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Christmas Traditions in Canada

Posted on: December 1, 2019
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If you’re a newcomer, you may be wondering about Christmas traditions in Canada. There are a few traditions that you may come across in preparation for Christmas Day all over Canada.

Popular traditions of this holiday include gift-giving, listening to Christmas music, attending church services, displaying Christmas decorations including Christmas trees, Christmas lights, garlands, wreaths and mistletoes. Santa Claus, or Father Christmas, brings gifts to children during the holiday season. Families gather and prepare and eat a turkey for dinner.

Christmas Activities at Your Local Library

If you want to learn more about Christmas traditions in Canada, your local public library offers many activities that can help you enjoy the local holiday spirit. It’s a great way to learn more about these traditions in an open and welcoming environment. Some activities planned through libraries in the Lower Mainland include:

  1. Sunday Afternoon Concert: Holiday Harp with Renée Qin. Sunday, December 8, 2:00-3:00pm. The West Vancouver Memorial Library Friday Night Concert Series presents Renée Qin who was invited to play at Carnegie Hall in New York City earlier this year after winning first place in her age category.
  2. Holiday Uke Jam. Tuesday, December 10, 7:00-8:00 pm. The Port Moody Public Library invites you to jam with them – holiday edition style! They will be doing classic Christmas carols on the ukulele with plenty of cheer. Bring your own ukulele. Beginners are welcome!
  3. Holiday Book Tree. Tuesday, December 10, 7:00-8:00 pm. The Fraser Valley Regional Library Ladner Pioneer Library invites you to make cute little trees out of the pages of books that are no longer ideal for circulation, giving them a new life in the form of a holiday decoration.
  4. Winter Wonderland: A Holiday Celebration. Wednesday, December 11, 3:30-4:30 pm. The Richmond Public Library will have a Brighouse branch StoryWalk®, scavenger hunt, activity tables and more! Free, Drop-in. All ages welcome.
  5. Music of the Whole World: Winter Solstice. Thursday, December 19, 7:00-8:30 pm. The North Vancouver District Public Library invites you to an intercultural chamber ensemble of the Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra musicians present an evening of evocative, contemplative music from different cultural traditions, celebrating the turn of the year from dark to light.

This is just a sample of activities that are available throughout the Lower Mainland during the holiday season. Participating in activities like these is a great opportunity to meet others in your local community! So stop by your local library and see what they have in store for you and your family for the holiday season. Merry Christmas!