#holiday magic Toronto

[uglyandtraveling]

Toronto's Santa Claus Parade: 120 Years of Magic and an Uncertain Future

Discover the magic of Toronto's 120th Santa Claus Parade, a cherished tradition since 1905. Learn about its future, challenges, and watch the festive celebration in 4K!

[taratarotgreene]

Wild danger, Chaos, Radical change at Scorpio New Moon

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Scorpio New Moon Nov. 13 at 1:27 am PST/4:27 am EST/9:27 am GMT is one of the most intense and wild New Moons. The SUN And Moon are conjunct at 20 degrees + SCORPIO conjunct warrior Mars at 22 degrees with Ceres the Great Mother dwarf planet nearby. The Moon is considered fallen in Scorpio opposite the sign it is blessed in Taurus. Mars and Venus are both in their…

[misshoneyimhome]

i LIVE for dad willy!! imagine willy taking his little baby to the all star game. getting to take the baby on the ice and hanging around w his teammates. i can’t it’s so cute

Oh darling, I hear you 🤗❤️

Now I might have accidentally mixed up my own timeline, my bad 🙈 but I attempted to incorporate it into this 「Dad!Willy x reader」 (I'm not saying my manifestation worked, but my manifestation worked 🙌🏼) and simply expanded upon the plot - and yes, we're embracing the Star Wars order for this one 😂

But I sincerely hope you enjoy it, love 🤍

Word count; 1.2K

・✶ ｡ﾟ

Hey now, you’re All Star 🌟 I William Nylander [Dad!Willy]

Being pregnant was likely one of the toughest things you've ever experienced, maybe only surpassed by the pain of giving birth. But fortunately, that part tended to fade from memory, thanks to the brain's chemical magic.

Yet, what proved even more challenging was when William hit the road with the Leafs, leaving you alone with your newborn. Thankfully, both your mum and William's mum came to your aid during the team's first week away since your son's birth.

Still, it was tough. You simply wanted William to fully engage with his new role as a parent. That meant waking up in the middle of the night when the baby cried, handling round-the-clock feeding, and changing diapers. Naturally, William wasn't too thrilled about those tasks; they weren't exactly his favourite types of duties.

But whenever he was home in Toronto, though, you made sure he took on his fair share of parenting responsibilities – minus the breastfeeding, which had to do with formula. And surprisingly, William embraced the father role quite adeptly. He was even amazed at how fatherly he felt.

In the last months of your pregnancy, William had a bundle of concerns about the impending chapter in your lives. But fortunately, the other fathers on the team provided ample support, guiding him through the typical worries of first-time fatherhood. And when Eliot finally arrived, William felt well-prepared for his new role.

He proudly took Eliot to the rink to introduce him to his teammates, carrying him around and even skating a few rounds, while you nervously watched from the side-lines. Nothing went wrong; and it was utterly adorable, almost enough to make your ovaries applaud.

And the first hockey games with Eliot were memorable too. Snuggled up in a blanket with oversized headphones on his tiny head, you watched as the Leafs hit the ice.

Then the first offseason came, and it was exhilarating as you both embraced your roles as full-time parents. Travelling back home to visit your parents and heading to Sweden to spend time with William's family were cherished moments. And upon returning to Toronto, you settled back into your routine, with William focused on hockey, and you splitting your time between fellow hockey mums and juggling remote work.

Easier said than done, though. Despite Eliot being a sweet child, being alone with a new born wasn't always a stroll in the park.

So, whenever William had a day off, you made him take over parenting duties so you could catch up on some much-needed sleep. And as he, too, needed the rest after days filled with hockey games and training, eventually, you settled disagreements on who should take the parenting reins with mature rounds of rock, paper, scissors.

The holidays were the next highlight on your calendar – the first Christmas together as a small family of three. And it was absolutely wonderful. Eliot was, of course, spoiled with presents, and you went all out with Christmas decorations. It was a wholesome experience, with most of William's and your family members visiting, some attending hockey matches, while others helped care for Eliot and prepare dinner.

And after the holidays, you returned to the routine of everyday life in January – or as "every day" as life could be as a hockey partner. Just a week into the new year, William's contract extension was in its final stages, and you were beyond excited about the outcome. Naturally, you’d followed him everywhere, knowing that being with both him and your child was essential. But when the contract negotiations concluded, you were beyond thrilled that your family would remain in Toronto for the next eight years.

In your mind, this stability meant Eliot could enjoy a solid childhood without frequent moves. And it was no secret that it held special significance for William, given his own experience of not staying in one place for long during childhood.

To add to the excitement, William was gearing up to participate in this year's NHL All-Star Game events, an extra special occasion as it would be hosted in Toronto. Fans had voted him in, marking his debut as one of the players on the ice. It was an event that everyone looked forward to, though you were also slightly jealous of hearing the other wives were talking about finally having some time off with their husbands. 

Yet, the All-Star Game turned out to be a fantastic event.

The NHL had gone all out in preparations for the All-Star event – red carpets, journalists, countless interviews, and interactions with the Toronto community. William, alongside Auston, Mo, and Mitchy, was in the spotlight. And naturally, your man had to make his entrance with nothing but style.

You could almost sense how many people were admiring him, but as you stood there holding Eliot in your arms, all you felt was pride. Only one person felt prouder than you: William.

At the first opportunity, he scooped up Eliot and proudly showcased him to the cameras. Everyone commented on how stylish the little Willy Styles lookalike appeared, and you couldn't help but beam as William posed with him.

Even during interviews, Eliot sat contentedly in William's lap. Luckily, he was a well-behaved child, sitting still while William answered questions.

Then the main event began.

After the drafting ceremony, you quickly found matching jerseys for you and Eliot to support the blue team. The then the All-Star challenges began. William of course excelled in almost all the disciplines, and the blue team even secured a victory in the end.

Yet, the most amazing part of the weekend wasn't just witnessing William's stellar performance on the ice. It was the company of other partners, combined with the electric energy from the fans in the arena – an experience beyond imagination if you hadn't been there. You had the chance to mingle with other players on a friendly level, given that it wasn't part of the regular season. And meeting unexpected celebrities added to the overall fantastic atmosphere.

Then came the moment that melted your heart all over again.

William skated back onto the ice, this time holding Eliot in front of everyone – the fans, fellow hockey players, and cameras. And he exuded nothing but pride. William was thrilled to showcase his first-born son, a moment he hadn't expected to experience so soon in his life.

It was incredible how Eliot could sleep through almost all of it – a clear testament to who his father was, something you couldn't help but find incredibly amusing.

And after the time in the spotlight, you caught up with two of William's sisters, Michelle and Stephanie as they, too, were thrilled about Eliot, playing the role of the young and energised aunts. Which allowed you and William to have a brief moment to yourselves.

"Have I ever mentioned how much I love you?" William smiled, finally able to hold you closely with no cameras around and no baby in between you.

"Not nearly enough," you chuckled before pulling him in for a heartfelt kiss.

The kiss deepened a sweet and intimate moment that spoke volumes without the need for words. You both relished in the tranquillity, grateful for this stolen moment of connection amidst the whirlwind of events. As you pulled away, there was a shared understanding that, amid the exciting and busy life you led, these quiet moments together were the ones you cherished the most. With a lingering smile, you and William rejoined the company of family and friends, appreciating the joyous atmosphere surrounding you.

[mariacallous]

For those who might be interested, next Saturday the Ukrainian Museum will be having a live performance of Ukrainian christmas carols:

MUSIC AT THE MUSEUM: KOLIADA

While visiting the Museum, enjoy the sounds of the season: a live performance of beautiful Ukrainian Christmas carols, known as koliady(singular: koliada).These and otherUkrainian winter holiday songs will be performed by sisters Kalyna and Uliana Leshchuk – Duet Malvy – who will sing and play a magical-sounding Ukrainian stringed instrument, the bandura. This musical holiday treat is free for all Museum visitors with general admission paid at the door. There will be two performances, at 2.00 and 3.30.

Saturday 16 December, 2.00 PM and 3.30 PM (two performances) FREE for Members Included with general admission for non-members Pre-registration is not required.

About the Performers: Duet Malvy

Kalyna and Uliana Leshchuk are vocalists as well as bandura players. They have performed as a duet throughout the tri-state area. Kalyna and Uliana have performed at the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN, General Consulate of Lithuania, Picatinny Arsenal, and Bloor West Village Festival in Toronto. They have also performed at churches and synagogues and at various International Club meetings. Both are members of the Women’s Bandura Ensemble of North America. They are also active members of Plast, CYM, and the Iskra Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. In the spring of 2018, Uliana performed at the Golden Key Festival winners’ recital at Carnegie Hall.

[d-criss-news]

Darren Criss Announces New Holiday Tour Dates Across the U.S. & Canada

Darren Criss is celebrating "Crissmas" this year with a brand-new lineup of holiday tour dates!

Criss will be playing The Town Hall in New York City on December 5 and will also be stopping in Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, Detroit, Toronto, Indianapolis, Nashville, and more. Check out the complete list of tour dates below!

"Summer is coming to an end (well, not in [Australia]) … which means it’s time to think about cold weather (in [the U.S.]!) Announcing a TON of NEW Holiday Show dates to warm up your November and December," Criss captioned his Instagram post announcing the dates.

Pre-sale will begin this Wednesday, September 13 at 10:00 am local time. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, September 15 at 10:00 am local. Click Here for more information on how to buy tickets.

Criss released his first-ever holiday album entitled “A Very Darren Crissmas” on Decca Records in 2021. In it, he brought his radiant imagination and encyclopedic musical knowledge to a wildly eclectic collection of songs: big-band standards and novelty tunes, mid-century musical numbers and modern-day folk-pop ballads.

Criss’ original track “Drunk on Christmas” featuring country chart-topper Lainey Wilson, showcased his effortless ingenuity as a songwriter. The result is an essential new entry into the holiday-music canon, both thrillingly unpredictable and touched with a timeless sense of Christmas magic.

Made with Ron Fair, multi-Grammy® nominee and producer of numerous GRAMMY-winning hits, “A Very Darren Crissmas” also featured special guest appearances by Adam Lambert and Evan Rachel Wood. “A Very Darren Crissmas” was only the latest evidence of Criss’ singular gifts as a song interpreter. 

Darren Criss Holiday Tour Dates November 21 - Atlanta Symphony Hall - Atlanta, GA November 22 - Knight Theatre - Charlotte, NC November 24 - Charleston Music Hall - Charleston, SC November 25 - Bilheimer Capitol Theatre - Clearwater, FL November 27 - Barbara B Mann Performance Arts Hall - Fort Myers, FL November 28 - Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker - Ft Lauderdale, FL November 29 - Steinmetz Music Hall at Dr. Phillips Center - Orlando, FL December 1 - Carolina Theatre - Durham, NC December 2 - The Barns at Wolf Trap - Vienna, VA December 3 - The Barns at Wolf Trap - Vienna, VA December 4 - Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre at the Count Basie Center for the Arts - Red Bank, NJ December 5 - The Town Hall - New York, NY December 6 - The Ridgefield Playhouse - Ridgefield, CT December 7 - Emerson Colonial Theatre - Boston, MA December 9 - Elgin Theatre - Toronto, ON December 10 - Fisher Theatre - Detroit, MI December 11 - Atenaeum Theater - Chicago, IL December 12 - Barrymore Theatre - Madison, WI December 13 - The Commons at Nugent-Custer Performance Hall - Columbus, IN December 15 - Center Stage At Mgm Northfield Park - Northfield, OH December 16 - The Cabaret - Indianapolis, IN December 17 - The Cabaret - Indianapolis, IN December 19 - Lexington Opera House At Lexington Center - Lexington, KY December 28 - Cma Theatre At The Country Music Hall Of Fame - Nashville, TN

[scfrozenover]

If you felt like yesterday got you all warmed up, we've got an outstanding Day 2 lined up for you! Time to revel in the holiday cheer!

If you’re following along, check out today’s works on our Google spreadsheet. 

*❄️*

DAY 2 REVEALS

the magic number (is three)

[David/Patrick - E - 36,438]

Paul fucking Shaffer.

He was the reason David was home so early, nervously awaiting the arrival of the new piano player. He’d hoped this rift between Shaffer and his mother was enough to prompt the long overdue retirement of The Number, the gift of yuletide relief. But apparently Moira was taking it as an opportunity to breathe new life into the performance. New pianist, new arrangement, new choreography.

Enter Patrick Brewer.

or, three years of The Number.

*❄️*

you light me up like starlight

[David/Patrick - M - 5,858]

If one thing is for certain, David Rose is not in New York anymore.

Sure, he knew that, but when his boyfriend mentioned that he and his fellow band members, Ted and Twyla, as well as their manager Rachel, were heading back to their Canadian hometown for the annual holiday charity concert, he pictured a charming Toronto suburb, not the middle of fucking nowhere. There are cows out here.

Patrick and his indie band head back to their hometown to perform for the annual holiday charity concert, and David tags along, even though they are still keeping their relationship a secret.

*❄️*

Patrick B. PreK-4.

[David/Patrick, Marcy/Clint - G - 1,987]

David Rose never made crafty ornaments for his Christmas tree as a child. Can Marcy Brewer throw an ornament making night for David?

*❄️*

The Best Things in Life Are Free

[Alexis/Twyla - T - 1,760]

It's the thought that counts, right?

 *❄️*

Subway, Santas and Mild Road Rage

[David/Patrick - T - 2,345]

David and Patrick head to New Jersey for Christmas, and everything goes according to plan. No problems along the way whatsoever.

 *❄️*

Subway, Santas, and Mild Road Rage [podfic]

[David/Patrick - T - 16m:45s]

David and Patrick head to New Jersey for Christmas, and everything goes according to plan. No problems along the way whatsoever. Podfic of the same-titled fic.

 *❄️*CREATORS: If your works were released today, please don't forget to update your posting date!

[brookston]

Holidays 6.12

Holidays

Anne Frank Day

Bedstraw Day (French Republic)

Blue Galaxy Day

Children’s Day (Haiti)

Crowded Nest Syndrome Day

Dia dos Namorados (Brazil)

Flag Day (Brazil; New Zealand)

Ghost in the Machine Day

Grimace Day

Helsinki Day (Finland)

Idol Day

Indiana Jones Day

International Adobo Day

International DDX3X Day

International Dubbing Day

International Shia Day

Interracial Marriage Day

June 12 Commemoration (Lagos State, Nigeria)

Lancaster Day (UK)

Little League Girls Baseball Day

Lover’s Day (Japan)

Loving Day

Magic Day

Man of Steel Day

Mother’s Day (Luxembourg)

National Automotive Service Professionals Day

National Black Men Don’t Cheat Day

National Button Battery Awareness Day

National Cancer Thriver Day

National Chiropractic Health Assistant Day (Canada)

National Control Room Worker’s Day

National Cougar Day

National Dairy Goat Awareness Day

National Dame Day

National Esther Day

National Great Dane Day

National Harm Reduction Day (Canada)

National Hospital at Home Patients Day

National Magic Day

National X Day

Orlando United Day (Florida)

Peace Day (Kosovo)

Perfect Game Day

Portland Trail Blazers Day (Oregon)

Pulse Remembrance Day

Queen’s Birthday (Pitcairn Islands, Tuvalu)

Railway Day (Japan)

Red Rose Day

Rock Around the Clock Day

Russia Day (Russia)

Science Day (Turkmenistan)

Senior Race Day (Isle of Man)

Sharon Needles Day (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

612 Day (Minnesota)

Spoonful of Sugar Day

Spousal Abuse Day

State Protection Service Day (Poland)

Stock Market Employees Day (Ukraine)

Superman Day

Swiss Army Knife Day

Tear Down This Wall Day

Valentine’s Day (Brazil)

Welsh Bands T-Shirt Day (UK)

We Remember 612 Day (Hong Kong)

Women’s Veterans Day

World Day Against Child Labour (UN)

Food & Drink Celebrations

Chuy’s National Taco Day

International Cachaca Day

International Falafel Day

National Apple Cinnamon Muffin Day

National Jerky Day

Peanut Butter Cookie Day

Pink Spaghetti Day

Poultry Day

Independence & Related Days

Act of Settlement Day (UK; 1701)

Bill of Rights Day (Virginia; 1776)

Chaco Armistice Day (Paraguay)

Constitution Day (Turks & Caicos Island)

Democracy Day (Nigeria)

Philippines (from Spain, 1898)

2nd Wednesday in June

National Time Out Day [2nd Wednesday]

Worshipful Company of Vintners of the City of London Annual Procession [2nd Wednesday]

Weekly Holidays beginning June 12 (2nd Full Week)

California State Parks Week (thru 6.16)

International Listening Association Week (thru 6.16)

Raggedy Ann and Andy Days (thru 6.13)

Festivals Beginning June 12, 2024

Emmett Cherry Festival (Emmett, Idaho) [thru 6.15]

Ice Cream Days (Le Mars, Iowa) [thru 6.15]

Mattituck Strawberry Festival (Mattituck, New York) [thru 6.16]

North by Northeast [NXNE] (Toronto, Canada) [thru 6.16]

San Diego County Fair (Del Mar, California) [thru 7.7]

Taste of London (London, UK) [thru 6.16]

Teapot Day (Tea, South Dakota) [thru 6.15]

W. C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival (Henderson, Kentucky) [thru 6.15]

Feast Days

Adriaen van Stalbemt (Artology)

St. Anthony’s Day Eve (Portugal)

Antonina (Christian; Martyr)

Bannocks Day (Celtic Book of Days)

Basilides, Cyrinus, Nabor and Nazarius (Christian; Martyrs)

Be More Paranoid Day (Pastafarian)

Bob Katz (Muppetism)

St. Charles Borromeo (Positivist; Saint)

Dave Berg (Artology)

Egon Schiele (Artology)

Enmegahbowh (Episcopal Church)

Eskil of Sweden (Christian; Martyr)

Feast of the Blessed Polish Martyrs of World War II

Festival of Mut (Ancient Egypt)

First Ecumenical Council (Lutheran)

Gaspar Bertoni (Christian; Saint)

Gerard Hoffnung Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Gin Day (Pastafarian)

Guy of Cortona (Christian; Saint)

Henry Scott Tuke (Artology)

Hildegard Burjan (Christian; Blessed)

Johanna Spyri (Writerism)

John of Sahagún (Christian; Saint)

Korean Rice Farmers Stream Hair Washing Day (Everyday Wicca)

Len Wein (Artology)

Leo III, Pope (Christian; Saint)

Media Ver VII (Pagan)

Odulf (Christian; Saint)

Onuphrius (Christian; Saint)

Peter of Mount Athos (Christian; Saint)

Sparky Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Ternan, Bishop of the Picts (Christian; Saint)

Zeus’ Day (Ancient Greece)

108 Martyrs of World War II (Christian)

Hebrew Calendar Holidays [Begins at Sundown Day Before]

Shavuot, Day 2 (Judaism) [6-7 Sivan] (a.k.a. …

Feast of the Harvest

Feast of Weeks

Festival of Weeks

First-Fruit festival

Wheat Harvest

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Prime Number Day: 163 [38 of 72]

Taian (大安 Japan) [Lucky all day.]

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [34 of 57]

Premieres

Admission Free (Betty Boop Cartoon; 1932)

All About Dogs (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1942)

Andy Warhol’s Blue Movie (a.k.a. Fuck; Adult Film; 1969)

Are You My Mother?, by P.D. Eastman (Children’s Book; 1960)

The Brighter Buccaneer, by Leslie Charteris (Short Stories; 1933) [Saint #12]

Bullet Park, by John Cheever (Novel; 1969)

Can’t Hardly Wait (Film; 1998)

Chesapeake, by James A. Michener (Historical Novel; 1978)

Chuck Berry Is On Top, by Chuck Berry (Album; 1959)

Clash of the Titans (Film; 1981)

Cleopatra (Film; 1963)

Clockwork Angels, by Rush (Album; 2012)

Coming Up for Air, by George Orwell (Novel; 1939)

Deep Throat (Adult Film; 1972)

Donald’s Garden (Disney Cartoon; 1942)

Donovan’s Reef (Film; 1963)

Farmer Al Falfa’s Bedtime Story (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1932)

Food, Inc. (Documentary Film; 2009)

Foundation and Empire, by Isaac Asimov (Novel; 1952) [Foundation #2]

Go Bo Diddly, by Bo Diddly (Album; 1959)

History of the World: Part 1 (Film; 1981)

The Horse Soldiers (Film; 1959)

I’ll Chase the Blues Away, recorded by Ella Fitzgerald (Song; 1935)

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot (Science Book; 2010)

Jurassic World (Film; 2015)

Line of Duty (BBC TV Series; 2012)

Love and Kisses, recorded by Ella Fitzgerald (Song; 1935)

Mariah Carey, by Mariah Carey (Album; 1990)

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (Film; 2015)

Moon (Film; 2009)

Palestrina, by Hans Pfitzner (Opera; 1917)

Predator (Film; 1987)

Raiders of the Lost Ark (Film; 1981)

Rhapsody in Blue, by George Gershwin (Orchestral Jazz; 1924)

The Sailor’s Home (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1936)

She’s Not There, recorded by The Zombies (Song; 1964)

Some Time in New York City, by John Lennon (Album; 1972)

Speedway (Film; 1968)

Superman vs. The Elite (Animated WB Film; 2012)

Surfer Girl, recorded by The Beach Boys (Song; 1963)

Swingers (Film; 1997)

Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, by Blink-182 (Album; 2001)

Testimony of Two Men, by Taylor Caldwell (Novel; 1968)

Toreadorable (Fleischer/Famous Popeye Cartoon; 1953)

2 Cool 4 Skool, by BTS (Album; 2013)

The Witches of Eastwick (Film; 1987)

Today’s Name Days

Florinda, Guido, Leo (Austria)

Bazilid, Gašpar, Leon (Croatia)

Antonie (Czech Republic)

Balisius (Denmark)

Eskel, Esko (Estonia)

Esko (Finland)

Guy (France)

Florinda, Guido, Leo (Germany)

Onoufrios (Greece)

Villő (Hungary)

Basilide, Guido, Onofrio (Italy)

Ija, Narda, Nora (Latvia)

Anupras, Dovė, Kristijonas, Kristis, Ramūnas (Lithuania)

Sigfrid, Sigrid, Siri (Norway)

Antonina, Bazyli, Jan, Leon, Onufry, Wyszemir (Poland)

Onufrie, Pavel, Petru (România)

Zlatko (Slovakia)

Juan, Onofre (Spain)

Eskil (Sweden)

Onopriy (Ukraine)

Ahmad, Ahmed, Aisha, Asia, Mohamed, Mohammad, Mohammed (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 164 of 2024; 202 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 3 of week 24 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Duir (Oak) [Day 4 of 28]

Chinese: Month 5 (Geng-Wu), Day 7 (Ding-Wei)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 6 Sivan 5784

Islamic: 5 Dhu al-Hijjah 1445

J Cal: 14 Blue; Sevenday [14 of 30]

Julian: 30 May 2024

Moon: 36%: Waxing Crescent

Positivist: 23 St. Paul (6th Month) [St. Charles Borromeo]

Runic Half Month: Dag (Day) [Day 4 of 15]

Season: Spring (Day 86 of 92)

Week: 2nd Full Week of June)

Zodiac: Gemini (Day 23 of 31)

[swaps55]

Let It Snow

Reposting an older holiday fic. :)

mShenko, rated G. Prompt: Caught in a snowstorm

Ao3

~

The snow is festive, at least.

Too often there isn’t much snow in December, especially in Vancouver, and all the holiday decorations just end up looking drab and…damp under the grey winter skies. Not so today. The flakes of snow outside are coming down even thicker than they had been back in the mountains of the BC Interior. Snow this hard isn’t that uncommon out at the orchard, but Vancouver usually doesn’t see it.

Outside the train station, wreaths hanging on the lampposts wear a fresh blanket of white. Too early in the day for various holiday lights to be on, but Kaidan vividly remembers the massive display the city puts on down by the bay every year. Adding snow to the mix will make it nothing short of magic. Been a long time since he’s been on Earth for Christmas, and this year will be Shepard’s first experience with Christmas period.

It’s…not going well.

Outside may look like a pleasant winter wonderland, but inside the train station the collective mood of the thickening crowd waiting for loved ones gets farther and farther from goodwill to all, despite the plethora of Santa hats and garish holiday sweaters.

Shepard in particular has the look in his eyes that usually precedes solving a problem with a shotgun, which contrasts rather spectacularly with the evergreen sweater and gold jingle bell on a bright red cord Kaidan strung around his neck. The farther away they get from wearing combat armor, the more fascinating it is to see the soldier emerge.

If Kaidan had any idea how stressful the prospect of celebrating a holiday was going to become, he wouldn’t have pushed for it. For the past two weeks Shepard has approached Christmas like he’s coordinating a full-scale assault on an enemy stronghold. Like it’s something he has to win. The poor tree they’d decorated in the living room practically salutes every time he walks through the door.

Kaidan hasn’t dared introduce the ugly sweater concept. The levels Sam could take it to don’t bear thinking about, so he’ll leave that one for his mother.

If she ever gets here.

Shepard paces the train platform, bell jangling with each step, occasionally glaring up at the arrival screen, where the 13:00 train from Kamloops still shows Delayed in red letters.

Kaidan eyes him cautiously. Despite the temptation to say ‘I told you so,’ a peace-on-Earth approach is probably the better choice right now. If Shepard were particularly open to peaceful negotiation.

“Fucking weather,” Shepard mutters under his breath, peering out a window with a scowl. “I hate planets.”

He’s not open to peaceful negotiation.

They’d spent four hours in a skycar to get here, in spite of all of Kaidan’s arguments for why it was a bad idea. Shepard hasn’t learned yet that when Kaidan’s mother makes a plan, you don’t alter the plan. And the plan had been she would take the high-speed rail from Toronto to Vancouver and find her own way to the orchard. It was her plan. Sam’s idea to surprise her at the station was doomed to failure, no matter how noble his intentions.

Of course, the fact he wanted to do it so badly is more than Kaidan’s heart can stand, but that doesn’t change the laws of the universe. Or his mother.

“You can’t surprise my mother,” Kaidan tried to tell him. “It doesn’t work. Trust me.”

“It’ll work,” Sam insisted, back when he was naïve and optimistic.

Shepard, so accustomed to the galaxy getting out of his way whenever he it wanted to, doesn’t understand the opposing force that is Lora Alenko. Or blizzards.

“I flew a Mako through a mass relay and we really can’t figure out how to keep the trains running in snow?” Shepard demands.

“Apparently,” Kaidan says, suppressing a sigh. The sigh would not help matters.

The red lights on the arrival sign flicker, then change. Sam straightens, hopeful, until the word Cancelled appears.

“Son of a bitch,” he swears, throwing an arm in the air. “Fuck this holiday bullshit.” A few people look in his direction, including a kid wearing a red and green knit cap who can’t be more than ten. He grips his mother’s hand, eyes widening with recognition.

Chagrin creeps over Shepard’s face. He clears his throat and offers the kid a salute, before dragging Kaidan further away from the crowd.

“First,” he says, before Kaidan can open his mouth. “Don’t say it. Second, now what do we do?”

“We go home,” Kaidan says gently. “She’ll get here when she gets here. It’s fine.”

“No it isn’t.” Shepard runs a hand over his scalp and continues pacing. More people start looking their way, so Kaidan takes him by the hand and leads him outside, where the snow continues falling even thicker than before. At this point, just getting themselves home is going to be interesting.

Sam continues muttering under his breath as they walk, jingle bell tinkling merrily. Kaidan puts a hand on his arm, tightening until he stops.

“Hey,” Kaidan says.

Shepard turns his glare skyward, as though he has half a mind to out-temper the storm. Wouldn’t be the first time. He’d ground Noveria’s snow right under his heel. Of course, that time he’d had an armored tank with an eezo core. Surely he can’t do the same with a skycar.

…surely.

Read the rest on Ao3

[cotecoyotegrrrl]

Once Upon A Time - Still Kind of Beautiful - part 2

Not exactly a holiday story

There's a letter on the desktop that I dug out of a drawer  The last truce we ever came to from our adolescent war  And I start to feel the fever from the warm air through the screen You come regular like seasons shadowing my dreams 

Indigo Girls

You can find of this story in its entirety on A03 and FF

Summary:

Holly has come home for the holidays to visit family, and maybe, just maybe, find some holiday magic.

Part 2

Holly is home for the holidays. Home. What a strange and wonderful thing, even though she hasn't lived in this city in a decade, Toronto still feels like home. She comes home about once or twice a year to spend a few weeks to a month visiting friends and relatives, living in the guestroom of what is now her sister's townhouse, although she still owns it. On longer visits, like this one, she combines pleasure with business, hanging out in the morgue, getting caught up with old colleagues, and now that she let her boss talk her into being on that stupid show, giving lectures and making a few official public appearances, God or somebody help her.

It used to be easier avoiding Gail. When Sophie and Leo were young, all that Traci needed to do was to get Gail to babysit the kids for an evening and they would meet up for drinks at The Black Penny. Now that the kids are both old enough to be in collage, it's harder, even though Holly knows Gail doesn't really go out much anymore. She knows she's taken the coward's way out. As Traci says, it's been ten years for Christ's sake, what is she still afraid of? They did part as friends. Right? And now, Traci tells her, laughing at her the whole time, Sophie is a big fan of the show and wants to meet her. It's like she's become the butt of some bad, sad cosmic joke. She sighs and drops her forehead into her arms that are resting on the bar. Seamus, the regular bartender at the Penny, pushes a Jack and Coke in front of her without being asked.

"It's good to see you Doc!" He says as he goes back to polishing the glassware, "This one's on me."

"Thanks Seamus!" She smiles, sitting back up to lift the glass to her mouth. The barely tainted liquor burns all the way down.

Just the way Gail likes it, or did, in any case.

It's been ten years, three months, and sixteen days since she kissed the blonde officer goodbye at the airport on her way to her new life, not that she would know. Ten years, three months, sixteen days, and nine and a half hours since she boarded that plane to be exact, if she kept track of those kinds of things. Ten years, three months, sixteen days, and four hours since she left a message on Gail's voicemail letting her know that her flight had landed in San Francisco, and began to wait for a reply that never came. She thought about reaching out to Gail when Traci told her that Sophie's adoption didn't go through, and then again a year and a half later, when it did. She had wanted to fly home and rush to Gail's side when she heard about the internal corruption investigation, and then the trial where Gail and Steve had been forced to testify against their parents, pitting them against each other as well. But the wall of silence had stopped her. She had seen Gail from a distance on several of her visits home, always managing to slip away before she was noticed, not wanting her presence to intrude on Gail's life. She had heard from several of their mutual friends about how retched Gail had been after she left, and how Gail finally managed to pull herself together when it became clear that Children's Services were considering her once again as a parental candidate for Sophie, after Sophie's placement with a more traditional family fell apart. Who is she kidding? It isn't just Gail that she is trying to protect.

"Hey Girl! You are looking good!" She can hear the smile in Traci's voice even before she spins around on her bar stool to be grabbed into a warm hug.

"Traci!" She grins into the shoulder of the wool coat that is pressing into her cheek.

Traci pulls back, holding her at arms length for a moment and then lets go. She waives at Seamus and holds up two fingers. He nods and places two shots of bourbon and two pints of beer on the bar in front of them.

They settle into a booth in the back, talking about Holly's reluctant celebrity, and Traci's recent promotion to Regional Special Operations Team Leader and her move from Division 15 to the Ontario Police Headquarters, and about how she and Steve reconnected about a year ago and are giving dating another try.

"So you and Steve…?" Holly tilts her head, raising her eyebrows at Traci, "How is that working?"

"It's good." Traci smiles back, "I think we are really going to make a go of it this time. He has done a lot of work on himself around communication, and control, and trust."

"That's great Traci, I am really happy for you." Holly replies.

"Thanks!" Traci says, "And even better, Leo loves Steve, so he couldn't be more thrilled!"

"I can't believe he is in his second year at the University of Toronto! All grown up, and a starting Left Wing on the hockey team!" Holly smiles and shakes her head.

"You want me to get us tickets for a game while you're here?" Traci glows with pride.

"Of course!" Holly grins and finishes her drink. "Here let me get us another round."

The Penny has filled up quickly in the time they have been sitting wrapped in conversation, with the usual crowd of cops getting off the day shift, people from the neighborhood, and the occasional college student or two. Holly has to push her way to the bar and squeeze in between a couple or large guys to place their drink order. She fidgets as she waits for the new bartender she doesn't know to stop flirting a couple of girls sitting at the end of the bar. Sooner or later people she knows will be filing in after work, and then she will be here all night. She sighs and looks up to find Seamus placing their drinks before her.

"Sorry about that." He shrugs, "Jimmy doesn't know you, and he thought you were just some hot cougar out hunting cops." He smirks.

"So I'm no longer a badge bunny." She laughs, "Well at least he thinks I'm still hot."

"Darlin', you were never a badge bunny!" The voice says behind her, "And Seamus, put that on my tab."

She whirls around to be caught in a great hug that warms her down to her very soul.

"It's so good to see you." She murmurs into Oliver's ear.

"Yup. Yup, I could say the same." Oliver releases her, "Celery told me you were in town. So I figured it was only a matter of time before I caught you sneaking around down here."

"I am not sneaking around!" She replies indignantly.

"Sure you're not…" He laughs at her

"I'm not! I'm here with Traci, if you must know…" She gives him a playful shove.

"Yeah, yeah, sittin' in the back, ignoring all of us little people…" He teases. "Well look Darlin', I gotta go but maybe I'll see you when I get home on Monday?"

"Celery and I are just going to hang around the house after lunch, so you know you will." She smiles as he kisses her cheek and walks off in the direction of the dartboard.

Holly smiles to herself. It is good to be home. She has picked up the drinks and is carefully turning to return to her seat when she literally bumps into someone that stops her cold. The black leather jacket is shockingly familiar, from the tiny scull charm dangling from the zipper on the breast pocket to the knot she put in the waist belt so long ago. Looking up into eyes, framed by gold wire rimmed glasses, as dark and brown as her own, in a face she has only seen in pictures, makes Holly gasp.

"Hey! Watch it lady!" The dark curls that tumble out from underneath a watch cap, and the flawless milk-chocolate brown skin are unfamiliar, but the tone and the accompanying gesture are all Gail.

"Sophie?" Holly asks in a hushed tone.

"Oh my God!" Is all Sophie can manage as she gapes wide eyed at her hero, a blush rising in her cheeks. "Doc..Dr. Stewart? You… you know who I am?" She finally sputters.

Holly regains her composure as she watches the girl struggle.

"Wha... what are you doing here?" Sophie stutters, still obviously in shock.

Holly laughs, "I'm having a drink with your Aunt Traci."

"Oh." Sophie says, still frozen to the spot.

"Why don't you come over and say hello." Holly continues, leading the way back to the booth.

"Oh. Ok." Sophie follows like a puppy, all awkward and shy.

"Look who I found." Holly says while sliding back into the booth.

"Oh good! You've met." Traci looks up with a smile. "Hey Sophie! How's school?"

Sophie is still standing somewhat dumbstruck in front of them.

"Uh… good Aunt Traci, really good…" She finally manages.

"Sophie wants to be a Forensic Pathologist too." Traci smiles at Holly.

"Really?" Holly tilts her head with a smile, "So you want to be an uber-science nerd like me?

"Oh I don't think you're a nerd, Dr. Stewart! Well not in a bad way, anyway. I think you're amazing! And all of the cases you help solve…" Sophie gushes.

"Please. Call me Holly." She interrupts, her smile growing wider. So this is Sophie. This amazing young woman is the reason Gail couldn't come with her to San Francisco. Sitting here listening to Sophie ramble on, bubbling about forensic science, in much the same way she does herself, is like a gift she didn't know she needed. Until now. Holly finds the weight of ten years of disappointment and resentment for a life without Gail lifting as she sees the young woman before her begin to glow with excitement as she answers each question about their chosen profession. Traci is grinning ear to ear with pride across the table at her too.

"I have to say, I'm impressed." Holly grins as Sophie finishes telling them about the molecular biology project on the breakdown of DNA and methods of its reconstruction for analysis in the field she has been working on all semester. "That's quite advanced stuff you are working on!"

She watches Sophie blush, lick her lips and scuff her boot on the wooden floor and then look back up at her with wide, trusting eyes in a way that is just so Gail. It catches Holly completely off guard; it makes her want to cry all of a sudden. She can feel Traci's eyes, soft and motherly, watching her. It's all starting to be too much.

"Hey! There you are. I thought we were meeting at the bar…" Gail's annoyed voice cuts in behind Sophie.

Holly closes her eyes, takes a deep breath and leans her head against the wooden back of the booth.

"Hey Mom! I was just talking to Aunt Traci and Dr. Stewart… erm… I mean Holly!" Sophie exclaims, excitement sparkling in her eyes as she turns to face Gail.

"Oh." Gail says as all of the blood drains from her body. She licks her lips, feeling as if she has been plunged into ice water.

Traci is frozen too, looking from Holly to Gail to Sophie with frantic, worried eyes. She finally snaps out of it, springing from her seat to take Sophie gently by the arm. "Why don't we go get another round at the bar." She says, leading a thoroughly confused Sophie away from the booth.

Brown eyes open to meet blue and nothing else matters. The Penny, the noise, and everyone else all seem to disappear.

"Hello Gail." Holly says softly.

That's all it takes. Suddenly Holly is on her feet. Gail takes two quick strides forward to catch her and hold on tight.

"I've missed you." Holly finally manages to gasp in a strangled whisper.

"Me too, Holly, me too." Gail sobs quietly into her ear. "More than I can ever say."

[msbarrows]

Reading Recap 2022

Saw someone else do this and liked the idea enough to also do it.

To make things easier on myself, I limited myself to a) books I read for the first time this year, that b) I added to my library in 2022. Which means there’s a handful of books I added in prior years and only got around to reading this year that are not included. Also a lot of books that I added this year but had previously read (see: slowly replacing all my favourite paperbacks with ebooks), or even just re-read this year (which would make an image with many, many more covers than this one).

Anyway - some of these I got free from Tor giveaways, some I picked up in sales, some I bought after seeing them in a Tumblr post and thinking they sounded interesting, or were written by people whose fanfiction I liked, so might as well try some of their published (or self-published) stuff too.

So, books I’ve read this year that meet the above criteria, in no particular order:

The Grief of Stones, Katherine Addison - first saw a mention of her on a Tumblr post about good fantasy authors, where her book The Goblin Emperor was mentioned. Read it, loved it, have been reading her ever since.

The Golden Enclaves, Naomi Novak - started reading her as astolat, moved on to Naomi Novak things, of course I was going to read her published Scholomance series after enjoying her earlier fanfic Scolomance series (pretty much completely unrelated other than it being based around a dangerous magic school).

Nona The Ninth, Tamsyn Muir - Added Gideon The Ninth (from a Tor giveaway) and Harrow The Ninth (on a good sale) in previous years, only finally got around to reading them just before this one was due out. Enjoyed it muchly, looking forward to the next in the series.

All The Horses Of Ireland, Sarah Tolmie - saw a gushing review of it somwehere, decided to give it a try. Liked it.

Nettle & Bone and Illuminations, T. Kingfisher - started reading her after seeing a post on Tumblr about the release of A Wizard's Guide To Defensive Baking, have been reading her ever since. Both of these were excellent.

Into The Broken Lands, Tanya Huff - I’ve been reading her since picking up a copy of Gate of Darkness, Circle of Light at the end of the 80s, and was delighted a year or two later to learn one of my fave Canadian authors worked at my all-time-favourite book store in Toronto, Bakka (oh hi person I’ve bought my weekly stacks of books from for ages, now sitting behind a table doing a signing). I highly recommend her to anyone interested in good fantasy or some light SF, particularly if they’re interested in books that include queer characters written by a queer author.

Legends & Lattes, Travis Baldree - kept hearing good things about this book, decided to make it one of my Christmas presents to myself for reading over the holidays. It was great.

The God Engines, John Scalzi - I keep hearing good things about his writing but hadn’t read anything by him yet. Saw this on sale and tried it. I think I need to try something else by him before I can decide if I like him enough to start working my way through his bibliography.

Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor, Xiran Jay Zhao - sounded interesting, another Christmas present to myself, something to enjoy while impatiently waiting for the next book in the Iron Widow series. It was pretty good.

Pegasus, Robin McKinley - Been wanting to read this for years (since back when she was writing about her writing progress on it on her blog well over a decade ago), and it finally dropped a few dollars in price, from “painfully expensive” to merely “new book expensive”, so I finally bought a copy. It was good, but considering how many years it’s already been out (12!) I was disappointed to hit the end and realize it’s meant to be the first in a series... which has clearly failed to materialize in the years since.

Strange And Stubborn Endurance, Foz Meadows - I don’t recall what brought this book to my attention, but I enjoyed it muchly, and am looking forward to additional books in the series (which apparently won’t be until next December). Should probably try some of their other books.

A Taste Of Iron And Gold, Some By Virtue Fall, and The Lights of Ystrac Wood, by Alexandra Rowland - that first is another where I don’t recall why it went on my wishlist, but I enjoyed it enough after getting around to buying it that I went and bought (and read) a couple more by the same author. All excellent.

Taji From Beyond The Rings, T. Cooper - I think I may have seen it mentioned on a list of queer romances? I forget. It ended up on my wishlist somehow, and when I was picking out things to read over the holidays it’s blurb sounded interesting enough to give it a shot. Liked it, and have since also picked up (but not yet read) the four books in their Familiar Spirits series.

Fete For A King, Infinite Jes, and The Lady And The Tiger, by Sam Starbuck - started reading his stuff as copperbadge, have picked up some of his self-published things this year, really enjoying the Shivadh romances (I’ve already re-read them all twice and will probably re-read them a third time when he posts the next in the series next year). Need to get around to reading the non-Shivadh ebooks I also purchased.

A Swift Kick To The Thorax, by Mara Lynn Johnstone - saw the cover, read the blurb about it being a human veterinarian dealing with aliens with an earth animal problem - thought that the sound of it put me in mind of the Piers Anthony’s Prostho Plus collection of short stories, about a human dentist dealing with alien tooth problems. It was exactly that silly. Very space opera. And also very good. Good enough that I’ve bought (but not yet read) another book by her.

[seoul-bros]

Smoke Sprite

Namjoon just casually dropping another musical bombshell. The teaser is amazing. Loving the visual and musical hints and they both look so goooooooood!

RM's IG Story

So!YoON! came to Hobi's listening party last year. I was intrigued then (Who is that with the Prince teeshirt?) and even more so now I have seen some of her MVs. What a voice!

Also look at that attitude, love it.

Magic Strawberry Sound writes So!YoON! (a.k.a Soyoon or 황소윤) is a singer, a songwriter and a guitarist of Seoul, Korea. In 2016, at the age of 18, So!YoON! formed the band, SE SO NEON (새소년).

Armed with her own unique voice and energetic live performance, and as a front person of SE SO NEON, So!YoON! has turned SE SO NEON into one of the most popular bands among independent music scene of Seoul. Moreover, her first debut EP [Summer Plumage] released in 2017, won the prize of “Rookie of the Year” and “Best Rock Song of The Year” at Korean Music Awards.

After Se So Neon’s world tour in Tokyo, Bangkok, Hong Kong, New York, Toronto, Amsterdam, and Hamburg, she started off her solo work. So!YoON!’s full-length solo debut album was released in May, 2019.

DISCOGRAPHY

2023 – Single - [Prologue : Love]

2020 – Single – So!YoON!, Phum Viphurit  [Wings]

2019 – LP – So!YoON! [So!YoON!]

2019 – Single – So!YoON! [HOLIDAY]

Here is her song with Phum Viphurit who RM posted a music rec of last year singing Dream Away.

And this is her latest release is Bad which came out 2 weeks ago.

This is going to be a banger. I can feel it.

Post Date: 08/03/2023

[uglyandtraveling]

Santa Claus Parade 2024: A Guide to Toronto’s Most Magical Tradition

Experience the magic of Toronto's Santa Claus Parade! Get route details, road closures, and tips for a festive day with Santa, floats, music, and more. 🎅✨

[taratarotgreene]

Organize your stuff now with Saturn in Aquarius

If you are a messy disorganized person while Saturn in Aquarius, a very organized sign, then god help you and your better use some Saturn elbow grease and discipline to declutter, slim down any excess, and get your shit organized now. Call your friends and clean up and lighten your mind together, that’s what Aquarius is all about, collaborating . Messy in Saturn in ♒️ Aquarius When Saturn…

[icakeson]

Celebrate the Festive Season with Irresistible Christmas Cakes and Heart-Shaped Cakes

The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and indulgence, and what better way to celebrate than with Christmas cakes that bring cheer to every gathering? At Irresistible Cakes, we understand the importance of making your festivities sweet, memorable, and extra special. From traditional flavors to modern twists, our cakes are crafted to suit every palate and occasion.

Christmas Cakes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Christmas is synonymous with rich, flavorful cakes that evoke warmth and nostalgia. Our Christmas cakes are designed to capture the essence of the season, featuring the finest ingredients like dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices. Whether you’re looking for a classic fruit cake or a decadent chocolate option, our bakery has something to enchant every dessert lover.

Imagine slicing into a beautifully decorated cake, the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filling the air as your family gathers around the table. With options to customize your cake’s size, flavor, and design, we ensure your celebrations are as unique as you are.

Heart-Shaped Cakes for Every Occasion

While Christmas is a time for togetherness, it’s also an opportunity to express love and gratitude to those who matter most. What better way to do this than with heart-shaped cakes? Perfect for romantic gestures, family celebrations, or even holiday-themed surprises, these cakes add a touch of elegance and emotion to your festive spread.

Read More:- Cakes Toronto

At Irresistible Cakes, our heart-shaped cakes are not only visually stunning but also come in a variety of flavors, from velvety red velvet to indulgent chocolate ganache. Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine for a truly magical holiday experience.

Why Choose Irresistible Cakes?

At Irresistible Cakes, we take pride in delivering the highest quality cakes that are both visually appealing and delicious. Our skilled bakers and decorators ensure every detail is perfect, from the intricate designs to the melt-in-your-mouth flavors. Whether you need a centerpiece for your Christmas party or a thoughtful gift for a loved one, our cakes are crafted to leave a lasting impression.

We also offer convenient online ordering, allowing you to browse our collection of Christmas cakes and heart-shaped cakes from the comfort of your home. With timely delivery and customizable options, making your holiday special has never been easier.

Visit Here

Make Your Christmas Extra Sweet

This holiday season, let Irresistible Cakes be a part of your celebrations. With our delectable range of Christmas cakes and heartfelt designs like heart-shaped cakes, we ensure that every bite is filled with joy and love.

Visit our website or stop by our bakery to explore our festive offerings. Order today and make this Christmas a memorable one with a sweet touch that your friends and family will cherish!

[coquettebeautiful]

#Pink Christmas Background Png#Pink Christmas Background#Christmas Candy Land Backdrop#Digital Holiday Background#Christmas Background Photoshoot#Christmas Photography Background#Christmas Photography Backdrops#Green Christmas#Pink Blue Christmas Background Zoom#Fun Christmas Digital Backdrops#Family Chair Digital Backdrop#Digital Photo Background Christmas#Xmas Digital Backgrounds#Christmas Photo Backdrop#Funny Digital Christmas Backdrop#Backdrop Christmas#Red Christmas Backdrop#Christmas Backgrounds for Kids#Candy Cane Arch Digital Backdrop#Candyland Photo Backdrop Christmas#Digital Christmas Backgrounds#Christmas Backdrop Luxury#Pink Christmas storefront setting#digital backdrop#Xmas holiday background photography#Christmas card# festive Holiday photo sessions#photo booth#photoshoot#Xmas Party#Christmas Entertainment#family#pet Christmas

Transform your photos with our enchanting Storefront digital backdrop, meticulously crafted using advanced AI technology, bringing a touch of holiday magic to your photography. Unlike traditional photographs, this intricately designed backdrop is a digital creation, ensuring a level of detail and creativity that surpasses the limitations of reality. Elevate your holiday images with this unique blend of artificial intelligence and artistic vision, perfect for Christmas cards, themed photoshoots, and social media posts that stand out from the crowd.

Pink Christmas storefront setting, Outdoor  digital backdrop.Xmas holiday backgrou

[ontariocommunityretirementplanne]

Kid-Friendly Adventures in Ontario, Canada

Ontario, Canada, is a haven for families seeking unforgettable adventures. From interactive exhibits that spark curiosity to natural wonders that leave children wide-eyed, Ontario offers a range of experiences perfect for young explorers. Among the countless attractions, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada in Toronto and the breathtaking Journey Behind the Falls in Niagara Falls stand out as must-visit destinations for families with kids. Let’s dive into these amazing places and explore other kid-friendly activities that make Ontario a family favorite.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada: A Splash of Wonder

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is a vibrant underwater world that captivates children and adults alike. Just steps away from the iconic CN Tower, this aquarium is home to over 20,000 marine animals and features interactive exhibits that bring the ocean to life.

Why Kids Love It

Discovery Zones The aquarium is designed to immerse kids in aquatic ecosystems. From touching stingrays in the interactive tanks to crawling through underwater tunnels, young adventurers can get hands-on with marine life.

The Dangerous Lagoon A moving walkway takes visitors through a tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and turtles swimming overhead. For kids, it feels like walking through the heart of the ocean—a magical, unforgettable experience.

Educational Fun Daily dive shows and feeding demonstrations provide an engaging way for children to learn about the creatures that inhabit our seas. The exhibits are not just entertaining but also packed with educational tidbits about marine conservation.

Family Tips for Visiting

Arrive early: The aquarium can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.

Plan for 2-3 hours: This allows enough time to explore each exhibit thoroughly and enjoy the interactive zones.

Don’t miss the gift shop: It’s stocked with marine-themed souvenirs that kids adore.

Journey Behind the Falls: A Close-Up with Nature’s Power

For a jaw-dropping encounter with nature, Journey Behind the Falls is a must. Situated at the Table Rock Centre in Niagara Falls, this attraction takes visitors right behind the thundering curtain of the Horseshoe Falls, offering a perspective that’s both exhilarating and humbling.

Why Kids Love It

Getting Close to the Falls The adventure begins with an elevator ride descending 150 feet to a series of tunnels that lead behind the falls. Hearing the roar and feeling the mist is an unforgettable sensory experience for kids.

Observation Decks The outdoor viewing platforms bring families face-to-face with the immense power of the cascading water. Kids are often mesmerized by the sheer force and beauty of the falls.

Fun Facts Galore Informative plaques along the tunnels and decks share fascinating tidbits about the history and geology of Niagara Falls. Kids can learn while marveling at this natural wonder.

Family Tips for Visiting

Wear waterproof gear: Ponchos are provided, but waterproof shoes and jackets are a good idea, especially for kids.

Combine attractions: Niagara Falls offers many kid-friendly activities nearby, such as the Butterfly Conservatory and Clifton Hill, making it easy to fill a whole day with fun.

Visit in the off-season: Winter offers a quieter experience with unique icy views of the falls.

Other Kid-Friendly Gems in Ontario Ontario is brimming with attractions that cater to families. Here are some additional spots to consider for a well-rounded itinerary:

Ontario Science Centre (Toronto) Spark your child’s curiosity at this interactive museum filled with hands-on exhibits. Kids can explore everything from space exploration to the wonders of the human body. Don’t miss the planetarium shows, which offer a journey through the stars.

Royal Ontario Museum (Toronto) Dinosaurs, mummies, and sparkling gemstones—this museum has it all. The ROM offers kid-friendly galleries and activity stations where children can dig for fossils or create their own art inspired by ancient cultures.

Centre Island (Toronto Islands) A short ferry ride from Toronto’s harborfront leads to Centre Island, a car-free paradise ideal for families. The island boasts beaches, bike rentals, and Centreville Amusement Park, a charming spot with rides designed for younger children.

African Lion Safari (Cambridge) For an unforgettable wildlife experience, drive through this safari park to see giraffes, lions, and zebras up close. Kids can also enjoy splash pads and mini train rides, making it a full day of adventure.

Santa’s Village (Bracebridge) Nestled in the Muskoka region, this Christmas-themed park is a hit with younger kids. With rides, a petting zoo, and festive activities, it’s a magical place to visit in summer or during the holiday season.

Outdoor Adventures for Active Families Ontario’s natural beauty is perfect for families who love the outdoors. Here are a few options to explore:

Algonquin Provincial Park Introduce kids to the joys of camping, hiking, and canoeing in one of Ontario’s most beautiful parks. The park’s interpretive trails are manageable for little legs, and the visitor center offers engaging exhibits about local wildlife.

Blue Mountain Resort (Collingwood) While known for its skiing, Blue Mountain offers year-round family fun. In summer, kids can enjoy the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, mini-golf, and hiking trails. Winter brings snow tubing and skating adventures.

Thousand Islands Boat Tours Cruise through the stunning Thousand Islands region along the St. Lawrence River. Many tours include kid-friendly narrations, making the experience both entertaining and educational.

Why Ontario is Perfect for Families Ontario’s diverse attractions ensure there’s something for every family. From the awe-inspiring power of Niagara Falls to the interactive wonders of Ripley’s Aquarium, kids are guaranteed to be entertained and inspired. What makes Ontario truly special, however, is the variety of experiences that cater to all ages and interests.

Whether your family loves the thrill of close encounters with wildlife, the excitement of hands-on learning, or the tranquility of nature, Ontario delivers in spades. And with its welcoming communities, accessible attractions, and stunning landscapes, it’s no wonder Ontario is a favorite destination for families from around the globe.

Final Tips for Traveling with Kids in Ontario

Plan ahead: Many attractions offer online ticket booking, which can save time and hassle.

Pack snacks and water: Ontario’s attractions are family-friendly, but having extra supplies on hand ensures happy little travelers.

Be weather-ready: Ontario’s weather can be unpredictable, so layers and waterproof gear are a must.

Conclusion Exploring Ontario with kids is an adventure filled with discovery, wonder, and countless memories. Whether your family is marveling at the aquatic creatures at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada or standing in awe behind the cascading waters of Journey Behind the Falls, every moment promises to be special. Add in the province’s museums, outdoor activities, and themed parks, and you have the perfect recipe for a family vacation that will be cherished for years to come.

Pack your bags, gather your family, and get ready to create unforgettable memories in the kid-friendly paradise that is Ontario, Canada!

About Ontario Community Retirement Planners:

Ontario Community Retirement Planners is committed to helping individuals over 50 craft a secure and rewarding retirement plan. Through personalized advice and expert support, they ensure clients can retire with peace of mind, free from financial concerns. Focused on serving the Ontario community, their team tailors strategies to meet the unique goals of each person. In partnership with trusted experts like Aleph Retirement Planners, they enhance their ability to deliver all-encompassing solutions that cater specifically to the needs of Ontario residents. Whether you're focused on building your savings or navigating intricate financial decisions, Ontario Community Retirement Planners will be there to guide you toward a confident and stress-free retirement.

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Aleph Retirement Planners Address: Ontario, Canada Website: https://alephretirementplanners.ca/