Terry Fox Theatre

The holiday season flies by quicker than you think. It's a time for fun, giving, family and food -- but all that can often be overshadowed by the stress of just how busy things get at this time of year. With that in mind, we've prepared a short list to help you make the most of your holiday.

Visit the Vancouver Christmas Market

The Plaza @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre holds the Vancouver Christmas Market, Monday through Friday. It started at the end of November, but goes right through to Christmas Eve, and features a dully decorated outdoor Christmas village filled with wooden huts that offer tasty treats and handmade gifts. The Vancouver Christmas Market is based on a 700 year old German tradition, and is a fun and inexpensive way for you and your family to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.

See the Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge 

Every year, North Vancouver is host to a beautiful array of lights across the Capilano Suspension Bridge. These are accompanied by live Christmas music, gingerbread cookie decorating, glass blowing and more, and proceeds ($15/adult, $5/child of 6-12, $35/family) go to the BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund. Have a blast and do some giving all at the same time.

Volunteer or Donate

If the spirit of Christmas and the holiday season is best represented by giving, then there can be little better than to spend some of your time and or money lending a helping hand to those less fortunate. Donate money, food, toys, clothing and blankets to the Salvation Army, your local Food Bank, or wherever else you think you could help out. Food, donations, and toys are also welcome at local animal shelters. You could also donate your time, and help those organizations at this very busy time of year.

Breathe -- and Smile 

The unfortunate reality of spending time with family over the holidays is that we often end up spending time with family members we don't always get along with. Try not to take things to personally and do your best to keep things light. If altercations and confrontations seem inevitable, take a breath and try to walk away from it. Try to let things roll off of you and focus on the positive aspects of the season.

Indulge Yourself! 

This is a time for fun and some semblance of relaxation, so partake in these things and enjoy! Don't be a glutton about it by any means, but try not to bog yourself down with guilt over eating a bit of good food, or taking some time to enjoy yourself. You deserve it!

There are a ton of other holiday activities and general approaches you can partake in for the holidays, and if you want to share your own thoughts and ideas, we would love to hear them! In the meantime, have a happy, safe, and fulfilling time this weekend -- and all the days before and after too!