With the holiday season in full swing, many people (we see you, parents) are hard at work trying to make the magic happen for their families. Perhaps you’re finishing the last of your Christmas shopping and facing the prospect of a few weeks with the kids out of school. Perhaps you’re traveling for the holidays and facing some downtime to enjoy with family you rarely see. Whatever your situation, you can still infuse fun, magic, and moments to remember into the holiday season. Take these ideas and make them your own, creating lasting memories and new traditions that may just last a lifetime.

Have a holiday light night

If you’re in the Sacramento area, you’ll certainly have heard of the Fab 40s. It’s a historic neighborhood in Sacramento that’s well-known for its tree-lined streets, impressive architecture, and the fact that residents go all out every year with seasonal lights. If you do find yourself visiting this treasure trove of festive lights, here’s a hot tip: consider parking your car, bundling up, and walking through the neighborhood. The area is so popular that drivers may get stuck in lines of traffic trying to view the lights. 

Another place to look at lights is Pebble Creek Drive in Roseville. This light loop includes more than 130 decorated homes and is a big hit with families in the Roseville, Rocklin, and Lincoln areas. We recommend parking in the Bel Air parking lot on Sunset Boulevard and Stanford Ranch Road and taking a leisurely stroll through this magical neighborhood.

Take your family on a baking adventure

One of our favorite holiday memories at Simple Real Estate is baking with our loved ones. Whether you’re leaving cookies out for Santa, bringing them to share at a holiday party, or simply indulging at home, most of the fun of cookies, cakes, pies, and pastries lies in their creation. Invite your favorite people over, put on your aprons, blast some holiday music, and have fun while making your favorite recipes - or even testing out new ones. 

Host a movie (or book) night

The holidays are a perfect time to slow down and enjoy cozy nights with your family or friends. Hosting a movie night is as simple as choosing a few beloved holiday classics, popping some popcorn, and snuggling under warm blankets. You can even set a theme for the night! 

If your family prefers books, a holiday read-aloud night can be just as magical. Gather by the fireplace, turn off your devices, and take turns reading from a holiday-themed book. Classics like The Night Before Christmas or The Snowman are great choices for kids. Add some twinkling fairy lights and cozy pillows to make the setting extra special.

These moments, big or small, create a sense of connection and nostalgia that will be cherished for years to come. So, grab your loved ones, put on those festive tunes, and dive into the magic. After all, the holidays are what you make of them.