Christmas is a magical time no matter where you decide to spend it. If you are accustomed to traveling every year for the holidays, it might be nice to switch things up and avoid the hustle and bustle, the traffic and delays and stay home this year. This Christmas, plan a wonderful winter staycation for you and your family. Set the stage for the perfect holiday where you can rest and recharge in your own home…but turn it up a notch. Here are some Christmas staycation ideas to get you in the holiday spirit and keep things festive while you stay right where you are.
Plan a date for your staycation to start and set up your space in advance. Make sure your home is outfitted for maximum relaxation and fun. Clean up. Clean out your fridge. Do your laundry. Clean the bathrooms. Change the sheets. Don’t leave any chores undone. Then DECORATE! Stock the pantry and fridge. Make everything the way you want it. Enlist the help of your elves to assist with getting things exactly right for your staycation to begin.
Welcome to your holiday! Spend more time than usual in your pajamas. Linger over hot cocoa with more marshmallows than seems appropriate. Admire the decorations. Put on your favorite holiday music and free your mind of everything except being here now.
Here are more ideas for your Christmas staycation:
Set up the family room for indoor camping. Build a bed of couch cushions or sleeping bags, build a fire or just tune in to “crackling fireplace” on TV. Serve a warm beverage and tell stories or reminisce about Christmases past.
Read a vacation book. Pick up something fun, maybe with a winter or holiday flair and breeze through it. It’s time for your brain to take a break. It works hard for you all year, and it deserves some rest.
Plan a Christmas movie marathon. It will surely become a family Christmas tradition. Make popcorn or serve Christmas cookies. Cozy up with blankets and lots of pillows. Consider this list of holiday classics:
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
- It’s a Wonderful Life
- A Christmas Story
- Home Alone
- Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
- Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- Elf
- Miracle on 34th Street
- White Christmas
- Die Hard
Check out the Christmas markets close to home!
You might have wonderfully festive Christmas markets in your own town that you haven’t yet visited. You’re likely to find a nice selection of Christmas food and warm drinks, handmade gifts, Christmas music and an overall joyful holiday vibe. As a plus, by choosing to buy gifts at a local Christmas market you are supporting local small businesses. This is a great way to give a special, unique gift to someone you love.
Make DIY Christmas decorations!
If you and your family are crafty sorts and like creating things from scratch, make some DIY Christmas decorations. There are hundreds of ideas available on Pinterest and YouTube, and you don’t need many supplies to start with. Try cutting some paper snowflakes, stringing popcorn or marshmallows as decorative garlands, or go outside to find greenery and pinecones for a wreath.
Find the best Christmas lights nearby!
There are probably some beautifully decorated homes close by or a larger festival of lights like the one held at Tanglewood Park each year. You might just drive around your neighborhood or venture out further to see a beautiful display of Christmas lights that will really get you in the spirit.
Prepare a fancy Christmas dinner!
What would Christmas be without some wonderful meals? There are so many possibilities. You might go the traditional route with a turkey or ham and all the fixings or make something different like lasagna and a fabulous salad. Maybe a giant, attention-grabbing charcuterie board on Christmas eve? Whatever you choose, make sure to have a few mouthwatering desserts prepared that everyone will love.
No matter how you spend your Christmas staycation, make sure to spend lots of quality time together doing things everyone will love and remember for many holidays to come.
