SWEET IDEA
Now under way, Operation Cookies for Kids lets you hand over some high-class treats. A minimum donation of $50 gets you 40 to 50 creations made by, among other Christmas elves, folks from Marco Ropke Patisserie, Lumií¨re, Raincity Grill, and Pane e Formaggio. Also included is a jar of Spiced Cranberry With Ice Wine jam from the folks at Vista d’Oro Farms (their idea and they provided the tins). Find the cookies at Vista d’Oro’s Farmgate Shop (20856 4th Avenue, Langley) or at Edible British Columbia (Granville Island Public Market). Be warned, they’re selling fast. Here’s the warm, glowy Christmas bit: all funds go directly to B.C.’s Children’s Hospital.

EVE DE CHRISTMAS
See? You can speak Portuguese. On Sunday (December 24), Manuel Ferreira hosts a four-course seasonal feast ($55) at Senova (1864 West 57th Avenue). Turkey ballotine is one choice along with venison osso bucco and fava-bean brandade. Reservations are at 604-266-8643.

MORE AULD IDEAS
Flooding the mailbox: more ways to hoot and holler on New Year’s Eve. At Ocean 6 Seventeen (617 Stamps Landing, 604-879-6178), your choice of three courses (foie-gras parfait and lamb sirloin among them) goes for $75. At Zin (1277 Robson Street, 604-408-1700), Chris Whittaker’s Indulgence Tasting Menu spans Land, Sea, and Cocoa and includes cocktails and champagne for $150. Waterside, there’s a three-course prix fixe ($65) at Provence Marinaside (1177 Marinaside Crescent, 604-681-4144) and la míªme chose at Provence Mediterranean Grill (4473 West 10th Avenue, 604-222-1980). On a final mirthful note, Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company (1876 West 1st Avenue, 604-730-0321) springs into ”˜07 with five courses ($75) and standup from Dan Joffre and his Comedy Crew.

CUE THE TURKEYS
Friday (December 22) is the last day to order your Christmas gobbler ($60) from Memphis Blues Barbeque House, where free-range nonmedicated birds are done to a smoky turn in the pit. See www.memphisbluesbbq.com/ for locations. Otherwise, slide down to the Irish Heather (217 Carrall Street) on Monday (December 25) from noon to 5 p.m. for a warming spot of Irish cheer and a festive bite.

INSTANT GIFTING
Tuck a bottle of Aussie Riesling and tickets to a festival tasting, part of the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival (March 29 to 31; www.playhousewinefest.com/ ), in your sweetie’s Christmas stocking. (Australia’s the featured country; Riesling, the varietal focus.) Early-bird tickets are $60—buy on-line at www.ticketmaster.com/ and print your own.

DEVILISH DOINGS
Swing by La Cucina del Diavolo (in the ARC at 1701 Powell Street; www.lacucinadeldiavolo.com/ ) Friday (December 22) between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. for the first Craft Fair, Tea, and Good Time and polish off Christmas gifting with goodies ($20 to $200) direct from six artists: recycled knits, sculptured fur accessories, jewellery, and lovely hand-painted porcelain. Reward yourself with a few of Diavolo’s delicious pastries.