Ah, the art of regifting! This is when your unwanted items become someone else's treasure. If you're considering passing on that fifth scented candle or that curious looking sweater Aunt Bertha gave you, then you're not alone. Here are some tips on how to master the art of regifting:

The No-Fingerprint Rule. Ensure there's no evidence that the gift was ever in your possession by removing notes, tags, or any suspicious wrapping paper remnants.

No Close-Family Circles. Never regift within your close family or friend circle. Your cousin doesn't need to see her gift being worn by your sister.

Quality Check. Ensure the gift is in good condition. No one appreciates a regifted item that looks like it's been in the back of your closet—even if it has.

Bundle It. If you have several smaller items, then create a themed gift basket. Those random scented lotions can be combined with a few bath bombs and candles for a "spa day" basket.

Although regifting can be a humorous endeavor, it's also a sustainable one. It reduces waste and can bring joy to someone else. Plus, many of us experience a certain thrill when we pull off a successful regift. Just remember to keep track of who gave you what. There might be nothing more embarrassing than regifting something to the original gifter!

The holiday season, with its twinkling lights, merry songs, and festive gatherings, often evokes images of family and togetherness. But for many, this time of year doesn't fit the traditional mold. Whether by circumstance or choice, spending the holidays alone is a reality for some.

Yet, solitude during this season can be its own unique gift, offering moments of introspection, peace, and self-discovery.

As streets fill with joyous revelers and homes echo with laughter, there is an inherent beauty in finding one's own rhythm amidst the holiday hustle. It's a time to reflect on personal journeys, celebrate individual growth, and look forward to the promise of a new year.

The warmth of the season isn't just found in crowded rooms or bustling family gatherings; it's also present in the quiet moments, where the spirit of the holidays can touch the heart in unexpected ways.

For those spending the season alone, the holidays can be transformed into a personal retreat—a time to read that book you've been putting off, to listen to the winter's silence, or to take a serene walk outside. It's an opportunity to connect deeply with oneself, to rediscover passions, and to set intentions for the days to come.

While the world celebrates in its own way, remember that the essence of the holiday season is universal. It's a celebration of love, hope, and renewal. And these feelings aren't reserved for crowded tables or family gatherings. They can be found in the stillness of solitude, in the gentle rhythm of one's own heartbeat, and in the quiet acknowledgment of one's own journey.

This season, embrace the solitude, for it too has its own story to tell—a story of resilience, strength, and quiet hope.

The charm of December lies in the festive celebrations and the serene moments we spend at home. Creating a cozy sanctuary can be essential to keeping the winter blues at bay and cherishing the warmth of your surroundings. Here are five tips to help you transform your home into a snug winter retreat:

Layer with Textiles. Incorporate layers of soft textiles to enhance warmth. Think plush throw blankets, velvety cushions, and thick area rugs. These elements also add visual depth to your space.

Embrace Soft Lighting. The right lighting can instantly elevate the ambiance. Opt for warm toned fairy lights, dimmable floor lamps, or candlelit lanterns. The gentle glow will make spaces feel intimate and inviting.

Incorporate Natural Elements. Bring a touch of the outdoors inside. Consider wooden decor, pine-cone centerpieces, or potted indoor plants. These elements introduce a rustic charm and connect your interior with the natural winter landscape.

Enhance With Aroma. Engage your senses with calming winter scents. Use essential oil diffusers or scented candles with fragrances, such as cinnamon, pine, or vanilla. The familiar aromas can evoke pleasant memories and create a comforting atmosphere.

Declutter And Organize. A tidy space is a peaceful space. Remove unnecessary items and create designated spaces for everything, which can positively impact your mental well-being by offering clarity and calmness during the holiday season.

With these tips in hand, you're all set to create an inviting, cozy, and comforting winter haven. Enjoy those tranquil moments with a hot drink in hand, while basking in the warmth of your winter sanctuary.

Canadian real GDP was nearly unchanged for the third consecutive month in October. Manufacturing contracted 0.6 per cent in October, led by declines in durable goods. Construction activity fell by 0.1 per cent, but residential construction continued to grow strongly, rising by 1.2 per cent from the prior month. Offices of real estate agents and brokers fell for the fourth consecutive month, dropping 6.8 per cent as home resales continues to soften amid elevated borrowing costs. Preliminary estimates suggest that output in the Canadian economy rose 0.1 per cent in November.

In October, Canadian inflation-adjusted GDP extended its streak of almost exactly zero growth or contraction in economic activity. Canadian real GDP is little changed from where it was in March, despite a large increase in the national population due to immigration. The economy continues to avoid a technical recession, but with per capita real GDP declining, Canadian GDP growth remains very soft. In addition, labour markets are gradually softening across Canada, and the inflation rate has shown signs of cooling, with 3-month moving averages of core inflation well below 3 per cent. Given this data, markets now broadly anticipate that the Bank of Canada will not raise its benchmark rate further. The question is, instead, how quickly the Bank will cut rates in 2024, with the balance of probabilities on cuts beginning in the spring and accumulating by the summer and towards the end of the year. The next rate announcement is on next Wednesday, January 24th. 

Link: https://mailchi.mp/bcrea/canadian-real-gdp-growth-october-2023

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

Canadian retail sales increased 0.7 per cent in October to $66.9 billion. Excluding volatile items, sales were up 1.2 per cent month-over-month. In volume terms, retail sales increased 1.4 per cent in October. Retail e-commerce trade rose by 1.8 per cent to $3.9 billion in October, amounting to 5.9 per cent of total retail sales. 

Sales in BC rose 0.5 per cent in October. BC retail sales are up 0.7 per cent from the same time last year. In the CMA of Vancouver, retail sales were up 0.7 per cent from last month and 2.3 per cent from October of 2022.

Link: https://mailchi.mp/bcrea/canadian-retail-sales-october-2023-december-21-2023

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

Ingredients:

Sparkling water (chilled)

Fresh cranberry juice (unsweetened)  

Fresh lime juice

Fresh mint leaves

Crushed ice

Cranberries and lime slices for garnish

Instructions:

• Fill a glass with crushed ice.

• Pour in one part cranberry juice and two parts sparkling water.

• Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Gently muddle a few mint leaves at the bottom of the glass.

• Stir gently to mix the flavors.

• Garnish with a few cranberries, a slice of lime, and a sprig of mint.

• Serve immediately and enjoy the festive fizz!

December's festive spirit transcends borders, and almost nothing brings people together like food does. Let's embark on a brief culinary tour and discover a few traditional dishes that warm hearts and bellies during December:

Moroccan Tagine: This flavorful and aromatic slow-cooked stew brims with tender meat, dried fruits, and a medley of spices.

Ukrainian Borscht: This hearty beet soup, often served with a dollop of sour cream, is a comforting staple. The vibrant red color and earthy flavors are synonymous with Slavic winter feasts.

Japanese Mochi: These soft and chewy rice cakes are filled with sweetened red bean paste. Consumed during the New Year celebrations, they're a delightful blend of texture and taste.

Mexican Pozole: A traditional soup made with hominy and meat, typically pork, seasoned with chili peppers and garnished with radish, lettuce, and oregano, this communal dish brings many families together during the festive season.

Canadian prices, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose 3.1 per cent on a year-over-year basis in November, unchanged from the rate in October. Excluding energy costs, CPI rose 3.8 per cent year-over-year in November. Shelter costs continue to be a major driver of inflation, with mortgage interest costs up 29.8 per cent and rent up 7.4 per cent. Grocery price inflation continued to moderate, but nevertheless increased 4.7 per cent year-over-year last month. Month over month, seasonally adjusted CPI rose 0.25 per cent. In BC, consumer prices rose 3.2 per cent year-over-year. The Bank of Canada's preferred measures of core inflation, which strip out volatile components, remained around 3.5 per cent year-over-year in November. 

After considerable progress in taming inflation, the rate of change in the CPI has stubbornly remained close to the 3-4 per cent range since the late spring. Alongside softening labour markets and weak GDP growth, inflation in this territory has been sufficient to keep the Bank of Canada from raising rates since the summer. Although softer gasoline prices have done some of the work to pull down the inflation rate, large increases in mortgage interest costs, which are a direct consequence of Bank tightening, have pulled inflation upwards. Indeed, inflation excluding mortgage interest costs was unchanged from last month at just 2.2 per cent. Taken together, markets expect that the Bank of Canada is unlikely to raise rates further. Rather, markets expect the Bank to cut rates substantially by the summer of 2024, but this will of course depend on the rate of economic growth and price appreciation in the first half of the year.

Link: https://mailchi.mp/bcrea/canadian-inflation-november-2023-december-19-2023

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

A few years ago, a young couple went backpacking through Europe and found themselves in a small town in the mountains during the holiday season. The town was beautifully decorated, with twinkling lights adorning every tree and building. One evening, as they were walking back to their hostel, they noticed a small, unassuming shop that they hadn't seen before. Intrigued, they decided to step inside.

The shop was filled with handmade crafts, each one more beautiful than the last. The shopkeeper, an elderly woman with a warm smile, told them that every item in the shop was made by the people in the town. They would spend all year creating these crafts, pouring their heart and soul into each piece, and then sell them during the holiday season. They were touched by the sense of community and the love that was put into each craft. They ended up buying several items to bring back home as gifts.

This experience reminded them of the true spirit of the holiday season. It's not about the hustle and bustle, the endless shopping lists, or the stress of getting everything done. It's about community, love, and the joy of giving.

This holiday season, take a moment to appreciate the magic around you. Remember, it's not about the quantity of gifts, but the quality of the love in our hearts.

Gino Pezzani

RE/MAX Heights Realty

www.vanhomesales.com

604-418-9366

P.S. If you ever find yourself in a small mountain town during the holidays, take the opportunity to step into a local shop. You never know what treasures you might find.

Tucked amid traditional ornaments on many holiday trees is a peculiar sight: a glass pickle. While some people believe its origin is German, most Germans are unfamiliar with it.

The custom? Hide the pickle ornament on the tree, and the first person to find it on Christmas morning gets good luck or even an extra gift. The tradition's origin is debated. Was it a marketing scheme or maybe a nod to old legends?

Regardless, this quirky custom has cemented its place in holiday lore.