It's the guilty confession no parent wants to make: the holiday break from school that is so gleefully anticipated by kids can inspire a blend of panic and dread for the grown-ups in the family.
With most sports and extracurricular activities on hiatus at the same time as schools are shut down, the holiday season comes with the challenge of keeping kids active, occupied and having fun in an already busy time of year.
So be prepared when the inevitable "there's nothing to do" lament erupts, and check out our round-up of family activities in and around Burnaby this month. And remember, school's back in session on Jan. 3 - so breathe deep, relax and have fun.
Get literary
Head down to the New Westminster Public Library for some literary delights over the holiday season. On Cec. 21 and 22, there's crafts programs for ages 4 to 10; tweens from ages 9 to 12 can take part in a program on Dec. 20 that puts their creative talents to work in creating tie-dye art. See www.nwpl.ca for registration information. If the programs are booked up, why not just check out a few kids books about Christmas, Hanukkah or other holiday celebrations going on at this time of year.
Get busy playing
Grab a toque, a scarf and a pair of running shoes and get out in the great outdoors. Local playgrounds are open all year round - take advantage of dry weather and get the kids outdoors. Check out the playgrounds around the city, including the newer facilities at Port Royal Central Park and the tried-and-true at Queen's Park.
Learning lessons
Just because school's out doesn't mean the learning can't continue. Discover all there is to know about the Fraser River at the Fraser River Discovery Centre, at 788 Quayside Dr. (along the boardwalk at Westminster Quay, two blocks from Columbia St.) The facility is closed from Dec. 24 to Jan. 4, so make sure to get there before Christmas. See www.fraserriverdiscovery.org for more information.
History on the river
While you're down at the river, checked out the historic Samson V. The last surviving wooden steam-powered stemwheeler was originally built to be used as a snag-boat on the river. The Samson V was retired in 1980 and sold to the City of New Westminster for one dollar on the understanding that the vessel would be preserved as a museum and that it occupy a unique place in the Province's and City's maritime heritage. The Samson V remains the only completely intact and floating wooden sternwheeler in North America. Check it out on the waterfront esplanade between the Inn at the Quay and the Rivermarket. Open Saturdays and Sundays, from noon to 4 p.m., by admission. Closed Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1.
Catch them now
Act fast for a last-chance to check out the Royal City Youth Ballet's annual run of the Nutcracker. Featuring a cast of 100-plus dancers, under the artistic direction of Dolores Kirkwood. Performing to Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's music, this traditional ballet has beautiful sets designed by Jean Claude Olivier and extravagant, colourful costumes by Chris Sinosich. There are magical soldiers, mice, a Sugar Plum fairy and a growing Christmas tree, all danced to the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker score. With snowflakes, Snow King and Queen, Waltz of the Flowers, Arabian, Spanish and other favourites. The show has been running throughout the region all month long - there's a show at the Massey Theatre, on Dec. 18, and in Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver, on Dec. 19. See www.royalcityyouthballet.org for more information.
Skate with Santa
Tie up those skates and get out on the ice for a skate with Santa on Dec. 17 at Moody Park Arena from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Santa will be making an appearance, and there will be activities for kids. Regular admission applies. Call 604-525-5301 for more information. If you can't make the skate night, check out public skate times for a chance to get out with the family during the holiday. See www.newwestpcr.ca.
Check parks and rec
The New West parks and rec department has plenty to offer for kids of all ages. For kids up to six there's programs like the Christmas Playhouse in Queensborough and parent-and-tot gymnastics at Queen's Park Arenex. For kids aged 3 to 5, there's Rudolf Rompers, with crafts, painting, singing and more. Older kids aged 6 to 13 will enjoy a little "mad science" by exploring magic and science. Check out all the listings and registration information, in the city's active living guide at www.newwestpcr.ca and click on Active Living Guide on the recreation tab.
Trim the tree
Still need a tree? Help out a New Westminster organization by getting a Christmas tree from Aunt Leah's. Shop online at auntleahsplace.gostorego.com or grab the family and head down to the tree lot at 7405 Royal Oak in Burnaby. See www.auntleahs.org for more info.
Teen time
City teens can get in the spirit of the season with a Christmas movie marathon running from 1 to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. Check out The Grinch, Christmas Vacation and more at the Youth Centre for free, for youth in grades 8 and up. The centre is also hosting a gingerbread house session on Dec. 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. RSVP in advance to secure a spot. Call 604-515-3775 for more information.
Victorian traditions
Take a stroll into history with a Very Victorian Christmas at the 1865 Irving House (302 Royal Ave.) and discover the holly and ivy traditions of a Victorian Christmas while enjoying performances. Entry is by donation. See www.nwpr.bc.ca for more information.
Cultural crawl
Here's one just around the corner in Burnaby but worth the drive: discover the unique heritage of the Japanese people in Canada by taking in the Mochi Tsuki day festivities at Nikkei Place in Burnaby. This year's popular family-friendly celebration takes place on Dec. 29, starting at noon, with lunch sales, mochi tasting, mochi-pounding demonstrations, and more. This is a traditional Japanees end-of-year activity. While you're there, find out about the variety of events and programs the centre offers (including, for adults, an upcoming session in January to learn how to make sushi under the tutelage of a chef with more than 10 years of experience.) Nikkei Place is located at 6688 Southoaks Cres. in Burnaby. See www.nikkeiplace.org for more information.
Get cozy at home
If the weather isn't the best, or you're just plain tuckered out from all the holiday festivities, there's always the tried-and-true: a bowl of popcorn, a cozy blanket (or two or three, depending on the size of your family) and a stash of Christmas movies. Follow the Griswolds, the Charlie Brown crew, Rudolph and his buddies, or any of the other cast of holiday favourites for an afternoon of relaxation.
One-day journeys
Got the travel bug? Stay close to home with one-day trips around the region. Hop on the bus and head downtown for Science World or head out on Highway 1 to the Greater Vancouver Zoo in the Fraser Valley. The Vancouver Aquarium and the Vancouver Art Gallery are always popular, as are trips up the gondola at Grouse, and a ride on the Christmas Train at Stanley Park. If the kids are young enough, a SkyTrain ride along might be a main attraction - get on in Burnaby and take a trip around the city and back while enjoying the views from above. For the hardy (or fool hardy) don't forget about the annual Polar Bear Swim in Vancouver - kicking off at 2:30 p.m. on January 1. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. at the English Bay Boathouse.
Planning ahead
And while you've got your calendars out, here's one for the new year: the Royal City Kids Fair is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 21 from 9 to 5 p.m. More than 75 tables with information, products and services - plus performances by Bobs and Lolo at Sapperton Hall, 318 Keary St. See www.royalcitykids.com.
Christina Myers is a reporter with the Record, covering health, families and children. See her blog online at www.royalcityrecord.com and follow her at www.twitter.com/ChristinaMyersA.
