Holiday Cheer

north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023 |

A special section of the

Holiday Cheer A COLLECTION OF FESTIVE CONTENT TO HELP JUMPSTART YOUR HOLIDAY SPIRIT

B1

B2 | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023

north shore news nsnews.com

north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023 |

B3

Dundarave village welcomes the holiday season with new festive installation Association.

With Dundarave named after a Scottish castle, Reveley said the booths, made in Scotland and an instantly recognizable symbol of Britain, fit with the history of the West Vancouver village and offer a slice of home to the many expats that live in the area.

MINA KERR-LAZENBY,

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

West Vancouver’s Dundarave, with its fairy light drenched trees and quaint little stores, was already reminiscent of a Hallmark Christmas movie set. There’s a latest addition, however, that is sending that festive spirit into overdrive, and that Hallmark movie? It’s set in England, of all places.

Two red phone boxes stuffed with red and gold baubles, garlands, sugar pine cones, red berries and festive foliage now call the village home, with one situated outside Limelight Floral Design florist and another further down, outside local coffee haunt Delaney’s.

It wasn’t Santa who installed them, but Kyla Reveley, Limelight’s owner.

“I thought it would be fun to have something so vibrant, it’s a fun thing to have in the neighbourhood,” she said, adding how the festive fixtures are already a hit with locals.

“They’re making everybody so happy. We have a glass door in the

“

To locals, they simply offer a “bit of brightness” during a season that can otherwise be long and bleak.

”

Limelight Floral Design owner Kyla Reveley outside her Dundarave shop, with an old English phone booth decorated for the festive season. PAUL MCGRATH/NSN store and when I look outside I see people taking selfies at the booth all day long. They’re constantly smiling and coming in and asking us about it.”

Great Gifts HAND-MADE CRAFTS & FINE ARTWORK

Reveley, who was raised in Dundarave, said she was gifted the phone boxes by a friend, and in turn gifted them to the Ambleside Dundarave Business Improvement

To locals, they simply offer a “bit of brightness” during a season that can otherwise be long and bleak, she said.

“Everyone needs to have something to look forward to during these dark months,” she said.

While the booths are decked to the nines with festive decor at the moment – with the one located outside the Limelight florist

also containing miniature red phone booth ornaments and the Delaney’s cafe iteration complete with gold bottles and glass coffee cup ornaments – Reveley said the decorations will be swapped out in accordance with the changing seasons.

“We did a beautiful one for summer, and a fun one for Halloween, we even had wreaths on them for Remembrance Day,” she said. “We’re looking forward to doing different things every year, and things that will appeal to everyone.”

Reveley said she hopes to appeal and cater to the North Shore’s melting pot nature, with acknowledgement given to all celebrations and holidays – whether that be Hanukkah, Christmas, or Nowruz.

“We’re hoping to celebrate everything we can, so I’m open to suggestions,” she said. ❉ Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter.

This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.

B4 | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023

north shore news nsnews.com

Only at Canadian Tire

Camp Christmas Inspired by Canadian road trips from coastto-coast, this collection layers classic icons including camping favourites and national sports symbols to create beautiful Christmas memories for years to come.

SCAN TO SHOP!

5 MORE COLLECTIONS TO SHOP: WINTER GARDEN, GOLD, SILVER, WHITE, MERRY & BRIGHT!

1350 Main Street, North Vancouver 604-982-9100 | www.canadiantire.ca PROUDLY CANADIAN...LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

Collect rewards even faster with Triangle™ Mastercard *Equal payments, no interest for 24 months with Triangle™ *Equal payments, no interest for 24 months with Triangle™

north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023 |

Leigh-Ann Niehaus displays some of the unique gifts and art available as part of the Ferry Building Gallery’s Great Gifts exhibition and sale on now until Dec. 17. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN

Ferry Building Gallery’s Christmas market returns after three years hiatus MINA KERR-LAZENBY,

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

It has been a long three years, but they say good things come to those who wait and, judging by the line-up of artists at West Vancouver’s upcoming Great Gifts show, it seems to certainly be the case.

The Ferry Building Gallery is erupting with festive activity as it welcomes the return of its lauded Great Gifts holiday exhibition and market, with stalls manned by almost 40 artists and artisans selling all manner of creations from jewelry and ornaments to toys and homeware.

The event is on now, running every Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., until Dec. 17.

The festive event was put on hiatus following the pandemic in 2020, and once more in the years that followed as the gallery underwent a mighty $3.2-million restoration.

Event organizer Leigh-Anne Niehaus said Christmas traditions come and go, but for the West Vancouver community, the Great Gifts show remains as vital an annual festive occurrence as decorating the tree or donning a seasonal sweater.

“It gives visitors the opportunity to do their holiday shopping while supporting local artists and makers at the same time,” she said, adding how it is “joy and meaningful connection” that makes for a lasting holiday tradition, something which the market has in abundance.

“I think any tradition that brings family, friends, and community together in a positive and supportive way is a good place to start for creating good holiday traditions,” she said.

Artist Cathy Beaumont, who will be showcasing her handmade, glass-beaded jewelry, said a valued Christmas tradition is “something that makes you feel warm and fuzzy and cozy” during the long season of plummeting temperatures and minimal daylight.

It is anything that brings about “hygge,” she said, referencing the Danish term that describes a cozy and content state of being.

“This is a lovely, lovely market. It does exactly that,” she said.

“The folks who curate it are really discerning and have an excellent eye for design, it invites a sense of warmth and, of course, now the Ferry Building Gallery has reopened, it’s the perfect place for it.

It’s such a lovely little jewel box of a gallery.”

Beaumont said she will be in “really good company” and surrounded by “work of excellent quality,” adding that she is most excited to see the wares of all her fellow creatives.

It’s an alluring prospect for all of the artists taking part in the event, said Heather Johnston, who has been a regular at the market throughout its two-decade history.

Johnston, who is primarily a photographer but will be showcasing her most recent artistic venture of digital painting, said the market is a chance for those on the North Shore to show support for the local arts scene.

“This is about love and support for the local community, giving attention to local artists and giving attention to what really is a beautiful, inclusive little gallery,” she said. ❉

B5

B6 | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023

north shore news nsnews.com SPONSORED CONTENT

This North Vancouver locale is your one-stop-shop for holiday gifts, pop-ups and family fun Lonsdale Quay Market is inviting residents and visitors alike to find their holiday happiness with an extensive events calendar and can’t-miss shopping The holidays are many things: fun, festive, exciting, joyful, but, let’s be honest, they can also be a bit hectic. What if there was a place you and your family could go to not only indulge in some fantastically festive activities but also check all the names off your gift list?

You’re in luck! Lonsdale Quay Market offers all this and more, providing a venue to explore a wide range of food, drink and gift-giving this holiday season.

When it comes to prepping and enjoying the holiday season in style, there’s no place like The Quay.

PHOTO CLIFF MA PHOTOGRAPHY

MAKE YOUR LIST, CHECK IT TWICE Finding the perfect gift can be a lot like the old fairytale Goldilocks. You want to find something sentimental yet practical, heartfelt but something the recipient will actually like and use. It can be tricky to find something that’s just right.

Lonsdale Quay Market, open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, consists of a wide range of incredible local vendors, providing exceptional items to help you find something for everyone.

From November 24 to December 24, The Quay will feature several fabulous festive offerings, including the Holiday Alley Pop-Up Craft Market, which will run over four weekends and feature over 30 local artisans, with eight unique artisans each week boasting a diverse collection of products, including homemade candles, jewellery, artwork and more.

Sometimes, even coming up with gift ideas can be challenging. Lonsdale Quay has got you covered there, too, with a Holiday Gift Guide featuring a carefully curated collection of handpicked treasures from its vendors.

Whether you’re hunting for sensational stocking stuffers, a hostess present, or an experiential gift, you’ll find all you need and more.

If you’re still unsure, The Quay Experience Box offers a fantastic gift for two featuring the best food, shopping and unique experiences from The Quay community, as well as a gift from The Polygon Gallery, all for $95 (valued at $175) available at The Quay Holiday Booth and online, with the experiences redeemable in the New Year.

Open every day from November 24 to December 23, The Quay Holiday Booth also offers assistance surrounding vendors, curated experiences and The Quay’s extensive activity agenda.

Once you find the perfect gift, stop by The Quay giftwrapping station in partnership with Foundry in The Rotunda from December 1 to 23. This joint initiative helps youth with work placement opportunities that enable them to find longer-term positions in the community. The station is by donation, with all funds raised going to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation.

LONSDALE QUAY MARKET, 2021 HOLIDAY SEASON PHOTO PHOTO TIMOTHY NGUYEN

Lonsdale Quay Market, open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, consists of a wide range of incredible local vendors, providing exceptional items to help you find something for everyone.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Besides being the ultimate holiday shopping destination, Lonsdale Quay Market is also putting on a comprehensive calendar of can’t-miss events for all ages, as well as expansive holiday décor to capture the most beautiful festive family photos.

Look forward to one-of-a-kind food and beverage pop-ups in the Market Kitchen space, consisting of local businesses, including Brazil Gourmet, Karma Indian Bistro and Casa de Nata, who will come with a few unique surprises of their own. Year round, The Kitchen also offers food and cooking demos, private and public courses, commercial food prep and more.

Until December 24, Hype Chocolate will be popping up at The Quay for an incredible holiday collab with some of Vancouver’s favourite businesses, featuring some of their iconic products.

Indulge your artistic side by admiring the many holiday performances from over 10 local choirs and artists, spreading cheer throughout the Market from December 1 to 23.

For the children, there will be an interactive holiday scavenger hunt throughout The Quay. Once finished, bring your completed scavenger hunt sheet to The Quay Holiday Booth for a well-deserved sweet treat from Olde World Fudge.

Check out the full calendar of holiday happenings at lonsdalequay.com/upcoming-events/, and keep your eyes peeled on the Lonsdale Quay Instagram for various giveaways throughout December.

north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023 |

B7

Red Ribbon sober driving campaign launches in West Vancouver in West Vancouver.

“West Vancouver is the No. 1 enforcement jurisdiction for impaired driving in Metro Vancouver,” he said.

MINA KERR-LAZENBY,

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Eagle-eyed residents across the Lower Mainland and beyond may soon notice shiny red ribbons adorning the cars of locals, and the reason behind it extends far beyond just festive spirit.

The Red Ribbon campaign, run by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, launched in West Vancouver on Thursday with a ceremony led

by MADD, the City of West Vancouver, West Vancouver Police and Uber.

The nationwide campaign, now in its 36th year, runs from Nov. 1 to Jan. 8 to raise awareness of the consequences of drunk driving at the busiest time of the year, as afterwork drinks and social activities ramp up in the lead up to Christmas.

The purpose of the campaign is twofold, said Charlie Grahn, treasurer and board member of MADD Metro Vancouver.

“It is to remember past victims of impaired driving crashes in Canada, but it is also a memory aid to the citizens who are about to embark on the Christmas and holiday season,” he said.

In British Columbia alone, 4,000 people have died at the hands of impaired drivers since 1980.

“How many more are going to die in the years and decades ahead? If we don’t change the conduct of people, that number will surely

“

It is to remember past victims of impaired driving crashes in Canada, but it is also a memory aid to the citizens who are about to embark on the Christmas and holiday season.

”

Charlie Grahn, treasurer and board member for MADD Metro Vancouver, launches the 36th annual Project Red Ribbon campaign in West Vancouver . MINA KERR-LAZENBY double at some point in the future,” said Grahn.

“This is a problem we can solve, we just need to change people’s behaviour.”

The good news, said Grahn, is 95 percent of people are “already doing the right thing” 99 percent of the time. For the other 5 percent there are, unfortunately,”no words that we

can say that will penetrate their conscience, and no laws or social stigma that will cause them to re-examine their behaviour,” he said.

Grahn commended the work of the West Vancouver Police Department, public officials and first responders in removing the remaining five percent from the roads, adding how MADD has “saved the best till last” in regards to its implementation of the program

District of West Vancouver Coun. Linda Watt, standing in for Mayor Mark Sager, said it was imperative to “get the message out” during the holiday season.

With ride-sharing apps like Uber and public transport options in the area set to increase over the coming years, alongside the raised awareness through the Red Ribbon campaign, Watt said she believes the number will decrease, and “ideally be eliminated.”

Michael van Hemmen, the general manager of Canada mobility for Uber, said he wanted locals to “attend parties, of course” and enjoy all the frivolity of the festive season, but to plan ahead for a sober ride home by taking an Uber or a taxi, take public transit, arranging a designated driver, or spending the night. ❉

Building Dreams, Safeguarding Futures Over 70 years helping North Shore clients navigate life’s transitions

Real Estate | Wills & Estates | Business

The Polygon Gallery

Media Partner

101 Carrie Cates Court

ratcliff.com | 604.988.5201

Territories of the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Musqueam Nations

@polygongallery thepolygon.ca

B8 | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023

north shore news nsnews.com

November 17, 2023 - January 21, 2024 Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Closed December 25

Buy your tickets at capbridge.com BC residents: get a free annual pass with paid admission

3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, BC

north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023 |

B9

Be a Santa to a Senior returns for another year MINA KERR-LAZENBY,

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Home Instead client care co-ordinators Selena Hansen and Bryony Wilson invite all to Be a Santa to a Senior by dropping by the Home Instead offices to pick up a gift tag for a senior and purchase a suitable gift. PAUL MCGRATH/NSN

Santa Claus is coming to town, and if there is one cohort of people that are first and foremost on his list, it’s not the little nippers you might have in mind.

The annual ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ campaign, initiated by homecare service Home Instead, spreads holiday cheer to lonely or financially challenged seniors in the community.

The international program, which began 20 years ago and is now in its 16th year in West Vancouver, has a simple concept. Santas can take an ornament detailing the name and desired gift of a senior from the special tree found at the West Vancouver Home Instead location, found at 2232 Marine Dr., purchase the gift and pop back the present and ornament before the deadline date of Dec. 8.

“This whole program was formed to recognize that we have lonely seniors in our community,” said Janet Hassell, owner of the West Vancouver office. “We go out to some of our government homes,

where there are people that are not as fortunate as most of us, with low income and no family around, who have likely had many of their friends pass away,” she said.

The wish lists often include simple, practical items, she said.

“Sometimes it’s a crossword book. Sometimes it’s shampoo or toothpaste. Sometimes socks or underwear,” said Hassell.

“Their lists are never very big, but to them it’s a big deal. There’s this little joy of a handmade card, or a little gift, or something practical, that could make their whole year special.”

Hassell said the feedback she receives from the care facilities each year is always overwhelmingly positive.

“When they’ve delivered these gifts at Christmas time, the joy they have seen in the faces of the seniors has been amazing,” she said.

When Hassell thinks of the seniors who have benefited from the program throughout the years, there are a few standouts that come to mind. Hassell recalls hand-

delivering a gift to one particular elderly woman, a former model.

“We had given her a fashion magazine and a tube of lipstick, and you should have seen her face when we dropped them off,” she said. “It was like it brought back old memories that she probably hadn’t thought of for so long, of being in the fashion industry. It was more than just a gift. It was like opening up to her past, it was exciting.”

Hassall said the program has gone from strength to strength each year.

Once she used to have to make a lot of phone calls to raise awareness for the program, but now she is inundated with inquiries from locals wanting to help.

In recent years she’s even been unable to gain access to her own office, it has been so crammed with gifts.

“I’ve had to work in the hallway because the offerings were so great,” she said with a laugh. “This year our goal is to collect up to 600 gifts for 200 local older adults, and it’s a goal we absolutely think we can achieve.” ❉

West Vancouver toy drive aims to ‘bring brightness’ BRENT RICHTER

BRICHTER@NSNEWS.COM

West Vancouver’s first responders and bus crews are being deputized and pressed into service by Santa, once again.

The West Vancouver Police Department, West Vancouver Fire & Rescue and West Vancouver Transit have kicked off their 2023 toy drive in hopes of ensuring a bit of Christmas magic finds its way to every kid on the North Shore.

Donation boxes at the police department, fire halls and West Van transit depot are now open for drop-offs of unwrapped toys, which the North Shore Christmas Bureau and maybe the jolly old elf himself will deliver to local families in need.

The toy drive, now in its 18th year, has always been well supported by the community, said Sgt. Mark McLean, but this year more than ever, they’re hoping to see residents add an extra box or two to their regular holiday shopping.

“Our donation basket here at our headquarters has always been overflowing and we’ve always had to do multiple deliveries to the Christmas Bureau and they’re always really grateful and really thrilled with the support

that we received from the community,” he said. “This is an opportunity to donate toys and really bring brightness into kids’ lives who really need it at this time of year. In the current economy, and with the cost of living, there are more and more people relying on things like food banks and toy drives.”

Specifically, they are seeking new, unwrapped toys that would appeal to kids up to the age of 18. Used toys, stuffies and cash are not accepted at the bins. The toy drive lasts until Dec. 20.

People can donate at the following locations: ● West Vancouver Police Department, 755 16th St. ● West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Hall 1, 760 16th St. ● West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Hall 2, 6272 Marine Dr. ● West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Hall 3, 4895 Marine Dr. ● West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Hall 4, 965 Cross Creek Rd. ● West Vancouver Blue Bus 221 Lloyd Ave., North Vancouver, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ❉

FROM THE LEFT: West Vancouver Police Department Chief Const. John Lo, West Vancouver Transit maintenance manager Peter Coles, and West Vancouver Fire & Rescue assistant Chief Jeremy Calder hold the first donations for this year’s toy drive. WEST VANCOUVER POLICE DEPARTMENT

B10 | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023

north shore news nsnews.com

Run away with great gifts for the runner in your life!

980 Marine Drive, North Vancouver (NEXT TO EVERYTHING WINE) | 604.982.0878 | www.forerunners.ca

FORERUNNERS EVERYTHING WINE

X

MACKAY AVE

MACKAY RD

✓ socks ts ✓ safety ligh ✓ warm tops ts h ✓ running tig ✓ gloves ✓ toques ✓ rollers icks ✓ massage st ✓ gift cards!

north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023 |

Seasonal festivities coming to North Vancouver’s Shipyards and Polygon Gallery NICK LABA

NLABA@NSNEWS.COM

If the holiday spirit is coursing through your veins, The Shipyards has a host of festivities coming your way.

Throughout the month of December, the popular public space – along with the Pipe Shop and Polygon Gallery – will transform into a winter wonderland, rife with trinkets, beverages of good cheer and a very large, slippery surface.

On Saturday, Dec. 2, the City of North Vancouver kicks off its annual Spirit of the Season Festival. Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected to make a grand entrance, followed by a welcome ceremony and blessing from representatives from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and səlilwəta (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).

After a performance by the Eagle Song Dancers, Mayor Linda Buchanan will light the holiday tree.

The event will feature live music, a winter market at the Pipe Shop and a meet-and-great with Anna

The Shipyards waterfront public space comes alive with holiday cheer throughout the month of December.

CITY OF NORTH VANCOUVER

and Elsa, for all the Frozen fans out there.

The Shipyards skate plaza opens Dec. 1, and will be open daily 1 to 8 p.m. until March.

The Pipe Shop will host its annual Christmas market Dec. 16 and 17, with a family-friendly New Year’s Celebration on Dec. 31.

The Shipyards was designed to

bring people together, says Mayor Buchanan.

“I encourage everyone to go for a skate, admire the twinkle lights, grab a warm drink, or sit by one of

B11

our public outdoor fire pits,” she said in a statement. “I’ve always believed this is the most wonderful time of the year, and I can’t think of a better place to celebrate than at our iconic waterfront.”

Meanwhile, the main floor at the Polygon Gallery has been decorated to feature its Holiday Shop, with curated gifts from independent makers, artists and local brands.

The Polygon will also host a number of weekly activities, including a wreath-making workshop on Nov. 25, Tintype Vintage Dog Photography on Dec. 16 and a Bannock bake sale on Dec. 23, with proceeds going to the Urban Native Youth Association.

Guests are also encouraged to head upstairs, where the Polygon is displaying its winter exhibition, From Slander’s Brand. The exhibit showcases “monumental” works from artists Hannah Darabi, Rachel Khedoori and Ron Terada.

For a full schedule of events, visit The Polygon Gallery and The Shipyards websites. ❉

Holiday Season Baking MAKE US THE SPOT FOR YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY! Book your group of 6 or more & save 20% on your bill* at select locations.

PARK & TILFORD

PEMBERTON PLAZA

1100-333 Brooksbank Ave

107-1226 Marine Dr

604.988.4199

604.990.0440

PARK ROYAL

LONSDALE

797 Main St

2205 Lonsdale Ave 604.987.0024

604.922.8221

604-985-1622 westlynnbakery.ca 1199 Lynn Valley Rd, North Vancouver (Lynn Valley Centre)

*Valid at North Shore White Spot restaurants only for dine-in until Dec 31, 2023. 20% off 1 bill when you book party of 6 or more & bring in ad. Speak to a manager to reserve. No cash value. Excludes any other offer or discount.

B12 | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023

north shore news nsnews.com

Shop Villages LE

V

AM

B

E

THE

SID

E & DUND

AR

A

JOIN US IN AMBLESIDE ON SATURDAY DECEMBER 2ND FROM 2PM - 5PM Come see our beautiful 24’ Christmas tree in Millenium Park, listen to roving carolers along Bellevue, and shop for everyone on your list!

Several businesses will be offering refreshments, free gift wrapping and gift with purchase. Here’s a few of the great shops you will find...

Avenue Cannabis

1453 Bellevue Avenue West Vancouver’s premier cannabis shop offers the plant in all its forms and accessories and gifts.

Bella Ceramica

1475 Marine Drive The perfect spot to make that personalized gift for someone special.

Da Vinci’s Home

1461 Bellevue Avenue The cutest home décor, this is a place any designer can get lost in. Treat yourself or pick up a gift.

James Perse

1528 Marine Drive Mens and ladies designer clothing emphasizing elegance, comfort, sophistication and simplicity.

Jody’s Maison

1425 Clyde Avenue From food to jewelry, candles to clothes, this unique shop has gift ideas for everyone!

Jones & Company Bespoke Framers

1445 Bellevue Avenue Your one stop shop for all your framing needs.

LeslieJane

1480 Marine Drive Flowy linen dresses, unique apparel and statement jewelry, LeslieJane is treasure trove.

Kiss and Make Up

1545 Marine Drive With a little bit of everything from spa care to clothing, find the perfect gift or stocking stuffer.

Martine Boré Antiques

1462 Marine Drive An eclectic family owned shop offering a wide range of antiques and fine art.

Oceanside Medical Aesthetics

1447 Bellevue Avenue Personalized services to keep your Christmas glow all year long!

Phoenix on Bellevue

1411 Bellevue Avenue Indulge in a festive drink and Christmas cookies while you enjoy complimentary gift wrapping, plus gift with purchase over $200.

Romantique Lingerie

1403 Bellevue Avenue Shelves of beautiful lingerie and cozy pajamas welcome guests here. For the ladies, this is absolutely the place to treat yourself.

Stittgen Fine Jewelry

1457 Bellevue Avenue Offering exquisite handcrafted designs, treat yourself or your partner to custom jewelry.

Swiss Sports Haus

490 15th Street Western Canada’s premier ski store in our own backyard - shop before hitting the slopes!

Twiga Ethnic Adornments

1458 Marine Drive Fabulous gift ideas, clothing and accessories for the fashionistas on your Christmas list.

Wish Dry Bar

1459 Bellevue Avenue Book a blowout for your holiday party or give the gift of fabulous salon quality products.

adbiawv | shopthevillages.ca

north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023 |

❄❄❄❄❄

Who’s Who and What’s What – The Santa Conundrum

It was Christmas morning. The house was quiet, the presents unwrapped, the family all tired, on the couch for a nap. All except five-year-old Olivia.

“Wake up!” she said. “I have something to say.”

Mom, Dad and Bella sat up.

“Say about what?” asked Dad. “Christmas. Santa,” she said.

The family squirmed a bit. They had suspected something was coming. Olivia had been acting strangely for days. It started with her letter to Santa. She said no one could read it. No one! She popped it in the mail and announced, “Now we’ll see who’s who and what’s what.”

Then she spied like a pro: checking closets, looking under beds, listening at the door, checking the mail. Finally, she would tell them who was who and what was what.

“Read this,” she said, pointing to the tag on some wrapping paper. “This tag says ‘From Santa.’ It looks like your printing, Mom.” “It does look somewhat similar,” said Mom. “And this wrapping paper,” Olivia said. “It’s ours. How would Santa get our wrapping paper?”

“No idea,” said Dad. Olivia held up a picture of Santa and waved it in front of the fireplace. “What do you say about this?” she asked.

“I say Santa is very roly-poly,” said 12-year-old Bella.

“That’s all you can say? Roly, poly!” said Olivia. “How could this guy get down a chimney?”

“Not sure,” said Bella.

Olivia crossed her arms, squinted her eyes and scrunched up her nose. She had one last thing to say, to prove who was who and what was what.

“I wrote to Santa,” she said. “I asked for just one thing. And I didn’t get it. Know what I think is going on here?”

“What?” said Dad. But before Olivia could utter even one “think,” flump!, something landed on the roof above them. Mom, Dad and Bella sprang off the couch, eyes up, ears on high alert.

“I hear jingling,” said Mom. “Does sound like jingling,” said Dad. “Could be bells,” said Bella.

“Who? What?” said Olivia.

Then, kerplunk! – a box covered in soot popped out of the fireplace. An envelope was taped to it with words printed on the side. Bella brushed off the soot and read: “Olivia: Oops! Late! North Pole supply problems! Ho Ho Ho! SC (Sorry)” “Doesn’t look like my printing,” said Mom. “Is that your Santa letter?” asked Dad. “Yes, but...,” said Olivia.

“I wonder what’s in the box,” said Bella.

“Who did this?” said Olivia. “What’s going on?”

Mom hugged her gently.

“You said you were going to tell us who’s who and what’s what.”

Olivia was in a muddle. She had lost her who’s and what’s. And the box! What was in the box?

Bella handed it to her. She opened it and peeked in.

“It was Santa!” she said. “This is what I asked for!”

This story, submitted by West Vancouver’s Vi Hughes, was first published in More of Our Canada, January 2023. What do you think was in the box?

Email editor@nsnews.com if you’d like to take a guess.

❄❄❄❄❄

Fresh Cut BC Trees have arrived!

as well as potted trees, Grinch trees and fresh winter colour!

The

Holiday Season

has arrived at the store.

We are all decked out for the holiday season!

Come check our our selection of: ornaments and decorations poinsettias • fresh cedar garland door swags • wreaths fresh cut greens

2308 Old Dollarton Road, North Vancouver, 604.985.1914 • dykhofnurseries.com

B13

B14 | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023

north shore news nsnews.com

double YOUR DONATION

and help improve and save the lives of people in our community This giving season, your donation will be matched thanks to the generosity of the Krogseth Foundation which has pledged to match donations up to the value of $100,000. All funds raised will support new technology at Lions Gate Hospital.

604.984.5785

north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023 |

Lighting spectacle Canyon Lights returns for the festive season

proceeds from admissions donated to support fire and burn education in schools throughout British Columbia, in addition to Burn Camp.

For anyone feeling especially generous, the District of North Vancouver Fire Fighters Charitable Society will be onsite again this year to help collect donations from the public on behalf of the Burn Fund.

To date, the winter wonderland has allowed Capilano to donate more than $450,000 to this cause. ❉

MINA KERR-LAZENBY,

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

There is talk among coworkers about what this year’s festive bash will entail, the weather is getting significantly cooler and crisper, and it has become near impossible to walk down a supermarket aisle without eyeing tinselled home decor or a gingerbread flavoured food item.

Love it or loathe it, Christmas is very much just around the corner.

In fact, as of Friday, Nov. 17, Christmas will have officially kicked off as far as the more festive among us are concerned. Canyon Lights, the annual lighting spectacle to take over the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, will have begun.

Every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m until January, multi-coloured twinkling lights will illuminate the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Annual visitors can keep their eyes peeled for the newest light installation to join the line-up, while revelling in the return of the glittery Treetops Adventure and the twinkling “Arc de Lumina” Cliffwalk pathway.

As always, brimming cups of hot chocolate will be handed out and seasonal hits will be filling the air to truly ramp up the festive mood.

B15

CANYON LIGHTS WHEN:

Nov. 17-Jan. 21 (closed Dec. 25) WHERE:

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, 3735 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver TICKETS:

Canyon Lights will take over the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park for another festive season. CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE PARK

Hoping to secure some Christmas presents nice and early this year? Be sure to check out the cozy Trading Post Gift Store, crowd pleasing stocking fillers are in abundance.

Both a fun, Christmastime endeavour and a charitable one, Canyon Lights will be supporting the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund for another year, with partial

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS

Purchase in advance online.

Visits are scheduled in 30-minute arrival increments. Don’t forget, BC Annual Passholders need to reserve their entry time online prior to every visit.

Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.

200+ Shops, Restaurants, Services & More FREE PARKING | EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS

parkroyal.ca

B16 | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023

north shore news nsnews.com