Christmas without chaos—could this be an actual thing? I can hear you saying, “That sounds amazing, but my list is longer than Santa’s!” A few years ago, I reached a point where I wanted my family to experience more beautiful experiences than chaos during this most magical time of year. I wanted to spend less time immersed in the hustle and bustle of the season and more time in the wonder and sentiment of Christmas.

So what did I do? I made a much shorter to-do list than I have in years before. This new list did not revolve around the things I would buy for my family to open, but moments I would plan for them to experience. With help from the entire fam (even our littlest dude), I wrote a list of special things we would do together in the month of December.

Let’s face it, it’s 2020 and many of us are celebrating a little differently this year. If you want to immerse yourself in a magical Christmas, I highly recommend to try the following activities during the month of December:

Grinch Night

My family and I make green food, decorate the house in obnoxious green tinsel and watch the Grinch together—the kids love this!

Christmas Lights Night

After Dinner, the kids put on their pajamas and I pack up warm Christmas cookies and a thermos of hot cocoa. We pile into the heated truck and drive around–oohing and aahing at all the homes that are beautifully lit.

Ice Skating

There is nothing more magical than the glistening of ice under twinkling lights. Our entire family laces up to skate the night away until it’s time for hot cocoa by the fire.

Christmas Play or Musical

This is a newer tradition for us but has quickly become one of my favorite experiences. Over the past few years it has been so fun to get the family dressed up and catch a Christmas performance at one of the local theaters. We will miss it this year, but plan to be back in 2021!

Decorate Christmas Cookies

This simple tradition is one that our kids get most excited about! If homemade cookies don’t make the cut this year, just remember that it’s the icing and sprinkles that bring the biggest smiles anyways! (get my recipe here!)

Friend, I want you to enJOY this special season with those you love. I hope these tips help make your Christmas absolutely magical!

P.S. if you’re looking for Christmas decor tips and Christmas recipes, I have a printable that you would love! Download it here!