When I was growing up, the focus at Christmas time was on giving and receiving presents - lots of them! But the material gifts were often quickly forgotten. In a world where consumerism is paramount and we are bombarded to buy more stuff: more clothes, more toys, more gadgets, I opted out. When I look back on my life thus far, what is really, really important to me is time spent with family and friends and time spent doing things… experiencing the world, through outdoor adventure and travel.

This year, this COVID-Christmas, it makes more sense than ever to shop on-line for the perfect experience to gift those on your Christmas list. While social gatherings and travel of any kind are discouraged or even prohibited through the coming holidays, people will have a real need to get outside and move as soon as restrictions are lifted. Movement, especially outdoor movement in nature, really is medicine. It contributes invaluably to our mental, physical and spiritual health and well-being. It creates wonderful memories, to last a lifetime.

Active by Nature offers gift certificates of varying denominations for walking, Nordic walking, winter hiking and snowshoeing activities in Canmore and Kananaskis. The gift certificates have no expiry dates. To purchase a gift certificate, use this link, then select the GIFT CERTIFICATE tab from the choices in blue across the top of the page. One purchased, you can customize and print off a PDF version of the gift certificate and/or select to have your gift certificate emailed on a specific date.

Nordic walking is a perfect COVID activity to learn. With an introductory tour, this is an activity that turns a walk into a turbo-charged total-body workout. When my guests return home, this is like taking the gym with them when they go out for a neighbourhood walk. Why just go for a walk when you can walk with poles, have much greater stability on snow and ice and work out your arms, shoulders, chest, abs and back muscles?

Snowshoeing is another perfect COVID-winter activity. For people unacustomed to winter outdoor activities, snowshoeing is fun from the moment you strap on the snowshoes. There is no learning curve like there is with alpine or cross-country skiing. It is simply walking with big feet. When you combine snowshoeing with Nordic walking, once again you get a fantastic, total body workout.  Active by Nature guided snowshoe tours will take you into safe backcountry locations with stunning winter scenery for an unforgettable day in the mountains.

Guided walks and hikes will also take you to some winter wonderland locations, with poles and ice cleats provided. 

This will be a challenging Christmas season for sure. But our mindset will determine whether or not we merely survive this holiday season or "surthrive." I choose to surthrive and I still chose to see the next few weeks as the most wonderful time of the year! I hope you do too. Stay safe. Stay home and enjoy the outdoors close to home. Happy holidays and I hope to see you sometime in 2021.