It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As we count down the days to Christmas, we’re growing more and more excited to keep the holiday traditions alive as best we can in 2020. We’re talkin’ lights, sugar, snow, tunes – the whole shebang! Wherever you are and whatever this season looks like for you, there’s always time to get creative and welcome a little cheer. On PEI, Christmas traditions are shared by many, so in case you’re a little late getting started, here’s an Island-style go-to list to make your season bright!

Photo by Debbie Anne Adams

Tour-de-Christmas Lights

What are Christmas traditions if they don’t include piling into the car with your family, getting some hot chocolates for the road, blasting the Christmas tunes, and heading to North Rustico? We all could use a celebration of Christmas magic and twinkly lights, and this quaint seaside village always knows how to do that well.

In true Griswald fashion, each street is lined with music and incredible displays of cheer, but of course, the pièce de résistance awaits on Allen Street with a very touching story of what lead to such grandeur during the holiday season. Whether it’s a yearly tradition or you’ve never been before, don’t miss out on Christmas in the Crick in 2020! Can’t get here this year? Here’s a video of the town to get you in the holiday spirit.

North Rustico Christmas, Photo by Rachel Peters

Get Your Bake On

Everyone has their own favourite recipes when it comes to holiday baking. Whether it’s your mom’s famous peanut brittle, Uncle John’s perfect meat pies, your favourite recipe for rich and creamy maple fudge, or an endless supply of shortbreads, plum puddings, and gingersnaps whose recipes have been passed through the family tree for years… the holidays just aren’t the same without these staples.

If you’re in the market for a few new sweet treats, Island cookie guru, Savour By Shannon has a bounty of Christmas cookie recipes to try over on Instagram. So with only a few days left until Christmas, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, pre-heat that oven, and get crackin’ on the cookin’!

Photo by Savour by Shannon

Photo by Savour by Shannon

Photo by Savour by Shannon

Movie Nights & Snacks Galore!

While we’re not going to get into the debate of which Christmas movie is best (Elf, The Santa Clause, Home Alone, It’s a Wonderful Life… there’s too many to choose!), we absolutely will dive into the debate of the best movie snacks to pair with said Christmas movie. A holiday movie night isn’t just for snacks like microwave popcorn and All Dressed chips. No, a holiday movie night calls for the most delicious snacks that can be found on PEI!

Treats like the one and only ADL Eggnog that pairs so well with the savoury-sweet combo of COWS chips. A charcuterie board filled with fine cheeses from Glasgow Glen. A tub of holiday-flavoured ice cream from Holman’s Ice Cream Parlour (Chicken Bone or Chocolate Orange, anyone?). And of course, pizza and garlic fingers from Famous Peppers paired with an ice cold Gahan Beer. You’ll be full of Christmas spirit AND full to the brim with Island goodness.

Photo by Famous Peppers

Holman’s Ice Cream | Photo by Grace Worth

Photo by Cows

Photo by ADL PEI

Photo by Gahan Beer

Slip n’ Slide

Grab yer’ snowpants, Sally! Maybe it’s nostalgia, maybe it’s the excitement of a holiday, or maybe it’s just the magic of Christmas, but the moment flakes fly, we bundle up head to toe and grab our crazy carpets, spiral saucers, snow tubes, and toboggans to catch the thrill of the (snow covered) hill. So where are you headed? Stonepark School? Mill River? Brookvale? Whichever you choose, slipping and sliding down the hills on a snowy winter day over your Christmas holiday simply can’t be beat.

Photo by Julie Audoux Photographie

Photo by Julie Audoux Photographie

Photo by Julie Audoux

Kitchen Parties 2.0

2020 is the year to adjust and pivot when it comes to holiday plans. But instead of giving up on the Christmas parties entirely, may we make one, outrageously fun and absolutely necessary suggestion? Zoom Kitchen Parties.

That’s right, you heard us correctly. Pour your drinks, put on your ugliest of Ugly Christmas Sweaters, and gather as many guitars, harmonicas, and spoons that can fit into the camera frame and let your 2020 Christmas party run wild! Join the call and swap Christmas memories, catch up with friends and family, have sing-a-longs, take as many snack breaks as you need (and then some), and let your Christmas and New Year be merry and bright.

The Christmas season is a warm and wonderful time with family and friends. We reminisce on memories of years past and share excitement for what the New Year might bring.  Whether the fun is shared over Zoom or in-person,  these PEI traditions bring a little magic into the season. Isn’t that what Christmas is all about? If we’ve missed your favourite tradition, we’d love to hear what you’re up to this season, and if these spark inspiration into your holiday, then we hope they continue for many years to come!

Photo by Discover Charlottetown

For more PEI Holiday and Winter Fun, check out A PEI Christmas List, A Glimpse Into an Island Winter Wonderland, and Proof That PEI Winters Are Amazing.