Hi friends!
The mountains finally look like mountains. There is a beautiful layer of fresh snow, and the sky has politely stopped leaking for five minutes.
We went up to Mount Seymour this weekend for some snow fun, and it was glorious. But here is your "Admin Alert": You cannot just drive up.
If you are planning a trip, you need to book a parking pass in advance on the BC Parks website. Yes, it is free. But why should you be allowed to have fun without filling out a form first?
In this issue: I am not here to tell you to join a gym. I am here to share the practical stuff that makes your week run a little smoother. So let’s get to it. 👇🏼
Here’s what’s inside this issue:
The Quiet Zone: A low-sensory sanctuary at the MOV for when you need the world to hush.
The Wallet Saver: A "try before you buy" trick for kids who suddenly want to play the violin.
The Chaos Container: A cardboard building party at the library where someone else cleans up the mess.
Scan, grab one or two that fit your week, and ignore the rest. This is a menu, not homework.
🎄 Get Rid of Your Dead Christmas Tree!
Nothing says “fresh start” like kicking that crispy fire hazard to the curb. Your tree has given all it can give. It’s dry. It’s shedding. It’s judging you. Time to let it go.
You have three exit strategies for the tree.
Option 1: The Curbside:
Who: Anyone with the City of Vancouver green bin service
When: Set it out by 7:00 AM on Saturday, Jan 10, 2026.
The Rules: Naked trees only. No bags, no string, no tinsel. Lay it on its side where you usually put your bins.
Note: If you flocked it (fake snow), the City won't take it. That’s on you.
Option 2: The Chipping Events:
When: Jan 10 & 11, 10 AM–4 PM.
Cost: Donation (Cash or non-perishable food).
Where: Closest to us are Kerrisdale Arena (North parking lot) or Trout Lake.
Option 3: The "I Need It Gone Today" (Transfer Station)
When: Anytime until Jan 31.
Cost: Free.
Where: Vancouver South Transfer Station (down by the river in Marpole).
The Move:
If you are in Marpole or South Cambie, just drive it to the South Transfer Station this weekend. It’s free, it’s close, and you get that instant dopamine hit of crossing a chore off the list.
If you're further north, just wait for the Jan 10th curbside pickup—but put a reminder in your phone right now, or you will forget.
Why It Matters:
Because you are one butt-bump away from a pine needle explosion that you will be vacuuming up until Easter. Get it out before it fully disintegrates.
🎨 Culture Trip: The Art Gallery (Last Call)
If you need an outing that feels vaguely educational but also lets you stand still for a minute, the Vancouver Art Gallery has you covered.
The Emily Carr Scavenger Hunt closes this Sunday, and kids get in free. In fact, kids always get in free at the VAG, but if you play your cards right this Friday, you won't pay a dime either.
The Deadline: The "Emily Carr Search-and-Find" (a scavenger hunt on the 4th floor) ends Sunday, Jan 4.
The Deal: Admission is always FREE for kids and youth (18 and under).
The Bonus: Free First Friday Nights is this week (Jan 2) from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM. (Adults get in free, too).
The Move:
The "Zero Dollar" Play: Go Friday, Jan 2, between 4–8 PM. Everyone is free. Warning: You usually need to book a timed ticket online ASAP or risk waiting in a line that wraps around the block.
The "Peace & Quiet" Play: Pay for your own ticket and go Saturday morning. It’s quieter, the kids are still free, and you can actually do the scavenger hunt without fighting a crowd.
Why It Matters:
Because the scavenger hunt turns "looking at old paintings" into a game. It’s fun, it keeps the kids engaged and fully entertained without a screen in sight.
🦀 History Lesson: The Museum of Vancouver (MOV)
Sometimes you want a "high energy" outing (Science World). Sometimes you want the exact opposite. If you or your kids are feeling a little overstimulated after the holiday madness, the MOV is your safe haven this month.
The Deal: Kids 12 and under are always FREE (they need to be with an adult, tho).
The Steal: Sunday, Jan 4 is "First Sunday," which means free admission for everyone (yes, you too).
The Vibe Shift: Sunday, Jan 25 is "Low Sensory Sunday." They turn off the loud noises and dim the intense lights in the galleries.
The Move:
The "Budget" Play: Go this Sunday (Jan 4) to save on adult tickets. It’s free, but it might be busier.
The "Chill" Play: Go Jan 25 (Low Sensory Day). Grab a "sensory kit" (noise-reducing ear covers) from the front desk. It’s designed for neurodiverse kids, but honestly, it’s a blessing for any parent who just needs the world to be 20% quieter.
Why It Matters
It’s indoors, it’s free (or close to it), and it’s one of the few places where your kid can wander, explore, and ask 400 questions without anyone giving you side‑eye.
🎸 The "Try Before You Buy" Music Studio
Your kid has suddenly announced they are the next Taylor Swift (or Mozart). They want a guitar. Or a violin. You are not sure this passion will last.
Do. Not. Buy. The. Instrument.
The Secret: The VPL (Central Branch only) has a musical instrument lending library.
The Inventory: You can borrow guitars, violins, keyboards, ukuleles, and more.
The Cost: $0. It is free with your library card.
The move:
Borrow the instrument before committing to a purchase. Let your kids try it at home first. If it sticks, amazing. If it doesn’t, you return it and move on — no guilt, no resale Facebook Marketplace spiral.
Why It Matters:
Because renting a violin is annoying and buying one is expensive.
👶 Beyond the Bump: The Baby Meetup in Mt. Pleasant
The window between the morning nap and the afternoon nap is the "danger zone." You can stay home and stare at the laundry, or you can go meet other humans. If you choose humans, this is a great free deal in town.
The What: A free weekly meetup for parents and babies (0–18 months).
The When: Every Tuesday from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM.
The Where: "This World’s Ours" Centre (191 E 10th Ave, Mt Pleasant).
The Cost: Free. (Yes, really.)
The Move:
Pack light. The venue is stroller accessible, but if you can wear the baby or use a bucket seat, do it—it’s just easier to navigate. Bring a blanket for tummy time. There’s street parking west of the venue, but let’s be real: finding a spot on 10th is a competitive sport, so leave 10 minutes early.
Why It Matters:
Because "baby classes" usually cost $30 just to sing "The Wheels on the Bus." Babies need stimulation, you need community, and everyone needs a reason to leave the house before 2 PM. Plus, it’s free — and in this city, that’s basically a love letter.
🎉 Cardboard Party Your Kids Will Love
If your kid loves building forts, cutting boxes, or turning recycling into “a spaceship,” this drop‑in event is pure magic. No prep, no cleanup, just creative chaos with other kids.
The What: A free-style building session using Makedo tools (kid-safe saws and reusable screws for connecting cardboard).
The When: Wednesday, Jan 7 from 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM.
The Where: Mt Pleasant Library (1 Kingsway).
The Who: Grades K–7 (approx. ages 5–12).
The Cost: Free (Drop-in, no registration needed).
The Move: This is the perfect "after-school bridge" activity. Since it's drop-in, you don't need to stress if pickup runs late. Get them there by 3:30, let them build a fort/robot/castle, and you can grab a coffee at the cafe next door while they channel their inner architect.
Why It Matters: Because it’s creative, it’s STEM-adjacent, and most importantly, the cardboard scraps end up on the library floor, not yours.
That’s a wrap for this week.
You’ve got this!
Saba Yazdani
The Cambie Memo