Winter Break Holiday Programs
Holiday Schedule 2021/22
About Holiday Programs at Christianne’s Lyceum
Now more than ever is a time for us to come together, to unite on common ground and celebrate life’s joys, both little and large.
This festive period we want to gently (and virtually) knock on your door, offer to put the kettle on, and ask how you’re doing…but really, how are you doing?
We’ll explore annual crafting favourites as well as some new additions, and invite you to get creative using the new perspectives we’ve gained. This holiday season let’s get reacquainted…
We’ll be capping classes at 12 registrants and ask that participants come with a mask. We will, of course, be following covid-19 protocol at all times with regular hand washing and social distancing (using our sneeze guards).
Preschoolers
If you have a preschooler who is looking to get in on the holiday merriment, we’re offering a drop-in option during the last week of the fall term for our Preschool Literature and Art class. We’ll be sharing some of our favourite holiday crafts and stories on the following days:
Monday, December 13 9:00AM to 11:30AM
Wednesday, December 15 9:00AM to 11:30AM
Wednesday, December 15 12:45PM to 3:15PM
The drop-in fee is $60 + GST. If you’d like to join us, please get in touch either by phone or email to register.
One for Me, One for a Friend
ALL AGES
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10
6:00 PM TO 9:00 PM
Cost: $60 + GST
There is nothing more endearing than seeing a rounded wooden nose poking out from underneath a skyscraper hat and a Gandalf-esque beard. During our first holiday camp of the year, participants will practice, employ, and embrace the art of giving. Using the humble tube sock, we will use rice to fill out the perfectly rounded bodies of our Swedish- inspired gnomes, before choosing from an extensive catalogue of unique fabrics to craft our cozy hats. In their miniature hands, both gnomes will be holding a tiny card, expressing the tidings and good will so often associated with the holiday season. Making one for themselves and one for a friend, campers will embody the community cheer so prevalent during this time of year. Have your gnome find its way to a neighbourhood porch, twinkling window ledge, or tucked safe and dry (perhaps accompanying some holiday cookies) into the mailbox of someone you love.
Granny Blake's Toffee
AGES: 10 AND UP
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12
5:00 PM TO 9:00 PM
Cost: $80 + GST
Loved by all and attended by many over the years, this camp allows participants to delve into the annals of Lyceum tradition. The secret recipe for Granny Blake’s toffee was brought to Canada 115 years ago by Christianne’s great grandmother, Amy Chappel, and has been made by her family ever since. Now’s your chance to join us for a camp that our students beg to attend every year. With an hour to stir, an hour to cut and an hour to wrap, there’s still plenty of time to hear a story. We’ll also package our confection in small portions ready to share when the spirit takes us. Tastes have the ability to transform, taking us back to the moment we experienced them for the first time. We hope that each piece of toffee melts away the bad, and welcomes in the good.
(Shhhh...you also get to take home the coveted recipe.)
Bringing Back the Light
AGES: 5 TO 14
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14
10:00 AM TO 3:00 PM
Cost: $100 + GST
This year for our dedicated home learners holiday camp, we’ll be forging something truly unique. Each student will mimic the lotus flower shape submerging interlocking hands in Alginate to create their own casting mold. In the morning we’ll make, mix, and pour plaster for what will eventually take the form of a one-of-a-kind candle holder (after setting and sanding of course). Weaving a string of LED lights through the fingers will add an extra sparkle, making these creations deserving of the centre spot in the grandest of holiday table-scapes. After refuelling with a spot of lunch, campers will use natural beeswax to roll their own candles, completing a gift to be cherished across generations. In Lyceum traditions, we’ll explore everything from Pagan to modern day traditions, weaving beautiful stories throughout the day to highlight the importance of light in our darkest month.
Last Minute Gift-Making
AGES: 6 TO 14
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Cost: $60 + GST
Dabbling in new artistic mediums and techniques is what keeps us growing as creators. During this camp we’ll be flexing those muscles and using resin to express our love for the wonders of the west coast. Campers will collect treasures from the ocean (driftwood, seagrass, small and sweet shells) to incorporate into small heart- shaped moments of love. Along the way, Christianne will delve into her carefull-curated collection of holiday stories with the sentiments we all crave at this time of the year. We’ll send students home with fabric for wrapping and hand crafted tags so that they’re ‘good to go’ and ready for immediate gifting.
After having been separated for so long, what better way to tell someone how much they’ve been on your mind, and in your heart.
Bring Song to Your Tree
AGES: 6 TO 14
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15
4:30 PM TO 8:30 PM
Cost: $80 + GST
The art of felting is both meditative and grounding; focusing on minuscule movements to sculpt and shape, this practice is calming in all the right ways. During what is often perceived to be the busiest time of the year for both parent and child, take the opportunity to slow down, relax, and reboot before revelling in the joy of being with family again. Students will choose little birds they’d like to perch on the branches of their tree, before settling down to select wool colours.
Rifling through a multitude of natural hues and textures, we’ll see sparks of inspiration take flight, just like our feathered friends, and, no doubt, these beautiful birds will bring song to any Christmas tree.
Story and Wreath-Making
ALL AGES
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17
6:00 PM TO 9:00 PM
Cost: $60 + GST
Over the course of this particular evening, participants will be guided through the intricate process of wreath-making. Using locally sourced and natural materials including grape vine cuttings from the Sage Hayward vineyard on Saturna Island, campers will mix in varieties of greenery with special attention being paid to the olfactory senses.
Decorate Your Whomping Willow
ALL AGES
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18
10:00 AM TO 4:30 PM
Cost: $130 + GST
Of course it would be remiss of us to conduct any kind of holiday programming without the consideration of Rowling’s wonderful wizarding world. We’ll spend a whole day working diligently (like Gringotts’ Goblins) to craft our very own Harry Potter themed tree ornaments. From campers’ favourite characters made from wooden beads and felt, to miniature books placed in an envelope (to be carried by Hedwig) and closed with a wax seal, you’ll be truly enchanted by what your child brings home to adorn your tree.
Don’t forget to also keep an eye out for flying keys (you’ll need to bring your expert operating skills to attack their one-of-a-kind wings) and potion bottles potentially filled with the elixir of life. There’s no denying that our Harry Potter camps sell out quickly, so make sure your name is on the list in non-invisible ink.
Help the Faeries Get Ready for Solstice
AGES: 5 TO 12
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20
10:00 AM TO 4:30 PM
Cost: $130 + GST
There will always be a special space reserved for the Lyceum’s resident Fae in our holiday camp roster. Over the course of the day, we will undoubtedly experience an abundance of enthusiasm, as well as some expert insight into recent activity in the faerie garden. Campers will craft a gorgeous faerie tree-topper created with beautifully embroidered fabrics, from brocade to tulle and beyond, with no limits on adornments. Stopping for lunch (and a spot of tea) students will begin mapping out their next creative steps to make a miniature Faerie rest stop for the Fae on their way to celebrate solstice.
We’ll use mason jars to house miniature seating areas (made from natural materials) for a solstice feast, not forgetting to incorporate lights so that the Fae can find their way to us.
The Perfect Pair
AGES: 6 TO 14
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21
10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Cost: $135 + GST
Ask anyone who’s anyone in the Lyceum community and they’ll tell you that what we’re most famous for is hot chocolate...and the art of mosaic. In the run up to Christmas what could be better than creating the perfect pair of gifts. Using pearlescent metallics and emerald greens, reminiscent of opulent holiday parties of the past, Christianne will teach campers how to cut and place the tiles of their design. These coasters will be grouted and sealed before the end of the day and paired with hot chocolate and marshmallow mix in a sealed jar. We’ll take our lunch break accompanied by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic, The Snow Queen, and while we watch, make snowflakes to adorn our winter windows.
The Night Tree
ALL AGES
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22
10:00 AM TO 4:30 PM
Cost: $130 + GST
A Lyceum institution, our holiday camp roster ends with one we have practiced every year since we opened our doors in 2007! Have you ever counted the number of holiday tree stories? Christianne has 31 in her personal collection, from all faiths and from all over the world. She’ll share a selection of these throughout the day, beginning with Night Tree by Eve Bunting, and The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco, both stories of selfless giving during the holidays. Then, using the stories as our inspiration, we’ll create our own natural food ornaments - some to share, and some to take home. We’ll walk to Jericho Park, and hang our ornaments on our own Night Tree, an unexpected gift for Vancouver’s furry and feathered friends. We’ll also sing some songs, including one we’ll write ourselves, and walk back to the Lyceum by candlelight.
A Reset for the New Year
AGES 10+
TUESDAY, JANUARY 11
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Cost: $70 + GST
Coming in for respite from the cold, we will use parchment paper and delicate origami folds to form breathtaking lotus lanterns. Using focus, calm and determination, we'll build up layers to produce spectacular results, while sharing our hopes and dreams for the coming year. Nestled within each lantern will be a tea light with wishes or rants wrapped around it. We will launch our lotus lanterns, made from compostable materials, into the water down at Jericho beach (weather permitting). Leave the hustle and bustle of your festive preparations behind and step into the calm!
We'll provide light refreshments and hot chocolate.
