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    Chicken Pox Christmas

    For over 23 Christmases I’ve received a significant number of gifts that would make any child happy. And though I could go in to detail, I’m not sure how much mass appeal there is in article titled: “Graham Lists His Christmas Gifts, Which is Mostly Video Games But With the Odd Pair of Socks and Underpants.” As such, I’ll use this time to remember the tender and nostalgic moments I’ve experienced over the holidays. Those gentle and quiet moments of familial bonding, wherein I, an only child, became closer to my parents and family. I remember once I uh…We…Um…There was a uh…There were some relatives visiting and uh… Ok wait,…

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    Multi-Faith Holiday: Celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah

    I can’t say I have ever celebrated Hanukkah in the traditional way, but I did, however, grow up learning about and celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas. My dad’s side of the family is Jewish. He grew up celebrating Hanukkah, receiving eight days of presents, and lighting the menorah. My mom, however, grew up going to church on Christmas Eve and opening her stocking bright and early on December 25th. They worked together to come up with ways that my sister, brother, and I could learn about and enjoy both holidays simultaneously, instead of choosing one or the other. We always had a Christmas tree in our house, but we also…

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    5 Nerdy Subscription Boxes to Gift your S.O. this Christmas

    It’s often hard to find a unique gift for your significant other, especially with the holidays fast approaching. Why not surprise them with a fun mystery gift instead? Subscription boxes are an awesome way to celebrate the love of nerdy things with those you care about. Here’s a list of geeky boxes for all of your gifting needs this Christmas. If your loved one is passionate about video games, comics, fan art, books, or quirky pop culture, we definitely have you covered. Comic Boxer If your significant other is an avid comic reader, Comic Boxer will definitely make the perfect gift. This service ships 5-7 comics per month, straight to…

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    Lighten Up: Waterfront’s Spectacle of Lights Review

    The Santa Claus parades have come and gone, Christmas trees have been lit, but December has just started. Now I know the holiday season is when your wallet starts feeling light, so you’re on the lookout for something free and festive. The Spectacle of Lights on Toronto’s waterfront consists of four free light installations along the waterfront. If you’re heading to the waterfront from Union Station, just walk south on Bay Street and at the corner of Bay and Queen’s Quay is the spiral tree. All online descriptions state that it’s at the Westin Hotel, but more specifically, it’s in front of the Westin Hotel Conference Centre sign on the…

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    Where Are You Christmas?: Unexpected (but Exceptional) Holiday Events

    With the holiday season upon us, it comes as no surprise that the city has become a hot spot for festive events. For those wishing to avoid the large crowds of the Distillery District’s Christmas Market and the multitude of events taking place in Young-Dundas Square, discovering new, festive things to do can be difficult. Below, we have a list of some of the less crowded holiday events and activities happening in and around Toronto. Ugly Christmas Sweater Cocktail Cruise Ugly Christmas sweaters have become a staple of the holiday season and this cocktail cruise provides the opportunity to don your favourite hideous holiday attire and celebrate the season while…

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    Your Guide to Last Minute Shopping This Holiday Season

    BY SABRINA PIGNATARO Last minute shopping is a yearly ritual for some of us, and a headache for everyone. If you have to go shopping on Christmas Eve this year, here are some ways to make it easier. Determine what you’re going to buy. Browsing stores looking for the perfect gift is a bad idea at this point; your goal now is to get in and out of the mall with minimal bloodshed. If you can’t think of what to buy, you might have to rely on more impersonal gifts like ornaments, wine, gift baskets, or jewellery. Otherwise, start looking online for merchandise the person you’re buying for might like…

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    A Very Veggie Christmas

    Take a bite of these vegetarian dishes for the holidays BY SOFIA VARGAS A vegetarian Christmas dinner is not a difficult task. Using aromatic spices, vibrant vegetables, fruits and your best wishes, you can create a feast that will showcase the season’s finest flavours. If you want to amaze your guests this holiday season, On the Danforth suggests preparing magnificent spinach and mushroom tarts, with a whole roasted cauliflower as second course.   Spinach and Mushroom Tart Ingredients: 450g baby-leaf spinach 200g sliced mushrooms 20g chopped porcini mushrooms 1 chopped garlic clove 2tbsp olive oil 150ml cream Freshly grated nutmeg 8-10 sheets filo pastry 50g melted butter 25g grated parmesan…

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    Happy Holidays!

    A Very Danforth Christmas On behalf of the entire On the Danforth team, I’d like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. I hope you’re all among loved ones and having a safe, happy, meaningful holiday. It’s been a great first week of the relaunched OTD Online. We’ll be back after Boxing Day with a whole lot more.

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    All Aboard for Family Fun!

    Miniature Train Rides for a Good Cause By Stephanie Chow Looking for a place to get your holiday shopping done while your kids have fun? This holiday season, indulge your Christmas spirit by taking a magical tour of Shops at Don Mills aboard a miniature train! For only $3, the ride will take you on a tour of the property and through the centre square, where your whole family can enjoy new shopping sites and take in the beautiful Christmas atmosphere! See the delightfully lit trees, decorative window displays, and unique shops that make you feel like you are touring the North Pole! The best part: all net proceeds go…

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    How-to: Holiday Gift Baskets

    Beautiful Gifts on any Budget! By Corie Benjamin Stuck for gifts ideas for your daughter’s teacher, your estranged cousin, or the co-worker you drew as a Secret Santa at work? Christmas baskets are easy but elegant gifts that can be modified to fit any person on any budget. The items in a basket can be as personal or generic as desired, so custom baskets are the perfect gift solution for those difficult-to-shop-for people on your list. Baskets can be any size or cost, based on budget and intent. Small baskets (usually based around a coffee mug or bowl) can be made for under $20. Large baskets are more elaborate, involve…