Although 2020 has been an absolute shamble of a lifetime, one thing remains jolly and bright and that’s the holiday season. It’s a month away, I haven’t even thought about what to get my mother in law. Heck, I don’t even know what I want for myself! But this year, more than ever it’s about the gift of giving over the gift of receiving.

A personal touch to this – I never celebrate Christmas before my birthday on November 12th. As much as I don’t really care to be celebrated, I’ve always thought it was too early to put up the tree and decorations before my birthday. Well, this year is a little bit different. In a time where people needed more joy in their lives, I encouraged everyone to put up their tree or begin to celebrate the holiday season however they see fit and as early as they liked.

I say this because every year, our kick off to Christmas is the Vancouver Christmas Market. This year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event has been cancelled. I know many, like me, are in line with hundreds of others to get their hands on a schnitzel, or bratwurst sausage, perhaps even a gluhwein to warm up your insides – if you’re of age, that is.

The Vancouver Christmas Market is where we go with our significant others, friends and family and really kick off the Christmas spirit. Taking pictures together and creating memories. Every year, they come out with a new design for their Christmas mug, and sadly, we wont be getting those in person this year. Instead, they’ve created a bunch of different gift packs you can purchase which include many different artisan created decorations, apple cider and the holy grail of the Vancouver Christmas Market and my favourite piece – the mug.

If you purchase one of these gift bags, it will also include two free tickets to the Vancouver Christmas Market opening week in 2021. What’s not to love about supporting local? Especially over the holidays.