There can be pressure around the holidays to make everything “perfect” and to create memories with an abundance of things, special events and making sure the kids are continually entertained.
The reality is that most of the special memories we remember as children are the ones that were off the cuff and didn’t require extravagant details, excess money or hours and hours of preparation.
CTV Ottawa Morning Live joined Amanda in her family home on December 24th as they dove in to simple last minute gift ideas, keeping the kids entertained over the holidays and special ways to create memories for a fuss free Christmas Eve and New Years Eve family meal.
Last Minute Gift Ideas
Don’t worry if you are still looking for last minute gift ideas! You don’t even need to head to the busy malls and battle the parking lots. Staples Canada and your local convenience stores (most are open Christmas Day!) have you covered. Here are Amanda’s top gifts for the whole family that everybody will love with no stress!
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Keeping The Kids Entertained Over The Holidays
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The kids are off for two weeks and you might be thinking “What do I do now?!” Amanda shared with Jasmin from CTV Ottawa Morning Live easy to do activities for the kids over the holidays at home. There are also lots of things to enjoy and do around the Ottawa area that won’t break the bank!
Some of our favourite? See below our favourite no cost and low cost activities for the whole family.
No Cost Activities For The Whole Family
- Skating (Governor Generals or at Lansdowne!)
- Take a drive around Taffy Lane in Orleans
- Head out to your local tobogganing hill
- Walk through Confederation Park to see the lights
- Free wagon rides in the Byward Market Sat/Sun between 12-4
- Hiking in Gatineau Park (we love the Sugar Bush Trail in Old Chelsea if you have little ones!)
Low Cost Activities For The Whole Family
- Glow Ottawa
- Alight At Night
- Magic of Lights at Wesley Clover Park
- Daniel The Tiger Exhibit at the Childrens Museum (Museum of Civilization)
- Butterfly Exhibit at the Museum of Nature
- Parc Omega
Keeping It Simple & Creating Memories
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Stop feeling overwhelmed around the Holidays to cook everything from scratch and to make big meals. Yes, there can be great bonding over big home cooked meals but sometimes the simple meals create the same special memories…and mom and dad get to relax a bit more too!
PC Insiders Collection for Holiday has us covered for great appetizers which is fantastic for fun family meals and to have on hand for entertaining as well.
Worried the kids won’t get in all their fruits and vegetables? Smoothies are a great way to make sure that you are getting in extra fruits and veggies, especially around the holidays when things get busy! Our fave for making smoothies? Our vitamix and PC frozen fruit & veg!
Looking for a special dessert or treat options? Head to your local hot spot for amazing baked goods and enjoy more time as a family. Our favourite in the Ottawa-Gatineau region? La Cigale has you covered for all your desserts and special treats!
We wish you and your family a lovely Holiday Season with lots of special memories being created with quality time together. xo
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