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 (or its sibling cry: "I'm so bored!") 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:
AT THE WATER'S EDGE
Enjoy the great outdoors by exploring the city's parks and trails. Burnaby may be one of the province's major urban centres, but there's plenty of green spaces to discover, too. Head out to Burnaby Lake Regional Park, Barnet Marine Park or Fraser Foreshore Park to check out some of the most popular sites in the city.
If the weather is cooperating, consider a hike or bike ride along some of the city's expansive trail system. Check out www.metrovancouver.org or www.burnaby.ca. (A safety reminder: don't be tempted by the ice on local lakes if the temperature dips. The City of Burnaby says local ponds and lakes aren't open for outdoor skating - they're fed by moving streams, which can create unstable ice conditions.)
JAPANESE TRADITION
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 Japanese 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.
A WINTER'S STROLL
Take a stroll and enjoy the lights (and a little shopping) in the Heights area of Burnaby. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, there'll also be roving carollers in the area. While you're there, check out some of the new arts sites, including Pinocchio Arts and Crafts and 4Cats Arts Studio, which both offer unique programs for kids. The Heights is also known for several art murals in the area.
CRAFTS AND STORIES
What better way to enjoy the holidays than with a special storytime and crafts? The Burnaby Public Library hosts Christmas is Tree-mendous at the Tommy Douglas branch, 7311 Kingsway.
For kids aged four to eight, the event runs from 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21.
Registration isn't required, but caregivers must attend with children.
If you can't make that event, why not just browse the shelves for some special holiday reading - a few books for the kids, and a few for the parents. See www. bpl.bc.ca for hours over the holiday season.
TEEN TALES
If your teen knows who Katniss, Gale and Peeta are, this one's for them. The Burnaby Public Library is hosting a competition for youth in Grade 8 or above to design a book cover for the wildly popular young adult novel The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins.
The book is the first in a trilogy following a group of young people, led by Katniss, in a dystopian future (fans of the series are currently eagerly anticipating the movie adaptation, coming in February). Local teens have until Jan. 15 to enter the contest, with a prize of a box set of the entire series.
With time on their hands, the holiday break may be just the time to create some art - entries must be on 8.5-by-11-inch letter-size paper and can use any media or technique (collage, drawing, painting, pencil, crayon, etc.) Include your name, age, and library card number and phone number on the submission. Call 604-297-4803 for more information.
MALL MADNESS
Local shopping centres have a number of fun events (plus visits with the Big Man in Red, as well) over the coming weeks.
At Metrotown, Santa photos continue through to Christmas Eve in the Grand Court, by donation to the Burnaby Christmas Bureau; Metrotown is also hosting a Holiday Lounge by Nintendo, with the chance to check out all sorts of new video games including Super Mario 3D Land and The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword. See www. metropolisatmetrotown.com for more.
Brentwood is hosting the Festival of Lights till Dec. 29, with 25 different decorated Christmas trees (part of the Boots for Kids campaign with the Rotary Club of Burnaby Deer Lake), and a variety of performances from musicians and choirs. See www.brentwoodtowncentre. com for more info.
At Lougheed Town Centre, check out the White Christmas "snowfall" and entertainment from a variety of performers throughout the month. See lougheedtowncentre.com for more.
At the Crystal Mall, take in the Christmas Fun event on Dec. 18, from 2 to 3: 30 p.m. (Santa Claus is expected to make an appearance), and, on Christmas Eve from 2 to 4 p.m., enjoy the Happy Singers Group Christmas Karaoke Fun Day.
ON THE ICE
Help teach kids about the giving spirit and take part in a toy drive on Sunday, Dec. 18, from 9: 45 a.m. to noon at Burnaby 8Rinks. Anyone who brings in a new, unwrapped toy (which will go to the Burnaby Christmas Bureau) will enjoy a free public skate and hot chocolate. Santa is expected to make an appearance too.
Skate rentals are available at low cost.
Anyone who can't make it to the toy drive can still help the bureau in several ways - by dropping off a toy or donation at their Metropolis at Metrotown location (upper floor near Winners), or phoning 604299-5778 to make a donation.
See www.burnaby communityconnections. com for more information. worthy organizations in the city. information.
TEACH KINDNESS
Also in the spirit of giving, consider finding a local organization that's close to your heart - a pet charity, the food bank, the hospice, or something else - and collaborate as a family to find a way to help them out this holiday season.
Not sure where to start looking? Check out www.canadahelps.org and search for "Burnaby" to find just a few of the
VIEW FROM ABOVE
Head up to SFU's Burnaby campus for some fresh air and a great view or, for the older kids and teens, a visit to the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, which collects, researches, and exhibits artifacts from around the world, with a focus on B.C. The museum is located at 8888 University Dr. See www. sfu.ca/archaeology/ museum/ for times and
HISTORY LESSONS
It's become a perennial favourite for families from around the region. The Burnaby Village Museum's heritage Christmas is on again, running till Jan. 1 from noon to 8 p.m. Admission is currently free, as part of the museum's 40th anniversary celebration. Carousel rides are $2.25 per ride.
There's a number of events for kids of all ages, from crafts to visits with Father Christmas, and entertainment throughout the village. See www.burnabyvil lagemuseum.ca for times and event listings.
SANTA ON ICE
Lace up the skates and get on the ice. There's a special skate with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 17 at Bill Copeland arena that features crafts and games, but there's public skate times throughout the holiday season at both Kensington and Bill Copeland.
With low-cost admission, plus rentals available, this is a good one for all ages. Call 604-298-0533 for info.
PARKS AND REC
Check out the Burnaby parks and recreation guide for a number of programs aimed at kids and teens throughout the winter holiday, like a snowshoeing day trip for 12-to 16year-olds, and the "reindeer games" for five to 13year-olds at Willingdon.
See individual recreation centres for local listings or see www.burnaby. ca for more.
HOLIDAY TRADITION
Here's one for the sports fans: check out the 49th annual Burnaby Minor Hockey Association's bantam Christmas tournament.
Organizers note that several past players - like Joe Sakic, Ryan Walter and Glenn Anderson - have gone on to NHL careers.
The action starts at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 27, and games continue through to the final championships on Jan. 1 - see www.burnabyhockey.com/ for a full schedule of games.
REGIONAL FUN
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 Mountain, 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.
COZY UP 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.
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
If time is of the essence, there's a simple way to enjoy the sights of the season: bundle up for a walk through your own neighbourhood to take in all the colourful light displays.
Christina Myers is a reporter with the Burnaby NOW, covering health, families and children. See her blog online at www. burnabynow.com and follow her at www.twitter.com/ ChristinaMyersA. Email at [email protected].
