Here’s our one-month-out Christmas countdown checklist that’s been created with real Canadian families in mind. Let’s stay organized, on budget, and actually present for all of the holiday magic.

Week-by-Week Christmas Countdown Prep

4 Weeks to Go: Set the Foundation

• Make your holiday budget (for real)
  Factor in gifts, food, outings, Secret Santas, and the inevitable “last-minute Amazon panic purchase.” A simple note on your phone works—don’t overthink it.
• Create (or update) your gift list
  Kids, grandparents, teachers, coaches, nieces, nephews, the neighbour who always brings cookies… jot down everyone.
• Order anything personalized
  Stockings, name ornaments, photo books, calendars, and custom gifts often have a 2–3 week turnaround.
• Confirm travel or hosting plans
  Book flights, finalize driving dates, and check passports if you’ll be travelling somewhere warm.
• Decorate the house
  Lights, tree, wreath, garland and all the good stuff. Kids love being involved, and this is the perfect weekend activity. Prep your Elf on the Shelf!

3 Weeks to Go: Start the Gathering

• Shop sales strategically
  Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and early December deals are your best friends.
• Stock the stocking stuffers early
  Small things add up quickly. Grab essential items now to avoid the December 23rd drugstore dash.
• Hide gifts in plain sight
  Use an unmarked bin in a closet or locked in the trunk of your car. (Bonus: kids rarely check the laundry room.)
• Book holiday haircuts and Santa photos
  Salon schedules fill up fast, and so do mall Santa sessions.

2 Weeks to Go: Lean Into the Festive Fun

• Plan holiday meals and baking
  Make a list of freezer-friendly dishes and cookies you can prep now.
  Tip: Double your weeknight dinners and freeze half for those busy mid-December evenings when the activities haven’t yet shut down for the winter break.
• Buy teacher, coach, bus driver, and other gifts
  Gift cards (local coffee shops, Indigo, Amazon) are always appreciated and stress-free and you can’t go wrong with edible gifts.
• Do a quick winter-gear check
  It’s gonna be a busy couple of weeks with lots of opportunities for outdoor play. Mittens missing? Boots too small? Now’s the time to sort that out.

1 Week to Go: Prep for Peak Chaos (Lovingly)

• Wrap gifts as you go
  Eke out some time every evening to wrap presents. Do NOT leave wrapping until Christmas Eve unless you enjoy pain.
• Assemble any big-ticket items
  If something requires tools, directions, or “adult supervision,” give yourself the time now.
•  Stock the kitchen with holiday essentials
  Hot chocolate, cider, baking staples, charcuterie supplies, juice boxes for cousins who appear out of nowhere.
• Write out the holiday schedule
  Write it out old-school with highlighted entries. Include school events, potlucks, family visits, and days off work. Post it on the fridge.

Final Stretch: 2–3 Days Before Christmas

• Charge all devices, load up portable power sources, clear storage
  Photos, videos, FaceTime with relatives… your phone will be working overtime.
• Give the house a light tidy
  Think “company’s coming” without the anxiety and rage cleaning… wipe counters, add fresh towels, quick vacuum.
• Put out the gifts from you-know-who
  Hide the wrapping paper evidence.
• Plan a you moment
  Schedule a lovely cup of tea with a favourite Christmas movie, a long walk, or an early bedtime. You’ve earned it.

December is about presence. Don’t worry about perfection. Time spent together. Cookies that turn out “fine.” Kids who still get excited about holiday lights. A house that’s lived-in, not set up for the ‘gram. You’ve got this!

The post Christmas Countdown: 1 Month to Go Before the Big Day appeared first on SavvyMom.

My friend Theresa Albert first shared this recipe with me over ten years ago, and I haven’t been tempted to try any others (although this spiced hot cocoa recipe is pretty highly regarded). Theresa is a holistic nutritionist and food communications expert who runs the Stratford B&B Rosehurst Stratford. She told me that cocoa is an anti-aging, anti-inflammatory super food that is full of antioxidants. Her take on this classic comfort drink will have you wondering how you tolerated anything before; it’s delicious and nutritious

Theresa advises that the key to this hot chocolate recipe is using a good quality cocoa powder. When choosing a brand, look for one that does not say “Dutch processed.” You want one that has only cocoa powder in its ingredient list. A cocoa powder that is (Dutch) processed uses an alkali that diminishes the quantity (by half!) of the antioxidants.

So basically this hot chocolate is totally good for you!

The Easiest Recipe for Hot Chocolate, Ever

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For young fans, especially those who invest their hearts (and wardrobes) into a team’s season, a loss can feel devastating. Tears are shed. Shirts are tossed. “It’s not fair!” is a recurring exclamation. As parents, it’s our job not to minimize those feelings. And we need to help them work through them.

Here’s how to support your child when their favourite team loses, and turn sports disappointment it into teachable moments…

Acknowledge Their Feelings

Before jumping in with logic (“It’s just a game!”), pause and validate their emotions. It might seem like an overreaction, but for kids, this is real grief.

Try:
“I know you were really hoping they’d win. It’s okay to feel upset.”
“You’ve been cheering for them all season. Of course this loss hurts.”

Validation doesn’t encourage wallowing. It lays the groundwork for emotional regulation.

Model Good Sportsmanship

Whether you’re watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs or a U9 soccer final, your reaction matters. Kids mirror our behaviour, even (especially?!) when we think they’re not watching.

We need to model good sportsmanship when dealing with sports disappointment. If you’re frustrated or muttering about bad calls, they’ll pick that up. Instead of yelling at the TV, try to model disappointment without blame.

Try:
“They gave it their all, and sometimes that’s just not enough to win.”
“I’m proud of how hard they played.”

Shift the Focus to Effort, Not Outcome

This is a great time to reinforce growth mindset thinking. Ask questions like:

• “What do you think they did really well this season?”
• “What would you do differently if you were the coach?”
• “What was your favourite moment from the season?”

This helps kids process the overall experience more fully, and reminds them that the journey matters as much as the score of their final game.

Make Room for Ritual

Having a post-game ritual, whether they win or lose, can provide structure and emotional safety.

Some ideas:

• “Win or lose, we go for ice cream after a big game.”
• “Let’s do a quick gratitude check… name one thing you’re thankful for about this season.”
• “Let’s rewatch some favourite plays or highlight moments.”

Creating predictable rituals helps kids know that the disappointment is temporary and your connection lasts.

Put It in Perspective (Gently)

When the tears dry and the jerseys are back in the drawer, it’s okay to talk about bigger lessons.

 Try:
“Part of loving something deeply is feeling sad when it doesn’t go your way. But that’s also what makes the wins so sweet.”
“Even the best teams lose sometimes. That’s why we keep watching and keep believing.”

Let Them Feel Passion—Even When It Hurts

In a world that encourages apathy and disconnection, it’s actually pretty amazing that your child cares this much about something. Passion is a powerful thing. The goal is not to dampen their enthusiasm. This helps to teach necessary resilience alongside it.

Let them love their team fiercely. Let them cry when things don’t go their way. Then help them dust off, cheer again, and maybe even take a shot on goal themselves.

Eventually, the team will win. And they’ll lose. And your child? They’ll be stronger for having stayed in the game.

Do your kids get emotional when their team loses? Do you?! What’s helped your family deal with post-game heartbreak? Share your tips in the comments!

The post They Lost?! Helping Kids Cope with Sports Disappointment appeared first on SavvyMom.

The Savvy Guide to Halloween

Local Tricks & Treats

We’ve got what’s fun and frightening for families that’s happening in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Calgary.

Pumpkin Carving Tips

From selecting the perfect pumpkin to suggesting innovative ways to decorate, here are all the pumpkin carving tips you need to make your pumpkin (and porch) look their very best. Thanks to our friends at Pumpkin Masters

Halloween Pumpkin Decorating for Little Ones

If your little ones want their very own Jack O Lantern, decorating is a great alternative to Halloween pumpkin carving — no knives required.

What Time is Trick or Treating?

Here are a few tips to let you know when it’s a good time to start trick or treating—and when you should probably call it a night—this Halloween.

Quick-ish & Easy DIY Halloweeen Costumes

We’ve outlined 15 quick-ish and easy DIY Halloween costumes that you can cheaply and *somewhat* easily create at home.

Make a Halloween Candy Plan

Having an agreed-upon plan for the inevitable candy avalanche that comes with Halloween will help everyone enjoy the holiday, without too many sugar crashes!

Ideas to Use Up Leftover Halloween Candy

We love how much our kids love Halloween. And we hate being the fun police. So here are 11 ways to use up excess Halloween candy that’ll keep your fun cred intact.

It’s True… Kids Need (at Least) 2 Halloween Costumes

Like a celebrity attending an international fashion week, it feels like kids need at least two outfit changes when it comes to this seasonal celebration. Here’s why…

Easy Halloween Dinner Ideas

What’s for dinner on October 31? Let us save you all kinds of effort and time trying to think of what to feed them before trick or treating with these Halloween dinner ideas…

5 Fun & Spooky Halloween Dinner Recipes

A special Halloween dinner is a nice idea but October 31st is WAY too busy. These spooky recipes are perfect for meals leading up to the big night.

Chic & Spooky Halloween Decor

Get ready for some festive spooky fun and greeting trick or treaters with some chic and creepy Halloween decor ideas…

20 Scary Movies for Kids (That Won’t Scare Them Too Much)

Scary movies for kids often = sleepless nights for parents. But these spooky movies all have an element of magic that’s perfect for family movie night.

A Halloween Playlist: Halloween’s “Gravest” Hits

No guide to Halloween would be complete without music. Here’s a look at our Halloween playlist, which we refer to as Halloween’s ‘Gravest’ Hits. We play this leading up to Halloween, getting ready for the big night!

5 Steps to Perfect Roasted Pumpkin Seeds:

Don’t toss them! Unless it’s with oil and salt! We’ve got 5 tips to create perfectly roasted pumpkin seeds.

Another Person’s Culture is Not a Halloween Costume

When you “celebrate” your love for a character or culture by dressing up as a caricature of it, you’re not honouring anyone – you’re hurting them.

The post The Savvy Guide to Halloween appeared first on SavvyMom.

10 Fun Family Ways to Spend Thanksgiving Monday in Vancouver

1. Explore Stanley Park

Our beloved Stanley Park is a perfect spot for a family outing on Thanksgiving Monday in Vancouver. Take a walk or bike ride along the scenic Seawall, explore the trails beneath towering trees, and enjoy the fall colours. Stop by the Stanley Park Nature House to learn about local wildlife or visit the Vancouver Aquarium for an engaging and educational experience for kids.

2. Visit Science World

Science World is a fantastic option for a Thanksgiving Monday adventure, especially if the weather isn’t ideal. With interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and special programming for kids, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From the iconic dome’s geodesic structure to the wonders inside, Science World is an exciting and educational experience for families of all ages.

3. Bake Thanksgiving Treats Together

Vancouver’s (usually!) wonderful fall weather is the perfect excuse to stay in and bake some delicious Thanksgiving treats. Try whipping up some pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, apple pie, or homemade granola for the week. If you’re not keen on baking from scratch order from Atome for bake-at-home kits for goodies but, be careful! Their subscription service is addicting.

4. Take a Stroll at VanDusen Botanical Garden

VanDusen Botanical Garden is a beautiful spot for a family walk, especially during the fall season when the trees and plants showcase stunning autumn colours. Wander the garden’s paths, discover the hedge maze, and enjoy the serene ponds and flower beds. The fresh air and peaceful atmosphere make this a perfect Thanksgiving Monday outing.

5. Hike at Grouse Mountain

For an active adventure, head to Grouse Mountain for a family-friendly hike. The mountain offers beautiful fall views and is a great way to get outside and enjoy the crisp air. If hiking isn’t on your agenda, take the Skyride gondola to the top for panoramic views of Vancouver and, if you’re lucky, an early sighting of the mountain’s resident grizzly bears in their sanctuary before hibernation begins.

6. DIY Fall Crafts at Home

After a day outdoors, gather the family around for some fall crafts. Use leaves collected from your walk through Stanley Park or Grouse Mountain to create fun projects like leaf art or turkey crafts. Vancouver’s Opus Art Supplies has everything you need for a fun crafting session, and you’ll end up with adorable fall-themed decorations for your home.

7. Head to the movies!

If you’re in the mood for a family movie, most movie theatres are open for business. Grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy a cozy afternoon at the movies with your family.

8. Picnic at Queen Elizabeth Park

If the weather holds up, pack a Thanksgiving picnic and head to Queen Elizabeth Park. With its beautiful gardens, open spaces, and views of downtown Vancouver, it’s a peaceful spot to enjoy a meal outdoors. After your picnic, take a stroll around the park, visit the Bloedel Conservatory to see exotic plants and birds, or simply relax in the beauty of your surroundings.

9. Check Out one of Vancouver’s Great Attractions

You don’t have to be a tourist to enjoy the city’s great attractions, and most of them are open on Thanksgiving Monday in Vancouver:

• Science World
• Vancouver Aquarium
• Vancouver Art Gallery
• FlyOver Canada

10. Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Fall Festival Near Vancouver

For a more traditional fall experience, head just outside Vancouver to one of the nearby farms or pumpkin patches. Richmond Country Farms or Laity Pumpkin Patch in Maple Ridge offer plenty of fall-themed activities, including corn mazes, wagon rides, and, of course, pumpkin picking. It’s a fun and festive way to celebrate the season and bring home the perfect pumpkin for carving.

Many places are open on Thanksgiving Monday in Vancouver, so it doesn’t have to be all about the turkey. Whether you’re enjoying the city’s parks, visiting favourite local attractions, or staying in for some cozy fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Spend the day savouring the fall season, reflecting on gratitude, and (most importantly!) enjoying time together. Happy Thanksgiving, Vancouver!

The post 10 Things to Do on Thanksgiving Monday in Vancouver appeared first on SavvyMom.