Saturday 20 December 2014
Christmas is a
Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. No one really
knows the exact date of his birth, but most Christians celebrate Christmas on
December 25. On this day, most people go to church, where they participate in
special religious events. During the Christmas season, they also exchange gifts
and decorate their homes with lights, Christmas trees and mistletoe.
Christmas is
one of my favorite holidays because I like how families and friends gather
together and have delicious Christmas dinner and spend time with each other. I
always enjoy spending time with my families and friends. So I have made a list
of activities that I will be doing during the holiday season. You can also go
to some of those events and get into your Christmas spirit!
Bright Nights at Stanley Park
It’s nice to
go with your family and friends to check out millions of twinkling lights
sparkle at night in Stanley Park. For seeing the lights, entrance fee is by
donation, meaning that you can pay what you are willing to pay. The money goes
to the BC Professional Fire Fighters'
Burn Fund. You can also buy a ticket ($6-11) to ride on the train
for an experience of lights and live music. It opens from November 27
to January 4 (Closed on Christmas Day). This event is definitely on my
winter activities checklist. I love looking at beautiful lights and sipping hot
chocolate with my friends.
Get a Real
Christmas tree
If you live in an apartment (like me), you probably aren’t allowed to have
a real tree. However, if you are lucky enough to live in a single house, why don’t
you get a real Christmas tree? There are plenty of places around the city to
get a real tree and have fun decorating it:
·
St. Stephen’s United Church at 54th and Granville Street,
Vancouver
·
November 28 – December 21. 7 days a week 10 a.m. – 9 p.m
·
Lord Byng High School parking lot at 3939
West 16th Avenue, Vancouver
·
December 4 – 18
·
Monday to Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and
Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
· Eagle Ridge United Church at 2813
Glen Drive, Coquitlam
· November 28 – December 21
· Monday to Thursday from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday,
Saturday, Sunday from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
·
All Saints Anglican Church at Royal Oak and Rumble,
Burnaby
·
November 28 – December 21
·
Monday to Thursday 12 p.m. – 7
p.m.; Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
·
Lonsdale Quay – East Plaza 123 Carrie Cates Court, North
Vancouver
·
November 28 – December 21
·
Monday to Thursday 12 p.m. – 7
p.m.; Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
·
Prince of Wales Secondary School at
2250 Eddington Drive
·
November 30 – December 21
·
Monday to Friday 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.; Weekends 9 a.m. – 9
p.m.
·
Corner of Marine Dr. and Taylor
Way, West Vancouver
·
November 22 – December 23
·
Monday to Friday 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.;
Weekends 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Go For a Walk
and Check Out the Light Displays Around the City
There are many amazing
light displays around the city. Some places you should check out are: St.
Paul’s Hospital, Harbour Centre, Canada Place, Jack Poole Plaza, Robson Square, Trinity Street Christmas Light Festival in East Vancouver. They have amazing light
displays there.
Going to the Christmas Market is the number one thing to do on my holiday
activities checklist. There are over 50 unique vendors, beautiful
lights and delicious food. This is the 5th annual Christmas Market
in Vancouver. People love going there. It is back again in the heart of
downtown at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza– 650 Hamilton Street,
Vancouver
November 22 to December 24, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (11 a.m. to
6 p.m. on December 24)
Come to the VanDusen Garden (5251 Oak Street) this holiday. Enjoy drinking
hot chocolate while walking through the beautiful light decorations. Take
photos with Santa and enjoy holiday treats!
Wednesday, December 10
to Sunday, January 4. Closed on Christmas Day
Going ice
skating in winter is a must. There are lots of rinks in Vancouver. But my favorite
one will always be the Robson Square Rink (800 Robson Street (Robson &
Howe)). It is in the busiest section of downtown. If you own a pair of skates,
then good news for you, you get to skate for free! Just bring your skates, get
changed and have fun! But don’t worry if you don’t have your own skates.
Rentals are available for only $4. One thing you need to remember is that they
only accept cash. So don’t forget to bring some cash! There is a concession
stand right beside the rink. They serve many snacks and drinks.
· Sunday to
Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
· Friday and
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
· Christmas Eve,
December 24 – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
· Christmas Day,
December 25 – Noon to 5 p.m.
· Boxing Day,
December 26 – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
· New Year’s
Eve, December 31 – 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
· New Year’s
Day, January 1 – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Volunteer/Donate
Don’t’
forget to give back to the community. There will be lots of events happening in
your neighborhood. Why not taking time and volunteer? Check with your community
centers, soup kitchens or food banks. Enjoy your holiday by helping those in
need!
Do you have some old clothes lying around in your wardrobe;
do you have some canned food hiding in your cabinet? Donate these stuff to the
people in need. Your donation can make a difference in someone’s holiday.
Also, don’t forget the animals! Check out the animal
rescue centers. Help out or donate. Let the animals have a happy holiday as
well!
Get a Job
Christmas is approaching and that means shops are going
to have sales. It will be a good time to get a job at the retail shops. They
will be looking for employees to help out during the busiest time of the year.
Earn some extra $$$!
- Lu
