It's December...finally. Hmmm...what is there to do in December? The most amazing thing about December is that this month children are relatively well behaved! It also is the month when we get to spend some time with our family and friends celebrating all that 2011 has brought us. Here are a few events and activities you can do with your family this month.
City Museums (ongoing)
If you are looking for a holiday outing that takes you back in time then check out the programs that are running at the City's local museums. This weekend I'll be busy making a wreath at Colbourne Lodge. You might enjoy making and baking gingerbread at Fort York, enjoy a Victorian Christmas at Mackenzie House or spend some time celebrating a roaring 20's Christmas at Spadina House.
Habitat for Humanity (December 3rd-4th)
Head to your local Habitat for Humanity (this event takes place across the country) and assemble your own gingerbread house. The proceeds go to support families in your area.
Alternate Plans for Dec 25th (Dec 25th)
Not celebrating with jolly Saint Nick? This year Dec 25th falls on the 5th day of Chanukah...head to the Beth Tzedec Centre and celebrate the Beth Tzedec Chanukah Family Fun Day ; dreidel making, children's crafts, good eats and music.
Toronto Christmas Market at The Distillery District (Dec 2 - Dec 18th)
If you haven't made it down to the Distillery District yet, then this is the perfect time to go. Stroll through a traditional European market, visit Rudolph's reindeer zoo, specialty beers and mulled wines, shopping and holiday themed stage productions. Dress warmly, don't forget your hats and mitts!
Feed the Animals (Dec 26th)
Head over to the Toronto Zoo for their annual Christmas Treats Walk...half priced admission...feed the animals holiday treats!
Kensington Market Winter Solstice (Dec 21st)
I have never been to this, but it look AMAZING! Make/bring a lantern, wear a costume, bring a musical instrument and march through Kensington Market. The festival ends in Alexandra Park - watch some incredible performance art...with lights. Embrace the longest night of the year!
Theatre Bound (various)
December bring many, many child-friendly stage productions to town. The classic National Ballet performance of the Nutcracker, Ross Petty's genius/hilarious pantomime The Wizard of Oz, Toronto Symphony Orchestra's Twelve Days of Christmas, Second City's puppet performance Miracle on Mercer Street...I could go on and on. There are so many options out there - find the one that works for your family.
Other things to do...
Public Skating
Get outside and bring your skates! The Brickworks rink opens Dec 17th, Nathan Phillips Square rink is open and don't forget about the lakeside rink at the Harbourfront Centre. Skating is a fun and free outing!
Get a Christmas Tree
In our house we head out to the tree farm...Horton's Magic Hill. My girlfriend and I have been going to Horton's to chop down our Christmas trees for...as long as I can remember! Grab some hot chocolate in the shed and hitch a ride, out to the field, on a tractor pulled trailer. Look here to find a tree farm near you.
Donate to a Food Bank
Next time you hit the grocery store add a few extra items to your cart. The items the local food banks need most are; beans/lentils, powdered milk, baby formula/food, rice, pasta, diapers, canned fruit/veggies, peanut butter and canned meat/fish. Find a food bank near you.
Slow down
Enjoy a little down time with your family this month. Grab a mug of hot chocolate (or wine) and relax. December seems to fly by, it is important to stop and take it all in. Here are some "take it easy" tips.
leave plenty of time to find parking
leave plenty of time for transit slowdowns
wear weather appropriate clothing
bring snacks or be prepared to buy snacks
expect large crowds
establish a meeting place with your kids, in case you become separated
don't forget your camera
breathe
