Our house over here is not decorated at all before the Holidays, as we depart on the 12th of December, and decorations are not available. We like to think that when we arrive home, that’s when we get into the Holiday spirit, and do some decorating, wrap presents, go to Holiday celebrations, and really get into the swing of the season.
In a way, it’s a shame that we don’t get in gear before the 12th and that our house and lives here do not involve much recognition of our biggest holiday of the year. But, I don’t think Christmas decorations should go up in November, and I have a great reason to avoid that, as it becomes overkill. But mostly, this delayed start to celebrations makes coming home all the more special.
In our 3 weeks at home we pack in our favourite things to do during the Holiday break:
- visit some of the attractions we have missed (Science Center, ROM, AGO)
- check out some of the new spots in town (Aquarium is on our list this year)
- go look at windows (The Bay)
- go to the Nutcracker (we do this every year and even my boys love it)
- maybe visit a Santa (we usually go Fishing with Santa in Vaughn Mills, but Santa at the Bay downtown is also great)
- go skating at one of Toronto’s many public rinks (hot chocolate is usually demanded afterwards)
- go skiing in Collingwood, usually with an afternoon trip to Plunge (great indoor-outdoor pool with hot tubs and slides)
- play street hockey on boxing day with my brothers and cousins (family tradition!)
From my family to all of yours, Happy Holidays. See you soon Toronto!
