Kim Roman, Vice President, Consumer Lifestyle, GCI Canada

This edition of GCI Squeezed Fresh is all about what's hot this holiday season. We've highlighted some creative ideas, interesting reads and fashion trends that are sure to make your spirits bright.

Read on for a quick sip of inspiration and discover the latest trends in art, design, music, fashion and culture by following us on Twitter!

Happy holidays from all your friends at GCI Canada.

1.  Digital Tourism

Consumers have an insatiable thirst to view the world digitally through real-time images. With GPS devices, mobile phone applications, Google Earth and the recently launched Google Street View, it’s easy to find your way to holiday parties this year. Restaurants and shops are also enhancing their traditional websites by incorporating similar digital tools. Check out the Shack Cam, a real-time shot of the Shake Shack, a legendary burger spot in Madison Square Park.

2. Spa Socials

With growing concerns about maintaining good health over the flu season, some employers are moving the staff holiday party from the bar to the spa. Staff spa parties are becoming more popular as a way to reward and rejuvenate employees. Studies have shown that spa treatments can settle irregular sleep patterns and reduce stress, potentially increasing productivity levels. Treat your staff by bringing them The Spa Treatment this holiday or book a group event at The Ten Spot Beauty Bar or Polish Beauty Bar.

3. Purple is the New Black

Lilac, grape, violet, lavender and mauve…this season purple is all the rage! From the runways to the hottest holiday décor, purple hues are everywhere. How can you translate this fashion trend or add a burst of purple colour to your communications materials or season’s greetings?

Lonny Magazine

As conventional publications keep folding over, full online glossy magazines are revolutionizing the way consumers read fashion magazines. After the collapse of Domino, Michelle Adams and Patrick Cline embraced a digital platform and created the premiere issue of Lonny.

Free from page limits and excessive advertisements, readers can directly link to their favourite products and resources with the click of a mouse. Online shopping has never been more fun!

Design for Obama

The holiday season is all about hope. Design for Obama - Posters for Change: A Grassroots Anthology will inspire anyone on your shopping list with colourful pages of stunning graphic innovation that helped make history.

Gone are the days when café owners would raise eyebrows at the sight of a stroller. With Toronto’s Lil’ Bean N’ Green, The Gingerbread House and Small World Café, kids are recognized as a profitable business opportunity and treated like VIP clients.

These java joints have smartly split their space between a sit-down, espresso-serving adult area and a magical playland riddled with toys for children. While Lil’ Bean N’ Green aims to entertain kids with music lessons and story time, The Gingerbread House targets parents with Childcare 101 classes. Small World Café offers ample stroller parking and a large indoor recreational area.

These personalized cafés are a big hit with hipster parents in the community, who appreciate marrying the concept of an adult coffee shop with a children’s playground.

Other local businesses that cater to adults, such as art galleries and nightclubs, are also adopting this trend from an operational and marketing perspective. Bunch Family hosts family dance parties with live rock bands and karaoke, and Magic Pony combines a contemporary art gallery with cool kids shop.

Keep these über hip destinations in mind when holiday shopping this season or when searching for a cozy spot to spend some quality time with the family.

Charities are beginning to use the fundraising power of online social networks like Twitter in innovative and creative ways.

When blogger Drew Olanoff was diagnosed with cancer, he asked people to use the hashtag #blamedrewscancer to describe any negative event or situation to raise money for LiveStrong. When he decided to auction off his Twitter name for the cause, Drew Carey pledged $1 million for it if he could get 1,000,000 followers by the end of the year.

A multitude of Canadian not-for-profit organizations, such as @salvationarmy @UnitedWayTO, @MSvillageCanada, @HoHOTO, @TwestivalTO and @DailyBreadTO are also using Twitter to raise funds while increasing brand awareness and support for their mission and vision.

The hashtag #charitytuesday is a weekly reminder to spread good news and support worthy causes. ‘Tis the season to give, so remember to support local charities or global foundations - tweet and give generously!