Excited about Christmas craft shows and holiday events? Keep reading!
While I happily sing ‘This is Halloween’ over and over again during pumpkin carving, I quickly change from Scary season to Festive Season as the clock strikes 12.
Sure, I’m not decorating yet or putting on the holiday music (we have a November birthday in this family mid month that we use as our starting point) but that doesn’t mean I’m not already dreaming about sugar plums at night (and during the day).
That’s why I love hearing about craft shows and shopping events to help Ottawa residents kick of their shopping, or, just get in some of the spirit of the season by treating themselves to handmade or artisinal items.
The Nepean Sportsplex Christmas Craft Show runs from October 31 until November 3 and is filled with over 100 local crafters. Every day, for all four days, the event begins at 10 and concludes at varying times (if you need to swing by at a later time, you’ll want to try and go on Thursday and Friday when the show closes at 8 pm.)
Nepean Sportsplex Christmas Craft Show Details:
October 31 – November 3
Thursday, October 31, 10 am to 6 pm
2 for 1 admission all day
Friday, November 1, 10 am to 8 pm
2 for 1 admission from 5 to 8 pm
Saturday, November 2, 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday, November 3, 10 am to 4 pm
Admission prices
Adults $7
Seniors/Youth $5
Children (under 12) free
Sales and the box office are cash or debit only, no credit cards.
-city of ottawa website
Find out more on their Facebook Event page
Plan to shop this weekend at the Nepean Sportsplex Christmas Craft Show and get a head start on your holiday shopping!
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 updated this post in 2022 but it’s been around for many years. I continue to use many of these tips!
It’s no surprise that I love Christmas. My social posts, this blog, my home etc. for the month of December reflects that.
But this time of year, especially with only a few days remaining until the big show, can be overwhelming. We are at the point where some stuff just needs to get thrown off the to-do list, where our Christmas cards could be New Year Cards (although this year I have started them early!) and every activity may have to be adjusted based on schedule.
I do have a few cheats that I use every year that helps to reduce the feeling of ‘I need to do it all!’ and that keeps me feeling merry and festive. They seem like little steps, but I know for me they have a huge impact.
Reducing Stress during the Holidays
1.Reduce the dishes
Yes, I am keen to do my part for the environment. No, I don’t want a bazillion mini appetizer plates dirtied every time we have company and I put out a tray of baking and snacks. So instead, I use compostable paper plates especially when entertaining. Although now, I don’t entertain the large groups I once did (hopefully in future years!) so I just use our own dishes, having items like compostable cups at least can help.
Alternatively, because we don’t want a thousand paper plates going into the compost, I do have a small stack of plates I use for quick snacks, decorating etc that are easy to wash and don’t take up much room. But having them on hand makes it easier to grab, use and wash when we are really busy or the kids are creating.
2. Store bought appetizers
I cook a lot. I like to cook. However, I don’t want to make a giant meal every night or every time company pops in. So I keep frozen appetizers in the freezer ready to go. Sometimes, we have family over and then we get visiting and playing and everyone is a bit snacky. It’s nice to be able to offer a quick bite to eat without the stress of ‘what food do I have?’ lingering over me. (You can find your favourite bites at grocery stores, M and M stores and Costco)
3. Keep extras around
Extra wine, extra boxes of chocolates, extra Christmas cards – these are the things I like to have handy just in case I suddenly realized that I forgot someone on my list, get a last minute invite and want to offer a hostess gift, or just need to have for company. I know I’m the type of person that would worry in those situations, so having something on hand reduces my panic of ‘what if’.
4. Outsource to local bakeries
I keep baking around from about December 1st on. Andy and I are making pies for Christmas dinner. But there’s more that needs to be done and there isn’t always time or energy to do it. Now is the time to outsource what you can. I outsource our Christmas morning breakfast. We pick up an amazing quiche from local food store Epicuria and Andy will make a quick batch of waffles for the kids Christmas morning. Easy and stress free. Lots of food shops have meat pies, desserts and even full turkey meals! With the pandemic, we’ve been just the four of us for Christmas dinner the past two years and honestly, outsourcing the meal to local shops has been AMAZING and stress free (we started doing this for Thanksgiving too)
5. Let it Go
All these years later and Elsa is still right. We need to let some things go. It may not be an official cheat, but looking at the to-do list and just saying ‘nope’ will relieve some stress. This hasn’t always been easy for me, but I’ve gotten a lot better at recognizing when to change up a tradition or just say no.
At the end of the day, Christmas comes together in the way that it’s meant to – as a family, with plenty of togetherness and heart. That’s what it means to us.
Use a couple of these time savers, let go of what can’t get done, and enjoy the holidays!!! I know I will 😉
Soon it will be December 1, and along with our tea, chocolate, toy, bath bomb advent calendars we have happening this year, we are continuing our family activity calendar too.
If you’ve been following me for some time, you may already know this is a long standing tradition. A 25 days of Christmas activities calendar. We have been doing a family activity calendar since our kids were toddlers/babies.
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. Every year we update the list a little bit based on our own family’s plans, and as the kids grow. There are some that stick around every year because we love them, and others are there because to be honest, they are easy.
2020 is proving to be an interesting year to create this calendar since we aren’t really going very many places, but we know more memories will be made!
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.
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 or a family visit. 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.
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.
That’s probably why I love it so much.
This calendar reflects the age and stage we are at now, but if you search ’25 days of Christmas’ 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:
You’ll notice my list has a few spots where the activity for the day is to simply sing a Christmas song. My son has requested these be removed but nope – they stay. Why? Because honestly, some days are busy, or tiring, 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!
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!)
Write letters to Santa (FYI I have one believer likely on her last year.)
2. Write a special Christmas greeting to your sibling and mail it to them (it will be a nice read when they receive it!)
3. Make paper snowflakes
4. Set up a special hot chocolate bar (hot chocolate bombs!!)
5. Visit Saunders Farm Light Drive Thru (I’m an ambassador this year!)
6. Watch a Muppet Christmas Carol, the Holiday Movie Kick Off
7. Sing Jingle Bells
8. Dessert for Supper, Supper for Dessert
9. Decorate Ginger Bread Houses
10. Order toys to be dropped off at Toy Mountain
11. Decorate Christmas cookies!
12. Deliver Christmas cookies to friends and family (Porch drop offs!)
13. Sing Frosty
14. Make a list of ten things we are thankful for. Hang it where you can see it every day.
15. Make wreaths for your bedroom doors
16.Cumberland Village of Lights Drive Thru Experience
17. Play Family Christmas Charades
18. Make a donation to the local Food Bank
19. Go see the lights at Parliament Hill (listen to your parents tell the story about how they got engaged during Christmas time under those lights 😉
20. Holiday Scavenger hunt around the house
21. Sing We Wish You a Merry Christmas!
22. Go for a drive to see Christmas lights at Taffy Lane.
23. Bring in snow and make maple taffy!
24. Unwrap one present (mom and dad get to pick which one)
25. It’s Christmas Day. Remember you have a family who loves you. And that’s the most important gift of all.
This is a sponsored post brought to you by Breakaway Experiences. All opinions are my own.
Have you found yourself becoming more mindful about the gifts you purchase and give over the years?
I certainly have, in part because I love supporting local endeavours and in part, I think, because we don’t always need more ‘stuff’.
This is why the gift of an experience has become such a popular item. It’s consumable (meaning, it can be used and not take up space) and I know the memories that can be made from those experiences are truly unique.
Gift the Gift of an Experience
If you have a hard-to-shop-for person on your list or someone who seems to have everything, (I’m thinking parents, in-laws, siblings, friends, or even your spouse), you’ll want to check out Breakaway Experiences.
With opportunities across Canada, Breakaway Experiences offer an online service where you can purchase gift certificates to experiences in the City of your choice (where available).
During the Christmas season, it’s an easy way to find the perfect gift for the foodie, adventurer, or loved one who deserves a spa day. You can shop online to select a special experience to give them, or a gift certificate so they can discover their own.
What I think is really great about Breakaway Experiences is that you can search by City (long time readers will know that we often travel to Toronto, the East Coast, Southern Ontario and Niagara) so if I wanted to surprise Andy with a special anniversary gift, I can pick it from anywhere we often go!
In addition, because it’s online, you can quickly and easily make your purchase to give at anytime (hint: if you are a last minute shopper or have simply run out of time, this is the perfect way to grab a meaningful gift ASAP!)
These gifts are also stress and hassle free. The gift certificates don’t expire and if the experience you gift isn’t quite what they had in mind, they can swap it for something more their speed!
Also, if you aren’t sure what experience they may love best, you can give them a gift certificate and let them choose! Some experiences begin as low as $25.
While we are currently focusing on Christmas gifts, experiences also make amazing anniversary, wedding, birthday, grad gifts and more!
Here are a few of the opportunities with Breakaway Experiences that have caught my eye:
If you are in the Ottawa area like me, check out the food tasting experience in the Byward Market (this screams date night to me!) or maybe you want to give the gift of a pottery class for someone who is in need of a new way to get creative or discover a new hobby.
In Toronto, you can enjoy an East Coast experience at a Maritime Lobster Supper in Toronto’s historic St. Lawrence Market (y’all know how I would feel about this! AMAZING!)
In PEI you can give an exclusive guided tour, or in Banff gift a private sleigh ride for two through Banff National Park. How romantic!
All across the country, there are experiences that are more adventurous too if that’s more in line with what you are looking for – like horseback riding, car racing, helicopter rides and more!
No matter the type of gift, you’re probably starting to see how giving the gift of an experience might be the perfect way to go this Christmas!
I am so thrilled to share that Breakaway Experiences is offering one lucky winner the chance to win a $100 gift certificate to use their service!
TO ENTER simply Visit Breakaway Experiences and let me know what experience in which city you would love for yourself or to give this holiday season!
Leave your comment on this blog post for your chance. Good luck!
The giveaway is open until December 18 at 12 pm EST. Open to Canadian residents, excluding Quebec. One entry per person. A random winner will be drawn after the giveaway closes and Breakaway Experiences will provide the gift certificate. A Little Bit of Momsense does not have additional responsibilities for booking or providing the service thereafter, I am just facilitating an amazing giveaway!
This post is in partnership with the City of Ottawa, a blog advertiser
Upcoming City of Ottawa Workshops
I LOVE the holidays.
I feel like I’ve said that many times before on this blog, but I really do. Christmas is filled with activities (ones we do daily as a family) and events that make my heart sing (usually to the tune of a Christmas carol).
The City of Ottawa offers various workshops to create and build as a family during the holiday season. I love these opportunities! Remember the reindeers we made one year at the Nepean Visual Arts Centre? It was so much fun!
Here’s a list of upcoming family workshops you might be interested in. I do recommend registering as early as possible, as I know a few of them sell out!
These hands-on gatherings are such a great way to create something as a family and build lasting memories.
Craft time
During these events, parents participate with the kids to make crafts AND enjoy a meet and greet with Santa. The ages range from 3-6, depending on location. Registration is available online for the following dates:
We always have gingerbread house building on our advent activity list as a family, so if you want to mix it up (and not have the mess at home) check out these workshops being offered across Ottawa. Registration is required, and note the different ages depending on day, time and location. Also, you’ll notice some days have more than one time you can register for!
The City of Ottawa Archives is once again hosting their Letters to Santa event on November 30th. Kids can not only create their letter to Santa but families will make crafts, decorate cookies and hear traditional holiday stories.
Sorry kiddos, but this one is for adults only. I wanted to include this event because I think it would be a fun way to get together with some friends to craft, chat and enjoy the afternoon.
Create a 12″ x 16″ wooden sign during this event. It’s listed for any level of ‘craftiness’. The instructor will contact you by email to select a design. Details and to register ($35) Nepean Visual Arts Centre, November 30, 1 p.m.
I feel like I should have registered for the sign making before hitting publish on this post. I think I want to go!
This post is sponsored by the City of Ottawa Museums
Every year, for the past many years, our family has looked forward to the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum‘s annual Christmas event – the Vintage Village of Lights which closes for the season after December 23.
It’s so revered in our family that it gets added to our Advent Activity calendar. We go with cousins, aunts and uncles and nanny and grandpa.
This year, the kids ranged in ages between 2 years old and 12, and everyone (including those older than 12!) had an amazing time.
We didn’t let the little drizzle of rain scare us away, and although the horses were unavailable for the wagon ride, understandably due to the weather, each little activity and moment was special.
What is Vintage Village of Lights?
The Cumberland Heritage Village Museum is a large property with buildings set in the 1920s and 30s. You step back in time in the old school house, church, and residence. At Christmastime, the Museum lights up those buildings and surrounding trees with mini lights that illuminate the entire area.
There are activities in each building like gingerbread cookie decorating and crafts, a horse-drawn wagon ride, and scenes and items from a vintage Christmas era.
Here’s the list of activities:
· Visits with Santa (FYI, this is an AMAZING Santa!)
· Christmas light and decoration displays
· Horse-drawn wagon rides
· Cookie decorating
· Ornament decorating
· Ball hockey (My son looks forward to this every year! Most of the family gets involved)
· Print your own greeting card
· Receive a Santagram
· Christmas charades
· Bonfire
· Sing along to Christmas carols
· Watch a festive short film from the 1930s
Everything is included in your admission price, except for beverages that are for sale. We always bring some cash to buy some hot chocolate for the kids and apple cider for us. As soon as we stand in the cold and take a sip, I feel like it’s truly the holiday season!
The Museum has some really great tips to share with you on their website if you are planning to go this last weekend for the event (and I highly encourage you to go!). They give tips about what to bring, wear, and how to make the most out of your experience to avoid some of the busier time.
We have always planned our outings on Fridays at 5 pm to beat the crowds and with little ones with us, we have never had to wait long for anything which is perfect.
TIP: Follow their Facebook page to keep up to date on news and weather details as needed.
If you are looking for one last event to enjoy before Christmas arrives next week, I can’t recommend the Vintage Village of Lights enough!
Admission info:
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 3 pm – 8 pm (the lights turn on at 5 pm.)
Cost: $19.25 families; $7.50 adults; $5.50 seniors and students. Children 5 and under are free. Annual museum memberships are also accepted. Memberships are also available for purchase for $37.25.
It has been a busy many days (weeks?) as we lead up to Christmas. Not in a bad busy way – while I tend to overstretch myself a bit during the holidays, I really do believe in creating Christmas magic only because I love it, not at the expense of my health and happiness.
But as with every year, the final work deadlines, school events and commitments and family time ramps up all at the same time. These are all blessings and lovely reasons to be busy, but I find myself barely keeping my eyes open at night after unplugging the Christmas lights to call it a day.
I have so many posts swirling in my mind – I want to set some intentions for 2019, recap this year a bit, reflect on changes and wins, and more. But in the meantime, I wanted to just share a bit about the joyous reasons I haven’t been online as much lately!
We’ve been travelling (our annual Christmas trip to Chateau Montebello is always a fave!)
This post is a paid partnership with the City of Ottawa Museums
As I continue sharing the fun activities happening at the local City of Ottawa Museums, I can’t help but think about how special events like this can be in creating family memories.
I know in our family, many outings become annual traditions. Or maybe it’s something we do once, but then recount year after year.
Admissions is $17.25 per family; $6.50 single; and $10.75 per pair
There is no pre-registration required, so you can drop in at any time during the day when you find it’s easiest for all of you (I know what it’s like to make plans around nap times!) The activities will run all day.
I think you will LOVE all of the activities being offered:
Bring your camera or smart phone to snap a photo with Santa!
Ottawa Fantasy Face Painting will be at the museum with holiday and winter inspired designs!
Tree ornaments will be made and are inspired by the Nepean Bell
the Nepean bell was hung in the belfry of the old Nepean Town Hall from 1896 to 1966. It now sits in front on Ben Franklin Place
Kids can decorate a Christmas Card – perfect for sharing with family (grandparents love these!) or with friends. Maybe a teacher?
And possibly my favourite activity – families can decorate a Gingerbread house together!
All of the crafts are meant to be family projects, so adults will need to help little hands complete the activities. But that’s part of the fun, right?
Make new Christmas memories at the Nepean Museum on December 15th. It sounds like the entire day will be filled with festive fun, and takeaways the kids will love too.
This post is brought to you in partnership with the City of Ottawa Museums
All month long in December, many families across the Ottawa area will be looking to spend time together in creative, special ways to celebrate the holiday season. If you are wanting to add some new events to your traditions list, you’ll want to check out the holiday programming at one of the City of Ottawa Museums. There is a lot happening all month long – including this weekend’s Elves at the Estate!
On December 1st, bundle up your family and head to Billings Estate National Historic Site for Elves at the Estate. Your own little elves will get to indulge in holiday treats, participate in craft time and if the weather cooperates, play outside on the expansive Estate grounds.
photo credit: City of Ottawa Museums
Here’s what you need to know about Elves at the Estate:
It’s family friendly, and children of all ages are welcome. Yes, your toddlers and preschoolers will think it’s fun sing along, craft and look for the elves -they’ll even get to make their own elf hats. But your preteens (and teens!) will also get into the Christmas spirit thanks to the seasonal music, and with a warm cup of hot chocolate in their hands. Plus, there will be a photobooth station (outside, weather permitting) for the perfect holiday photo opportunity. Tell your kids to hashtag it #familytime 😉
There will be Christmas stories being told, and your family will learn the history of Christmas cards (and you can make one yourself!)
And of course, Santa himself will be available to hear everyone’s wish lists (FYI – Santa is bilingual!)
Elves at the Estate, a family outing at the Billing Estate National Historic Site is taking place on December 1, between 10 am and 4 pm.
A few final notes:
Registration is not required (it’s a drop in program)
This event is for families of all ages and some activities are outside as well as inside (so you likely will want to dress accordingly so you don’t miss out on any of the fun events!)
Cost: $17.25 family (two adults and accompanying children); $6.50 single admission; $10.75 per pair
Not able to make it this weekend? No worries, there are other opportunities to enjoy the festive fun at the Estate during their new Holiday Hours:
Friday, December 21 (4 pm to 8 pm)
Saturday, December 22 (12 pm to 6 pm)
Sunday, December 23 (12 pm to 6 pm).
On these days, regular admission fees apply ($16 per family; $6.50 adult; $5.50 seniors and students; $4 child).You can explore the exhibitions, see the museum decorated for the holidays, and enjoy a Christmas-themed craft.
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