The holiday season is upon us and there is no denying that inflation has had a significant impact on many and will continue to affect the lives of Canadians going into the new year. Tighter budgets have required us to get a bit creative in how we celebrate our seasonal traditions and manage our daily lives. We have put together a list of experts who can speak to topics that will be of interest to your audiences during this time of year.

Baby its cold outside – the benefits of outdoor winter play
With the onset of cold weather, it’s not unusual for people to spend more time indoors, but you shouldn’t let a little snow and ice stop you from enjoying some much needed (often necessary) time playing outside with your children. Dr. Michelle Stone, associate professor in the School of Health and Human Performance, can discuss how child-directed outdoor play experiences benefit children’s mental and physical well-being. She can also discuss how unstructured “risky” play, even during the winter months, fosters creativity and creates important childhood memories. 

Don’t let the inflation grinch steal your child’s holiday spirt  
Dealing with the impacts of inflation has put a damper on holiday plans and traditions for many this season. For those families struggling to afford basic living costs, there may not be a lot/or any money left over in people’s budgets for travel, presents, social events and other holiday traditions. While grownups understand the need to rein in spending amidst a looming recession, it may not be as easy for children to comprehend why they are being asked to tone down their expectations this holiday season.  Dr. Michael Ungar, professor in Dalhousie’s School of Social Work and Director of the Resilience Research Centre, can provide advice on how parents and caregivers can help children adjust to things looking a bit different this year and how they can embrace the true meaning of the holidays.

Home for the Holidays?
For many people the holidays involve travelling to spend time with family and friends, but the high cost of travel means others have changed their plans and will stay close to home this year. Dr. Lorn Sheehan, professor in the Rowe School of Business, can provide insight into how people’s travel plans may differ this holiday season and how the tourism/travel industry be impacted. 

Tis the season of treats and inflation
Throughout the holiday season it can be hard to stick within the confines of our regular, often healthier eating habits. In addition to the typical holiday temptations, inflation has led to soaring food prices making healthy food options seem unattainable for many. Dr. Sara Kirk professor in Dalhousie’s School of Health and Human Performance, can discuss what leads us to make the food choices we do. She can also provide tips on how to maintain healthy nutritional habits during the festive season and how to eat healthy while food prices remain high.  

Financial planning for the holidays and into the new year
Soaring inflation rates are placing a significant strain on Canadians’ finances. Samantha Taylor, senior instructor in the Rowe School of Business, can offer insight on how people can enjoy the holidays without taking on unmanageable consumer debt. She can also provide ideas on how to manage the impacts of high inflation rates and prepare for a possible recession.

Help the planet and your bank account this holiday season
Kareina D’Souza, sustainability manager of Dalhousie’s Sustainability Office, can provide insight on how we can seize the opportunity to make the holidays more sustainable and affordable by reducing waste and exchanging more environmentally friendly and economical gifts. 

Political happenings - A look back at the year that was, and forward to what’s coming in Canadian politicsWhat a year it’s been in the world of Canadian politics – party alliances, leadership changes, protests, public inquiries and much more. Dr. Lori Turnbull, director for the School of Public Administration, can provide a look back at the major political happenings of the past year and what to expect from federal and provincial leaders as we move into the new year. 

The state of the economy – Where we’ve been and where we’re going
Dr. Lars Osberg, Professor in Dalhousie’s Department of Economics can provide a look back on the country’s economic state and a glimpse ahead at what we can anticipate as we move into the new year – in particular, the implications for the country and everyday Canadians if a recession occurs, as well as the type of response we can expect to see from the government and what we can do to prepare.

We ask that you please keep in mind that it is at the faculty member’s discretion as to whether they have the availability to accommodate your request.