Home for the Holidays — Holiday ideas in Nanaimo!
“Bah Humbug,” muttered Mark. He shovelled the last bit of snow off the porch steps of Beban House, and watched a bunny hop across the powdery white blanket that covered the Tourism front garden. “We better not have to cancel the party again!” He grumbled and knocked the snow off his boots, then brushed a layer of snowflakes from his toque. “Why can’t the snow wait until after our annual membership party?” He said, shaking his fist upwards towards the United Way in particular and the heavens in general.
Volunteer Bill peered out of the main floor window, and wiggled his finger in condemnation. He opened the window, and leaned out to call. “It’s bad luck to curse the weather – we’ll look even more like the North Pole if you do!”
Of course Bill was always right, so Mark stopped grumbling about the weather and stepped inside the warm foyer. The colourful brochure racks resembled a display of Christmas cards, which set Mark to wondering… What WAS he going to get his dear wife for Christmas? He flipped his frost-nipped fingers through the racks, and listening carefully to Amanda’s suggestions, came up with a wonderful plan.
“A Harbour City Holiday.” They quickly called around to all the best establishments, and came up with a variety of vacation treats. Two beautiful B&Bs were booked – one on the waterfront, and one in a rural paradise. An afternoon browsing the art galleries followed by a tea-leaf reading and a massage at the spa ought to both inspire and relax. They thoughtfully booked a limousine service for a Christmas Light Tour followed by a rousing New Year’s Eve party at a poshy downtown restaurant.
Cathy peered over their shoulders at the list of vacation events. “You really know how to keep everyone happy, don’t you Mark? I see you even booked a bungee jump for the kids.”
“You think she’ll like this better than a Tourism Nanaimo T-shirt and sweatpants?” he asked, pointing at the clothing racks behind the reception desk.
“Very sure,” said Cathy.
Courtenay chimed in. “Aidan took me to the Salvation Army fundraiser at the Queens last year – that was really fun. You’d have to get your buns in gear though, it’s before Christmas. December 15th.”
Mark knew how much Lesley loved dancing. “Who’s playing?
“David Gogo, Big Twang Theory and Captain Howdy, plus a whole bunch more live bands. And you just donate a non-perishable to get in.”
Mark winced. “I better get my dancing boots on, and practice my dipping…” He glanced out the window, and was relieved to see the snow was already melting, and just in time for the Tourism party on the 16th. Nanaimo is a lively place during the holidays, he thought, and began to whistle Jingle Bell Rock. Slater put his ears back and curled up tighter in his kitty bed.