It is easy to over do it on the specialty coffees over the holidays. Try this spicy and sweet cocktail recipe piled high with delicious antioxidants from pomegranates and blueberries. Don't forget the whiskey.

Ingredients

2 shots of Spicebox Spiced Whiskey

1.5 cups Pomegranate Juice

0.25 cup Blueberry Syrup (I made mine by cooking blueberries with a dash of honey + water over low heat)

Scoop of Pomegranate Seeds

Method

Mix all ingredients in pitcher to create the ultimate cocktail punch for adults. Pour into chilled glasses of your choice and sprinkle some pomegranate seeds for a little somethin’ extra. For a real kick, warm up over low-medium heat for a cider-esque drink for cold days.

—Kait Kucy

Did Secret Santa stick you with someone especially tough to please? Don't fret, we've got a few ideas that will make you look like a gifting genius.

Your Partner’s Super Stylish Little Sister: Sometimes she gets on your nerves but she was a great ally at the last family gathering. Keep her on side with a Scout & Catalogue clutch ($88). The shop is taking a holiday break, but get a gift card here: scoutandcatalogue.bigcartel.com

Your Mother-in-Law: Two words even she can't disapprove of – Jo Malone. This Wild Fig and Cassis candle is a simple way to give her a bit of everyday luxury (and score some major brownie points). $75, www.holtrenfrew.com

Your Boss: She makes you work your butt off but at the end of the day she’s also your mentor (we hope). The M0851 classic card holder symbolizes top quality and style, just like you ($45). www.m0851.com

Your Co-workers: Vancouver’s Beta5 Chocolates will make everyone forget your rant about not eating smelly food in the office. I’m obsessed with the hot chocolate kit ($30) but these peppermint patties will be a nostalgic crowd pleaser ($10). shop.beta5chocolates.com

Your Boyfriend… of Three Weeks: At this stage, a deluxe Swiss army knife will pretty much kill the chemistry (I learned the hard way). Why not gather the ingredients for his and your favourite cocktails instead? AMC posted a guide on how to make everything from a Greyhound to a Vodka Gimlet here so you can embrace your inner Don and Joan (sorry Peggy).

—Julie Whelan

It’s worth investing in your child’s sleep. Even though a good bed, organic mattress, soft linens, and cosy sleep sac may not actually make them sleep better, we need to make sure we’ve ruled out all the problems when they are up at three in the morning.

If good looking pajamas can encourage better sleeping patterns, then we recommend OM Home’s Jasper two-piece set ($39). The snug-fitting nightwear set features a choice of six brightly coloured prints and is handmade in Canada. They’ll make a great gift around the holidays, for your little ones or others.

Since they'll be waking you up at 4 a.m. on Christmas Day, you may as well ensure they look extra cute for photos in front of the tree. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

OM Home’s pajamas, available in one-piece for babies as well, www.omhome.com

Refresh your Christmas tunes with this list of contemporary carols.

The Christmas Waltz by She & Him

The Christmas Song by The Raveonettes

Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Death Cab for Cutie

Angels from the Realms of Glory by Annie Lennox

Silver Bells by Meaghan Smith

The Cowboys Christmas Ball by The Killers

In the Morning by Jack Johnson

Song for A Winter’s Night by Good Lovelies

Tracks in the Snow by The Civil Wars

O Holy Night by Matt Andersen

—Jaelyn Molyneux

The presents are wrapped, the cards sent out and you’re set for Santa. But sadly, cookies and milk won’t do for the rest of the gang.

This holiday, give yourself a kitchen break and grab a turkey dinner to go from The Main Dish.

Order by tomorrow and pick-up by Christmas Eve, and Santa will have nothing on you as you feast on roasted turkey breast, vegetables, cheddar and garlic mashed potatoes, herb stuffing, house-made gravy and cinnamon orange cranberry sauce ($14.99).

Bon appétit.

The Main Dish, 903 General Ave. NE, Calgary, 403-265-3474, www.tmdish.com