Hey friends! Today I thought that a few holiday tips, tricks, and hacks were needed for the final push toward Christmas eve, and Christmas day!
I’m includings some Christmas eve traditions for the Hannam house, as well as some games and goodies. Also, I’m including some delicious recipes, even if they aren’t my original ones to begin with! I’d love to hear all about your traditions and fun for the holiday season in the comments below! Make sure to share links too!
Did you know you can find all sorts of holiday tips, tricks, and hacks over on my Pinterest account? I hope you’re following me over there too!
Holiday Tips, Tricks, and Hacks #1: Keep it simple
This just so happens to be my life motto! “Keep it simple.” Anyone that’s in their midlife years knows that life is complicated enough on its own. No reason to make it more difficult than it needs to be!
So, my suggestion when it comes to holiday outfits is to shop your closet if possible. Or if you’re out shopping and see something that catches your eye, pick it up and work around the color scheme of the season. I saw this quilted vest last week, and since it was on sale, I picked it up knowing I could easily add a solid top, favorite denim, and a boot. All items I already had in my closet.
In case you want some outfit inspiration, head on over to Holiday Outfit Ideas 2021.
Holiday Tips, Tricks, and Hacks #2: Stick to What You Know
One universal truth is to stick to what you know works. Right now is not the time to try out a new complicated recipe, or hang wallpaper! Sanity is key, if you know what I mean.
So a few things that have become traditions at the Hannam house during the holidays are Christmas pj’s, fuzzy socks, gingerbread houses, the hot chocolate bar, the popcorn bar, and Hallmark Christmas movies. I can do these things with my eyes closed. AND the kids totally EXPECT us to do them every year! (Secretly, I love that they can depend on these things while they’re at our house.)
This year we took all the kids to Old Navy BEFORE Thanksgiving and let them pick out pj’s and fuzzy socks. There was no fussing, crying or tantrums. Everyone go what they wanted and I was assured they would wear them. WIN! (My suggestion is go get these EARLY in the season! They were also on sale BIGTIME.)
I love to get Christmas jammies too, however I’m totally obsessed with the flannels from Target. They are the perfect weight for the Houston climate, and they’re super soft and roomy! I’m linking mine below. BTW I ordered my hubby the same pair this year.
Holiday Tips, Tricks, and Hacks #3: Not Everything Has to be Homemade!
A couple of fun ideas that we also love is the hot chocolate bar, and the popcorn bar. The kids start asking about the hot chocolate bar in August every year. We generally get it up and going right around Thanksgiving though. I’m linking a few good ideas here, because I haven’t photographed and blogged about my own yet. (Hopefully I’ll get that done this year!)
These two ideas definitely fall into the ‘super simple’ category. We use pre-made hot chocolate mix (mainly b/c that’s what the kids seem to like most) and then add the toppings that are the most popular. Also, we restock with different toppings as we go.
The same is true for the popcorn bar. You can pop your own popcorn yourself, or you can buy pre-popped popcorn. Personally, we’ve done both. I almost prefer to buy it already popped and seasoned, that way all I have to get are the ‘toppings’.
This Christmas eve I’m trying a new thing though. These Holiday Dessert Cones look like they are simple and delicious! I think the kids will LOVE them. The only thing I will need to do before hand is dip the waffle cones in white chocolate and peppermint. Then I’ll set out all the fillings and they can pick the ones they love! Detailed instructions linked below!
Holiday Tips, Tricks and Hacks #4: Make it Ahead of Time if Possible
For Christmas morning, we always have some sort of egg casserole, and cinnamon rolls. We’ve been loving this really fabulous make ahead egg casserole lately. Y’all it’s just so good, and if I can make it, you know it’s got to be EASY! Check it out below!
Also, we will pick up cinnamon rolls the day Christmas eve and pop them in the oven Christmas morning. I’m not a baker, so bakery bought will have to suffice. (If you’re in the Katy, TX area you might want to try out The Great Harvest Bread Co. That’s where I buy my cinnamon rolls from.) That being said, no one complains. 😀. Then we simply add fresh brewed coffee and the kids hit up the hot chocolate bar, or pour themselves a glass of orange juice.
Holiday Tips, Tricks, and Hacks #5: Allow Yourself to have Fun!
Next up, some fun games we’ve been playing lately are Sushi Go!, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, and Coup. Almost all of our kids are in jr. high, high school and college aged. Make sure these are appropriate for your age group! I’m linking some others we like here too.
Next don’t forget the Christmas movies for the whole family! Remember to wear Christmas pj’s and the popcorn bar.
You might want to start with the classics. I’ve linked this post below.
I also loved this list that was published on The Pioneer Woman’s website. The 60 Best Family Christmas Movies to Watch with Your Kids This Year.
One more list is 70 Best Family Christmas Movies to Watch with Your Kids This Holiday Season. I’ve seen a lot of these movies. Some I love and others not so much, but at least it gives a few options, and a nice mix of oldies and newbies!
I know. These are all the basics. The tried and true. But they work. Everyone is happy, and I’m not going crazy trying to outdo myself.
I hope you found this post valuable. Pin it so you have easy access to these ideas for later! Also, I’d love to hear your thoughts, and ideas for future posts! Please comment below.
Happy shopping!
XOXO,
Cindyh
