehicle and ventured forth to Metrotown Mall! When we got there, we blasted through the mall, and rounded up everything “Christmas-y” that they had to offer. What can I say, I’m a sucker for Christmas!! Preparing for Christmas can be madness at times; the malls are crammed, people are pushing and shoving to get to gifts for their loved ones, Starbucks line ups go down the street, but when you go with friends, it makes things more fun! Aside from Christmas shopping, I’ve had a challenging, yet adventurous and accomplishing week of climbing the Lynn Valley peak, which was freezing cold but fun!! Also, I spent some quality time with friends, went to build a bear, had an eggnog latte at Starbucks, and decorated my apartment for Christmas!

A favorite tradition of mine is to bake up a storm of shortbread and gingerbread cookies, and enjoy some Christmas movies with my friends!! For the first time, I’ll be spending the holidays in Vancouver this year. Things are going to be a bit different. Yes, I am definitely going to continue the tradition with my friends down here, but I realize that Christmas goes a little deeper than that. You see, while we’re all snuggled up with a cup of hot chocolate, watching our favorite Christmas classics, there are people on the streets who have nothing, nowhere to go, and nobody to do it with. This year, I’m going to do whatever I can to help whoever I can, and I encourage you to do it too!! Whether it’s dropping a few canned goods off at a local food bank, or dropping a few coins into a Salvation Army kettle pots, anything and everything helps. I am encouraging everyone to carry a few granola bars in your pocket/purse and if you see a homeless on the street, hand one over to them. Remember, they aren’t going home to a warm house and home cooked meal!! My plan is to volunteer at a homeless shelter with a few friends, collect some sweaters, jackets, socks, gloves, toques, and anything that I can do that will help make someone’s holidays that much better, and take it to a homeless shelter.

Christmas countdown: 36 sleeps!

“Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day.” – Helen Steiner Rice