From all of us at Capital Direct:
Wishing you a joyful
holiday season filled with
peace and happiness, and a
new year full of prosperity
and bright possibilities!

How to Prevent Ice Dams on Your Roof

Winter is beautiful, but it can be tough on your home. One common winter headache is ice dams: those ridges of ice that form along your roof’s edge, preventing melting snow from draining properly. If left unchecked, ice dams can lead to leaks, water damage, and costly repairs. Here’s how to prevent them this season:

Keep your gutters clean. Remove leaves and debris to ensure water can flow freely off your roof.

Inspect attic insulation. Proper insulation helps keep warm air from escaping into the attic, reducing snow melt that refreezes at the eaves.

Ventilate your attic. Good airflow prevents uneven roof temperatures. Ridge vents and soffit vents help maintain consistent temperatures and reduce ice buildup.

Seal air leaks. Check for gaps around chimneys, vents, and skylights, which allow warm air to escape and contribute to ice dam formation.

Remove snow safely. Use a roof rake from the ground to remove excess snow after heavy storms—but avoid standing on the roof, which is risky.

Consider professional help. For homes prone to ice dams, a roofing professional can recommend solutions such as heat cables or roof coatings.are functioning properly.

Holiday Hosting Spending Mistakes
(and Smarter Alternatives)

The holiday season is about connection, not extravagance. But when hosting, it’s easy to overspend trying to impress your guests. Here are common hosting pitfalls—and smarter ways to handle them:

Over-the-top menu. Multiple mains, fancy sides, and elaborate desserts can break the budget. Instead: focus on one crowd-pleasing main and simple sides.

Stocking a full bar. Buying every kind of liquor and mixer adds up fast. Instead: serve a signature cocktail or mocktail plus basic wine, beer, and sparkling water.

Fancy décor. Themed table settings and pricey centrepieces aren’t necessary. Instead: use twinkle lights, candles, and natural touches like pinecones or evergreen sprigs.

Party favours. Small trinkets often get forgotten. Instead: offer edible treats, like spiced nuts or cookies, or skip favours entirely.

Buying too much food. “Just in case” overbuying leads to waste. Instead: plan portions based on your guest list and embrace potluck-style contributions.

Remember, guests come for your company, not extravagance. Thoughtful, simple choices create memorable gatherings without the stress or overspending.

Shareable Dishes with a Festive Twist

Shareable dishes are the unsung heroes of holiday entertaining. They’re easy to prepare, encourage mingling, and look impressive with minimal effort. Here are four classics and ways to give them a seasonal twist:

Charcuterie boards. Layer meats, cheeses, crackers, and fruit. Add festive flair with dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, or a drizzle of maple syrup over brie.

Vegetable platters with dips. Fresh veggies and dips are always welcome. Swap your usual dip for spiced yogurt, cranberry hummus, or roasted red pepper spread for a holiday twist.

Mini sandwiches or sliders. Perfect for a crowd. Try turkey with cranberry sauce or smoked salmon with cream cheese and dill for a festive upgrade.

Cheese and fruit skewers. Easy to grab, colourful, and delicious. Thread cubes of cheddar or gouda with grapes, apple slices, or roasted vegetables for variety.

What People Say About Us

We love what we do, and we hope you do too.
Over the years, Capital Direct Lending has helped thousands of Canadians just like you to realize their dreams. But don't take our word for it.

“Simple and easy to deal with.”

“ Less stress than dealing with a bank.
Needed funds to invest in properties. ”

Paul D. Ancaster, ON

The equity in your home is something that you've worked hard to build. 'Let your house lend a hand' © Contact a Capital Direct mortgage specialist to discover your options.

December Sudoku

8	6	1
2


		6

	5	3
		1
	4	6

	9	2
7

	3
8		2
	7


		5
6	3

3	2
6
5	4


4


		9
3	8	7

Click here to view the solution

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