An ode to the holidays

’Twas the night before Christmas, Bah Humbug, you’re a mean one Mr. Grinch, the beloved soundtrack from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Clark Griswold’s dysfunctional family “Christmas Vacation,” and Rudolph and Frosty — make the holidays merry and bright.

Egg nog, if you’re French-Canadian tourtiere, nuts and holiday snack mixes, if you’re into it fruit cake and mincemeat pies and sweet treats — fill our tummies with sugar plum fairy delight.

This Christmas, a new book has been released entitled, “How I Became Santa Claus” by Gina Cavalier. Cavalier, the book’s illustrator and writer, tells the tale of a boy on his way to becoming Santa Claus. Complete with over 50 hand-drawn illustrations, the book is a must-read for those with a desire to celebrate the holidays with the magic of jolly St. Nick.

The premiere heart-warming holiday story by Cavalier is destined to become a children’s Christmas classic and is available online.

Also this Christmas, Yuletide cheer can be imbibed with Ninkasi Brewing Company’s seasonal release Sleigh’r Dark Double Alt Ale. It’s a craft beer, now available in Alberta. Another option is the Oregon brewery’s Total Domination IPA — for those with an acquired IPA taste. Both selections are a hit during the holiday season for the craft beer connoisseur. Sleigh’r bells ring — are you sampling?

If you and your family are thinking about taking in a holiday-inspired event to get away for the day — don’t miss the Calgary Zoo’s Zoolights, on now until Jan. 3. The trek to Calgary is well worth the trip for the ultimate in Christmas lights on display. Kids can also rent out skates and helmets for free and spend a bit of time on the ice. You’ve heard of a night at the museum — check out a night at the Calgary Zoo surrounded by top-notch festive outdoor illumination for as far as the eyes can see.

Happy holidays.

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