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Dip into the Wonderful World of Fabulous Fondue

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The original fondue – Swiss cheese fondue – was said to have originated in 18th century Switzerland by farmers in mid-winter.  They needed to stretch their food supplies over the cold season and so developed the dish of fondue which deliciously used up any stale bread, with leftover cheese and a splash of liquor. 

Modern-day cheese fondue, made traditionally, is very simple and does not really differ much from the original: simply begin by rubbing a clove of raw garlic on the inside of a medium-sized cast-iron casserole. Combine grated Emmentaler cheese and Gruyere with white wine, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a touch of cornstarch, and heat until it is melted.  Finish off with a dash of Kirsch (cherry brandy) and a grind of pepper, and your fondue is ready to serve.  A perfect romantic dinner for two or a rowdy crowd-pleaser, it is that easy.  For dipping options, the list is endless.  Classic accompaniments could be; grilled or toasted bread chunks, or even just fresh crusty bread, pulled apart at the table. Tortilla chips and crackers work well for a lighter option.  Boiled or roasted baby potatoes or any other vegetables are delicious.  Raw or blanched cauliflower or broccoli are great, or raw mushrooms are also an option. If you like a heavier meaty option, meatballs or chunks of seared tenderloin would be delicious, or even some poached shrimp.  For a sweeter variation, pear or apple chunks are a great alternative.

Fondue Bourguignon is another popular style of fondue.  It does not hail from Burgundy as the name would suggest.  It is said that it was brought to the US by the Swiss-born restaurateur Konrad Egli, owner of Swiss Chalet in the 1950’s.  Apparently, the dish originated in Switzerland with farmworkers cooking their lunch in the fields in the winter, bringing a pot of oil to cook their meat over a fire.  Since then, through Egli and embellishments of his version, there are so many ways to enjoy this simple meal. 

Rule number one is to make sure your pot is very stable as the spilling of hot oil could be a very painful way to end a party.  Traditionally beef tenderloin was used for this style of fondue, but things have now progressed to all sorts of protein including chicken, lamb, duck, seafood, or tofu.  The sauces are what make the fondue really fun, and they are often served on a swiveling Lazy Susan, so that guests can easily reach each sauce. Bearnaise sauce (a sauce of butter and eggs flavoured with tarragon and shallot) is always a classic. Other popular choices are sour cream mustard, horseradish cream, herb butter dipping sauce, or barbecue. For a healthier version of this fondue, one can substitute the oil with broth.  Any type of broth can be used and it can be flavoured with garlic and herbs or just served plain.

To finish off a meal, chocolate fondue is a real treat. Any type of chocolate is mixed with cream and then melted.  A flavoured liqueur can be added for a different spin.  Amaretto or Bailey’s work well or you can try some peppermint schnapps for a candy cane twist.  The dipping options are as decadent as you would like. Biscotti, marshmallows, fruit, pretzels, cookies, Rice Crispy squares, and pieces of pound cake are all very popular.

Of course, consideration should be given to what wine pairs well with fondue.  In the cold winter months, Icewine is on our minds and it is the perfect match for both cheese and chocolate fondue. Icewine is made by leaving the grapes on the vine for the winter so that the water in the grapes freezes.  The frozen grapes are quickly picked and pressed so that the frozen water in the grapes remains behind and the concentrated juice that does flow, is very high in sugar.  This is then made into a sweet and luscious wine.  Try these decadent sticky gems, served well chilled.

Trius Vidal Ice Wine ($64.95) has flavours of tropical fruit with a tangy citrus finish.

Inniskillin Vidal Ice Wine ($44.95) put Canada on the Icewine map by winning the 1989 Grand Prix D’Honneur at Vinexpo. It has floral aromas and hints of mango.

Cave Spring Riesling Icewine ($39.95) from the Riesling experts, is exceptional with notes of apple, minerality, and peach pie.

Henry of Pelham Red Icewine ($39.95) is an unusual blend of red grape (Cabernet Franc) and white grape (Vidal) and has delicious flavours of strawberry and raspberry.

Southbrook Organic Icewine ($37.25) offers notes of toffee, honey, and mango.

With these delicious wines on hand, and a fondue pot at the ready, your celebration is sure to be a great success.

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Hobby Stores Galore: The Perfect Pastime

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Step into a hobby shop and you’re stepping into a collector’s dream world. Model cars, miniatures, comic books, games, toys – you collect it, and it’s there. Oakville and Burlington have many specialty hobby shops carrying everything from comic books and gaming needs to military miniatures. With their wide range of products and specialties, you’ll want to visit them all! 

 

Comic Connection, Oakville

Comic-connection.com 

  

With more than 30 years in the comic book business, it’s easy to see why Comic Connection calls itself the most experienced comic book store in Halton. 

 

Their location on Speers Road in Oakville is a one-stop-shop for comic books and gaming needs. Love superheroes? They have a huge collection of DC, Marvel, and Indie comics from every era with stock that goes beyond the floor. If they don’t have a certain issue in-store, their team is happy to order it for you.

 

They also have a massive collection of figures and statues, including Pop figures of popular shows, movies, and books. For added fun, they offer gaming nights. 

 

Hobby and Toy Central, Burlington

Hobbyandtoycentral.com 

 

Located in Mapleview Mall in Burlington, Hobby and Toy Central is stocked with a wide variety of models (ships, aircraft, cars), toys, games, puzzles, and activity items for play and learning. 

 

Founded in 1985, they have four stores in South West Ontario, including Burlington. Their goal is to provide new and experienced hobbyists with a wide selection of models, accessories, services, and supplies. Their model car kits are second-to-none, and customers rave about the Chevy Corvette, Cadillac Sport, and Ford Torino. There’s even the Star Trek USS Enterprise model for Trekkie fans. 

 

For puzzle lovers, Hobby and Toy Central has something for every age and skill level, including 1,000-piece puzzles, and an impressive 3D puzzle of the Eiffel Tower. 

 

In their Science department, there’s a mini solar robot and a large box set of the solar system which includes eight glow-in-the-dark planets (plus Pluto!). They also carry juggling rings and a “make your own” rocket that’s powered by vinegar and baking soda. 

 

Carefree Hobbies, Models, and Collectibles, Oakville

Carefreehobbies.com

 

In Oakville, you’ll also find Carefree Hobbies, Models, and Collectibles, carrying a fun supply of trains, planes, and automobiles along with antique military equipment. They specialize in military miniatures, including Thomas Gunn Military Miniatures, which are known for their attention to detail and superior quality. If you’re looking for rare, unusual, or out-of-production items, Carefree Hobbies will source them for you. 

 

Their other specialty is their fun selection of miniature trains and accessories. Local bestselling writer, Linwood Barclay, is known for his impressive miniature train sets that fill his basement; one might wonder if his passion for the hobby started with a visit to this store.

 

Skycraft Hobbies, Burlington

Skycrafthobbies.com

 

At Skycraft Hobbies on Plains Road East in Burlington, their shelves are filled with remote control racing cars, helicopters, jeeps, airplanes, and monster trucks. They also carry various boats, including a catamaran that’s modeled after offshore race boats, and hydroplanes which are typically for the more advanced RC racer. But likely, the most impressive thing on their shelves is their drones. 

 

Mastermind Toys, Oakville and Burlington

Mastermindtoys.com

 

Mastermind Toys, located in both Oakville and Burlington, carry classic games like a wooden jigsaw puzzle shaped like a dragon, matchbox puzzles, and a 3D puzzle of the Titanic. They have a huge selection of games, from the fan favourite Catan to classics like Operation, Charades, and Monopoly. 

 

As the saying goes, if you can’t find it at a hobby store, you can’t find it anywhere. 

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Icy Conditions Make for Warm Memories: Ice Fishing Local Waters

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The winter months can feel pretty long – especially if it’s a winter heavy with snow. Thankfully, our landscape allows for endless winter adventure. You can hit the slopes for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at Kelso Conservation Area, or venture to Bronte Creek Provincial Park to enjoy a pristine cross-country ski. Then, there are our lakes and waterways. When frozen over, they serve as the perfect setting for any angler to drop their line. Fishing doesn’t have to stop when the cold weather rolls in. In fact, ice fishing is perfect for both avid anglers and families alike.

Are you ready to cast into the cold waters? Fifty Point Conservation, Valens Lake Conservation, and Binbrook Conservation in Hamilton all offer ice fishing when the conditions allow. However, the conservation authority doesn’t supply ice huts, equipment, or bait. If you’re looking for a full-service ice fishing experience, you may want to venture just a little bit further from the city.

Sarah Paireo from Simcoe Ice Fishing in Lefroy (Innisfil) says, “Typically, our bay freezes over in January, but the timing is variable. We wait for a solid 4-6 inches of ice before it’s safe to head out.” Generally, you can head out onto the lake as soon as the ice is frozen and thick enough – it all depends on the weather. There are several factors that determine ice thickness—the type of water, location, air temperature, water temperature, water depth, the size of the water body, and the presence of underwater springs or currents.

Summer Dream Ice Fishing in Orillia has been fishing Lake Couchiching for over 38 years. They also have heated ice huts and are conveniently located near Elwood Epps Fishing Store where you can obtain everything for your fishing needs (including a fishing license which is required for everyone between the ages of 18 and 65). While the huts are warm, Summer Dream says, “Ice fishing is a winter sport so you will need to dress accordingly in warm outdoor clothing, including boots, mitts, and a hat.” However, Sarah from Simcoe Ice Fishing adds, “Hut rentals are wonderful to provide a shelter with comfy padded benches, predrilled holes, minnows, and a cooking stove for those who want to prepare food.”

Elwood Epps in Orillia has everything you need when it comes to fishing gear. If you don’t want to use live bait, their Baby Guppy Ice Fishing bait mimics a live minnow. They also have an ice fishing line – which is actually different from the line you would use in the warmer months. The ice fishing line has a special compound to keep it from freezing to your rod. If you’re completely in the dark about the sport, the experts are ready to help. Debbie Martin from Summer Dream says, “For guests who have never experienced ice fishing we will teach you how to set up your fishing rod and the techniques on how to catch fish. For those who already know how to ice fish, we will guide you to where (hopefully) the best ice fishing spots are.” 

As for what you can expect to pull out of the water – think big. Both Sarah and Debbie say ice fishing is the perfect time to pull out giant perch, pike, pickerel, and crappie.

Fish on!

Local Links:

Elwood Epps || Elwoodepps.com

Summer Dream Ice Fishing || Summerdreamicefishing.com

Simcoe Ice Fishing || Simcoeicefishing.com

Adam Goy Fishing || Goyfishing.com 

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The magic of snowflakes…and the science behind them!

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Love it or loathe it, you can’t deny the beauty of fresh fallen snow. And perhaps no other weather element has been romanticized more than the snowflake. The contrast of the warm glow of the holiday season draped in a frosty blanket of winter white has been an iconic image for centuries.

In Canada, it is estimated that each winter, more than a septillion snowflakes fall across the country (for perspective, that is a one followed by 24 zeroes) and the journey of every single one of these minute ice crystals is perhaps even more fascinating than Santa’s magical toy delivery.

It all begins high in the upper atmosphere, when a single droplet of water, hanging out in a cloud, freezes around a microscopic dust particle. From there, water vapour freezes onto the crystal and it grows, and grows and grows, until it becomes so “heavy” that it drops out of the cloud and falls as a snow crystal—that magical snowflake.

Thanks, Snowflake Bentley!

While snowflakes are beautifully varied, there is one characteristic that virtually all snowflakes share: they have six sides, thanks to the basic structure of ice. When water freezes into individual ice crystals, its molecules stack together to form a hexagonal lattice. As the ice crystal grows, water can freeze onto its six corners multiple times, causing the snowflake to develop a completely unique, yet always six-sided shape.

Credit for this finding goes to Wilson Alwyn Bentley, the world’s first person to capture the remarkable images of a single snowflake back in 1885. Bentley was an American meteorologist and amateur photographer who ingeniously adapted a microscope and a bellows camera to capture flakes on black velvet before they melted. Throughout his lifetime, Bentley documented more than 5,000  snowflakes. His images have been shared worldwide and much of what we know about what snowflakes look like today have grown from his work.

Today, researchers believe there are about 35 different types of snowflakes, all dependent on temperature and humidity. Some of the more common snowflake types are thin plates, needles, hollow columns, stellar plates, and dendrites. The dendrites are the type that we learned to cut out of paper in elementary school art class.

Nature’s Art Class

You too can witness nature’s artwork: all you need is a magnifying glass, a piece of dark cardboard and fresh falling snow. As the flakes fall, catch them on the cardboard and have a look at how intricate and beautiful nature’s winter work is—just as Wilson Bentley did more than a century ago. Thank you, Snowflake Bentley!

Say It Isn’t Snow?

Here are some more fun facts about our winter companions:

  • A typical snowflake may  contain one quintillion water  molecules. That’s a million  times a million times a million!
  • Most snowflakes fall at roughly a walking pace—between 1.6 and 6.4 kilometers (1 and 4  miles) per hour.
  • A snowflake can drift anywhere from 10 minutes  to more than an hour before reaching the ground.
  • The majority of the world’s  fresh water supply is in ice and snow.
  • The world’s tallest snowman  — snowwoman, actually — was built in Bethel, Maine in 2008. Named Olympia after Maine’s senator Olympia Snowe, the snowwoman towered 122 feet above the ground. She was so tall that they used skis for her eyelashes and wreaths for her eyes!

Anwar Knight is an award-winning broadcaster, whose genuine and warm engaging personality has made him a favourite with audiences nationwide. With an insatiable curiosity, Anwar connects and inspires real-world action through storytelling. He is a passionate steward of nature and is working to propel efforts to preserve our earth.

Join Anwar on his podcast BigBlueMarble.earth and his recently launched FBLive show “Here n’ There” every Friday at 1pm via
facebook.com/AnwarKnightTV

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Serenity Now: Spa Days with Pizazz

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There’s something elegant about a freshly painted set of nails, and that special feeling that comes with an afternoon at the spa. While spas have always been a place to get pampered and polished, spas of the 21st century have transformed into so much more.

Gone are the days of the simple spa. In the modern spa, you can relax in a multi-purpose facility while shopping, lounging, and even enjoying a glass of something bubbly (or on the rocks).

Get ready to be pampered and to experience the new world of spas!

Yellow Door Studio

114 Thomas Street, Oakville   |  yellowdoorstudio.com

Yellow Door Studio is a fully licensed cafe, nail studio, and lounge all-in-one. Located on Thomas Street in old Oakville, it offers everything from quick touch-ups to all-out makeovers. Their packages start with a Short and Sweet package, including nail shaping and buffing. On the luxurious end, you can book their Revival Manicure with an essential oil soak, cuticle work, hand, shoulder, and neck massage (and more). 

The salon also offers party packages and mani/pedi services for men and kids. And while you’re getting buffed and polished, you can grab a drink from their bar selection of unique wines, champagnes, and signature cocktails. 

Styled Lounge

422 Pearl Street, Burlington   |   styledlounge.ca

Styled Lounge on Pearl Street in the heart of downtown Burlington offers full-service treatments for the hair and body, ranging from a basic blow out and bang trim to a whole “new you” service that includes lash lift and tint, brow shaping and tinting, and full makeup application. 

For the bride-to-be and her bridesmaids, there are bridal party hairstyling packages that include makeup application, and even something special for those precious little flower girls. 

Added bonus: Styled Lounge will deliver all the services of their salon to a location of your choice!

…But then you’ll be missing their complimentary coffee, tea, and water – and they have a fully licensed bar. On your way out, you can pick up some conditioner and shampoo, home teeth whitening system, scented candles, or cozy sweater from another local biz, Simple Girl Canada.


Goldwyn and Sons

67 Bronte Road, Unit 6, Oakville   |   goldwynandsons.com

A unique and new experience for men has arrived in Bronte. At Goldwyn and Sons, the motto is to help men develop self-confidence and feel great in their own skin. This barbershop and parlour offers a number of basic and special services, and guests can enjoy a glass of whiskey while they get pampered!

Services at Goldwyn and Sons include beard trim, hot towel shave, head shave, and hair colouring. Among their premium services is a package called ‘The Albin’, which includes a haircut, beard trim, hair wash, and final style, along with a drink from the bar. 

New York New York

2082 Pine Street, Burlington   |  nynyformen.shop

New York New York in downtown Burlington is another men’s grooming lounge and the perfect place to unwind and relax. The lounge offers a variety of services including a hot towel head shave and mini “man-cure,” along with eyebrow wax, and hair and scalp treatments. 

They also offer relaxing facial treatments and Indian head massage. One of their specialty packages is called ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’ and includes hand and feet treatments plus a facial. The ‘My Way’ package includes a haircut and design, plus hot towel facial shave and mini “man-cure”.


Fantasy Fables Princess Studio & Spa


2180 Itabashi Way, Burlington   |   fantasyfables.com

Spas aren’t just for adults. The Fantasy Fables Princess Studio & Spa offers both in-home and salon spa experiences. They deliver a Disney-lovers’ dream spa day for boys and girls with special guest stars Ariel, Elsa, or Anna. Or, you can hold your party with a favourite Disney princess at the spa’s Burlington location at Upper Middle and Appleby Line. 

In addition to meeting their favourite princess, the birthday guest can be treated to dazzling glitter hair gel and a sprinkling of pixie dust. Every guest receives a princess bracelet or pirate coin and can have fun dancing to their favourite songs and posing for photos. 

Whether you need nails done, hair done, or just want a little TLC and fun, these unique spas have an experience perfect for you this holiday season!  

 

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Something To Brunch On

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Christmas morning is often a relaxed time with family, opening gifts in front of the tree, and sharing delicious food and drinks with many people still in their pajamas. Nobody wants to be stuck in the kitchen while the rest of the family is having all the fun.

It is so easy to pre-prepare some creative dishes to impress everyone with your culinary prowess while looking totally at ease at the same time.  


Brunch on a Casserole 

A French toast casserole is a real crowd pleaser with a delicious crunchy cinnamon-sugar top. Just make it ahead and refrigerate overnight. Skipping the need to pan-fry each slice, simply throw it in a dish and let the oven do all the work. Soft and custard-like in the middle, crunchy on the top and outside.

For something savory, a simple breakfast casserole will do the trick. Add all the best breakfast goodies in one dish: sausage, eggs, milk, cheddar cheese, bread, and a little mustard, all baked in the oven to make this the perfect comfort food breakfast. Add bacon and onions as a variation.


Brunch on Poached Eggs

Shakshouka is a favourite in my family. It’s a recipe that hails from North Africa and consists of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, peppers, onion, garlic, and it is often spiced with cayenne pepper, cumin, or paprika. Bacon, ham, or chorizo could also be added to the mix for variation. 

The tomato sauce can be prepared in advance and then simply break the eggs into the heated sauce. Put the lid on until they are done to your liking, and an international-style gourmet brunch is served. 

 

Brunch on Crepes

Much lighter than American-style pancakes, crepes have many interesting options available and can be filled with anything sweet or savory. The batter can be made the night before, or you can even cook the crepes and store them in the fridge (they keep for a day or two). Some classic Parisian fillings would be crepe au chocolat (filled with chocolate spread), crepe au fromage (with melted Gruyere cheese), or simply sprinkle them with granulated sugar and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Don’t forget the mimosa!

A great addition to any brunch, especially a celebratory one such as Christmas morning, would be Mimosas: sparkling wine mixed with orange juice. This concoction is also called Buck’s Fizz in Britain, as it was invented at Buck’s Club in London as an excuse for patrons to start drinking early.

Naturally using fresh juice is preferable but any good quality juice would work. Variations can include peach nectar or puree, cranberry or pomegranate juice for a colourful festive twist, pineapple, or strawberry.

There are so many simple options to make Christmas morning extra sweet – and something you’ll certainly savour!

Luckily for us here in Ontario, we have some homegrown sparkling wines that are delicious and will add a beautiful quality to a Mimosa. Try these beauties for a perfect Christmas morning.

16.95 – Malivoire Che Bello Sparkling at LCBO is an off-dry, Italian-style sparkler that is a blend of 3 white varieties.

29.95 – 13th Street Winery Blanc de Blanc from the farm or online is made from 100% Chardonnay and has a refined mineral note.

29.95 – Trius Brut from LCBO and online has notes of apple, honey, and lemon.

17.95 – Lily Sparkling at LCBO is a great value sparkling wine when there is a crowd.

25.95 – Tawse Sparkling Brut at LCBO is a blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.

While most local restaurants are closed on Christmas morning, there are many worth trying that serve a wonderful brunch:

La Parisienne Creperie, Bronte || laparisiennecreperie.com

El Spero, Bronte || elspero.ca

Kerr Street Café, Oakville || kerrstreetcafe.com

The Crepe Kitchen, Oakville || thecrepekitchen.ca

Saving Thyme Catering & Patisserie, Burlington || savingthyme.ca

Rust Bistro Bar, Burlington || rustbistrobar.ca

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Santa’s Elves Are Hard At Work In Local Toy Stores

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There’s a land – not too, too far from here – draped in fluffy white snow. It’s a place no one has ever seen before. At least not outside of the movies. The reason? It’s absolutely pure magic.

This whimsical wintery land is home to the man who makes Christmas dreams come true. With the help of his elves and his seven reindeer, children around the world innocently allow their imaginations to take flight with the excitement of Santa Claus.

This year, the elves have been busy preparing toys – but what you may not know is that Santa has called upon the local shops of our community to help fulfill Christmas wishes. Whether you’re shopping for a local charity or someone special on your list, our local toy stores have unique gifts that come Santa-approved. Check them out! 

Simply Green Baby

67 Bronte Road, Oakville || Simplygreenbaby.com

A local favourite, Simply Green Baby is a one-of-a-kind shop in our area. With a wide selection for babies, toddlers, and even bigger kids, they have everything from apparel, toys, books, and bath needs. Simply Green Baby makes shopping green easy and affordable. They follow a strict set of criteria when choosing products for their store, including the materials and packing, as well as the history and background of the manufacturers. Not only are their products adorable and durable, but they’re something you can feel good about purchasing, too.


Chickadee Kids Co.

2178 Mountain Grove Avenue, Burlington || Chickadeekidsco.com

This family-owned toy and bookstore is the perfect place to find gifts for kids ages 0-6. Founded by Lisa Evans after she pivoted her play café during the pandemic, this unique children’s store specializes in toys with a purpose. If you’re looking for a great non-candy advent calendar, this is the place to find it. Chickadee is the only store in Burlington with the Haba wooden advent calendar, filled with beautiful wooden farm animals – truly something to be cherished. Lisa carefully selects all of her toys, inspired by her two children ages 1 and 6. Chickadee offers shipping across Canada, and complimentary gift wrapping.


The Learning Tree

1450 Headon Road, Burlington || Learningtreecanada.com

Owned and operated by passionate local educator, Joni Bowman, The Learning Tree carries high-quality educational toys, puzzles, games, resources, and books. Every employee at The Learning Tree is a certified teacher which really sets their staff apart from the rest. They have a wonderful selection of materials for teachers, special needs resources, and developmental toys and games for all ages. At The Learning Tree, you can be sure that you’re finding a gift that is not only fun but is also educational. 

Teachers Supply Outlet

461 North Service Road West, Oakville || Teacherssupplyoutlet.ca

Family-owned, Teachers Supply Outlet has been a community favourite since 1993. Their Oakville location is over 6,000 square feet and supplies over 50,000 toys, books, and educational resources – and owner Ali Shallwani knows the ins and outs of every single one. Looking for the perfect teacher gift? Check out their teaching resources, classroom decorations, or flashcards. They also have a wonderful selection of educational games, puzzles, workbooks, arts and crafts, and building toys for the future engineer in your family.

Comic Connection

490 Speers Road, Oakville  || Comicconnectionoakville.com

Serving Oakville for over 20 years, Comic Connection has become the leading spot for comic books, trade paperbacks, hardcovers, and graphic novels in Southern Ontario. With over 100,000 comic book issues available, there is no doubt you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for – and if you don’t, Comic Connection will find it for you. Not only a comic hot-spot, Comic Connection also carries a wide selection of CCG gaming cards including Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh! and Magic The Gathering – with boxes, packs, and singles from many sets available. While you’re shopping for the comic-lover in your family, you’ll also find plenty of toys and action figures for someone else on your list.   

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The Gift of Giving: Help for Those in Need

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As a mom of three kids under five, I have a special duty when the holidays roll around. The tree, the gifts, the meals – I plan every single detail, trying to check every magical box. There isn’t a mother who wouldn’t try to do the same. Thanks to movies, commercials, and advertising, Christmas has become a season of the ‘wow factor’. And parents who provide their children with material luxuries and dazzling experiences, do so from privilege.

According to the United Way of Hamilton and Halton, as of 2021, 1 in 10 children in Halton live in poverty. Oakville has a poverty rate of 9.7% – the highest in Halton, while Burlington has the highest number of lone parent families (over 7,800) in the Halton region. And even more so, the demand for food supports in Halton and Hamilton increased by 13% from April 2019 to April 2020.

While gifts are certainly something to be admired, our friends and neighbours need basic necessities such as food. Through charities in Oakville and Burlington, residents like you and me can help families to create magical holiday moments.

Here are a few recommendations on where to start:

Kerr Street Mission

485 Kerr Street, Oakville  |  Kerrstreet.com

For more than 18 years, Kerr Street Mission has rallied the community through its “Christmas Wonders and Beyond” program. With the generosity of the community, they have been able to make sure every family that has come seeking help would be able to celebrate a wonderful Christmas. The last 18-months have been especially difficult for families seeking support. Many struggle every day to make ends meet and they know when Christmas comes, there won’t be extra funds. With your help, you can make a difference and provide for a family in need. Kerr Street Mission is accepting financial donations, starting at $100 to provide for a family of one this holiday season, all the way to $1,600 to provide support to a family for one year. Instead of exchanging gifts with your friends or extended family, you can rally together to give a family Christmas wonder.

Trevor and Kaela’s Christmas Collection

Facebook: Trevor & Kaela’s Annual Christmas Collection

Jennifer Lombardo and her son Trevor started their annual Christmas collection back in 2014 when Trevor was only four. Now, their team includes Jennifer’s 3.5-year-old daughter, Kaela, as well.
Raised by a single mother, Jennifer knows firsthand how difficult Christmas can be for single parents. And she knew when she grew up, she not only wanted to give back but wanted to teach her children about the importance of giving back too.
Each year, Jennifer and her children collect toys, household items, gift cards, monetary donations, and more through generous donations in our community. All items collected are donated to families in Halton Region. After Trevor was diagnosed with autism in 2014, Jennifer decided to work with families who are barely making ends meet but often do not qualify for other services – especially those who have a family member with mental illness and/or Autism.
Visit their Facebook page to donate or purchase items from a family’s list. Every little bit helps.  And, all donations are entered in to win a prize from a raffle!

Holiday Giving Program

Compassion Society  || Compassionsocietyofhalton.com

The Compassion Society is an organization with over 1,000 clients living on or below the poverty line in Halton. For these individuals, the holidays are difficult and challenging to say the least. Through their Holiday Giving Program, the Compassion Society organizes and offers a Christmas Market where new, unwrapped gifts and retail cards are distributed to adults and children in need. In a tangible way, you can demonstrate your compassion and support to these individuals by donating gift cards or unwrapped gifts by the first week of December.

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A Peek Into Holidays Past

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Holiday decorations can be just the thing to brighten a chilly winter night, and while many holiday traditions have roots from long ago, some are more recent and have local, European and American influences. Luckily your nearby museums are a great place to learn about our traditions and they may even provide some inspiration for your own holiday celebrations!

Ireland House in Burlington and the Oakville Museum have rich histories which date from the 1830s and span many family generations. Both will be decorated for the holidays in styles from various decades, which makes them great places to learn about the origins and establishment of various holiday traditions, such as greenery, kissing balls, Christmas trees, gifts, food, Christmas cards, and even Christmas lights.

The most popular Christmas decoration in most homes, the Christmas tree, originated in 16th century Germany but began to appear in North America after the example set at the British Court by Queen Victoria’s German husband, Prince Albert. Today, you can view early Victorian trees decked out in fancy paper, glistening angels, gilded apples, silver cornucopias, and wax candles, at both local museums. Trees from the 1890s onward grew larger with hand-cast lead and delicate, hand-blown glass ornaments. American retailer F.W. Woolworth first acquired the glass decorations from a German importer in 1880, and by 1890 was selling more than 200,000 annually! Curiously, a glass pickle would often be hidden somewhere on the tree, and the child who found it would have the honour of opening the first present. 

Brighter and safer than candles, the very first electric lights were installed in 1882 by Edward Johnson, VP for Thomas Edison, in his home in New York City. These caused a sensation among the wealthy and by 1901 lights were commercially available, but at a cost of a week’s wages for a working person. The use of electric lights didn’t become more common than candles until after 1925 when they had become more affordable. 

Currently, Ireland House is not open to the general public. However, the Museum is hosting a Victorian Christmas Tour & Treats event on December 3 & 4. Participants can tour the historic site to learn about the family and past Christmas traditions, and enjoy period sweets and drinks. 

The Oakville Museum will be decorated in grand period style, with decorations extending to the exterior and courtyard, and will include a new exhibit for the courtyard windows featuring charming dollhouses from the Museum’s collections. A special Christmas Tour will be offered on Sunday, December 12, where participants can delight in nostalgic toys and period ornaments. Additionally, a Craft and Tour program will run on December 28 & 30, where visitors are invited to make festive, museum-inspired crafts with their children

Local Links

Ireland House: museumsofburlington.ca

Oakville Museum: oakville.ca/museum

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No Place Like Home For The Holidays

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For the last two years, we’ve been dreaming of leaving our homes, travelling to faraway places, and begging for a change of scenery. However, if there is one time of year when many of us are okay with staying at home, it’s the holidays! We can go right back to our visions of airplanes and beaches in January, but as the holiday season draws near, let’s go back to enjoying the comfort of family, community, and tradition. Our hometowns have been here for us all along, and they want to celebrate this time of year with us once more. The local BIA’s have many events in store for us to ensure our holidays at home are as special as ever.

Bronte Village

At Home in Bronte (winter edition) is back, and the chairs are even more beautiful than ever. Tour professionally painted Muskoka chairs all over the village. If you missed it last year, you’ll definitely want to see how Bronte has taken this summer tradition and winterized it! 

Take in the beauty of these chairs that symbolize a piece of our home, and search for the hidden lighthouse icons on each one. They will be set up throughout the business district and Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park all winter. 


Downtown Oakville 

The historical buildings, charming shops, and cozy, contemporary restaurants of downtown Oakville make it a great destination. Add in their holiday light display and signature 20 ft tall ribbon tree and you’ve got a perfect combination for a festive outing. 

While you’re downtown, Santa needs your help. Check out his new augmented reality scavenger hunt that promises one lucky player $1,000! All you have to do is find eight characters hiding at secret locations throughout Downtown Oakville. Keep an eye out while supporting small businesses and checking off gifts on your list!

Mark your calendars for Fridays Downtown this December as participating restaurants stay open late, offer special savings, giveaways, live music, and special surprises!  
Follow Downtown Oakville on social media to get updates, receive personalized gift ideas, and have a chance at winning daily gift-aways!


Downtown Burlington 

For many, the Burlington parade has been a staple event we look forward to, and Santa hates to disappoint. After an overwhelmingly positive response to his surprise neighbourhood tour last year, he has agreed to return! Santa will make his way throughout the town in his antique fire truck once again this year on December 4th and 5th. Should you spot him, be sure to use the hashtag #SpotSantaBurlON to spread the magic and reveal his current location! 

The Burlington Lakeside Festival of Lights has been an iconic landmark of the holiday season for a quarter-century. The display will return this year beginning on November 26th at Spencer Smith Park. Take in the magic of the waterfront with a stroll through this spectacular themed display beginning at 4 p.m. every day until midnight. Want to see it on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Orthodox Christmas, or New Year’s Eve? The lights will stay on all day and night on those days. 

Word has it a Christmas market might be coming our way. The city is discussing a four-day market from December 9th to 12th in the lot between Pearl and Elizabeth streets. They hope to highlight the local businesses while showcasing the talent and strengths of our amazing community. They may even have music provided by the Sound of Music Festival! 

With so many exciting things happening in our own hometowns, surely no one would dream of going anywhere else… at least not until January!  

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