Schema Magazine

So it's that time of year. Every shop display is a reminder that Christmas is almost here. But apart from fiendishly 'pwning' every other consumer out there for the sake of your loved ones, there are lots of opportunities to spend quality time with them, too. Here's just a handful of Schema's picks. Keep your eyes open and your carol voices ready in the coming weeks.

Shiwasu - Handmade Gifts Show and Sale

Want an eco-friendly alternative to wrapping paper, with decorative possibilities you could only dream of in papyrus? Why not get down to the Japanese Canadian National Museum and learn yourself some guerilla gift-adornment techniques? Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth. Your present will look so good it won't matter what's inside. As it rests under that tree like a prince among paupers, you will resign yourself to going down in history as a Christmas legend. Yes, Furoshiki promises all that, and you can get it at the Shiwasu - Handmade Gifts Show and Sale that runs from December 10-21, featuring local Japanese Canadian artists.

Vietnam Flood Relief Arts Showcase

In case you don't get your art fix there, L.A.-based collective Creativity Heals presents an exhibition of live performances, art pieces, a silent auction, a photo booth, and items available on sale from retailers and vendors. At the auction, you could win a signed men's Ryan Kesler jersey, a Canucks team signed hockey stick, a $400 gift package from Lululemon, a pair of concert tickets to Jay-Z/Kanye West's "Watch the Throne" tour, or a $300 gift card from Aritzia. (Who was I kidding? More stuff rawks.) Proceeds from the event go towards helping victims of the Vietnam flood devastation. So head on down to the Electric Owl Social Club on the 11th of December for a good cause. You can get tickets at various locations. A list is available at www.creativity-heals.org.

Festival of Lights @ Van Dusen Gardens

Beginning on the 9th of December and continuing till the 4th of January, the annual Festival of Lights at Van Dusen Gardens will melt the heart of the staunchest grinch. Take your kids, if you have any, for a gander among the fairy lights, or stroll among its otherworldly delights with a pretty person on your arm. Highlights include Santa's Living Room, from the 9th to the 24th of December, Svend and Jens, Scandinavian Christmas Elves who appear nightly in the Centre Court, and the Dancing Lights on Livingstone Lake show, which starts at 4.30 pm.

Christmas @ Canada Place

And what kind of holiday season would it be without Christmas at Canada Place? You could check out Woodward's Windows anytime between now and the 4th of January. According to the event website, 'in the 60's & 70's in Vancouver, Christmas meant heading down to the Woodward's Department Store with your family or sweetheart and seeing the display windows come to life with Santa, his elves, "The Lamplighter", teddy bears and more. When Woodwards closed in 1993, Canada Place purchased the windows and since then they have been a part of the holiday magic at Canada Place adding nostalgia and romance to Christmas in Vancouver.' There's another tried and tested tradition to get you truly in the holiday mood. Also check out what the Strathcona Community Centre is up to, and much more, at www.christmas.canadaplace.ca.

Schema's Own Do

Last but not least, Schema's having its annual holiday soirée this week. It's where we dine on hors d'oeuvres from nations around the world and bat about ideas on culture and identity while playing croquet. Sound like your kinda party? In case you are a literal person, we don't really do that stuff, but we have good eats and fun times. Friends of Schema are welcome, so drop us a line at rsvp@schemamag.ca if you want an invite. If you can't make it, we'll put up pictures for your vicarious enjoyment and as a shining example of festivities how-to for any occasion.

Until next week...that's all, folks!