Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year, no doubt about it. It’s filled with so much magic, anticipation, festivity, and childlike wonder. I am definitely one of those people who can’t get enough of any and everything Christmas, and it’s officially the Christmas season now! In our own little world, it feels like this Christmastime will be more hopeful and activity-filled than last year (we saw zero friends in December so that we could be super safe for Christmas with family) but not quite back to normal just yet. Despite not partaking in our usual Christmas festivities last year, Rob and I reflect that our December was incredibly special, memorable, and meaningful anyway. We were sure to plan things and get creative about what we did do to celebrate the season well and soak in as much merriment together at home, and we did just that. It’ll be nice to do a bit more this year, we hope, though we aren’t quite ready to get back to events like The Nutcracker, as much as I’d like to. No matter what, there are still many ways to celebrate the magic of the Christmas season. I also hope this Christmas season leaves me more margin to reflect and wonder at the true meaning of Christmas and to intentionally spend time slowing down and reflecting on Christ’s birth, much like last year.

I have this things with season to-do lists, as you well know by now, and this Christmas is no exception (see past lists from 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2014, & 2013)! This year, as only appropriate, I put together a Christmas bucket list for us. I am hopeful we’ll be able to thoroughly enjoy this magical and merry season as we prepare for the true meaning of Christmas!

Our 2021 Christmas To-Do List

• send out our Christmas cards, one of my favorite annual traditions (checking the mail is a highlight of every day in December!)
• decorate our home for Christmas
• do an Advent Bible study/devotional with dear friends
• get a favorite hot drink from bakery/coffee shop and walk the beautifully decorated streets & home of historic Oakwood
• leave a kind note taped to our mailbox for the mail deliverywoman to see every day
• send special Christmas cards to our nephews and niece
• enjoy a virtual sugar cookie decorating double date with my sister & brother-in-law in NYC
• make gingerbread houses together (virtually with our nephew and niece in Ohio?)
• bake festive Christmas cookies and then drop them off on front porches for friends and neighbors all over town (plus create cute gift tags for them!)
• craft Christmas cocktails (eyeing a gingerbread old fashioned, cranberry gin fizz, and cinnamon rosemary old fashioned)
• enjoy lots of puzzles and board games together
• Night of Lights drive-through Christmas lights at Dorothea Dix Park in downtown Raleigh
• make hot chocolate and do a Christmas light walk in our neighborhood
• have a Christmas cocktail party at home for just the two of us: dress up, make festive appetizers, and craft cocktails together
• create Christmas movie bucket list and cozy up for lots of Christmas movies by the light of the tree (with stovetop popped popcorn and egg nog!)
• wear Christmas pajamas and fuzzy slippers
• watch Home Alone while eating a cheese pizza and drinking Coke (a la Kevin McCallister)
• celebrate this year & look forward to 2022 with a fancy Christmas date night with Rob
• have a cozy, Christmas-y Saturday morning with homemade cinnamon rolls, coffee, our record player, and time by the light of the tree
• find meaningful ways to serve and give at Christmas
• have lots of fun spending Christmas in Charlotte with family
• joyfully and meaningfully celebrate Christ’s birth, the true reason for the season

I’m determind to make this Christmas season as joyful, meaningful, and memorable as possible. Afterall, Christmas isn’t about a busy schedule, nonstop parties, spending too much money, or feeling stressed and stretched too thin. It’s about our Savior’s birth and the wonder, the awe, and the hope that He brings.

Do you have any favorite Christmas traditions or anything new that you’re planning on doing this year? I’d love to hear what’s especially meaningful for you!