In typical ‘me’ fashion, it’s almost the end of January and I’m just sharing my word of the year. I’ve done this word selection before but I’m not sure if I’ve ever done it so late.
There were a few words I considered as I headed into 2024 (I did also create a list of ‘ins and outs’ which has been going well so far – except the moving my body part. That has to increase)
I mostly want a kind, gentle year. So I almost chose gentle. 2023 was a trying, difficult, emotional year to be perfectly honest. And so as I headed into 2024, I felt mostly exhaustion and caution to think about anything to grand or extravagent or bold for 2024.
Instead, I choose a word that really helped guide me when 2023 was being especially difficult.
The word: Presence.
It simply means to just be there. To exist in a situation. The dictionary lists ‘present’ as “now existing or in progress”
And I know that doesn’t seem exciting, but being present in whatever moment is imporant for my wellbeing and for my heart. I need to take in the little moments, and manage the big ones as best I can.
I will offer my presence in 2024. For our family. For myself. My business. My presence will be enough, and sometimes will spark something new, exciting, joyful and meaningful.
Whatever it is in the moment, I just want to be there. Without thinking too far ahead. Or behind.
It’s almost that time again! Advent Calendar season – a countdown to Christmas. But in addition to our chocolate countdowns, our family continues to have an activity calendar countdown, something we have had since the kids were babies and it’s a tradition we continue even as they grow (and both are now teens).
If you have younger kids, search ‘advent calendar’ on my blog search bar for previous years, especially 2009-2012ish when the kids were little. We did different activities that were more age appropriate then. This calendar grows with our kids!
The history of the activity advent calendar
It began in 2009 (when I read about it from a fellow blogger here in Ottawa – thanks Andrea!) and since then, it’s become a beloved tradition. I repeat favourite activities each year, add some new ones, and update them based on the age of the kids and our plans.
As with other years, here are some tips I’m sharing about creating your own activity calendar:
a) Don’t put dates on the activities. You may need to switch them up once and a while if something changes, illness hits etc. I copy the activities from this post, paste them into Word, remove the dates and print them. Then I cut them and add them in our calendar holder.
I bought this from a local Ottawa shop years ago
b) Stock up on the stuff you need for each activities like hot chocolate or craft supplies.
c) Check your family calendar and add in activities to the 25 Days countdown list that you already know you’ll be doing – like Santa letters, Christmas tree decorating or family cookie decorating.This list is also created in close consultation with my calendar based on days of the week– some activities can’t be done easily on a weekday so I made sure they were on the weekend.
d) You’ll notice only certain movies make the list. This doesn’t mean we don’t watch others, it just means we don’t have a schedule for them.
—-> What’s most important about this calendar isn’t that you put too much effort into crafting the perfect activity, it’s that as a family you come together and take a few moments each day to celebrate and spend time doing something together that is festive, fun and family oriented.
Some days, if we get too busy, we skip.
That’s probably why I love it so much.
This calendar doesn’t work if you stress about it!
Remember, search ’25 days of Christmas’ or advent activities on my blog search bar you’ll find all our other years so if you have toddlers and preschoolers, you can use some of the ideas we had back then.
And again, I explain the singing that you will see on this list:
You’ll notice my list has a few spots where the activity for the day is to simply sing a Christmas song. My kids have requested these be removed but nope – they stay. I keep joking that I will add more. They find the activity boring and not necessary. But I keep them in there. Why? Because honestly, some days are busy, or tiring, or our plans change, or I’m just overwhelmed so having a few ‘freebie’ days means that we still get to do an activity, but it’s extremely simple. It works! And now it’s a running family joke.
As much as I love the holidays, I’m also a big fan of slowing things down, so when it gets to be too much, give yourself permission to skip a day (or just sing a song!) There are no real rules here. Focus on the fun, and time together.
I’m updating last year’s calendar because it will be fairly similar! But again, everything is decided based on existing plans, where the weekends fall, school events etc. I may still update this as we get into December and new activities and ideas appear!
2023 Activity Advent List #25daysofChristmas Countdown
Write letters to Santa (even with no believers in the house, this tradition stays alive!)
2. Decorate the Christmas Tree (hoping to get it on December 1 as it’s a real one)
3. Watch a Muppet Christmas Carol, the Holiday Movie Kick Off
4. Holiday Scavenger hunt around the house
5. Write a special Christmas greeting to your sibling and mail it to them (it will be a nice read when they receive it! And yes, these go in the mail with stamps!)
6. Hot Chocolate Bar
7. Christmas Craft
8. Sing Jingle Bells
9. Visit Cumberland Vintage Village of Lights
10. Gingerbread House Decorating
11. Play Holiday Who Am I?
12. Make a list of ten things you are thankful for this year.
13. Sing Frosty
14. Visit Taffy Lane!
15. Dessert for Supper, Supper for Dessert
16. Visit the Lansdowne Christmas Market
17. Decorate Christmas Cookies
18. Sing Rudolph
19. Make a donation to the local food bank
20. Hot Chocolate Bar
21. Play Family Christmas Charades
22. Bring in snow and make maple taffy!
23. Sing We Wish You a Merry Christmas!
24. Unwrap one present from under the tree (mom and dad pick!) [reader note: This is always pjs lol]
25. It’s Christmas Day. Remember you have a family who loves you. And that’s the most important gift of all.
I call the day before back to school the ‘last day of summer’, and then a whole bunch of people tell me how wrong I am because summer doesn’t end for a few more weeks. Fine. More accurately, it’s the last day of summer vacation. And one reason we love vacation so much is all of the travel we fit into the summer.
As we begin school and get back into a work routine in the Fall, we forget that our days of adventuring don’t need to end just because summer does. Fall is a gorgeous time of year for a local day trip or even an overnight staycation. As the leaves turn colour, and the temperatures drop just a bit, there are still opportunities for s’mores, bonfires and outdoor fun. Even grey November days can be made brighter.
I’m always wondering if we shouldn’t try to sneak in a quick overnight or two somewhere one weekend, just to remind ourselves that our time together and the travel that we enjoy can be year round and to get away from our new routine a bit. Here are some spots that you and your family may enjoy visiting this Fall!
We’ve been in the summer, late Fall after the holiday decorations go up, and the dead of winter and love each visit. Going when the leaves are orange and red would be a stunning time. There’s the indoor pool to enjoy no matter the weather outside, plus fitting in a game of mini putt while wearing cozy sweaters is easy to do. Here’s some info about a previous!
Feeling adventurous? Read about our overnight stay in Parc Omega. You can still reserve a spot for the Fall! I can imagine how stunning the drive through the area would be when the leaves turn colours!
This resort will make it feel like you are out of the city without really having to go very far. They have mini putt, golf, and indoor arcade and an indoor pool. Depending on the weather, the outdoor heated pool may still be open! I love the ‘kids eat free’ dining option too. We always enjoy going there!
It’s not hard to find activities to do in downtown Ottawa. Whether your family wants to visit Parliament Hill, or head over to see Mosaicanada in the autumn, it’s nice to relax and enjoy staying right in the city without worrying about driving home. The kids will love the indoor games room too.
It’s only about 90 minutes East of Orleans but Chateau Vaudrauil in Quebec is lovely in the Fall. We went a couple of years ago for Thanksgiving weekend and not only scored amazing weather but had such a fun time. There is plenty of food in the area, tennis courts on site, and since it’s right on the water it’s the perfect location for a morning cup of coffee. We bundled up and enjoyed the calm. Look for their suites to give you and your family a bit more space.
Cottage Country
Browse around and look for a cottage that is within a 90 minute drive in the area and see if you can secure a mini, secluded getaway where you can sip a beverage, stare at the water, and wear cozy sweaters while playing board games together.
Do you have any mini getaways planned for the Fall?
Halloween is on a Tuesday this year, which means that weekend right before October 31 will be filled with family friendly and fun activities around Ottawa.
There’s always something about a Halloween/Fall event that I love. Although this year I may spend part of the weekend carving pumpkins, here are some activities in Ottawa that you might want to check out!
Halloween Activities in Ottawa 2023
First, I’m going to share some of the Halloween haunts and highlights from when my own kids were little. Every year, I happily tried to find Halloween activities to take them to because, let’s be honest, I love it.
I have fond memories and photos from many of these places!
There are so many activities to do at Saunders Farm, and while there is a nighttime option (that brings more scares), the daytime one itself always had enough fright. If scary isn’t your family’s thing, that’s ok – take the hay ride instead of the haunted ride, and skip the scary house!
With hay slides, mazes and a pumpkin patch, this was always a fun outing for us. The kids will love visiting the animals and all of the activities. This event’s last day is October 29.
Dress up and spend Halloween with the animals? YES PLEASE. I have amazing photos of costumed kiddos with the cows from many years ago, and honestly the Farm was one of my favourite places to take the kids, especially when I was solo with them. Now, they’ve expanded their event even further with so many activities AND food options like Nonna’s Famous Pizza.
This event is on the weekend (October 28 and 29) only.
This was a fun activity years ago for us and not too far of a drive beyond Ottawa. With their Acres of Terror Halloween activities, you can choose a less scary daytime outing or the thrilling evening one. The daytime activities are only available on the weekend.
Place d’Orleans is hosting a trick-or-treat event on October 31 from 10 until 12 pm for little ones to collect treats around the Mall. I am pretty sure I took the kids when they were super little to this. What is nice, is that for wee ones who need a nap and early bedtime, this is a funy way to show off costume, gather with friends, and not worry about the weather!
MORE Halloween Activities in Ottawa
While I maybe haven’t been to these events, they sound amazing! Check them out:
Take the kids to the trick-or-treat stations and various businesses in Westboro on Saturday, October 28 from 1 pm to 4 pm. Make time to tour the area to enjoy music, balloon creations, a magician and more.
This event has been happening at Diefenbunker for years and while it’s ONLY availble until Friday, October 27, at the time of my publishing this there were still some tickets available. I love that it focuses on the little ones!
Some local businesses have teamed up on Elgin to provide a Halloween Party on Sunday, October 29 from 11 am until 2 pm (rain or shine!) Some of my favourite businesses are on Elgin. At participating locations, your family can enjoy trick-or-treating, face painting, photobooths, giveaways and more. The Merry Dairy will be there too! Pot and Pantry, The Gifted Type and Boogie and Birdie are three shops that I adore and are participating!
This event is a walk-through at Wesley Clover Parks with tickets available until October 31. The pathway is lit with pumpkins, structures, music and special effects.
Last year, around Christmas time, my dad made the stuffing (dressing) as he always has for decades. It’s basically the perfect stuffing that I hold all others up to.
A few days before the meal (that my parents annually host), he sent a Facebook Message to say that the stuffing was done. He also said that someone else should learn to do it too. I joked back that there was no need. He was great at it and it gave him something to do (I said with a wink).
I didn’t know it would be our last Christmas with him. And the last time he made stuffing. There were a lot of lasts we didn’t know were happening. And now we have a lot of firsts we don’t want.
Maybe we should have known better – by then, we knew he was sick but he was in active treatment that had been working – but that’s what denial and hope sometimes does.
I’ve made his stuffing before but rarely. While Andy and I have been hosting Thanksgiving for family at least a dozen times in the past 20 years (if not more, with varying crowd sizes), dad still made the stuffing to bring to the dinner.
In 2019, my parents travelled Europe so I hosted family but was left to make the stuffing. He had jokingly/not jokingly offered to make it and freeze it before their trip. I declined with thanks.
Instead, I used Facebook Messenger again to ask him for the ingredients and recipe a few days before company was coming. I sent him a photo when it was done and got his approval that it looked good. I felt I had underseasoned it.
His recipe had ingredients but no amounts. It was all done by feel it seemed and depending on how much he was making. Thanksgiving traditionally required less than Christmas dinner. There were a lot ‘some of this’ and ‘about this much’ in the instructions.
This past Thanksgiving, we were hosting our first one without him. Left again to make the stuffing, I pulled up the old Facebook messages that I had forgotten that I had until I searched the words. There again were the ‘instructions’. So my mom and I spent time to sort of piece it together.
My daughter joined us at my mom’s house and the three of us set out to try, taste and approximate dad’s stuffing as close as we could. We consulted my aunt for additional guidance.
With his previous messages, our memories, and our taste buds, we made a pretty close attempt.
It wasn’t the same, let’s be honest, but it was close. And done with his spirit in our hearts. It was quite good.
Thanksgiving was just a trial run though for the big show anyway – Christmas, where even more family will gather.
But we have a plan, we have the ingredients. We know what we’ll change in December. We tried, and that would have made him happy I think. Even if his remains the ultimate best. Because it is. It was.
I’m now going to write down the ‘recipe’ so that we have something to refer to in the future. I’ll need to remember the amounts. It’s not the same. But nothing is anymore, you know?
Savoury Stuffing
2 large onions, diced
3/4 pound butter
3 loaves of whole wheat bread (not fresh)
3 pounds of potatoes (this may be adjusted still)
3.5 tsps of summer savoury (or more to taste)
Pepper to taste
Directions:
Pulse the bread in a food processor. Set aside
Boil potatoes. Mash.
In a pan on the stove, Melt butter and add the chopped onions.
Add in savoury
add the ‘wet’ mixture to the bread.
slowly stir in mashed potatoes, until well blended.
This post is paid in partnership with the City of Ottawa
Updated for Halloween 2023!
Halloween is just around the corner and I wanted to share with you an update in partnership with the City of Ottawa.
Trick or Swim or Skate
Once again, the popular trick or swim or skate program is back! You can purchase tickets (booklets of 10 for $10) to hand out on Halloween (these make excellent non-candy, allergy-safe treats!) or as loot bag/party favours. These passes entitles a child to a free public skate at one of the area ice rinks or a free swim at one of the listed public pools!
“Starting October 1, Trick or Swim or Skate is back! Purchase 10 tickets for $10 to swim or skate at City pools and select arenas. This healthy and fun alternative to the traditional candy overload will have all your ghouls and goblins pleasantly surprised.
Tickets are valid for ages three to 15 years.
Tickets can be used from November 1, 2023, until January 31, 2024.
Not valid for wave swims or specialty skating sessions.”
-city of ottawa
If you are looking for more information, visit the City of Ottawa website (where you can also purchase recreation gift certificates if you are planning a party or looking for a unique gift.)
You can purchase your ticket booklets at a variety of community centres.
Here’s where you can find your Halloween Trick or Swim or Skate tickets:
Okay, I’m being a big generous with a latte label on this since there’s no coffee, but I’m running with it.
I feel like everyone either loves or hates pumpkin spice stuff. And admittedly, it’s everywhere. I mean, we don’t need pumpkin spice scented toilet paper (although I’m making that up I feel as though it’s a real thing), but give me the pumpkin spice flavours in my lattes, food, etc. and I’m happy.
So I came up with this last-minute oatmeal plan one morning and now I keep repeating it because it’s SO good.
And, I don’t want to hold back so I’m sharing it with you. Enjoy!
Pumpkin Spice Latte Oatmeal
Make one bowl of quick oats (however you usually prepare them!)
Top with:
1 – 2 tsps of brown sugar
pumpkin seeds (not salted)
walnuts or pecans
a drizzle of cream (your coffee cream, cooking cream, or your fave milk (dairy, almond, oat)
The City of Ottawa is offering before and after school programs for kids aged 4-12.
Are you in search of an after school/after care program for your child in Ottawa?
Many families are looking at care options as the new school session begins (in late August for some, early September for others) and the planning often happens even earlier than that.
I’ve teamed up with the City of Ottawa to bring you information about their before and after school programs. There have been some provincial changes to before and after care programs and more information can be found on the website.
NEW 2023: Register for SINGLE Day options (because a lot of parents are working in a hybrid/work from home setting now!)
Parents will be happy to know that there are care options across the City and there is information available about financial assistance as well. You can find all of the details and register on the website.
Also, 4 and 5 year olds can register for these programs!
Parents can register their child for before OR after care (only one) but I know a lot of working parents will likely want to consider the After 4 program because it extends the working day and may be easier to arrange pick up! All of the details are on the website.
image source: city of ottawa
Here’s some information from the City of Ottawa about the programs
Start or end the school day with fun! Get active with games and sports and be creative with arts and crafts. Some quiet time for homework, too. Make new friends when you join our Club. City of Ottawa is a registered HIGH FIVE® organization. We commit to healthy child development and safety for children’s recreation programs. Choose quality for your kids!
Now is the time to start planning to try and ensure your preferred time and location plus, it will be one more thing to cross off your back-to-school check list.
Disclosure: The City of Ottawa is a blog advertiser. All opinions are my own. This post is meant to serve as information and to share with fellow parents program options.
It’s almost here. Back to school. This year is such an odd year for school (thanks pandemic). Our mixed emotions are difficult, but we are all coming around to the idea that a fresh year is about to begin.
Over the years, we have prepared for back to school in a variety of ways. Here are a few ways we go about it:
1- Begin the new sleep schedule
We need a new back-to-school sleep routine. We’ve moved bedtime up earlier and are working on maintaining a new, more structured bedtime plan. It hasn’t always been easy, but we know we have to keep with it. The sleeping in needs to stop too (and that goes for me as well!)
2- We shop and include the kids
The kids love getting new stuff (of course), and by including them in some of the decision making about their school supplies or their new clothes, we are getting them excited about returning. But we’ve also talked about how to reuse items and that not everything has to be brand new. Thrifting can help save you some money parents!
3- We talk
We have long conversations about what we are looking forward to this school year, what is making them nervous, and of course since this year is so different, we are open and honest that there is a lot of unknown. Dinner conversations are inclusive of their questions and concerns, and we try to listen and respond accordingly. There are always mixed emotions.
4- We find learning moments in the day to day
There are learning opportunities all around us, constantly, and even when the kids don’t realize they are learning, they are. Even in the summer.
By keeping the communication open, keeping some routines, getting the rest we need and being open to adjusting plans as needed, we are going to try and do our best.
Here are a few things that I need to make sure I have for the kids before they go to school next week. I created it as a printable check list to make it easier for you to use too! I’ve left a couple of ‘other’ spots so you can add your own to-do items. I know there are things I must be forgetting!!
TIP: You won’t need to buy all fresh school supplies. Check out your pencil cases, craft bins and more to see what you have from previous years!
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