A mix of my personal faves and things the whole family can enjoy!

The kids will be off soon and though the jury is out on a magically snow-filled Christmas, there is still plenty to look forward to this holiday season.

If the true Canadian winter weather arrives in Muskoka – which we’re cheering for in my house – we’ll be actively enjoying our outdoor favourites like snowball fights, building snow families, snowshoeing, and outdoor skating will have to wait.

But, just in case that’s not an option this season, here are a few things I traditionally enjoy through the holidays to keep the festive spirit alive and well!

Dec. 23 – The annual Portage Flyer Christmas Train to Santa is as family-friendly an event as exists. We’ve spent many nights enjoying the “super-magicated” train ride in Huntsville with the kids.

The train is decorated in 1,000 lights and leaves Muskoka Heritage Place Rotary Village Station to travel along the Muskoka River until it arrives at The Purser’s Cabin, where Santa Claus is waiting to chat with the kids.

Though the ride costs $5 per person (babes in arms are free), there is complimentary hot chocolate and cookies available (while supplies last).

The gate opens at 4:30 p.m., rides begin at 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. (last train leaves station at 7:30 p.m.).

Dress for the weather as the coaches are open-air – and it can be chilly along the water.

Christmas Morning. There is dash of something extra in the coffee to start the day off right and the only time I don’t have to hear about it when my breakfast includes a bag of peanut M&Ms! Oh yeah, plus Christmas Day NBA and this year a couple of pigskin contests as well.

Boxing Day. Down comes the tree! No need to keep it hanging around any longer (hahaha) – I know, I know I should wait until Befana arrives, but we’re not that traditional. We have the space to let the tree dry out and then use it for firewood, but if you don’t likely your municipality has a pick-up to either use it for compost or wood chips (either way, recycling is good!). And EPL, oh yes, the EPL on Boxing Day (streaming on FuboTV Canada) is always a fun way to start the day.

Dec. 27, 28, 29 – There will surely be some visits with friends and family, leftovers to enjoy, and all the regular post-Christmas activities: reading books, watching movies, playing cards (Scopa is fun and easy for all ages), playing board games (or have a Board Game Party with family and friends where chooses one to play), etc. Also, our town and many others have set up skating and shinny hockey times at their respective local rinks. Check out your community schedule by visiting your municipality’s website.

While doing some Dockside Publishing writing projects, I stumbled upon a few fun ideas for when the snow/weather doesn’t allow for the typical winter fun. These include setting up an obstacle course in your backyard using manmade items (cones, nets, balls, etc.) or natural items (rocks, twigs, tree stumps, etc.); or doing a scavenger hunt on a park or trail for natural items like acorns, pinecones, rocks, leaves, wildlife (but, instead of picking it up, have a pad and paper handy to draw what you find – this is especially fun for little ones).

Dec. 30 – we’ve got a belated Christmas dinner with my fam jam who weren’t available due to work schedules until this day. Then a much later that night pre-New Year’s party could be on tap as well. Good food, good laughs, and occasionally telling all the children and teens to take their noise outside.

New Year’s Eve. One of the most fun things to do in our community is to head to Hidden Valley Ski Area for their family-friendly New Year’s Eve fireworks event. The chalet is open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with fireworks at 6 p.m. Free cookies and hot chocolate starting at 5 p.m. Last call at the bar is 7:45 p.m.

If you’re not near here, then find a similar event taking place near you. Both Orillia and Barrie are planning fun downtown events, or head down to Queen’s Quay in Toronto where a bunch of free events are taking place ahead of fireworks at the city’s inner harbour.

New Year’s Day. If we get snow, we’ll be out enjoying the winter weather! If not, we’ll play it by ear.

For the rest of the time before school starts again, I like keeping things open and not making too many plans, they just get the in the way of being spontaneous!

On that note, it’s sign-off time! No matter what your plans entails, I’m wishing you all a joyful holiday season!