November over (How did it go by so fast?), and December is here!
You know what that means… it will be Christmas before you know it! In order to make the most of the holidays this year, we have planned out the perfect holiday preparation guide for you to follow. This guide will help you maximize your Christmas spirit while minimizing your last-minute Christmas stress.
Let’s get prepared for the holidays together.
Step 1: Holiday Spirit
The key to having a great Christmas begins with the spirit. If you’re feeling like Scrooge, your holidays will reflect that, so let out your Bah-Humbugs now and make room for some spirit-lifting activities.
Now that there is snow on the ground and decorations up downtown, we can probably agree it’s already feeling a little bit more festive around Saskatoon (although the cold weather can stay away).
Here are some of our life hacks to get yourself into the holiday spirit if you aren’t already.
Festive Music
Put together a playlist of all of your favourite holiday songs that you can listen to while you complete the rest of the preparation guide!
If you need some inspiration, try listening to some of the orchestra’s holiday performances on our YouTube channel!
WATCH HERE
Holiday Baking
Over the past few years, we have shared some delicious recipes relating to past shows or members of the community here on our blog. Check them out and try one (or all) of them!
Natal Laycock’s Christmas Toffee
Every December, the SSO’s Director of Administration brings Christmas toffee to work! Read the full recipe from our previous blog post here:
Check out the Recipe Here
Julia Child’s Chocolate Cake
Remember the Bon Appétit concert from Season 93? We shared this recipe from Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking then!
Check out the Recipe Here
Margaret Wilson’s Pfeffernusse
Margaret is our retired Principal Clarinetist. She invited us to join her family tradition, and shared this delicious cookie recipe with us. Follow the recipe for pfeffernusse on our blog!
Check out the Recipe Here
Decorate
Dig out the decorations from storage or shop for some new ones! With your living spaces made extra cozy for the holiday season, the morale and spirit are definitely going to be boosted.
In the meantime, check out this video of past orchestra members going on an adventure to find and cut down the perfect tree.
WATCH HERE
We also have a blog post showing you how to make these beautiful Christmas ice lanterns. They are super easy to make and give your yard the perfect warm Christmas glow.
INSTRUCTIONS HERE
Step 2: Events & Celebrations
Now is the time to plan some Christmas events! Sign up, buy tickets, reserve your spot, and mark your calendar now because these things tend to fill up fast!
Adding a few events to your schedule throughout the month before Christmas will give you something to look forward to and will continue your festive spirit.
Events Coming Up
YXE Divas Xmas – Dec 6
After our electrifying first YXE Divas show in 2024, we’re bursting with holiday cheer to bring them back for a holiday themed night of festivities.
TICKETS HERE
Handel’s Messiah – Dec 12
Karl Hirzer returns as we continue Saskatoon’s longest run holiday tradition with an all-Saskatchewan lineup of soloists.
TICKETS HERE
Sing-Along Messiah – Dec 13
We invite you to join the chorus and sign along with the all-Saskatchewan line of soloists and the SSO Chorus.
TICKETS HERE
Christmas Classics at the Cathedral – Dec 21
Experience all your favourite holiday classics in St. John’s Cathedral with your SSO.
TICKETS HERE
Step 3: Christmas Shopping
Okay, now that some events are planned, it’s time to get shopping before all the good stuff sells out. Getting the gifts out of the way now will save you from the last minute holiday stress and let you ACTUALLY sit back and relax (perhaps by the fireplace, hot cocoa in hand?).
If you’re not sure where to get started when buying gifts for people, check out our Holiday Gift Guide blog post. We’re sure to have something for everyone on your list there (bonus: they’re super easy to wrap too!).
READ MORE HERE
BONUS GIFT IDEA
The SSO just partnered with Black Fox Farm and Distillery, creating After Dark gin. Giving a symphony-level sensory experience, each bottle purchased directly supports the SSO.
BUY IT HERE
Preparation Complete!
Congratulations, you are prepared for Christmas!
Now please, slow down and enjoy your holidays otherwise they might come to an end sooner than you expect! Continue to listen to music, indulge in your holiday treats, admire your decorations, and enjoy your holiday events!
Thank you for spending your Christmas preparations with the SSO! We are wishing you and your loved ones the happiest holidays.
Merry Christmas!
