Holiday

The holidays can see increased pollution, especially from single-use plastics and mass consumption of disposable consumer goods. So how can you help the environment while still giving friends and family gifts they’ll love?

Are you having trouble resisting that hot co-worker? Going home for the holidays, but still want to get it on? Dear Di knows all and tells all.

‘Tis the season of indulgence. We fill ourselves up with gifts, food, and relaxation, but balance is key when it comes to holiday excess. If you want to beat the “festive 15,” staying active during the holidays is a necessity.

Through my many years of attending and hosting holiday parties, I have picked up a few tips that will help you and your guests enjoy all that delicious food, without the post-holiday pounds.

The worst part of tobogganing when you were little was dragging your sled back up the hill. Now that you’re older, you can appreciate what walking uphill will do to your glutes. It’s a calorie burner too—one hour of tobogganing can work off 345 calories.

Students share their holiday rituals WHETHER IT’S SOMETHING your family has been doing forever, or it’s a new tradition you want to start this year, everyone tends to get a little weird around the holidays. Check out the following hilarious holiday traditions from University of Ottawa students—maybe they’ll help you feel better about the weird …

Unfortunate gifts we’ve given and received at the holidays “UH, THANK YOU! It’s really, um, great!” We’ve all been there. Unwrapping a terrible present in front of the expectant gift-giver has got to be one of the most uncomfortable moments a person endures during the holiday season. Here, Fulcrum writers share their own unfortunate stories …

How to enjoy the holidays without killing the planet CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ADORN homes, illuminating nativity scenes or Santa and his reindeer. Elaborately wrapped gifts sit under elegantly decorated trees. It’s a pretty time of year, but while we’re dreaming of a white Christmas, the environment is hoping we keep it green over the holidays. Between …

There’s more to it than presents THE HOLIDAYS ARE a time when giving to others can be equally as joyous as receiving. Who doesn’t excitedly anticipate the smile on a loved one’s face as they tear apart gift-wrapping paper? Being charitable and generous toward family and friends is perhaps the best part of the holiday …

A tree ornament tells all ‘TIS THE SEASON to be angry! That’s my personal rendition of a very stupid Christmas song. As you’ve probably gathered, I absolutely cannot stand Christmas. A little part of me dies whenever somebody says, “Happy holidays,” “Seasons greetings,” or “Merry Christmas.” I know what you’re thinking: How can a freaking ornament …

Our resident sex columnist spreads a little cheer I THINK IT’S safe to say Old Saint Nick won’t be visiting me this Christmas Eve. I’ve been naughty this year—in countless different positions, three provinces, and with more than a few partners.  Santa won’t be leaving any presents under my tree, but I do have high …

Bring on the cookies, cakes, and pies IT CAN’T BE denied—the best part of the holidays is the food. The smell of turkey roasting in the oven, salads spiced with oranges and pecans, and, of course, desserts aplenty. Nothing beats your mom’s home cooking, but why wait until Dec. 24 to get your fill? Traditional …

How to deal with Dec. 25 when you don’t celebrate Christmas AS ANOTHER YEAR winds to a close, many Canadians find themselves gearing up to celebrate Christmas. The streets may be decorated with sparkling lights, but on Dec. 25, they’re deserted. Those who aren’t getting into the festivities might be wondering how to entertain themselves …

A student laments   ‘Twas the week before Christmas And all through the U of O Every student was studying Basking in their laptop screens’ glow   Their essays were written with the greatest of care And they hoped their professors would overlook any errors The professors were chained unhappily to their desks While visions …

They’ll make you laugh, they’ll make you cry… IT’S THE MOST wonderful time of the year… Or is it? Whether Christmas brings you joy and warmth or fear and loathing, there is something we all can agree on: Some holiday-themed movies are fantastic and others are complete duds. The following is a list of the …

Decorating on a broke-ass budget NO CASH? NO problem. The Fulcrum gives you a handful of tricks and tips to make your place sparkle and shine for the holidays without breaking the bank. Christmas decorating Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. If you’re someone who can’t get enough of the snow, you’ll be …

Your guide to DIY fun times this winter season ANYONE WHO’S TRIED their hand at winter sports knows that having fun in the snowy season can be pretty rough on the wallet. Skis don’t come cheap, and even a snowball fight can run up quite a tab if you’re without the winter accessories you need. …

Our favourite holiday beverages YOU’VE WRITTEN ALL your exams, handed in final essays and projects, and finished your shopping for the holidays. What’s the one thing you’re dying for now? A good, strong drink! Here, the editors of the Fulcrum share: Drink your weight in my own invention, the Yule Tide—it’s fucking delicious. In a …

A plea from a holiday well-wisher “MERRY CHRISTMAS!” THERE. I’ve said it. Those two words that have somehow, in some way, become taboo over the holidays. The well-wishing that has become associated with hushed voices and political incorrectness: I’ve wished you, all of my readers, a denominational greeting. And I do this, instead of saying …