I never did believe in Santa Claus. My parents rejected the materialism that is so often peddled in the name of Christmas and kept the holiday pretty low key. I've always been grateful for this lesson, and rather cynical about those wild eyed Christmas fanatics running amok in the malls. Since the thought of receiving gifts from a fat, bearded...

Every year, with weddings and new babies, our family seems to grow by at least one. Now, with in-laws, nieces and nephews, my Christmas list has swelled to 18 "immediate" family members. Since we live hundreds of miles away from one another, not only does exchanging gifts mean shopping and wrapping, but also mailing all the parcels. Kinda makes gift-giving...

Oh no! Christmas is almost here! Have you ever had a difficult time trying to decide what to buy for your family at Christmas? If you're like millions of other people, the answer is yes. What if the grandkids simply toss your gift aside and mumble a "thanks"? What if that happens to you this year? What if the cookbook you wrapped so nicely...

Robyn was angry and confused. She had just discovered that her much beloved roly-poly red robed Santa Claus was a marketing ploy invented in the early 20th century by Coca Cola to encourage consumerism. She was angry because she had been duped by the commercialization of what should be the most meaningful season of the year. She was also confused...

Thirty minutes from my home flows the Fraser River, a major thoroughfare for millions of migrating salmon that return each summer to spawn in its tributaries. We fishers catch them by casting long lines into quick currents, and when a 5-lb beauty hooks on, the fight can be fun and furious. So what does fishing for sockeye say about friendship...

Over the next 20 years, an unprecedented number of Canadians will reach retirement age. In fact, by 2020, it is estimated that over 20% of the Canadian population will be 65 or older, and more than 425,000 people will be retiring annually.  Are you among them? Is the finish line of the rat race looming in the not-too distant horizon? If so, we have...

One of my favorite questions to ask my three year old daughter is, “Why are you special?” She enthusiastically replies, “Because God made me!” The best part is when she proceeds to tell me all the parts that He made while pointing to each one. “God made my elbows,” she says, as she proudly points them both at me. “He made my legs,”...