Five cool things to do this week (December 6 to 12)

1. The Santa Shuffle

This Saturday, santa hats will be bobbing down the street in 39 Canada’s major cities, in support of the Salvation Army’s 5k Santa Shuffle and 1k Elf Walk. Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering on friends and family, follow the herd of Kris Kringles in your best shade of red and share your christmas spirit with families and individuals in need during the holiday season and throughout the year.

2. Host a cookie exchange

Give cookies, get cookies — need we say anymore? What better time to bend your diet a little than with friends and their grandmother’s (and perhaps their grandmother’s grandmother’s) best holiday baking recipes. Also, this way when the neighbourhood starts coming around and do their annual pop-ins you will be armed with a variety of sweets to please the masses. Need a recipe? We have over 100 that we know (personally) won’t disappoint!

3. Take a craft class (in your pyjamas!)

The talent of local artisans at seasonal markets has us inspired. We keep saying to ourselves, “I wish I knew how to do that.” Which is why we can’t get enough of “Crafty,” an online site where you can take online classes on how to craft anything and everything. (We are especially interested in the ‘How to make a couture dress’ class.) This weekend, try your hand at a quilting, knitting, jewelry, artisan bread making (and so on) class from the comforts of your sofa.

Craftsy.com

4. See the Nutcracker

A seasonal fan-favourite, don’t miss your chance to see the beloved ballet on stage featuring dazzling dancers in sparkling costumes plié-ing to Tchaikovsky’s classic score. A treat for the whole family, the little ones will rest easy that night as visions of sugar plum fairies dance in their heads.

December 4-8, Ottawa, National Arts Centre December 6, Hamilton, Hamilton Place Theatre Coming soon to Vancouver, Toronto, and Mississauga

5. Test your knowledge (over a pint!)

While we are still lamenting patio closures (unless heated by open fires), we are loving getting cozy in traditional pubs with seasonal pours and yes, trivia nights! This week, round up your favourite know-it-alls and head to your local watering hole to test your knowledge (and get really competitive). If your town doesn’t have a sanctioned trivia night, trivial pursuit will forever be a classic crowd pleaser and the box of cards is easy to tote in your handbag.

The Drake Hotel, every Wednesday, Toronto The Landing, every Thursday, PEI 131 Water Kitchen Bar, every Wednesday, Vancouver Ye Olde Orchard Bar & Grill, every Wednesday, Montreal