1984

The year (of one many) we spent Christmas up at Whistler. Here with some of my friends.

Circa 1989

The year my friend Effie came over at some point. (Bad pants!)

1993

The year I did my first overnight news anchoring shift at what was then known as UTV. (Global TV today.) My first day on the desk was Christmas Eve! I didn’t mind. I was really excited to get the job.

Circa 1996

I basically remember nothing about this Christmas. Seems like a relatively happy one.

Zipping forward a bunch of years… (so much easier to find photos now that everything is digital!)

2004

The year we decided to do a wig theme at our annual girls’ Christmas party??

2005

Not technically Christmas but close enough!  The year I went to New York after Christmas. Here with my friend Tracy.

2006

The year we did a holiday photo shoot…

…And I got a dog magazine instead of a dog

2007

The year Anna came for Christmas. How cute and young we look!

2008

This was a big one. The year I got Ruby a few weeks before Christmas…

… my first Christmas with this guy. (I guess we forgot to tell him he could keep his shoes on.)

And the year we got a TON of snow in Vancouver!

2009

The year Christmas day was beautiful and sunny, perfect for a family walk at the beach.

2010

The year I made a crappy Christmas dessert. It wasn’t me, it was the recipe, I swear. They still haven’t let me live it down!

This was also the year my uncle Davor came from Croatia to spend the holidays. A tradition we are continuing this year.  (My two uncles and my mom.)

2011

I remember this Christmas well because a few days before, I got into a big fight with my mom. Then on Christmas Eve, she surprised me with this painting I wanted from local artist Athena Bax. I felt like a right pile of pooh.

2012

The year my dad brought his crazy dog Max to my house for Christmas brunch. I don’t think he’s calmed down much yet.

2013

The last year we spent Christmas with James’s dad. Sadly, he passed away four months later.

2014

The year we ran into Santa at the pet store.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and all the best wishes from my family to yours this holiday season. I’ll see you in the new year!

Hugs,

Kristina

Top Photo: Christmas 2014

(We recommend having one spare gift on standby, even a bottle of wine, just in case.)

Regardless of whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Festivus or none of the above, we hope you will have the opportunity to slow down a bit and enjoy this time of year. Embrace family, friends and fur babies, indulge in those seasonal treats, and be thankful that you’ve made it through one more year.

Happy holidays and best wishes to all of our dear readers!

Hugs,

A&K

Kristina says she definitely believed, and that for her Santa came twice – on Christmas eve at her aunt’s house and then again on Christmas morning at home. (She is obviously an only).

“I remember one specific Christmas eve that blew my mind. I must have been around 5. I went to the bathroom, I think my mom told me to go wash my hands or something. All of a sudden I heard a commotion outside and everyone was yelling “Kristina, Kristina, come quickly!” I ran out and there was a brand new baby carriage (for pushing dolls) in the hallway. They all said “Santa was just here and he dropped this off for you, you were in the bathroom and just missed him! I was quite disappointed that I didn’t catch sight of him but quickly forgot about it as I was overjoyed with my present!”

Did I miss out? Many cultures around the world celebrate Christmas with traditions that don’t include a fat man trying to fit down a chimney. My jewish friends tell their kids not to ruin it for those who believe in the fantasy. What all traditions do share is a message rooted in togetherness, peace, and helping those in need.

Some would argue the modern day story of Santa has lost sight of what’s important and become too caught up in expectations. (It is a tale based on a real person, Saint Nicholas the Turkish priest who gave money to poor people.) But at it’s core, the story is a positive one, encouraging children to write letters about the good they have done.

There is no question, a child believing in magic is healthy. It fosters a big imagination and a creative mind. But at some point kids figure out the reality, typically before the age of 10. And for some that may be a rite of passage. My 13 year old friend Madison Brown says she realized the truth when she was about 9. “I wasn’t really disappointed (in finding out Santa wasn’t real), but I was upset my parents lied to me.”

Experts say parents need to decide when their child is mature enough to handle the truth and that every kid is different. Further, that figuring it out for themselves is an important step in learning critical thinking. When asked if Santa is real, one possible response is, “What do you think?” Or telling children that if they believe he’s real, then he is.

Christmas time for me as a kid was always thrilling and my happy memories are of being together and having our own unique traditions. There were always a lot of presents (big family) and for some reason it was my job to hand them out. Each person would open a gift as we all looked on, before moving to the next. It took forever. But as I think back I can’t recall any specific material gift that left an impact (although the enormous underwear my grandma sent every year was always good for a laugh).

I like to think I was ahead of the curve in not believing the myth of Santa Claus. It’s not as though I didn’t spend time daydreaming about magic and mystery. I believed in the Tooth Fairy. I imagined her to be pretty, skinny, wearing a fabulous dress and it was so cool that she could fly! And best of all, she left cash.

1. A gym membership, visits to the personal trainer, or anything else that screams YOU SHOULD GO ON A DIET. (You can add a gift certificate to a plastic surgeon under that list.)

2. Appliances. Blenders, vacuums, leaf blowers.  It’s not just that these gifts are overly practical, it’s that they suggest WORK.  Bleck. 

3. This is not the time to buy sex toys. “What did your husband buy you for Christmas, dear?” asks your mom. You get the picture. Save this one for Valentine’s Day, or better yet, any other “just cuz” kind of day.

4. Perfume.  There are few purchases more personal. It’s hard enough finding one for yourself.

5. A housecoat. Yup, they still make them. Same goes for a fleecy or flannel onesie. I said no to sex toys but no need to go to the other end of the spectrum and make her or him feel like an asexual Teletubby.

6. Fake anything. Fake designer bag, fake diamonds, fake Rolex, fake flowers.  Especially if you’re trying to pass said gift off as the real thing.  One day you could be outed. And that will be a very dark day.

7. Ladies, do not buy him classes he has no interest in. No yoga, watercolours, flower arranging, Zumba. This isn’t the way to spend quality time together. It’s the way to make him order you full fat lattes at Starbucks behind your back, just to spite you.

8. Random household knickknacks. Just because I commented on your ceramic kitten collection doesn’t mean I want to see a piece of it wrapped under the tree. Yes, there are exceptions and times when you want to pass along family heirlooms.  But that doily you are trying to get rid of? Nice try.

9. A puppy. Owning a pet is serious business and everyone in the family needs to be on board with this new addition. Even if everyone is ready to commit, it’s not be the best time to introduce them to the family.

10. Art. Like perfume, art can be very difficult to choose on someone’s behalf.  The exception is if you know an artist they love.  But if the recipient doesn’t like the piece, then I have to remember to put it out every time you come over.  Who, what? This never happened to me, I’m just saying.

Again, if someone specifically ASKS for one of the above, okay then!  But if you’re going to choose something no one wants, go with the ugly Christmas sweater. At least that only has to come out once a year.

Crosley Portable Turntable $104.95
[$78.95 US]

Mongolian Faux Fur Pillow $99.50 

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Zebra Printed Cocktail Tray $330 

Bashful Bunny $14.95

Big Love Ball $65 – $85

EAT

Plenty More Cookbook By Yotam Ottolenghi $19.95
[US]

ESPRO Press Coffee Maker from $79.95

Chocomize Custom Chocolates 

Gilded Rim Vintage Coupe Champagne Glasses $38

VMatter Chef’s Knife $400

(Made from high tech metal alloy. Keeps its edge longer than steel!)

ESCAPE

Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Camera $79.98

Pink Floyd’s New Album, Endless River. Deluxe CD Bluray 2 Disc set $30
[US]

Air Canada Gift Card starting at $25

Personal Drone starting at $325

Bison Made iPhone 6 wallet $75

PRIMP

Skull Cashmere Infinity Scarf $300

Stuart Weitzman Hitimes Pony Hair Bootie $725

Gap Toddler Plaid Flannel Shirt $26.95

Men’s Common Projects Achilles Sneaker $485

J Crew Polka Dot Flannel Pajamas $120

Dior double pearl earrings $240

(Less expensive and more precious versions of this idea abound!)

THRIVE

Anthropologie Magic Carpet Yoga Mat $98 (Keep your Oms from turning into Zzzs)

Nike Flash Women’s Running Tights $150 

UV Couture sun protective clothing $89

(Canadian made!)

Nourishing IV Drip gift certificate (to refresh, revive or detox from a holiday hangover. Call your local naturopath)

Tatcha Gold Face Massager $195

(Relieves holiday tension!)

But whatever trivial commonality first connected you way back when, I can tell you exactly what you have in common today.  History, that’s what.  And that history is why you should quit your complaining about spending a couple of hours a year with people you’d probably never have the opportunity to develop a friendship with today.

“Opportunity” is the key word.  As grown ups we tend to get stuck in friend ruts and only maintain acquaintances with people just like ourselves.  Back when life was simpler (remember that?) we picked up a new friend because he happened to answer an add for “roommate wanted” or because she offered to share her purple crayon and you both liked french fries.  Fast forward a decade or two (or more) and you don’t have time for friends who don’t fit into your kids and work schedules; she doesn’t have kids and you haven’t touched a fry since the twins came along.  And that old roommate always goes on an on about living abroad whilst you never left the suburbs.  What ever will you talk about?!

But instead of focusing on how different you are today, perhaps one way to survive and enjoy this annual get together is to focus on your shared history. It very well may be the same conversation year after year, but you’ve only got to do it once.  One should never forget where one comes from.  And if you’re the spouse having to endure the annual tongue wag about the good old days, remember that seeing where your other half comes from is an opportunity to a see a fuller picture of them.  After all, their life didn’t begin the day you met.

One person complained to me about having to get together with her high school girlfriends because after one underhanded, passive aggressive comment after the next she feels the gatherings are laced with negative energy. “I could feel the daggers plunging into my back as I walked to the bathroom.”  She swears she’s not going to show up next year.  But even in this case, I think it’s worthwhile to maintain the connection. Perhaps next year, see members of the group individually.  In a group of bullies, one on one visits are often a safer, gentler place.  And remember: negative, competitive, mean girl behavior isn’t about you.  I say kill them with kindness.

Friends from our past may no longer have a place in day to day life, but they are part of who we are.  They ground us, they connect the dots and they give reason for pause and reflection on the life you have lived. In the words of rocker Gord Downie, it’s all part of life’s rich pageant.

This is an Imogen Heap cover and it’s one of my favourites on Clarkson’s new Christmas album. I also like her original tune, Wrapped in Red. 

Available at amazon.ca

River – Wintersong, Sarah McLachlan

My all time favourite Christmas song.  And McLachlan’s version is haunting.

Available at amazon.ca and itunes

Christmas in Heaven – A Christmas with Scott McCreery, Scott McCreery

I’m getting more and more intro country music (thanks “Nashville.”) McCreery’s voice is so rich.

Available at amazon.com

Something About December – A Very Merry Perri Christmas, Christina Perri

Perri reminds me of Karen Carpenter, lovely voice and beautiful song. 

Available at amazon.ca

Blue Christmas – A Very She and Him Christmas – She and Him

Damn that Zoe Deschanel. She can act, sing and she’s adorable.  Blue Christmas really showcases her vocal ability, with all it’s imperfections.

 Available at amazon.ca

White Christmas – Bing Crosby

My favourite classic. Don’t mess with it.

 Available at amazon.ca

Hanukkah oh Hanukkah – Barenaked for the Holidays, Barenaked Ladies

I’m a sucker for anything in a minor key. This will make you want to get up and dance the hora.

Available at amazon.ca 

Home – It’s Time, Michael Buble

Not a traditional holiday song but it should be.  This one always gives me shivers

 Available at amazon.ca

Christmas is All Round – Love Actually, Billy Mack

Love Actually is one of my favourite holiday themed movies and Bill Nighy steals the show. 

Available on amazon.ca

Got a few more to add to the list? I love a unique take on an old classic or even better, an original work.

Top Image Restoration Hardware iPhone and iPad Gramophones 

Eugenia Kim, Liesl woven toyo cap ($215) – stylish and practical

Tom Dixon cell tea light holders – Cast a golden light on your holiday season with these

Sony playstation 4 ($399.99) – for kids of all ages, plus gamers everywhere say this is the bomb

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (original motion picture soundtrack) ($12.99) – this season’s hottest movie has a CD to match

Ifonly’s Constellation Caramel Collection ($100) – the rolls Royce of caramels

Sferra Celine throws ($95) – Great for snuggling up by the fire

Aritzia’s Talula Beacon Sweatshirt ($60) – For your fashion-forward teen, or kitty loving adult

Make your own jewelry with Rainbow Loom Rubber Bands ($16.29). One of the hottest gifts for kids this year. 

Pottery Barn Cuisine Tablet Recipe Holder ($38.66) – Move over cookbooks, we love this Ipad stand designed for the kitchen

“The Hair of the Dog and Other Hangover Cures” by Dominic Bliss ($11.51) – We might all need a copy of this over the holidays

Breaking Bad, the Compete Series ($199) – For those who missed it and for those who loved it

Be ready to roll with Michael Kors Rollaboard Suitcase ($940) – Camo yes, but it will definitely stand out from the other black bags

Zara’s minaudiere with metal rim ($59) – This clutch is elegant and timeless

Pirate Cupcake kit ($16.50) – Arrr mateys, who’s in the mood for some cupcakes?

a shaver the size of a lighter ($29.99) – For those shaving emergencies…

Restoration Hardware distressed tent ($269) – the ultimate fort! 

Aerin Lauder has come out with her own perfume collection ($110 each). All five smell divine though we’re leaning towards Evening Rose and Lilac Path. 

Blue Microphone – Nessie ($99.95) – Super cool USB microphone that turns your off key into (almost) perfect harmony.  Perfect for singing all those Christmas carols around the tree

The Original Disposable Flask ($3.99 each) – Soft, collapsable bottles that allow you to take 7.5 fl oz of liquids on the go.  BPA free!  Reusable!  Perfect stocking stuffer to use for camping, hiking or smuggling into a movie theatre.

Equipment Silk Camo Pajamas ($420) – Silky, stylish and just the right amount of sexy

As previously mentioned here, I, Lauren Bercovitch, trusty story and web producer at Worldwide Bag Media, took the plunge and got married this summer.

This Jewish bride and her Catholic groom came together underneath a beautiful handmade chuppah in a Catholic Church, Priest and groom wore kippahs, glass was broken, and cheers of “MAZEL TOV!” filled the chapel.

And as an interfaith couple I thought the wedding would be difficult to navigate, but the holidays can also be an multi-faith balancing act!

So what do we do? It’s really quite simple actually. We fully partake in each other’s family traditions. We make latkes with my family, and go to church with his. We don’t have to choose. We get double the holiday cheer (however NOT double the presents just to be clear!). Plus, we have made our very own special Chrismukkah tradition. One night in December we order in Chinese food, play a heated match of dreidel, and watch Home Alone. It combines all our favourite childhood memories of the holidays into one glorious night.

But with our families in different cities, the age old question of “who to spend Christmas morning with?” is still a big deal. You may think with Hanukkah being nowhere near the 25th this year that it would be an easy choice, but let’s be serious, no one is taking December 8th to the 16th off work. Plus there is always the argument that Hanukkah is not a major holiday in the Jewish tradition (it’s true, it really isn’t), but that doesn’t mean I don’t want us to spend the precious few days off with my family when everyone else has time off (especially when there are nieces and nephews under the age of 5 to watch open presents).

And just like we don’t have to choose between Hanukkah or Christmas, we also don’t have to choose between our families. This year Christmas will be in Victoria on December 23, and Hanukkah will be re-lived in San Francisco from December 24 to 31. Because really, they are just days! We all know being together is what counts, and I’m happy to be lighting candles all month long.

What about you? Do you have any creative interfaith holiday ideas or Chrismukkah traditions? Share them below!