Traveling Home for the Holidays? Here’s How to Make It Fun

Hello, friends! Whether you’re packing your bags to visit family or hosting loved ones in your own home, the holidays are the perfect time to connect, create memories, and enjoy traditions together. Here are some fun and festive ideas to make this holiday season one to remember!

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Traveling Home for the Holidays? Here’s How to Make It Fun

The Best 7 Winter Things to do Solo in Spokane

Volunteer Locally—Together

Giving back during the holidays has always been important to me, and it’s one of my big goals for 2025. This season, I’m hoping my whole family can join me in volunteering together. Whether it’s serving meals at a shelter, helping at a toy drive, or spending time at a local senior center, giving as a group is a beautiful way to come together and support our community.

Make a Family Holiday Ornament!

Since my nephew was born, our family has grown in the sweetest ways, and I love the idea of marking that growth with a new ornament each year. Making a family ornament together not only adds charm to the tree but also creates a precious tradition I can do every year. Imagine pulling these out years later and remembering each holiday spent together—I’m excited to start this tradition this year.

Holiday Movie Marathon

A holiday staple in our household already, but this year, I want to bring some structure to it! First, we’ll build a lineup of favorites—Home Alone, Elf, A Christmas Story, and maybe a Harry Potter movie or two for that cozy winter vibe. And since my mom adores Hallmark Christmas movies, we’ll sprinkle in a few of those for her too. Hot cocoa in hand, fuzzy blankets, and a roaring fire? Maybe some Christmas snacks? It’ll be the perfect Holiday marathon ever.

Bake & Decorate Cookies

This year, I’m determined to gather my sisters and sister-in-law for a full-on cookie-making extravaganza. No store-bought shortcuts or solo baking—this will be a team effort! I imagine us baking, decorating, and laughing together, all while Christmas music or a holiday movie plays in the background. If it doesn’t pan out, I may be adventurous and try my hand at making homemade gingerbread men!

Have a Holiday Cocktail Hour

I love the idea of a festive cocktail tasting night with my siblings. To include my pregnant sister-in-law, I’ll make sure we have some mocktail options too. One standout memory is a holiday cocktail I tried at the Jameson Distillery in Ireland—so this year, I’m determined to recreate it, along with classic hot toddies and mulled wine. Doesn’t that sound fun?!

Outdoor Adventures

Snowshoeing, outdoor ice skating, or even just a brisk walk in the winter wonderland—getting outside is a great way to make the most of the season. Spokane is magical when it snows, with dry, powdery flakes that stick around and make everything look like a postcard. Whether it’s a snowy hike or a stroll through the neighborhood to look at light decorations, outdoor adventures are a must!

Make Winter Granola

Years ago, I worked with an incredible pastry chef who gifted me her seasonal granola recipe when I left the restaurant. 🥹 It’s hands-down the best granola I’ve ever had, and this year, I want to make a big batch to share with friends and family. It’s wholesome, delicious, and full of cozy flavors—the perfect homemade holiday gift!

If you’d like to try it yourself, here’s a similar granola recipe for inspiration.

And that’s a holiday wrap, my darlings!

Thank you for reading along and letting me share some of my favorite ways to make the holidays magical at home. Wishing you the merriest, brightest season filled with love, laughter, and all the festive cheer.