I was talking with a friend today about the upcoming holiday season. She has little ones—the kind that still match their pajamas to the season, the kind whose entire faces light up when you unwrap the box of ornaments, the kind who believe in magic without needing any proof at all. And as she talked, I felt it… that unmistakable pinch in the heart. The tender one. The one that whispers, you used to be there too.
It’s amazing how quickly a memory can unspool. One minute I’m nodding along like a reasonable adult, and the next I’m back in our old living room, watching two sleepy kids crawl across the carpet in footie pajamas while Christmas lights blink quietly behind them. I can see their cheeks, flushed from bath time. I can hear those tiny voices asking, “What’s today’s surprise?” I can feel their warm little bodies leaning into me on the couch, as if I were the safest place in the world.
Those early Advent years were some of the most magical, chaotic, joy-filled weeks of our family life. Not because we went big or extravagant—no one was handcrafting Scandinavian wooden ornaments or attending tree-lighting ceremonies on mountaintops. No. We were regular people doing regular things with kids who thought everything was a wonder. Honestly, we were usually tired, wearing mismatched pajamas, and slightly confused about where we hid the Scotch tape.
But we had this tradition. Starting December 1, we did one small surprise activity every single day leading up to Christmas. Usually free or almost-free. Usually involving at least one moment of sibling squabbling. And always—always—ending with the kind of memories that live in your bones long after the kids are grown.
And now? My kids still talk about those Advent days like they were part of some enchanted childhood era, which… I guess they were. Even if, behind the scenes, I was just trying to find a candy cane that wasn’t already half-melted at the bottom of my purse. The beauty of it all is that the magic didn’t come from perfection. It came from consistency. From slowing down. From saying, “Yes, we can pause the world for fifteen minutes and do something festive and ridiculous.”
I didn’t know I’d someday miss the sound of little feet running down the hall in their Christmas pajamas, eager to find out if tonight was the “hot cocoa and lights” night. If I had known how fast time would move…well, I probably would’ve taken more pictures. Slowed down more. Stared longer. But that’s the thing about parenthood—the beauty of it only becomes fully clear in the rearview mirror.
And now, with two young adults who are taller than me and drink energy drinks like it’s their birthright, I hold those memories so close. I didn’t do the holidays perfectly. I didn’t do the activities perfectly. Some nights I forgot until the last minute and scrambled to come up with something (thank you, “indoor sock snowball fight,” for being the hero activity of tired parents everywhere).
But the magic showed up anyway.
And the kids still remember.
And so do I.
Maybe that’s why talking to my friend today felt emotional. She’s in the middle of it—the sticky hands, the bedtime meltdowns, the wide eyes, the wonder. And I wanted to tell her, “You’re making memories right now without even knowing it.” I wanted to hug her and say, “Slow down. Breathe it in. It’s not perfect, and it’s not meant to be.” I wanted to tell her to leave the laundry for a moment and sit with her kids in the glow of the tree because someday she’ll close her eyes and ache for that exact moment.
If you’re in that stage now, or approaching it, or remembering it, I hope you give yourself permission to make magic without making it complicated. The memories you’re making? They don’t need a Pinterest board. They just need you.
The kids remember the magic—not the mess or the imperfections. They remember the feeling of warmth, safety, wonder, and belonging. They remember being delighted. They remember us showing up, even in simple ways.
If you’re in the sweet, messy middle of raising little ones, I hope you know what a gift this season is. Not because you’re doing something extravagant, but because you’re present. Because you’re showing up. Because you’re making ordinary moments feel special in a world that rushes past them.
And if your kids are grown, like mine, I hope you let yourself remember. I hope you look at old photos and smile at the tiny pajamas, the marker-stained fingers, the toppled-over gingerbread houses.
The magic was real. It still is. It lives in the memories, in the retellings, in the glow that stays long after the lights come down. Hold it close. Let it warm you. And keep making moments—because the magic doesn’t end just because the kids grow up. Magic doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from presence.
Below is the Advent list we used through the years—a mix of our old family favorites and some new ideas that didn’t exist back when we were searching the house for mini DV tapes and setting the camcorder on a stack of cookbooks to “record Christmas morning.” Choose the ones that feel fun. Skip the ones that feel like work. Mix and match. Do them in your pajamas. Trust me, it only makes everything better. And most of all, enjoy your people. These days swirl by quickly, but they leave a glow behind.
*The ones with a dollar sign ($) next to them will most likely have a ticket price associated with them. I’ve also added a few that we didn’t try, but our friends loved.
Color in a Christmas coloring book: Grab a simple Christmas coloring book and sit together to color—nothing fancy, just crayons, markers, and connection. This is an easy repeat activity because kids will happily color the same page style over and over. It’s perfect for slow evenings when you need something calm and cozy.
Christmas bedtime storybook: Pick a favorite Christmas book and read it at bedtime, or let the kids choose from a small holiday stack. You can repeat this activity throughout December since little kids love hearing the same story again (and again).
Christmas movie with sleeping bags under/near the tree: Spread sleeping bags or blankets under the glow of the Christmas tree and watch a holiday movie together. Kids love the novelty of being allowed to camp out next to the lights, and many fall asleep mid-movie in the coziest little heap.
$ – Visit the Children’s Museum Winterfaire: Take a trip to the interactive Winterfaire exhibit where everything is themed for the season—lights, displays, hands-on fun. It’s magical for little kids and gives everyone a chance to explore, climb, and play in a festive environment.
Decorate bedroom doors like giant presents: Use wrapping paper and ribbon to wrap their bedroom door so it looks like a huge Christmas gift. It’s inexpensive, fast, and kids absolutely light up seeing their door transformed overnight.
Small tabletop tree for their room: Give each child a tiny Christmas tree they can decorate however they want. Provide mini ornaments, pom-poms, or paper cutouts and let them create their own special tree.
Role play with a kid-sized nativity set: Set out a small nativity set kids can actually play with. Let them act out the Christmas story—or let Barbie, Batman, dinosaurs, and whoever else show up to deliver gifts to baby Jesus.
Make paper snowflakes: Fold white paper and snip shapes to make homemade snowflakes. As kids get older, try more detailed or themed patterns for an extra challenge.
Make a refrigerator snowman: Cut circles for the snowman’s body and let the kids add construction paper eyes, a carrot nose, a scarf, and buttons, then arrange it right on the fridge door.
Bake cookies: Choose a simple cookie recipe and bake together—or have grandparents take over this activity for even sweeter memories. Kids can roll the dough, press cookie cutters, or decorate with sprinkles.
Candy cane hunt: Hide mini candy canes around the house and let the kids race to find them. It’s simple, silly, and brings out giggles every time.
Indoor snowball fight: Crumple paper into balls or roll up clean socks and have a soft, safe snowball fight indoors. Kids love how unexpected and goofy it feels.
Hot cocoa, pajamas, and Christmas lights car ride: Put the kids in pajamas, hand them sippy cups of hot cocoa or chocolate milk, and drive around looking at neighborhood lights. Turn on Christmas music and enjoy the pure wonder from the backseat.
Make an ornament for the tree: Create a handmade ornament—salt dough shapes, clay handprints, pipe-cleaner candy canes, or a craft kit. These become treasured keepsakes over the years.
$ – Attend a local Christmas concert or play: Go see a community production or school performance. Kids love watching live shows, and it builds a special holiday memory outside the house.
Make a gingerbread house: Use a kit or build simple houses using small cartons covered in graham crackers and frosting. Kids pile on candy decorations, and the best houses are always the lopsided ones.
Decorate Christmas cards for teachers: Let kids create handmade cards for their teachers or coaches and include a small gift or treat. Help them practice writing a kind note inside.
Donate toys you no longer use: Choose gently used toys and box them up to donate so other children can enjoy them. It’s a simple way to teach generosity during the season.
Candy engineering (gumdrops + toothpicks): Build towers, bridges, and shapes using gumdrops and toothpicks—like Christmas-themed STEM play. Kids love testing how tall or silly their structure can go.
Make pinecone bird feeders: Roll pinecones in peanut butter and dip them in birdseed, then hang them outside. Kids get excited to watch birds come to visit their creations.
Make dipped pretzels: Dip pretzel rods into melted chocolate and top with holiday sprinkles. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for gifting (or immediate snacking).
Decorate windows or mirrors with window clings: Give kids Christmas-themed window clings and let them decorate bedroom windows or bathroom mirrors. It’s mess-free and lets them rearrange scenes however they want.
Christmas playdough play: Pair playdough with Christmas cookie cutters and small decorations. Kids can make trees, stars, snowmen, and whatever else their imagination cooks up.
Decorate a felt Christmas tree: Hang a felt Christmas tree on the wall and let kids place felt ornaments on it. They can rearrange the pieces endlessly without breaking anything. We had this one for my nieces and nephews and they loved it!
Make fake snow and play with toy cars/trucks: Use one of the fake snow recipes to create fluffy, cool “snow” and let kids drive small cars and trucks through it. Doing this in the bathtub helps contain the mess. Recipe 1 Recipe 2
Create a homemade snow globe: Fill a small jar with water, glitter, and a tiny toy glued to the lid. Add glycerin to make the glitter float more slowly, then seal it tight so little hands can shake it safely.
Shaving cream sensory play: Spread shaving cream on the table and let kids draw winter shapes with their fingers—snowflakes, trees, snowmen. It smells good and cleans up easily.
Attend a Christmas parade: Bundle up and go watch a local parade full of floats, music, lights, and Santa at the end. Kids love the sights and sounds (and sometimes candy tossed their way).
$ – Christmas at the Zoo: Walk through the zoo decorated with holiday lights and displays. It’s magical to see animals and twinkling pathways all in one place.
$ – Go ice skating: Head to an ice rink and let kids try skating (or hold your hands while wobbling adorably). It’s a cute, memorable seasonal outing.
$ – Ride the Polar Express: Take a themed train ride where kids get to wear pajamas, drink cocoa, and experience the story of the Polar Express. They usually get a special bell at the end.
$ – Visit a Live Nativity: Attend a local live nativity with real animals and actors portraying the Christmas story. Kids love the immersive, interactive feel.
$ – Visit real reindeer: Find a farm or holiday event where kids can see and sometimes even feed actual reindeer. It brings Santa’s story to life in the sweetest way.
Make Christmas pancakes: Cook pancakes shaped like Santa, snowmen, or reindeer and decorate them with fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate chips. Breakfast turns into art—and kids love it.
Decorate the kids like Christmas trees: Wrap the kids in green crepe paper, add bows and plastic ornaments, and turn them into walking Christmas trees. If you have not wrapped a child in green crepe paper and stuck a star on their head, I highly recommend it. It’s silly, chaotic, and guaranteed to have everyone laughing.
Write letters to Santa: Break out the markers and ask the kids to write (or dictate) their Christmas wishes. Bonus: have them include something kind they want for someone else.
Make reindeer food: Mix oats and sparkly sugar and toss it in the yard for Santa’s reindeer to “find.” Kids take this VERY seriously.
Decorate the main family tree together: Give the kids their own box of “kid ornaments” so you don’t have to re-fluff your grown-up tree all night. Let them take ownership of the bottom two feet.
Family game night with Christmas music: Play simple board games or card games with holiday music in the background. Great for a low-energy night.
Build a fort with Christmas lights inside: Throw blankets over chairs, hang a strand of Christmas lights in it, and let the kids read or play inside.
Make holiday slime: Red and green slime with a little glitter for holiday sparkle (or whatever texture your kid loves). Messy but fun.
Create a Christmas countdown chain: Make a paper chain with one link for every day until Christmas. Kids tear one off each morning.
Family Jam Band: Pull out the pots, pans, and wooden spoons, and drum along with some holiday music.
Make homemade gift wrap: Roll out butcher paper and let kids paint or stamp designs to wrap grandparent gifts.
Do a Christmas-themed puzzle together: Set a holiday puzzle on the table and work on it as a family throughout the week.
Put on a Christmas music “dance party”: Turn on your favorite holiday playlist and let the kids dance their energy out. Instant mood fixer.
Make Christmas trail mix: Stir together popcorn, pretzels, red and green M&Ms, and marshmallows. It’s simple and perfect for a movie night.
Deliver treats to neighbors: Make dipped pretzels, fudge, cookies—whatever’s easiest—and walk around delivering them. Kids love the “ding-dong delivery” part.
Build a LEGO Christmas scene: Use whatever LEGOs you already have to build trees, a sleigh, snowmen, Santa’s workshop, etc. Great for indoorsy kids.
Watch holiday home videos: Pull out old Christmas morning recordings or photos from past years. Kids LOVE seeing themselves as tiny people.
Make a “Santa beard” shaving cream bath: Put shaving cream on the kids’ faces in the tub so they look like Santa.
Make a Christmas obstacle course: Kids jump over “icy puddles” (pillows), crawl through “tunnels,” and tiptoe past “sleeping reindeer.” They’ll ask to do this again and again.
Make snowman marshmallow pops: Skewer marshmallows and decorate them with icing, pretzel sticks, and chocolate chips. Cute and delicious.
Adopt an angel from an Angel Tree: Pick a child or family to sponsor. Let kids help shop.
Create cinnamon ornaments: Mix cinnamon and applesauce into dough, cut out shapes, and air-dry or bake depending on desired method. They smell so good!
Make a holiday-themed bath: Tint the bath water light green or red (kid-safe bath color tabs), add Christmas rubber ducks or floating foam shapes. Kids love festive baths.
Make a holiday shadow puppet show: Use a flashlight and cut out simple Christmas shapes—trees, stars, gingerbread men—to create shadows on the wall while telling a story.
Have a “Red and Green Night”: Wear red and green clothes, eat red and green food, and drink something festive. Themed nights = guaranteed excitement. (Strawberries, raspberries, cherry tomatoes, red or green apple slices, red or green bell peppers, pepperoni slices, green grapes, cucumber slices, broccoli, snap peas, spinach wraps, guacamole, pesto pasta, spaghetti with red sauce, etc.)
Make a Christmas sensory bin: Fill a bin with fake snow, red/green pom-poms, bells, ribbon, tiny ornaments, and scoops. Hours. Of. Play.
Have a “Build Your Own Snowman Snack” station: Use powdered donuts, pretzel sticks, chocolate chips, licorice, and sprinkles to build edible little snowmen.
Rachel L. Richard is a small-town farm girl turned suburbanite, a delightfully irreverent optimist, Mrs & Mama, floppy dog ear scratcher, lifelong learner, channel surfer, wanderer, believer, occasional creative, out-of-practice musician, cupcake addict, book devourer, and lover of all people.
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