Alright Canada, it’s that time of year again. Time to look back at the passing of 2010 and raise a glass in honour of the amazing country we live in. And what a year it was for us Canucks: an Olympic masterpiece, economic turnarounds, political progression, philanthropic bragging rights, taking the entertainment world by surprise and dominating in hockey, the sport we hold near and dear. So say it loud and say it proud: Oh Canada, what a year we’ve had!
But, before we break out the noisemakers to ring in Canada’s next 365 days of glory, we have a little something called Christmas to take care of. Save the grunting and groaning fellow Canadians, just remember Christmas is what you make it.
Too often it’s the little things that get in the way of Christmas being a magical time, the way it was when we were younger. In fact, we could probably learn a thing or two from our kids this time of year. The way they proclaim “Merry Christmas,” without worrying if they offended anyone; the way they get excited to give their last nickel to the Salvation Army; and the way they proudly present Grandma with a $2.00 Santa ornament from The Dollar Store because they know it’s about the thought that went into the gift. So this holiday season I challenge you to reclaim Christmas and get back to the basics as we have at Chill in this holiday issue.
We figured the first step in helping all of you reclaim your holidays is by tackling some of the most common Christmas stressors – the things that even us Chillosophers admit to losing our chill over. Holiday shopping shakes us to the core, those long lost family dinners have us at a loss for words, and the road rage that takes over our normally calm selves is mind-boggling. So, here at the Chill lounge we came up with ways to kiss these holiday stress-makers goodbye. Making more time for watching the World Juniors (page 14), getting into tip top holiday shape with a quick 15-minute workout (page 78), grillin’ up the perfect holiday feast (page 74) and even getting more ice time with your shinny or beer league hockey team … depending on which one you prefer (page 20).
But getting back to the holiday basics means getting in touch with the charitable, generous attitude that can fall victim to the hustle and bustle of the season. And what better way to get in the giving spirit than with some inspiration from some charitable celebs. Our third annual Naughty or Nice list (page 36) highlights some of the philanthropic acts from Hollywood north and south.
From all of us here at Chill Media Inc., we wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year.
So grab a pint, slow it down, you know the drill, chill.
All the best, your friendly neighbourhood Chillosopher,
Scott Stevenson
great advice scotty! merry christmas!