Lose yourself here in the magic of Christmas. It’s not hard to do as everywhere you turn, you are allured to explore further, what you would like to share with your loved ones this holiday season.

Reviewed by Lorrie Holmes

When asked what Christmas means to store owner, Ed Holden, he offers, “I love Christmas. I personally like the good feelings it brings out in people. We are very fortunate to live where we do. I think most Canadians appreciate the peaceful lives we enjoy in this country, and these feelings come to the surface around the holidays.” As New Years Day rolls around, most of us will start packing up Christmas and focusing on the year ahead, but not here. After they put everything away and freshen up the entire store, Ed’s team of Christmas enthusiasts will be busy starting all over again, working on next year’s Christmas theme.

Our task is to create a magical experience that appeals to all ages and especially children, Ed reflects.

Painting by Child Artist, Lexi, who is a Grade 6 student.

WiSH NUMBER ONE – UNDERSTANDING

I wish for understanding. Understanding is important to kids because seeing things from different points of view makes us feel grateful for everything we have. As we see the world differently than others, it makes us want to help whoever doesn’t understand the way we see things.

by Parker, Age 11.

 

 

Starting off our CHRiSTMAS CONNECTiONS theme in this enchanted Christmassy village was so much fun. Surrounded by nostalgia of times gone past, it was the perfect reminder for both Anika and I, of all the simple things that bring us closer at this time of year.

Written by Marlene Lockhrin

I had heard through a friend that Burnaby Village Museum is quite charming and festive during the Christmas season, so I thought this could be a special start to our ‘CHRiSTMAS CONNECTIONS’ outings for me and my new-to-the-teenage-years daughter, Anika.  I envisioned us strolling through the winter lights, arm in arm. Yes, I confess, it was perhaps a bit selfish of me, just wanting to see her eyes light up the way a little girls does from the magic of Christmas. Don’t get me wrong, she still loves Christmas and all that comes with it, but I just wanted to bring out that sense of wonderment that sadly shifts as we mature.

This little gem of a toy store, is waiting with warm friendly arms to remind generations both old and new, what you can experience when visiting an independent toy store this holiday season.

Reviewed by Lorrie Holmes

 

There is something magical about a toy store at Christmastime. Especially a storefront one, where you can open the doors and be instantly greeted by all the sights and sounds that bring you right back to your own childhood.

We’ve chosen to do our first toy reviews this holiday season at such a place. This little independent gem is located right here in Delta, British Columbia, Canada. With such an interesting inventory and a very personable staff, Toys + Tech is one of those places that takes a lot of pride in making sure all of their customers are finding what they came in for, whatever that may be.

And so it begins. The struggles of raising a teenager are heart wrenching, frustrating, and just simply aging me. But we press on day to day with love in our hearts. It seems we receive the brunt of their anger and are the main target when they have bad days and sometimes I get tired of being seen as mostly the bad guy. As luck and fortune would have it, my daughter and I were graced with a 24 hour, epic getaway for just the two of us. It was something we both really needed. Life seems to have disconnected us as of late, so this was a chance to hopefully bond and give our mother-daughter relationship that much needed boost.  

Written by Marlene Lochkrin

Teacher Ana had fun today introducing a new Community Helper Creative Arts Theme to her preschool students at Neverland Children’s Centre in Ladner, British Columbia.

ORDER OF TODAY’S ACTIVITIES

1.   Ana introduces the children to the We Can Be Heroes music video.

Ana discusses what a hero is. Children share their ideas of the people in their community whom they consider to be the everyday heroes.

Written by LORRIE HOLMES

For the launch of KiDS NEWS & REViEWS, we have created our editorial lineup around the theme of The Everyday Hero. We did so because it’s empowering. It focuses on selflessness, bravery, and respect. On doing things for the sole purpose of helping others while not expecting anything in return. Our mandate is to focus on what we have to offer our society instead of what is lacking. These are all the things we want our children to think about. As the editor and parent of KiDS NEWS & REViEWS, I’m wanting to keep our children’s voices proactive. Focusing them on what can be gained if they share their communication with each other, and with us adults – as both teachers and caregivers. Regardless of their ideas, thoughts and emotions, I encourage our kids to share them all. To fully express themselves by coming up with their own opinions and solutions. Not unlike us adults, kids also want to feel heard and understood. So let’s encourage them to lend us their voices, and even their hearts if we’re really lucky! As children write the content here, they will speak directly to each other. As editor, I am thrilled to work with them on shaping their stories to be emotionally intelligent, inspiring and honest. This will hopefully open up a whole new world of communication for them – and even for us adults – to help us better guide our youth in our ever changing world.