How To Make the Holidays Feel Magical Again
Every December, I’m reminded how easy it is to get swept up in the buying, the rushing, the “more, more, more” of the holidays.
But truthfully, that’s never the part I remember.
The moments that stick - the ones my kids still talk about years later - have nothing to do with presents. They’re the simple things: movie nights in matching pajamas, baking our favorite cookies (which will now be gluten-free!), driving around to look at lights with hot cocoa in hand.
So this year, instead of rounding up a gift guide full of links and products, I wanted to share something better:
A Holiday Bucket List filled with the things that actually make the season feel meaningful.
So if you’re craving a slower, calmer, more intentional holiday season… this list is for you. ❤️
✨ Cozy At-Home Traditions
These are the sweet, relaxing moments I come back to every year!
Have a Christmas Movie Night
Slip into your Christmas PJ’s, pop some popcorn, whip up a big mug of hot chocolate, and cozy up on the couch for a Christmas movie marathon! The Holiday, anyone??
Host a Cookie Exchange
This is such a fun way to gather your people and share the sweetness of the season. Everyone brings a batch to share, and you go home with a plate full of yummy treats (and usually a new recipe or two!).
Do a Christmas Puzzle
Our family has multiple Christmas puzzles that we put together every single year - it’s one of our favorite traditions!
Have a Family Pajama Party
Call me crazy, but I love getting matching Christmas PJ’s for the whole family! And if you really want to make your kids’ entire day, sleep under the twinkling glow of the tree (this is extra magical on Christmas Eve!).
Decorate a Gingerbread House
There will be crooked walls. There will be candy falling off. Someone’s roof will collapse. And some years your dog will eat two whole gingerbread houses while you are out running errands…. But that’s only half the fun! 😉
Do a Christmas Craft
When my kids were little, we always made a paper chain countdown, and we still cut out winter snowflakes to deck our halls. It’s simple and nostalgic!
Set Up a Hot Cocoa Bar
Marshmallows, candy canes, whipped cream - this is your permission to go completely over the top. The kids will talk about it for weeks!
Bake Your Favorite Treat
Everyone has a cookie recipe they look forward to all year. Give yourself permission to enjoy it (guilt-free)!
Pro Tip: Make some extras and drop off a batch to your local fire station!
Handwrite Holiday Cards
In a season that moves fast, writing a few cards by hand has a way of slowing everything down. Plus, your friends and family will love receiving a heartfelt card in the mail!
Read a Christmas Book
There are so many fun Christmas books out there (for kids and adults). Head to your local library and pick one up!
❄️ Winter Adventures & Outings
It’s time to get out of the house and into the magic of winter!
Drive Around + Look at Christmas Lights
There’s something so nostalgic about piling the whole family in the car, driving around with a thermos of hot cocoa, Christmas music playing through the speakers, and pointing out our favorite houses.
PNW Tip: If you're local to Bellingham, WA, James Street Estates is one of the best neighborhoods for this!
Attend a Tree Lighting Ceremony
Bundle up, grab a warm drink, and enjoy being part of the community.
PNW Tip: Join us on December 6th for the Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony!
Visit a Christmas Tree Farm
Even if you’re not bringing a tree home, it’s worth wandering around just for the experience!
PNW Tip: Whatcom County has no shortage of beautiful tree farms, many of which have cute gift shops and fun experiences for kids. Fullner Tree Farm and Alpine Meadows are great options!
Check out a Christmas Market
Instead of defaulting to Amazon, shop small this year. Support local makers, find something handmade, and treat yourself to something fun!
PNW Tip: Here’s a list of the events happening in Bellingham this year!
Go Sledding or Ice Skating
I’m not saying this has ever happened in our family, but there’s always at least one wipeout that becomes the family joke of the season… right?!
Attend a Christmas Show
There’s nothing quite like watching the holiday magic unfold on stage.
PNW Tip: Check out performances of The Nutcracker or The Nativity at the Mount Baker Theater! Kendall has performed in The Nativity every year since she was 3 years old!
Try a Seasonal Drink or Treat
Your local coffee shop or bakery always has something fun on the menu this time of year - peppermint mochas, gingerbread cookies, cranberry scones… all the good things!
Go on a Winter Nature Walk
It’s quiet, crisp, peaceful… and sometimes exactly what you need to reset in the middle of a busy month.
Have a Backyard Bonfire
Blankets, s’mores, chilled air, and that warm crackle of the fire. Pure winter magic!
Build a Snowman
If the weather cooperates, it's non-negotiable. It’s a classic winter tradition!
Go Caroling
Bring some holiday cheer to your neighbors this year and sing a classic Christmas carol or two!
🎁 Acts of Kindness & Giving Back
The holidays always feel sweeter when you add a little extra kindness to the world.
Do Random Acts of Kindness
Leave treats for delivery drivers, donate winter coats, surprise a neighbor with something sweet, or simply look for little ways to make someone’s day easier. It doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful.
Volunteer
Whether you’re serving meals, packing donations, or helping at a local event, showing up for your community will help ground you right back into what really matters this time of year.
Donate to a Local Charity
Money, items, time - whatever you have to give makes a difference.
Pro Tip: Many charities are looking for warm winter supplies this time of year. If your child has outgrown last years winter coat, gloves, or boots - this is the perfect time to donate!
All is Calm…
At the end of the day, the holidays aren’t about how much we buy - they’re about how we feel. And for me, it’s always the simple things that make this season feel magical. The slow nights, the small traditions, the time spent together.
I hope this little bucket list brings you the same sense of calm and joy it brings my family each year. ❤️
And to make things easy, you can download the printable PDF checklist and keep it nearby as you move through the season. Here’s to a holiday that feels lighter, simpler, and full of moments you’ll actually remember. ✨
