By Micheline M. Filion
So you’ve already scoffed all the chocolates from your advent calendar, but there's still 12 days to go until Christmas! Whether you’re feeling restless or simply want to show off your new chunky-knit patchwork scarf, do not fear, here are a dozen suggestions of activities to fill your calendar in the days leading up to Christmas.
Was last year's Yule log a disaster to the point of actually tasting of old wood? Change things up this year and surprise the assembled guests with a seasonal creation by the Crémy patisserie. And while you’re there, you may as well check the office gifts off the list by picking up a decadent Christmas stocking (meringues, caramel popcorn, honeycomb, maple pecans, mendiants and apple butter)! Word to the wise: place your order online before visiting the shop to avoid returning empty-handed!
Create a seasonal playground for your feline companion by decorating your living room with a beautiful Christmas tree (for green tips, check out this article). Opt for an organic balsam fir by popping over to one of the three Christmas in the park festival sites; a percentage of the sales revenue goes to fund this free event. If you’re heading in the direction of Place Émilie-Gamelin, stick around until 19:30 to watch a performance by spoken word artist Queen Ka.
Ah, Christmas tunes. We love it! You'll be happy to hear that the show December, a music event of epic proportions for the whole family, is back for a 15th season running at the Place des Arts. If, on the other hand, sleigh bells give you the hives, try to get your hands on a ticket to the (wildly popular) show Tire le Coyote at La Tulipe.
Still not done the Christmas shopping with 10 days to go? Don't panic. You'll find original products in one of Montreal’s many Christmas markets such as the Dernier marché des fêtes in the Mile-End, Puces-Pop on the Plateau, the Christmas market at Maison Pepin in Old Montreal or the Big Christmas market in the Place des Arts. You’ll need to hang on until the 16th for the Etsy Market in Hochelaga. And if you still have any energy left, treat your ears to a free show by Louis-Jean Cormier at the Place Émilie Gamelin in the evening.
Put your piece of fruit cake to one side, your slippers on (no, not those ones, the ones for climbing) and get involved in the recreational routes competition Decemberfest at Allez Up. It’s never a bad idea to burn off a few calories as we approach the seasonal feasting, and it’s the perfect opportunity to show off those bulging muscles. If you prefer sweet emotion to sweating, La route chante, a tribute to Lhasa de Sela showing at MTELUS, should have you covered.
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OTHER GREAT SUGGESTIONS:
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On a more classical note, you have two options: Bach’s Christmas Oratorio at the Maison Symphonique on the Place des Arts or the Traditional Christmas Concert on the organ, with the Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal, at St Joseph’s Oratory. It’s like cream fudge for the soul.
The shortest day of the year is upon us and we’re really feeling the lack of light. To combat the winter blues this year, the Quartier des spectacles welcomes back Luminothérapie a free, interactive and fun installation. A must for the seasonal to-do list.
It’s time to celebrate with work friends or colleagues. The place to go: Miracle, a pop-up bar where the decor and cocktails all follow a seasonal theme. It’s said that Santa Claus sometimes even handles the bar duties. Be smart and call Operation Red Nose to get you home.
To clear the alcoholic haze of the night before or simply get some fresh air, the Natrel Rink in Old Port is just the place, with the added bonus of a splendid view of our architectural heritage. Its artificial ice makes it possible to stretch your legs even in less favorable weather conditions. If you’re feeling too chilly to brave the elements, then opt for the indoor rink of the Atrium Le 1000 de la Gauchetière. For the less steady skaters among you, read these excellent tips!
Role reversal: yesterday you skated, now watch other people hit the ice (in style)! Cirque du soleil presents Crystal, a “smashing” show featuring world-class acrobats and skaters who, by all accounts, will be defying the laws of gravity. Showing at the Bell Centre.
Chase away the greyness of winter and see the holidays from another angle with a Hawaiian Christmas at the Snowbird Tiki bar. On the program: appetizers, cheesy tunes and staff dressed up for the occasion. Soak in the spirit of the islands and its mysterious drinks. But again, don’t forget, Operation Red Nose can get you home.
The program of the Christmas in the park festival heads off the reindeer hoof-beaten track with the presentation of Gum Boots, a dance workshop led by Sadio Sissokho, a dancer and multi-instrumentalist of Senegalese origin. Percussion, rubber boots and a whole lot of pleasure in perspective. At the Parc des Compagnons de Saint-Laurent, on the Plateau Mont-Royal.
So, you’ve danced, eaten, drunk, laughed and bought some beautiful things. Now, it's time to think about those who are less fortunate but are just as in need of the joys of the holiday season and human kindness. Give something back by getting involved in the Christmas Eve event put on by the Little brothers of the poor as a volunteer. It will lift your spirits, guaranteed.
Activity for the day: get back to basics! Visit your loved ones (and give them a big hug), exchange wishes and enjoy the moment. And a very happy Christmas day to you all!
