Hi guys! It’s hard to believe that picture is from our family pictures around this time last year. Little did we know, we would soon be finding out that we were adding another little nugget to our crew, and now our baby boy is 3 months old. Crazy how much can change in one year!
Is it just me, or has this year literally flown by and somehow it’s already almost Christmas?! Don’t get me wrong – this is my absolute favorite time of the year, especially with kids, but this year has gone by so quickly that I just can’t believe it’s already the holidays.
After having kids, I see the holidays in a whole new light. It is so special to start our own family traditions and to see the Christmas season through my kids’ eyes. Lucas has been obsessed with decorations since Halloween, and he gets so excited when he sees them in people’s yards that I can. not. wait. to see his reaction once all of the Christmas decorations get put up. We’re putting up our Christmas decorations today (YAY!) my husband caved and let us put them up early this year – thanks babe!
There are so many fun things to do & festivities around Christmas time that it can seem overwhelming. I want to do ALL OF THE THINGS with our boys this year, so I thought I’d put together a little list to remind myself of everything & hopefully remind or inspire someone else as well! Hope you guys enjoy 🙂
Holiday Season Bucket List
Christmas lights & decorations search // I used to love riding around, looking at Christmas lights when I was a kid. I think this would be a great year to really start that tradition with our little family. With how much Lucas loved seeing Halloween decorations, I can’t wait to see how excited he gets when he sees all of the lights & Christmas decorations. My cousin does a HUGE setup at his house, I’m pretty sure he even won some kind of city contest before for it, so I can’t wait to bring Lucas to see that. Brandon and I could grab some coffee, Logan can take a nice little snooze in his carseat, and Lucas will love it (hopefully!) Really looking forward to this one.
Celebration in the Oaks // Another thing I used to love as a kid was going to Christmas in the Oaks in New Orleans. They have this every year, and it’s a pretty amazing setup. All of the lights, Christmas music, drinks, train rides. Definitely gets you in the Christmas spirit, and I think it’ll be another thing that Lucas really enjoys this year.
Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival // My cousins have been to this before and have said great things about it. We’ve never been, but I plan on taking the boys this year. Once again, Lucas is obsessed with lights & decorations so I think he’ll really enjoy this. My cousin also said there is a train museum nearby, which I know Lucas will LOVE. We went to a train museum this summer in Gulf Shores, and Lucas was in awe.
Christmas movies // Lucas has been way more in to watching movies this year compared to last year, so I’m really hoping that he will love my all time favorite Christmas movie – Elf – this year.
Advent Calendar // I’ve never done an advent calendar before, but I really want to have one for Lucas this year. I think it’s a really fun way to countdown to Christmas, and I feel like Lucas would look forward to it every day. I saw a Paw Patrol and a Hot Wheels one at Target but haven’t decided on one yet.
Baking holiday cookies & desserts // The Holiday Baking Championship on Food Network is really inspiring me, y’all. Lucas has been SUPER in to helping cook lately, and I really want to try out my baking skills this holiday season. If not, there’s always my favorite Pillsbury holiday cookies. We did these for Halloween and you could tell that Lucas was so proud that he helped bake them (aka pull them apart and put them on the baking sheet.)
Renaissance Fest // There is a huge Renaissance Fest in Hammond every year, and this year I think Lucas would really enjoy it. They have jousting, games, fun little shows, and themed weekends. Not to mention good food & drinks for the adults!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas, so I am super excited for this season with my little fam. Lucas has been saying “YAY CHRISTMAS!” so I feel like he’s pretty excited as well. Not sure if it’s because he actually remembers from last year, or if he just sees my excitement. Either way, I’ll take it! I hope y’all find my bucket list helpful & make great memories with your loved ones this holiday season 🙂 What are some traditions that y’all like to do with your families?
Thanks for stopping by! XO Meghan
a pinch of sunshine 