It's the sweet season filled with strawberry canapes but also schezwan vada pav and no other alliteration

You know that Christmas is in the air when all you can think about is hot chocolate and Hugh Grant from Love Actually. And that means the gifting season is upon us. Now, let's accept the truth, gifting can be a joyful experience for some, but also daunting for many. That's why we've got just the video for you. Learn all the tricks and tips and become a pro at wrapping this holiday season. While at it, munch on our no-alcohol plum cake, which is so good, you won't miss alcohol. 

This is also that time of the year, when the heart yearns for a stack of warm pancakes or fluffy scrambled eggs, because it's really the only thing that can lure us out of the comfy duvet. If you too are a breakfast junkie like me then head over to some of the quaintest spots in Mumbai that are perfect for a cute, brekkie date or a morning meeting with an English breakfast spread, to boot. Take cues from our Digital Writer Nirupama Chaudhary's favourites, and she's got all of 10! For homebodies, Chaudhary has also collated paratha recipes of all kinds. Whether you like yours with a chunda pickle or dahi, you'll find something to bookmark in it for sure.   

Now, it is possible that you could hit the treadmill with a vengeance after gorging on all those parathas, but if you've got a real sweet tooth as well, then hang on. From peanut ladoos to oat and jam bars, Junior Writer Samika Aurora curates a list of healthy protein-rich snacks to conquer exactly that. 

Next up is our star video this week, the schezwan vada pav. It has less to do with the Sichuan region, and more with Maharashtra.  And while it's typically hard to better a classic, we truly managed to elevate the street food experience with punchier flavours. 

Festivities may come and go, but is any week really complete without chaat? This week, I'm rooting for the lotus root version by Chef Harsh Shodhan from Gourmet On The Go. It is tangy, spicy and so cool. I wonder why I didn't think of this recipe while making a zillion chaats that I made on screen this year. 

Along with being merry, it's also the season of the pink berry. With just three ingredients, our strawberry canapes recipe helps the fruit shine like never before. Add a little hot honey to it for that extra flex. Or pair it with our homemade chocolate bar recipe that doubles up as a fun activity to do with your friends, kids or family this weekend. Trust us, it somehow tastes sweeter when handmade.