Councillors share holiday plans

Ward 1 Coun. Emmett Yeo said he plans to spend the holidays surrounded by family, and he is especially looking forward to seeing his two sons, their families and his two grandsons. “Can’t wait,” he said. “Happy holidays to all.”

Pat Warren, Ward 2 councillor, said she is looking forward to spending time with friends and family and enjoying some outdoor fun – including trying out a new pair of skis she’s hoping Santa brings. Warren said she also plans to visit the Illuminated Forest at Ken Reid Conservation Area during the holidays.

Christmas movies play a big part in Warren’s holiday season, she added, noting that It’s a Wonderful Life and the original Scrooge are her top picks.

“They are hopeful and they teach us to treat everyone with kindness,” Warren said of the films, adding she hopes the people of Kawartha Lakes will help the less fortunate during the holiday’s if they can. “I wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.”

Ward 3 Coun. Mike Perry said he will mostly be staying close to home during the festive season and partaking in some family traditions.

“We go to my birth mom’s home in Barrie on Christmas Eve, which has become a tradition. Another tradition is chopping our own tree out on the land and Christmas dinner at the Fenelon Legion,” he said. Perry adds that he always looks forward to quiet time with his children, Abigail and Gabe, and seeing their excitement this time of year.

Dan Joyce, Ward 4 councillor,  said he is planning an active and family-focused break, with skiing, skating, hiking, taking in a Junior A hockey game, playing billiards, ping pong and bowling, and watching Christmas Vacation “for the 23rd time, give or take.” He also expects several rounds of Racing Demon – “a family favourite card game.”

Joyce said he’s most looking forward to “the sound of prancing and pawing of little hoofs on the roof,” adding that his family will be promoting local businesses to Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Day.

“Kawartha Dairy milk and cookies from Buttertarts ‘N More will be set out in hopes of avoiding another lump of coal in my stocking,” he said.

Ward 5 Coun. Mark Doble said he and his wife will celebrate Christmas through faith and fellowship. “As Christians, my wife and I celebrate our Saviour’s birth by attending gatherings with friends in advance, attending our Christmas Eve candlelight service, and joining with family for food, fun and festivities,” he said. “We look back upon the blessings of this past year, and forward to 2026 with excitement and anticipation.”

Tracy Richardson from Ward 8 said the holidays centre on family time, especially as her immediate family grows. “We enjoy a traditional dinner, board games and plenty of festive shenanigans,” she said.

With the arrival of her granddaughters over the past four years, Richardson said Christmas has taken on a new wonder.

“Seeing the season through a little one’s eyes has brought the magic back.”