24 ways to slow down the next 24 days of Christmas
Not to steal a quintessential holiday lyric, but it really is the most wonderful time of the year.
And it comes just as quickly as it goes. That mix of nostalgia, anticipation, and joy that wells up inside us all… that fleeting feeling of Christmas we try so hard to hold onto.
As moms of little boys, we know the wonder we see in our children, and still crave as adults, lives in the small details and simple rituals of the season. And while we can’t actually stop time (though we try every year!), we can slow it by being more intentional and pausing long enough to notice the beauty tucked inside these ordinary December days.
So before we blink, Christiane and I gathered 24 yuletide rituals: simple, daily moments to make this season feel a little longer, a little cozier, and a little more magical in the countdown to Christmas.
Christmas Rituals with
Christiane & Joni
1. Peppermint Hot Coco + Christmas Tree Hunt
Ever on the hunt for a Silver Tip that is not $400, we bring hot chocolate and peppermint sticks to the Christmas Tree lot. Whether it’s Home Depot or a local Ma and Pa lot—wherever you make it, the ritual is typically the first and extremely special moments that officially kicks off the season.
2. Holiday Craft
We are making these ornaments this year with our boys. And because they are so you, the simpler the better. We make a new ornament every year so when they grow up, they have some starter ornaments for their own trees ;)
3. Christmasify Your Kids Room
Every year (usually the night before Dec 1 or a little before, i’ll deck out the boys’ room while they are gone—their flannel Christmas sheets, garland on shelves and the little, quirky Christmas decorations they’ve collected from Christmas past, and all the Christmas books on display. They know it’s coming, there is nothing new , but it’s as if they stepped into magic every time they see it for the first time of the season.
4. Hit up the Book Store or Library
Go to your local bookstore (You’ve Got Mail Vibes if you can find it!) to buy a new or used Christmas book to read. This is how we’ve slowly made our collection. Warwicks (since 1939) is my go-to in San Diego and Christiane loves The Bookstore in Chico.
5. Light a Candle and Read Christmas Stories
We can always read a story, but when you set the scene the words, the feeling and the moment are just a little more special. Clean house, candle lit, cozy blanket. Maybe even tell Alexa to play a little Christmas instrumental in the background for good measure.
6. Morning Snow Steamers
Though not essential, steamers in a Christmas mug do actually make it taste better. I found a set of 6 vintage ones on etsy that equally make my coffee taste better. And again, candle and mood music always elevate the moment.
7. Make a Paper Chain
After scrolling through Sarah Charlesworth (@chalkwhitearrow) Instagram, trust you’ll want to make these too/ do anything to make your home look as cozy-Christmasy as hers! I found some cute paper here.
image by @chalkwhitearrow
8. Homemade Ginger Bread House
Obvious contender. My sister-in-law makes legit ginger bread and it’s delicious. Here is the recipe and how-to!
9. Give Day
Our kids receive all year long. It’s nice to change it up and have them partake in the giving. This year we’re making homemade Holiday Simmer Pot gifts to give to our neighbors, teachers and friends.
11. Make a Christmas Fettuccini
I’ve wanted to make Christmas fettuccine ever since I first watched The Holiday. It only took me 300 viewings and a small army of children… but tonight’s the night! We’re setting the table, lighting the taper candles and making this recipe.
12. Create a Yule Tunes Spotify Playlist
The Home Alone 1 and 2 soundtracks basically run the show this time of year, but we’ve mixed in a few of our own favorites—Gene Autry, Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, The Carpenters, Amy Grant, Michael Bublé… and yes, the entire 1999 98 Degrees Christmas album. 8th grade was a formative time, ok?!
13. Write a Legit Letter to Santa Clause
Yes your kid can jot down a list on just about any scrap of paper, orrrr you can take the time to get some special paper, a special pen, envelope and stamp to help your kids thoughtfully write their letter to Santa. There are even some places that host official North Pole Mail Drop offs to make it even more of an event. Something to look up!
14. Watch a Christmas Movie Together in Bed
We don’t have a TV in our bedrooms, but it’s easy to slide in a laptop for a seasonal treat. I like doing this in the morning with coffee in hand and my boys all snuggled next to me. It definitely delays the start of the day which I don’t mind at all.
15. Play Name That Tune Or Yule Tunes Charades
Remember the show where contestants would say “I can name that tune in 5 notes!” I think it was an old 70s show played on repeat in the 80s. Anywho, I loved it. Now I can play it with my kids, especially when it comes to Christmas tunes. Another option is to throw the titles of Christmas songs in a hat and have the kids and adults act out for all to guess. Either one is fun and it can last as long or little as you want it.
16. Donate to a Kids Charity
Locally in your neighborhood, church, or school, you can find a family or child in need. Find what feels right and have your kids help you give/ understand why they are giving.
17. Have a Christmas Tea Party
Rummage through your mom or grandma’s cabinets and you’re likely to find a fun, whimsical set of something to host a festive tea party. I say tea loosely as there’s typically hot chocolate or a steamer in the teapot. Queue the music and top it all off with some sparkling sprinkles.
18. Let Your Kids Open A Christmas Cafe
This one is a messy ritual, but it’s always a favorite. This year, the holiday café is officially named Marve & Harry’s, and the boys have already designed the menu. All that’s left is the decorating and the grocery run. It’s hilarious to watch how seriously they take it—and even better when they start “serving” their cousins, aunts, and friends like it’s a Michelin-star operation.
19. Take a Holiday Hike
This is an easy one. Find a hike, pack a picnic and go. Don’t put too much thought into it. Throw on some santa hats and you’ve got yourself one festive walkabout. Last year we spent Christmas in Brian Head, so the hikes were nothing short of amazing.
20. Do a Christmas Puzzle
300-500 is a good puzzle piece range for our current era. Not much to say here but it’s an ongoing effort that makes everyone pause throughout the day.
21. Find the Neighborhood with the Best Christmas Lights and go there.
This is posted in just about every city. It’s simple, I’m warm in my car and everyone is holly jolly:)
22. Take them to a Live Show
The local theatre, a parade, a concert, a church production, even a traveling off-Broadway show—any of them are the perfect excuse to get dressed up and step into the magic of live entertainment. There’s an undeniable energy in a room full of people watching a story unfold in real time. And when you experience something beyond a screen, it’s one of those moments that linger long after the night ends.
23. Carol your Hood
“The best way to spread holiday cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” And it’s true! Every Christmas, my mom hands each grandkid a little battery-operated candle, and off they go—tiny lights in tiny hands—singing their beautiful, angelic, maybe-a-little-pitchy voices through the neighborhood. We visit the usual suspects who wait all year for our knock at the door, and a few new homes we leave smiling from ear to ear.
Watching our kids sing their hearts out for others… those are the moments that feel like Christmas.
24. Literally Pause.
Block all the noise out and zone in on your kids. Take a slow moment to notice your child as they are right now — their tiny hand in yours, the kisses, the hugs, the songs they want to play on repeat. The sound of their laughs, the way they light up when they experience the season, the small quirks that make this moment in their childhood one you’ll want to remember.
