Christmas around Vancouver

T'was the night before Christmas and not a creature was stirring not even a ...

gingerbread person!

OK not quite true, the atmosphere is huge, as the clock was ticking down the last minute shopping, celebrations, winter fun were all occurring. No longer feeling too disappointed about not having any family or friends around this year. Sorry let me rephrase: I have friends around though none that haven't known for more than a couple of months.

Regardless, time aside, we've been finding the fun around town, including snow covered mountains, ice skating, trying to stay clear of ski jumpers, ...

toffee apples too good to eat, and then reindeer, soldiers and of course can't forget the snowballs for that inevitable fight!

When the Hyatt has Gingerbread creations on display made by local school students you know something special will be seen ... from the wacky Whosville to the Nightmare Before Christmas to inspiration of the pending 2010 Winter Olympics and well ... 

... Vancouver's Largest Gingerbread House (2.5m x 5m) that used 1300 egg whites just to ice the roof! There was certainly a variety of edible wonders for view.

Though my favourite would have to be the colourful house at the North pole.

So with Santa and his reindeer soon to be under way.

What better way to conclude another fabulous day than under the beauty of falling snow flakes and star gazing whilst awaiting Christmas Day.