12 Days of Holiday Cheer
What we could use to end 2020 on a good note is a little bit of holiday cheer! 12 Days of Holiday Cheer, to be exact. SO, we’re launching the Cape Breton University 12 Days of Holiday Cheer contest to help spread the joy of the holiday season and celebrate safely with all of you. Because the spirit of the holidays can’t be stopped, not even by a pandemic.
Below, you’ll find our 12-day schedule, which kicks off with Giving Tuesday on December 1, and runs until Saturday, December 12. We invite you to join us in participating in each day’s challenge, collecting entries to win our grand prize. Each day has its own special theme, with instructions on how to participate and earn contest entries outlined below.
The contest will primarily be held on Instagram, with additional posts on Facebook and Twitter, so make sure to follow us there for fun holiday content every day. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #CBUHolidayCheer so we can check out all of your great posts.
We know you can’t wait to dive into all things holly and jolly, but please remember the importance of COVID-19 safety precautions. We’ve designed our contest so you can participate from the comfort and safety of home, but if you do choose to head out and about, don’t forget to wear your mask, wash your hands and practice social distancing. Our grand prize will be dropped off to the winner using contactless delivery.
Day 1: Tuesday, December 1 – Giving Tuesday
The first day of our 12 Days of Holiday Cheer falls on Giving Tuesday, an international grassroots movement that encourages and amplifies small acts of kindness and giving, whether through monetary donations, volunteering time or other resources. Today, CBU is recognizing the importance of community by donating $16,000 to food banks around the island, including the CBUSU foodbank.
Thanks to the generosity of J & W Murphy Foundation, the donation to CBUSU food bank will be matched, along with any additional donations received by the CBUSU food bank today. We know this has been a challenging year for all; if it is within your means and you’d like to join us in participating in Giving Tuesday, please visit www.CBU.ca/Give
To enter: Like and share any of our Giving Tuesday posts on social media for your chance to win.
Day 2: Wednesday, December 2 – Show us your ugly holiday sweater
Nothing screams holiday cheer like an ugly sweater. Show us what you’ve got and share a picture of your ugly holiday sweater. Do you have the ugliest sweater in town? Now is your chance to prove it!
To enter: Share a photo of your holiday sweater on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #CBUHolidayCheer and tag @cbuniversity to collect your entry.
Day 3: Thursday, December 3 – Show us your favourite holiday decorations or ornament
Whether your house beams like a lighthouse beacon in the dark or your tiny Charlie Brown tree is the only sign of the season, we want you to share your holiday decor with us. Don’t forget those special ornaments that capture the joy of the holiday season every time you take them out of the box. What do the holidays look like to you?
To enter: Share a photo of your holiday decorations or ornaments on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #CBUHolidayCheer and tag @cbuniversity to collect your entry.
Day 4: Friday, December 4 – Send some holiday cheer
Now more than ever, a simple greeting card or letter in the mail can make someone’s day. This holiday season, we want you to join us in sending a special note to a loved one. The Caper has been out dropping his holiday cards in mailboxes all morning long!
To enter: Comment on our Instagram post and let us know someone in your life who deserves a special holiday greeting this year and why. For a bonus entry, show off those envelope decorating skills and share a photo on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #CBUHolidayCheer and tag @cbuniversity to collect your entry.
Day 5: Saturday, December 5 – Shop Local
Supporting our community is a great way to spread holiday cheer. Luckily for us, so many of our favourite local businesses offer curbside pick up and delivery options. All year long, our local businesses show love for the community by sponsoring events, helping with fundraisers and offering inclusive and welcoming environments. This holiday season, give back by shopping local.
To enter: Comment on our Instagram post and let us know your favourite local business.
For a bonus entry, share a photo of your favourite shop or one of their products on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #CBUHolidayCheer and tag @cbuniversity to collect your entry.
Day 6: Sunday, December 6 – Share your favourite holiday movie
Snuggling up with a cup of hot cocoa and turning on your favourite holiday movie sounds like the perfect Sunday evening to us! Everyone has that one movie that puts them in the holiday spirit and brings the magic of the season to life. What’s yours?
To enter: Share a photo of your cozy movie set-up on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #CBUHolidayCheer and tag @cbuniversity to collect your entry. For a bonus entry, comment on our Instagram post and share your favourite holiday flick.
Day 7: Monday, December 7 – Share your favourite holiday recipe
This one has us drooling already. Do you have a special recipe that always makes an appearance during the holidays? Whether it’s candy cane shortbread cookies, potato latkes or the perfect gravy recipe, we want to hear it! This is the perfect chance to show off your cooking skills while trading recipes with one another.
To enter: Comment on our Instagram post and let us know your favourite holiday dish.
For a bonus entry, share a photo of those droolworthy creations on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #CBUHolidayCheer and tag @cbuniversity to collect your entry.
Day 8: Tuesday, December 8 – Eat local
Are we still thinking about food? Of course. Today’s task is to eat local, and with so many incredible restaurants on our Island, that shouldn’t be much of a challenge at all. Did someone say delivery?
To enter: Comment on our Instagram post and let us know your favourite local restaurant.
For a bonus entry, share a photo of your favourite dish on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #CBUHolidayCheer and tag @cbuniversity to collect your entry.
Day 9: Wednesday, December 9 – Fresh Air
It’s time to take this contest outside, with today’s task: getting some fresh air. Whether that means taking your pup for a walk, hitting the slopes or enjoying a cup of tea on the step, we want you to take in that crisp winter air!
To enter: Share a photo of your outdoor activity on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #CBUHolidayCheer and tag @cbuniversity to collect your entry.
Day 10: Thursday, December 10 – Share your holiday traditions
The holidays look different for all of us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate together! Today, we’d like to invite you to share your holiday traditions with us.
To enter: Comment on our Instagram post and let us know one tradition you keep alive year after year. For a bonus entry, share a photo or video showing us what the holidays look like for you on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #CBUHolidayCheer and tag @cbuniversity to collect your entry. Bonus points if you have any photos from when you were little!
Day 11: Friday, December 11 – Show us your holiday mask
We know masks aren’t the most fashion-forward accessory of the season, but a little holiday spirit can make things more fun. Show us your most festive face mask and let’s keep protecting one another this holiday season.
To enter: Share a photo or video of your festive mask on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #CBUHolidayCheer and tag @cbuniversity to collect your entry. Bonus points if you have any photos from when you were little!
Day 12: Saturday, December 12 – Be present
On our last day of the 12 Days of Holiday Cheer we don’t want you to spend, photograph or post anything. All we want you to do is take time to be present and spend time with your loved ones. Whether that’s in person or virtually, we hope you’re able to connect with loved ones today and enjoy the holiday spirit together. Today, we’ll be giving an extra entry to anyone who has participated in our 12 Days of Holiday Cheer!
Thank you to everyone who has participated in our 12 Days of Holiday Cheer contest, we look forward to announcing a winner tomorrow!
Day 13: Sunday, December 13 – And the winner is…
All contest entries will be added to the draw and our winner will be announced on December 13!
Our lucky winner will receive a lovely prize package including:
- One CBU Sweater
- One CBU Tshirt
- One leather-bound CBU journal
- One CBU Christmas ornament
- Two grow-your-own basil starter kits
- One CBU water bottle
- One CBU mug
- One CBU travel mug
- One CBU toque
- One pair of CBU mittens