How was your Christmas weekend? Did you make sure that your stockings were hung by the chimney with care? In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there? To be perfectly honest, I’m not entirely sure why I keep doing this to myself. It was a very hectic week, followed by a very busy weekend, but I was able to enjoy some hearty meals with my loving extended family. And I finally got around to watching Rogue One too.

But I digress. Here we are with a special holiday-themed vlog where I highlight a couple of presents that I got and what I did in the week leading up to Christmas. Unlike the first three vlogs that were each focused on very specific events, this is my first more general vlog. Let me know what you think of the format!

Something that came up in conversation with a good friend of mine was that he refuses to pay for expensive photo packages with his local mall Santa and I don’t blame him. That’s why I’m so glad that we have the option of going to Metrotown where Santa pictures are digital only and are offered based on a minimum $2 donation. All proceeds go to the Burnaby Christmas Bureau.

As frustrating as it can get navigating around mega malls like this, it’s really great to see when they offer free and cheap amenities and activities. You might remember the Mirage art installation from earlier this year. In the video, you’ll also see the kiddie train that “ding-dings” its way around the shopping complex. I think rides are a dollar each.

Then again, today is Boxing Day and that probably means that Metrotown is once again overrun with shoppers digging through for what they perceive to be the greatest deals. I’m staying home. With my family. And my coffee. And my mountains of work to do. How about you?