SATURDAY, DEC. 24
BE ARTY
Looking for a little artistic inspiration? Check out the Leigh Square Community Arts Village's ongoing exhibit, the Alcuin Society Awards for Excellence for Book Design in Canada. It showcases the myriad details that go into book design, and celebrates the best of this unique art form in Canada. Winners of this annual contest go on to compete against books from around the world, so be sure to stop by Leigh Square to see them first. The Gathering Place is opening from noon to 4 p.m., with the Outlet open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
BE ACTIVE
Every year we vow not to, and every year we eat (and drink) too much. Luckily for us over-indulgers, Coquitlam's recreation facilities are open today, so why not start a new tradition? Grab the kids and some swim trunks and check out the City Centre aquatic complex (pool & weight room open at 5:30 a.m. and the waves start up at 10:30 a.m.) or the Poirier leisure complex (lengths and leisure swimming opens at 6 a.m.). Both facilities close at 3 p.m., giving you plenty of time to make up for all that exercise with all those Christmas chocolates laying around. Visit www.coquitlam.ca for more details.
BE WINTER
Nothing says winter like a few spins around the rink. Good thing the Port Coquitlam recreation complex is offering a Christmas Eve skate today, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Be sure to bundle up and enjoy a bit of skating fun with family or friends. Regular admission rates apply.
SUNDAY, DEC. 25
BE MERRY
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Joyous Kwanzaa. Whatever you and your family are celebrating this weekend, we hope it's a chance to connect with loved ones, share a great meal and feel grateful for all the blessings in life. And wherever you're celebrating, be sure you and your guests get back home safely.
BE WOWED
It's Christmas day, and that makes it a blockbuster. For movies, that is. Opening today at the Coquitlam SilverCity theatre are Darkest Hour, about a group of friends who find themselves stranded in Moscow (and fighting an alien attack, no less) and War Horse, Steven Spielberg's tearjerker about a remarkable friendship between a young man and his horse set against the backdrop of the First World War. Looking for some more uplifting material? There's also the Adventures of Tintin, The Muppets and Arthur Christmas. Check out the movie complex's new VIP theatres, where guests aged 19 and older can have serving staff bring beverages and dinner menu treats brought right to their seats.
MONDAY, DEC. 26
BE PATIENT
Ah, Boxing Day. Just the thought of long line-ups and crowded stores is enough to make many opt for staying in. For those brave enough to run the shopping gauntlet, there are sure to be some good deals on everything from electronics to clothing. Just remember to pack some patience along with your wallet.
