"Christmas is doing something a little extra for someone"

With the holiday season being upon us, is it me or were the Christmas festivities unleashed exceptionally early this year? Though I may be swimming in a pool of paperwork and finding a slow start with the festivities, I'm easing into the celebrations with the little things, bit by bit.

 

Downtown lights, ©France S

The one thing I love about starting December is, no doubt, the merriment and excessive indulging.I can now shamelessly enjoy Michael Buble and his endless collection of Christmas songs, or indulge in a Peppermint White Mocha at Starbucks. Everyone just seems in better spirits, despite any end of term chaos that ensues.

“When you don't know what you're searching for, you have to look absolutely everywhere.” ― Holly Black

The other day I was doing my morning internet browse with a side of coffee when I stumbled upon a list of places to do Christmas shopping in Vancouver. I was quickly disappointed as it listed large chains like Holt Renfrew when Vancouver has so many unique gems. So I started making my list (and checking it twice) of my favourite places to buy gifts for anyone. From Main St to Gastown to West 4th, these boutiques offer a few more unique options this holiday season and are much more fun to shop than the big department stores. 

L’atelier home - This is a must stop for buying home decor pieces for your best girlfriends or sisters. From gold lip stains on teacups to darling feather owls to hang on the tree, this Parisian chic store is full of beautiful white decorations. If you're looking to make an big impact they also have furniture and larger decoration pieces. (Gastown)

Old Faithful Shop - Perfect for the hipsters in your life or those tricky to buy for men. The store offers simple quality items for elevated every day living. Their Bourbon Maple Syrup made its way into my fathers stocking last year and I've had an eye on their glass terrariums for a while. They are also offering a Holiday wreath workshop to get you in the Christmas spirit. (Gastown)

Mine & Yours - For when you're shopping on a budget for a friend with expensive taste, Mine & Yours offers designer names for approximately 75% off retail price. From Acne to Miu Miu, gifts from here are sure to impress. Plus their store makes it feel like your shopping in a personal closet and their brand new location also has a shoe lounge if your shopping feet need a pick me up. (Yaletown)

Oh My Gift - From scented candles to throws and specialty bracelets, this West 4th store offers a little bit of everything. Perfect for hostess gifts or for that person that never tells you what they want. (Kitsilano)

Front and Company - This store has consignment and new clothing as well as accessories for some steal of prices. Last time I walked out with a rabbit fur vest for under $50 for myself and gifts for both of my sisters. Front and co also offers some quirky stocking stuffers and novelty gifts. Be sure to pop into its gift shop next door for small items like adorable macaron gift boxes and sugar jars. (Main St)

Granville Island - Wander the market for food to make hostess gifts, flowers for centerpeices, or hand crafted pieces to give as gifts. Or simply grab a coffee and refresh yourself during a long shopping day

Coat: Vero Moda

Coffee: Agro Cafe

"In the depth of winter I finally learned that, in me, there is an invincible summer" - Albert Camus

Photo from https://www.facebook.com/33AcresBrewing

Okay, so whether you’re a student nearing the end of the semester or employed fulltime, you’re probably preparing yourselves mentally for the weeks to come: exams, final projects, Christmas shopping, etc. It’s stressful, chaotic and just far from relaxing.

Viable coping methods could include alcohol (see previous post), food with copious amounts of sugar or grease (see other previous post) or how about both?

That's how I deal, at least. On the days where I spend hours frantically trying to master InDesign with a deadline in the very near future (I mean in like 9 hours...), I feel the need to counteract my frustration with some sort of guilty pleasure like retail therapy or seven-dollar lattes. But honestly, (as unladylike as it may be) going for a pint and poutine or something equally as greasy with someone is my perfect remedy for any school and/or holiday-related stress. I like to justify my unhealthy choices by taking a long walk to or from the bar of choice. So that's exactly what I did this weekend (and every other weekend).

Photo by Lizzie

A perfect winter night after a stressful day of last minute assignment-tackling consisted of a bundled up hunt for the perfect pint/poutine spot. Equipped with a camera and an empty stomach, we explored Chinatown and Strathcona, and ended up in Olympic Village where we stumbled upon Craft Beer Market. 100 beers on tap? Sold. And poutine that doesn't suck? Double sold.

But seriously guys, it's so tough to stay relaxed around this time of year. Forget your diets for a night and indulge in something you probably shouldn't be indulging in. You won't regret it. Just kidding, you'll definitely regret it, but it will be so worth it. 

Photo by Fraser Cameron

All-black everything this season:

Scarf: Zara

Coat: Zara

Sweater: Oak + Fort

Denim: Dutil

Boots: Jeffrey Campbell

"I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I'm not happy. - Charlie Brown

Now that Halloween has passed, Christmas has aggressively begun. I for one, love the Christmas holidays and the warm and fuzzies that go with it. To some, Christmas is a time for overly happy people to overplay the same old songs and waste money on Christmas-themed anything. For those of you who are just trying to get through the season without throwing a massive b.f. (bitch fit), here's how to Scrooge with style.

I paired this adorable pj set of milk and cookies holding hands (because why not?) with a glass of rum and eggnog, and a relatable movie: The Grinch.


Rum and eggnog important instructions:

Pour a shot of rum to ease your festivity frustrations. 

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That may not have been enough. One more shot. *Important* Pour as much as you need because really, it's the holidays.

Add the eggnog and Merry Christmas.

With a few of theses tips, maybe you won't spend this Christmas looking like the mad emoji... 

Happy Holidays and good luck!

Photos by Christina Davie