"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." -Charles Dickens

Photo from www.etsy.com

So if you've been keeping up with Edit Sober, you now know how to survive the holiday madness through a variety of coping methods: alcohol, food, knowing where to find the perfect gift, and keeping busy with DIY advent calenders. 

If you're anything like me, you love the idea of holiday spirit and Christmas miracles and all of that jolly stuff, but it gets a little old. As much as I'd love to participate in the lighting of the big Christmas tree downtown, or go ice skating with Santa, I'd really just like to get into the spirit somewhere that A) serves alcohol or B) has a minimal amount of children.

This list is for you. A list of unique things to do around Vancouver over the Holidays:

1) Make It! - A craft-fair with locally designed and handcrafted goods that features a beer garden and food trucks. December 4th-7th @ The PNE Forum Building (2901 East Hastings)

2) Write a letter! Every first Thursday of the month, the Regional Assembly of Text hosts a free letter-

writing club, so put a little effort into your Christmas cards this season. December 4th 7:30 @ The Regional Assembly of Text (3934)

photo from hubpages.com

3) Get bundled up and check out the Trinity Street light displays in East Van.

4) Holiday Pop-Up Streetwear Market @ the Chinatown Mall. December 6th 11:00-6:00 @ The Chinese Cultural Center (50 East Pender)

5) The East Side Flea (happens all year round, but it could be a cool spot to check out over the holidays) December 6th @ The Independent (188 Kingsway) and 20th @ Wise Hall (1172 Adanac Street) 

Photo from www.eastsideflea.com

6) Put together your most hideous holiday get-up for the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at the Commodore Ballroom. December 19th 8:00 PM $40.00

7) The 2nd Annual East Van Holiday Artisan Market - December 20th 12:00 PM-6:00 PM @ Studio East (1480 Frances Street)

8) Finally, nothing. Literally just don't do anything. Lie in bed and binge watch TV shows on Netflix. It's been a long semester. You've earned it. 

Photo by Alexandra Taylor

A holiday-inspired outfit:

Top- 8th & Main

Cardigan-TopShop

Denim- Dutil.

Lipstick- The Darkside from MAC

"Give, but give until it hurts" - Mother Teresa

What to get your boo for Xmas this year

Although we have covered the perfect gift from a previous Edit Sober post, there is still the struggle that women with significant others have of finding something for that special someone. Men can be quite difficult to shop for, especially if you may not know him inside and out. For those of you who are dreading coming up with an idea of what to get your boo this year, here's a little help:

1. Beer Advent Calendar

Photo from: craftbeerimports.ca

Most guys like to drink beer, or at least will drink it. With this Craft Beer Advent Calendar, you will elevate your awesomeness and receive the "My girlfriend's a bro, in the best way" status. This is a great gift if you a) Do not know enough about this guy to buy him a personal gift b) Want to get him a hilarious gift c) Know he likes beer...a lot.

2. Watch ( I know, classic)

Photo from: gq-magazine.co.uk

If you're wanting to fork out a little extra money for this special someone, watches are always great gifts to give your partner, especially if he's worth it! Even though watches have been done over and over again, they never get old and they have yet to go out of style. A nice watch can go a long way, if you are willing to spend the money, this is a great purchase.

3. Experience

If this Christmas, you are wanting to give a certain someone something that is original and could possibly turn into another date, an experience is the way to do it. These could cost next to nothing if you decide to take him for a hike or a picnic. You could do something a little more pricy and buy him tickets to Whistler or a Canucks game. These gifts have always seemed to be successful, and you most likely will be joining him!

Photo from: Google