The holidays are going to look a lot different this year. But if 2020 has taught us anything, it is to learn how to make the best out of a crazy COVID situation. I polled the Kansas City Mom Collective contributors to share some of their favorite traditions. Hopefully, you’ll find something new to try with your families to keep the holiday spirit alive!
Some of Our Team’s Favorite Holiday Traditions
Elf on the Shelf
I know there are conflicting feelings about the work involved with these guys and gals, but hear me out. Our Elf is named Doug and he always shows up to our home on my oldest daughter’s birthday. This year, that lands on Thanksgiving. There are TONS of ideas on Pinterest of simple things for your Elf to do. You don’t have to buy a crazy expensive “Elf Kit.” I made sure not to ever set the bar too high for Doug, so my kids are excited to see anything he does. I’d say we knock it out of the park approximately five days out of the month that Doug is here. Our kids love it all the same, and I’m going to cherish that “magic” for as long as we can. And, let’s be honest, it is AMAZING to be able to warn the kids that Doug reports back to Santa every night.
Santa Apps
There are tons of apps out there that let your kid text, call or send a video to Santa. There are even apps that let you take a picture of your tree (or anywhere else) and put Santa in the picture, so your kids can see that he was there while they were sleeping.
Holiday Lights
Load up the family and go for a drive around your neighborhood or around the metro to check out the amazing holiday light displays! Blast some holiday tunes and follow Contributor Brie Hilton’s advice of grabbing some peppermint chip milkshakes or hot chocolate along the way. Contributor Jamie Young has a fun twist that we are going to try this year. She has the kids take baths and get in their jammies. They think they are going to bed but instead they load up for a nighttime light tour! Love that surprise element! Contributor Julia Wilhite has an awesome Holiday Lights guide to give you some new places to check out!
The Annual Feeding of the Reindeer
Ok, this one is kind of weird, but it’s fun. My daughters are always very concerned that Rudolph and his friends will get tired and hungry during their trip around the world. So we throw out carrots in the front yard. In the morning, most of them are gone and we sometimes even find some with bite marks! Crazy reindeer.
Advent Calendars
This is going to be a new thing for my family this year. If your family celebrates Christmas or you’re looking for a way to count down the month, it seems like there is an advent calendar to fit whatever you love the most. I’m totally getting the craft beer advent calendar for my husband and me. I’ve also heard of people making their own and stashing cheap party favors in for the surprises. Contributor Valerie Stark puts slips of paper with holiday activities in their advent calendar. What a great idea!
Movie Marathon
Contributor Jess Rodenburg Jackson’s family does a Harry Potter movie marathon every year. Snuggle your muggles, get some tasty treats and enjoy a night inside!
Neighborly Cheer
KCMC Owner Sarah McGinnity’s family makes treats for the neighbors with notes that they drop off on neighbors’ doorsteps. There are all sorts of surprise package ideas online if you are looking for some inspiration.
Baking Bonanza
You can bake cookies or any other treats and drop them off at local fire and police stations. This year, buying prepackaged might be the way to go if you are dropping off surprises for people you don’t know, so they can safely pass them out!
Create a Night Before Christmas Box
Contributor Sherita Neal makes up a gift box for the kids with holiday socks, custom elf hats, hot cocoa spoons, mugs, and Topsy’s popcorn so they can watch a favorite holiday movie and camp out in the living room. (I am for sure stealing this idea!)
Spread Kindness
Do something to help others this holiday season like volunteer at a soup kitchen or food pantry or make cards to send to people living in senior care facilities or group homes.
Overland Park Arboretum’s Luminary Walk
This annual event is a magical experience. You’ll want to bundle up as you stroll through the outdoor trails to see all the gnome and fairy villages. Everything is lit up for the holidays! You can buy tickets online and check it out during any of the three weekends following Thanksgiving.
Safely Meet Mr. Claus
You’ll definitely want to check out the Kansas City Mom Collective’s Cruisin’ With Santa Claus events to give your kids a safe, drive thru Santa experience. You can buy tickets for the remaining date here.
These are just a few ideas and we’d love for you to share your favorite traditions in the comments. Let’s all mask up, get creative, and make this a holiday season to remember!
