1. organize your christmasThe Christmas List app helps you organize your holiday shopping and keep you on track.

2. gift wrap galoreThere’s just something extra special about a gift that’s wrapped with care. We’re crushing on these.

3. there’s a new ornament in town.Our recruitment manager, Jacki, dusted off her finisher medals and used them to decorate her tree. We think it’s a great way to celebrate all your accomplishments – and doubles as a conversation starter for guests too!

4. hey it’s christmas!Okay, we know just last week we gave Rod total props for the ultimate Christmas album but Hey! It’s Christmas is all sorts of awesome and supports “relatively unknown artists” which we love.

5. get festive with an untraditional treeMy apartment building doesn’t allow for real Christmas trees but I can’t even fathom the thought of housing an imposter. This year, I've discovered some ‘non-traditional’ tree options (a compromise of some sort). Here’s yet another awesomely curated list by Brit+Co for some ‘tree inspiration’ and, of course, Pinterest always delivers.

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Oh, Hello December 1^st – we see you creeping around the corner. The kick-off to fa-la-la-la-everything is officially here and even though it’s the most wonderful time of year, it’s also the busiest. We’re bringing you a five-week blog series full of holiday stuff(ing) to help take the edge off. From reminders to recipes and everything in between, check back each Friday for the latest and greatest holiday round-ups.

1. wine for the hostHappy American Thanksgiving weekend! Dress up that bottle of wine you’re gifting to your host/hostess with one of these cute printable wine bottle gift tags.
PS. consider this your unofficial reminder to pick up that bottle of wine!

2. vegan recipe round-up We love this vegan holiday recipe round-up courtesy of one of our favourite bloggers, Oh She Glows.

3. time to get your holiday cardsIt’s time to put pen to paper (what a novel idea in a digital world) and bring back the somewhat lost art of post. I mean – who doesn’t love getting a little holiday snail mail? We're  loving these and these!

Does post make you postal? Share one of these or check out Kate Spade for Paperless post to send a next level digital card.

4. the countdown is onThe countdown to the holidays is officially on. Whether you're a chocoholic, tea lover or a wino – here are 25 creative spins on the classic Advent calendar that’s sure to get even the grinchiest folks excited for the holidays. Oh and here’s one more for good measure (We couldn’t resist!).

5. get secret santa-ingGet your Secret Santa gift exchange off the ground with Elfster.com. Thank Goodness for the Internet. [image source]

We can tell it’s the holidays because we’re knee deep in flour (the Vancouver equivalent to a white Christmas). Our Carlsbad store keyleader, Maiah, took to her kitchen determined to infuse some classic Christmas flavour and baking into her vegan diet. These cookies are quick to whip up and are the perfect combination of sugar and spice. Chai cookies for all! #yum

vegan chai cookies

prep: 10 min
bake: 12-15 min
cool: 5 min

ingredients:

• 2 sticks non-dairy margarine or butter (such as Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
• 1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground clove
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar

directions:

Preheat oven to 350F.
Grease several cookie sheets with nonstick spray.
Mix butter and sugar until creamy.
Add in flour, vanilla, spices and salt; mix well.
Roll dough into desired sized balls (I like to do 1 or 2 tablespoons.)
Space out the cookies evenly on cookie sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden.
Let cool for five minutes, then roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat.
Recipe yields a few dozen (depending on how much batter you eat!)

While these cookies will appeal to all (vegan or not) you can substitute for regular dairy butter for an equally delicious treat. What family holiday recipe screams Christmas in your household?

1. ezlinks.com
If my dad could be anywhere, he’d be on a golf green so an EZlinks giftcard is the perfect present for him. EZlinks is a website that lets him choose a course, date and tee off time at tons of different clubs all around the world (and at a great rate too). – Allessia

2. spin pins
Spin Pins for all! Affordable and the best hair tool ever! I own a truckload and will be putting these in every girl’s stocking. – Ali

3. printstagr.am
I love this idea of taking people’s instagram photos and turning them into a book. It’s a unique gift idea!  – Kristina

4. gym essentials kit
The answer is in the name. It’s simply essential. This little guy has not only taken me to and from the gym but to Paris and London too. It’s the perfect companion for trips short and long.  – Tiffany

5. strengths finder 2.0
For people in my family who are in the early career stage, I get Strengths Finder 2.0. It's been my most powerful career development tool yet and I want to pass that on to others. (The Alchemist is also a standby book that I give to anyone that doesn't have it.)– Carolyn

6. cooking lessons for two
I’ve organized with my partner’s favourite restaurant to run a private cooking class, to show us how they make their sinuous, silky pasta. Equal parts romantic and practical. – Michael

Have a list you’re checking twice? What are some of the best gifts your giving this year?

Either the holiday bug has bitten us or someone has spiked our apple cider. From peppermint lattes to festive (and questionable) Christmas sweaters, our spirits are shining brighter than Rudolph’s nose on even the foggiest of nights. Balancing celebrations with an active lifestyle can sometimes be a challenge. Before we slip into our sparkly party attire, we’re going to be repping Santa hats (and other holiday accessories) at some of the most festive fun-runs this year

balancing fun and run

Holiday fun-runs are a great way to get out into the community, be merry and hold ourselves accountable to sweating it out. These events are a simple 5K run and make for a great catch-up sweat date with a friend. Spread cheer, bring joy to the world (and your local community) and get excited for costume prizes.

holiday runs on our radar

Source: Santa Shuffle Vancouver 2010

santa shuffle
We missed the santa shuffle one this year – bah humbug! but we’re keen on keeping its spirit lifted. This annual run happens in cities all across Canada and consists of a 5K fun run and a 1K “Elf Walk”.

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Source: Arthritis Foundation

jingle bell run
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way… literally. On top of coordinating holiday themed costumes, each participant in the jingle bell run ties bells to their laces making the 5K race a carol of its own. The Arthritis Foundation hosts this event annually in cities all across the USA from November 5^th until December 31^st.

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Source: Toronto Santa Speedo Run

santa speedo run
Toronto and Boston take dashing through the snow to a whole other level. December 10^th marks this year’s annual runs that are equal parts fun to participate in and to watch. Hundreds of runners take to the city streets in just their favourite festive speedo, Santa hat and beard to boot. Now, we’re big fans of chafe-resistance so in the absence of fabric, might we suggest Bodyglide?

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Between office parties and cookie exchanges, any other holiday fun-runs you’re planning to hit up?

Are you frantically trying to get your house together for a holiday party before your friends arrive in an hour?

We get it. Three weeks ago, you serenely sent invites to all of your nearest and dearest for a cozy night of merriment and cheer. Now, the night is here and you’re frazzled, running around vacuuming/blowdrying/cheeseplating before the first chime of your doorbell – and then, to top it off, you realize that you haven’t put together any music. Not to worry, friends; we know how busy you are, so we’ve taken the liberty of putting together a playlist of our holiday favourites for you.

uber-festive holiday playlist

Brenda Lee – Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree
This woman knew Christmas – heck, she backcombed her hair in the shape of a wreath for the entirety of her career. That’s what I call commitment!

U2 – Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
Call me biased but I have this strange notion that spending the holidays in Ireland would be incredibly festive. Perhaps it has something to do with the large number of pubs…

Boney M – Mary’s Boy Child/Oh My Lord
I like to put this track on, throw on my best sequined sweater and eat sausage rolls with friends. This may sound weird…but I dare you to try it and disagree.

The Beach Boys – Little Saint Nick
One of the best holidays I ever had was spent in a Santa-themed bikini in the tropics, hanging ornaments on a palm tree. Enjoy this surf-flavoured holiday song that comes with subliminal Vitamin D.

Burl Ives – A Holly Jolly Christmas
Burl Ives IS Christmas. End of story.

Wham! – Last Christmas
If the sight of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley prancing around a ski lodge doesn’t make you feel happy, I’m afraid I don’t know how to help you get festive.

Nat ‘King’ Cole – The Christmas Song
The classic feel-good song of the holidays. This version is my favourite because Nat ‘King’ Cole’s voice is smoother than double-crème brie. (Are you noticing a pattern here?)

Kanye West – Christmas In Harlem
In the past, I have struggled to enjoy newer Christmas carols because they just don’t seem, well, Christmas-y. This has changed now that I’ve heard Kanye, Alicia Keys and Jim Jones talking about hot chocolate being “dericious.”

Bobby Helms – Jingle Bell Rock
If the thought of the AM radio dial is what helps you get in the mood, then look no further; Bobby Helms is just what the doctor ordered.

Paul McCartney – A Wonderful Christmas Time
You work on the appies and sugar cookies, leave it to Sir Paul to ensure everyone’s simply having a wonderful Christmas time.

The Eagles – Please Come Home For Christmas
The Eagles may be famous as the “Boys Of Summer,” but they prove their multi-season resilience with this modern holiday gem.

Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas Is You
This epic masterpiece never gets old, kind of like crochet tops and daisy dukes.

Dean Martin – I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
If Frank Sinatra is “The Chairman of the Board,” then Dean Martin is “The Chairman of Always Having A Drink In His Hand & Having His Celebrity Roasts Re-Run A Billion Times.” That being said, his brand of swagger really sets the holiday mood.

Elvis Presley – Blue Christmas
The holidays can bring out the highest and lowest of emotions. If you are down in the dumps (as opposed to Down Dog), let Elvis commiserate with you.

Vince Guaraldi – Skating
This is my favourite song from ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas,’ the album that accompanies the classic TV special about the beloved animated beagle, Snoopy. Coincidentally, this is also a very tranquil song to pass out to after one-too-many eggnogs.

Nothing says, "peace and joy," like a roaring fire on local cable…so if you’re feeling stressed, take a moment, breathe deeply and turn on the Yule log. We swear it works every time.