Creating Holiday Magic In A Hard Year

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how to make the most of the Christmas season. Honestly, Thanksgiving was kind of a bummer. I didn’t get to gather with my family like I usually would and the day kind of fell flat. After such a hard year I decided I don’t want the same experience at Christmas. This year I want to really lean into the Christmas magic and take control of making this season fun!

Here are a few ways I’m looking to create some holiday magic!

Christmas Lights- So many “normal” Christmas events aren’t happening this year (for very good reasons), but one thing that hasn’t disappeared is Christmas light displays! I love to grab a blanket and a thermos of hot cocoa and go see the Christmas lights on Keefer and Songbird.

Christmas Books and Movies- Books and movies are an inherently immersive experience. When I’m having a hard time feeling the season, I find it helpful to pick up a seasonal book or hit play on a holiday movie and get lost in someone else’s world for a while!

Food and drink- One thing that sets a holiday apart from just another day is some kind of good meal. I also feel like our tastebuds help us recreate those nostalgic feelings. This year I’m starting early in planning my Christmas day menu so that I can anticipate and properly prepare for something fun and festive! In the time between now and Christmas I’m also planning on making Christmas cookies and trying out a few holiday-themed cocktails!

Ornament exchange- One fun idea that would be really great with a significant other or friend is to do an ornament exchange! It could be an ornament that reminds you of them or about something that happened during the year!

Reflecting and setting goals- I know this is usually a new years thing but I think it could also be fun at Christmas! Whatever your year has looked like I think it’s important to take a minute to reflect on the things that happened and celebrate your accomplishments!