The holiday season can be quite chaotic for a lot of step moms to handle. Step moms can feel particularly isolated, alone and underappreciated during this time. If you haven't read my tips on how to approach the holidays as a step mom, click here.
Here's the thing, how you choose to celebrate this year is up to you. If you and your partner and the kids are up for it, there are so many cliché Christmas activities to engage in. And if you truly can't handle your blended family, it's okay to enjoy these festivities without them. You can involve your partner for a romantic getaway, gather with friends for some merry time, or just go solo and enjoy some me time. Here are some ideas to help guide you.
Visit a Christmas market
I love Christmas markets because it's usually has all everything Christmas in one space. From the décor, to the food and drinks, fire pits to keep you warm, music...it's always a fun outing.
TIP: Go on a weekday or weeknight when it's less crowded.
Watch a Christmas movie marathon
Besides your Hallmark and Lifetime holiday movies, there are so many other genres that fall under Christmas. You have your modern family classics such as Elf, Home Alone, National Lampoon, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Gringe etc. You have your vintage Hollywood films such as Miracle on 34th Street, White Christmas, It's A Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story (yes, the 80s are vintage). Then you have your romantic comedies such as Bridget Jones Diary (it starts and ends during the Christmas season), Love Actually, The Holiday, This Christmas, The Perfect Holiday, The Last Holiday, The Family Stone etc. Then there movies you just watch during this season for some God knows reason: Sound of Music, Die Hard.
I'm personally have become a fan of watching the Netflix holiday movies such as the Christmas Chronicles and Jingle Jangle, and anything with Vanessa Hudgens and Lindsay Lohan. My point is that there are more than enough movies to have a marathon by yourself, with the kids, or with your girlfriends.
Attend a theatre show
This time of the year is filled with shows being performed in theatres near you. From your big ticket shows in the city, to your local university's theatre program and down to the children's program around the corner. There will be classic holiday performances such as The Nutcracker or The Christmas Carol. If this interests you, just look up local theatres in your area and you'll be surprised.
Attend a local tree lighting event
Go see a light display
There's always that one street that goes all out with Christmas lights every year. And if no such thing exists in a nearby neighborhood, don't worry. There's usually a Christmas light show display put on by a local organization. Just google Christmas light show near me.
Visit a German or Dutch village (depends on location)
A European Christmas is unmatched. Some of my fondest memories are from my time in the Netherlands in December visiting Christmas markets. Well, if you can't make it across the ocean, explore your area for nearby German or Dutch villages. For those in Michigan, be sure to check out Frankenmuth (picture below) or Holland. If you're in Georgia, Helen is wonderful German city to visit.
Go ice skating at an outdoor rink
I think ice skating is one of those activities everyone should try at least once in their life, that is if you have ability and/or have access to it. Will you fall, probably. Will you get back up and try again, HECK YEAH! And afterwards, you can soothe yourself with some hot cocoa or cocktail.
Breakfast with Santa
If you believe in Santa in your family, or at least the kids believe, then Breakfast with Santa is always a hit. There's usually fun activities for the children in addition to getting your photo taken with Santa and giving him your Christmas list early. All you need to do is enter a search for Breakfast with Santa in you area and you should find some options.
Book a weekend getaway or staycation
Do this only if you have the means to. But booking a stay at a hotel known for it's Christmas vibes or one in city known for it's Christmas events makes for a very relaxing and cozy vacation. It gives you a break from the responsibilities of running your home. So if you can afford it, and can drop the kids off at a family member's house, book a getaway on the weekend without your step kids and enjoy some peace and rest.
Volunteer
Nothing feeds the soul like giving back to the community. And Christmas period is filled with opportunities to help members of society that are underprivileged. Use this time to help those in need.
Remember, you can do some of these with your family, or you can go by yourself. You can invite friends or have one on one time with your partner. Be empowered to make the most out of this Christmas.
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