With six little ones underfoot, I’m leaning into simple ways to make the season feel special while still keeping up with real life. Laundry still needs doing. Meals still need cooking. And I’m still the CEO of Christmas over here.
These are the small, doable things that are making our days feel festive without adding stress.
Incorporate the Senses
1. Keep a Christmas playlist going
Music shifts the whole atmosphere. I rotate between something upbeat with lyrics when the kids want to sing and dance along and an acoustic version for school time or reading. It adds warmth without any effort.
2. Bake a few select treats
I’m not going full Food Network over here. Just the simple recipes we’ve known and loved for years because low effort still makes big memories.
Our classics:
•Cutout Christmas cookies
• Homemade fudge
• Candied pecans
• Russian tea cookies
We package them up and deliver treats to friends and neighbors one day, which keeps gifting simple and meaningful.
3. Use storebought Christmas crafts
This year I’m fully embracing the kits from Hobby Lobby and Target. They range from five to thirty dollars and all the prep work is already done. It’s easier on me and still feels really special for the kids.
4. Jesus Jesus and more Jesus
We’re reading, studying, and meditating on Christ any way we can through poetry, art, and music. Advent gives us a chance to look for hope, peace, joy, and love in the world and remember that he is still Immanuel.
5. Make books part of the decor
Our Christmas books are doubling as decorations this year. They’re tucked on shelves, under the tree, and in baskets around the house. It keeps reading part of the rhythm of the day.
Check out the best Christmas Picture Books Here
6. Add lots of candlelight
Alllll the glowy candle lights for a warm and cozy feel. A few candles lit around the house instantly makes things feel peaceful and welcoming.
7. Warm drinks in special mugs
Homemade hot chocolate, hot cider, or tea or coffee in mugs you pull out just at Christmas time. I thrifted mine. There’s something about a warm drink in a “once a year” cup that makes even an ordinary afternoon feel like a celebration.
8. Lean into the Christmas movies
Some afternoons call for a slower pace, and a good Christmas movie creates both margin and memory. Nothing wrong with letting the season feel fun and gentle.
Christmas doesn’t become magical by adding more. It becomes magical when we pay attention to the small things — the warmth, the light, the Scripture, the familiar recipes. These little touches weave the days together and anchor our children in memories they’ll carry long after the season ends.
