A Few Of My Favorite Things - Christmas Edition

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I absolutely lOVE Christmas. But I'm also a working mom and business gets SUPER busy for Christmas so I never have time to do the long list of fun activities that everyone else always seems to be doing with their families. That doesn't mean that I can't participate and bring some Christmas magic to my own little family though.

I work very hard at capturing the magic of Christmas as much as I can with the little bit of time that I do have. Just because you're busy (or lazy) and can't (or don't want to) check off an exorbitant Holiday Fun Checklist, doesn't mean you have no chance at Christmas spirit in your house.

Here are a few easy ideas to get your house feeling the spirit of Christmas despite being on a financial or timely budget.

My Favorite Things!

1. Make Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows (and often!)

Nothing screams Winter more than hot cocoa with marshmallows. I make sure to make hot cocoa (almost) daily. It's a great treat to end the day with; all snuggled up on the couch with a Christmas movie going, and a fire blazing.

2. Wear a Santa Hat

Cute Santa hats are an adorable prop for a holiday card photo shoot, or even just to be silly in. I love wearing my Santa hat while waiting at the bus stop or making holiday cookies. The small addition of a Santa hat makes everything more Christmasy.

3. Decorate the Christmas Tree

Decorating the Christmas tree is always magical in-and-of itself. Our tradition is to make hot cocoa, throw on The Grinch movie and put up the tree & decorate. If someone gets tired or needs a break, they have their hot cocoa and movie to watch while the others take over.

Also, quick tip that may forever change the way you drink hot cocoa: grab a bowl of 'cookies & cream' ice cream and after you scoop some ice cream on your spoon, dip it carefully into the hot cocoa to get some cocoa on the spoon along with the ice cream. Spoon it into your mouth and experience pure bliss. We always make sure we have cookies and cream ice cream for our "putting up the tree" day.

4. Light a Fire

Our fireplace is going every day during the Winter. There is nothing more cozy than the crackling sound and the warm feeling of an evening fire. If you are blessed enough to have a real fireplace in your home, take a few nights during the season to roast marshmallows in it. If, however, you don't have a fireplace, have no fear! There are so many adorable electric fireplaces that look and feel real once you put them up against your wall.

Here is my favorite electric fireplace!

5. Wrap Christmas Present

I love wrapping Christmas presents early and making it a family affair. We put on Christmas music or movies, we grab all of our wrapping supplies, and we make ourselves cozy on the living room floor and get to wrapping. Once we're done, we have a bunch of cute gifts to put under the tree, making our tree look that much more festive! I love seeing Christmas presents under the tree (and not just on Christmas morning).

6. Bake Cookies

Baking cookies are not only a fun family tradition, but it also makes your house smell delicious and festive! I love to bake a few quick batches throughout the season to keep my house smelling fantastic, but I also make sure to set aside one entire night to bake really special cookies that take time and talent. My son loves decorating gingerbread men, snowflakes, candy canes and any other festive cut-out cookies.

And there you have it! A few simple ways to bring Christmas into your home no matter how busy you are. I hope you enjoyed!