Winter break warm up

As the days grow shorter and the year begins to wind down, our office team is gearing up for a well-deserved winter break — a season of warmth, relaxation, and the simple joy of indulging in a little extra entertainment. With a few days off on the horizon, we surveyed our team to gather a curated list of perfect suggestions for those cozy winter days.

So, grab a blanket, make some hot cocoa, and join us in unwinding with these Altis favourites!

A pack of page-turners

The vast majority of our team is looking forward to nothing more than curling up with a good book this season. Romance takes centre stage, with the novels of Colleen Hoover at the top of the list. We’re also looking to learn some valuable life lessons through a variety of autobiographies, including the trials and tribulations of Britney Spears and Matthew Perry. Canadian content also made a strong showing, with the thriller novels of astronaut Chris Hadfield on several “to-read” lists. Our team is also excited about exploring themes of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our reading choices, and opening our minds with a little self-exploration this season.

Whether you're in the mood for a heartwarming romance or a deep dive into Canadian landscapes, our winter reading list promises a little something for every lover of the written word.

Top five fiction:

1.   Colleen Hoover – various titles (romance)
2.   Rebecca Yarros – various titles (fantasy)
3.   Bonnie Garmus – Lessons in Chemistry (historical fiction, humour)
4.   Chris Hadfield – various titles (thriller)
5.   Delia Owens – Where the Crawdads Sing (mystery)

Top five nonfiction:

1.   Britney Spears – The Woman in Me (autobiography)
2.   Matthew Perry – Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing (autobiography)
3.   Barack Obama – A Promised Land (memoir, inspiration)
4.   James Clear – Atomic Habits (self-help, inspiration)
5.   Severin Sorensen – The Talent Palette (business, HR)

Top Canadian Authors:

1.   Chris Hadfield – various titles (thriller)
2.   K.A. Tucker – various titles (romance)
3.   Matthew Perry – Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing (autobiography)
4.   Eckhart Tolle – A New Earth (self-help, inspiration)
5.   Najwa Zebian – Welcome Home (self-help, inspiration)

Cinematic classics

As our team settles in for multiple movie nights this season, holiday classics are at the top of their list - with Kevin McCallister’s adventures at Home Alone taking the #1 spot, along with other perennial favourites like Elf, It's a Wonderful Life, and a slew of Hallmark holiday movies. Many of our team members still believe in magic, and plan to spend their days off indulging in all things Harry Potter. Likewise, the mystical world of J.R.R. Tolkien showed up twice in our survey results, with his Lord of the Rings trilogy in high demand among readers and movie lovers alike.

Top picks for flicks:

1.   Home Alone
2.   Harry Potter
3.   Hallmark Movies (various)
4.   Lord of the Rings trilogy
5.   The Christmas Chronicles

Streaming sensations

Winter is made for TV marathons, and our team has recommended a diverse list that spans genres and formats. While scripted series are the overall preference, it appears much of our team is planning to spend their break California dreamin’ with visions of coastal real estate dancing in their heads, as Selling Sunset was the top overall choice - by far! We’re also indulging in some historical drama, sports, mystery, and mini-series galore. From reality TV guilty pleasures to intrigue-filled thrillers and the excitement of competition, we've got your winter break entertainment covered. So grab the remote (or mouse!), settle in, and let the winter break binge-watching commence.

Top Five Reality Series:

1.   Selling Sunset
2.   Vanderpump Rules
3.   Real Housewives
4.   Drag Race
5.   Bachelor in Paradise

Top Five Scripted Series:

1.   The Crown (historical drama)
2.   The Fall of the House of Usher (horror, mystery)
3.   The Morning Show (comedy, workplace)
4.   Emily in Paris (comedy, drama)
5.   All the Light We Cannot See (historical drama)

Documentaries for days

Our team is also looking to explore a little truth, with a deep dive into some documentaries on many of our to-do lists this season. We’ll be viewing some fascinating real-world narratives, thought-provoking topics, and explorations of the world around us. Sports and inspirational athletic-centred stories are a must-see for many, while others are choosing to get their pulses racing with some true crime. From gripping life stories to insightful journeys into history and culture, these documentaries will be adding depth to our winter break viewing.

Top Five True Tales:

1.   Arnold (sport, biography)
2.   Escaping Twin Flames (cult, escape)
3.   Love Has Won (cult, biography)
4.   The Deepest Breath (sport, diving)
5.   Welcome to Wrexham (sport, heartwarming)

As you kick back during your winter break, we hope our favourite picks can add to your relaxation and entertainment. Have anything to add to the list? Let us know, as we are always looking to expand our selections.