Tis the season for being busy. This year I’m making a holiday bucket list so I don’t wake up on New Year’s Day wondering what happened. Check it out and add some of your own.
Take Family Pictures
I love getting a new family picture every year to document the changes, mostly my daughter’s growth. The issue is that all those lovely snaps in our coordinated outfits can be very expensive. The good news is that many local photographers offer discounted mini sessions around the holidays. Whether you want to pose with pumpkins in November or model with mistletoe in December, there are plenty of options.
If you don’t have the time or money even for a mini session, get creative! I have a friend who documents her family each December with a quick photo session in a Christmas tree lot. The results are always stunning. Seek out ready-made displays like the one at the center of Destin Commons. With the right angles and skillful cropping, you can even get gorgeous pics in the holiday section of Michael’s or Hobby Lobby.
Make Time to Give Back
One of my favorite family activities is volunteering, and no one is too young to lend a hand. Kids are welcome at Crop Drop on November 23 at Destin United Methodist Church where volunteers sort more than 80,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables for distribution to families in need. My seven-year-old daughter, Vivian, and her Girl Scout troop do this every year and love it. If you want to volunteer without the kids, check out Harbor Docks on Thanksgiving. This is the twenty-fifth year the Destin institution has served up a free feast. Volunteers are always needed to run food to hungry guests.
Another fun way to spread cheer during the holidays is to share your smile and a song. Vivi and I go Christmas caroling with members of our church to Destin Health and Rehabilitation Center. We go from room to room, making a joyful noise and handing out Christmas ornaments.
Observe Family Traditions
Our family practices many holiday traditions that are, well, pretty traditional. We watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in the morning then get together and eat a big Thanksgiving feast, only after going around the table and saying what we are thankful for. In recent years, we started attending a Christmas Eve candlelight service at church. This peaceful practice prepares our hearts and sets the tone for remembering the true reason for the holiday.
If you have kids who are interested in keeping an eye on Santa, be sure to dial NORAD. Yes, I am talking about the North American Aerospace Defense Command. 364 days a year the folks at NORAD are watching the skies to detect threats to the U.S. and Canada; but on Christmas Eve every year since 1955, it’s all about tracking the big guy in his sleigh. Kids can call in for free to find out where Santa is or follow @noradsanta on social media for updates.
After church, the NORAD call, dinner, and presents, there’s only one thing to do before tucking Vivi in for the night. She climbs into Uncle Joe’s lap as he reads “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to her. This one always hits me right in the feels. Vivi was born in May, and my brother lived on the other side of the country. Her first Christmas was the first time he got to meet her. This became their special time together, and they both love it. Joe loves kids and reading, and Vivi loves Uncle Joe.
Carve Out Some Quiet Time
It’s difficult to find time to be still amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays. I like to walk outside by myself at night on Christmas Eve or Christmas and find the brightest star in the ski. I suppose I’ve bought into the Christmas vibes of all those Hallmark movies, but I find this practice especially fulfilling when it happens to be a crisp, clear evening. If it’s rainy, sweltering, or otherwise not conducive for yuletide cheer outside, I enjoy a few minutes zoning out staring at the lights on the Christmas tree after everyone else has gone to bed. These quiet moments help me settle and reflect on the miracle that is Christmas. Even if you don’t celebrate this particular holiday, taking the time to just be with yourself and identify what you are grateful for is a healthy practice.
I wish all of you a very happy holiday season. If you see me out at the craft store snapping selfies with a reindeer, just pretend it’s normal. I’m working on my Christmas cards.