When the Holidays Look Different
When the holidays don’t look the same, it’s okay to go with the flow. If you’re keeping Christmas simple this year... maybe it’s just you, or things feel different — there are still plenty of ways to make the day feel good. From Toronto rinks and open bowling lanes to a peaceful walk by the Bluffs or a solo feast of takeout, here’s how to create a holiday that’s calm, kind, and completely your own.
So someone asked me the other day, “What are you doing for Christmas?”
I said, “Eh, keeping it simple.
They paused and said, “You’re not old, though.”
I explained. Then they said something that stuck:
“So you’re not reinventing the wheel. You’re just… going with the flow.”
Exactly. Going with the flow.
If your family dynamic has shifted, maybe this season feels different. Maybe someone’s gone, or someone’s far away. Going through a separation? Maybe plans changed, or maybe it’s just you this year. So... what do you actually do with the day?
Go to the Movies
Yes, theatres are open. They’re filled with people who also needed somewhere to be for a couple of hours. It’s a quiet kind of togetherness.
You can laugh. You can cry at the Pixar movie. Nobody minds.
Skate It Out
Local outdoor rinks on Christmas have their own magic. Cold air. Twinkly lights. The scrape of blades on ice.
And maybe, if you’re lucky, you’ll fall on your butt.
Movement helps. Laughter helps too.
Claim Your Lane
Add bowling to the list of unsung holiday sanctuaries. It's fun! I bowled once back in the day on my friend's birthday... Boxing Day!
In the GTA, Classic Bowl Mississauga stays open through Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Kennedy Bowl, Parkway Bowl, and Markham Bowl are open on Boxing Day as well.
Bowling is a satisfying mix of noise, rhythm, and small victories. Whether you’re with company or rolling solo, there’s comfort in aiming down the lane and seeing what happens.
Walk Somewhere That Makes You Feel Small (In a Good Way)
In Scarborough, the Bluffs are perfect. Lake, wind, sky, space. But anywhere with room to breathe works.
Fresh air is free therapy.
Play Cards or Yahtzee
Even if it’s just two of you, three or four.
Even if it’s just you and solitaire.
The shuffle of cards. The click of dice. It grounds you.
Read That Book
You know the one.
This is your permission slip to do absolutely nothing but turn pages. It’s not lazy. It’s restorative.
Watch That Show
The one you wanted to for so long.
Now’s the time.
Bake Something
If December ran away from you, this is your chance. Your place will smell like sugar and butter, and you’ll have something sweet to nibble on well into the New Year.
Order the Takeout
Chinese restaurants, Thai, Korean fried chicken... Toronto’s full of holiday takeout heroes. Treat yourself. No big crowd, you just need your credit card and great tip for that person delivering to you. Just joy in a container.
Check out: Chinese restaurants open on Christmas Day in Toronto
The Caroling Hail Mary
Let’s save the boldest one for last. 😀
Knock on a neighbour’s door. Sing one verse.
Worst case, you’re the story at their dinner table.
Best case, you make their day.
Bring cookies. It improves the odds.
Go with the flow.
Take it easy on yourself.
Celebrate the day in whatever way feels right for you and Just let it flow.
