I used to loooooove Christmas. The gifts were nice, but it’s that ‘holiday feeling’ that I always loved. Christmas music, pretty lights and decorations, hot chocolate, family time, ya know – the stuff of Hallmark movies. I mean those movies are so popular for a reason, right?

Welp, the year I was pregnant with our daughter I was just so uncomfortable and ready to be done that, even though we were newlyweds in our own home, I just didn’t have that Christmas feeling. I didn’t even want to put up a tree, and Shawn reminds me of that every year. That was the beginning of the end of my love affair with the season.

Truthfully speaking, all of the adult stress that comes with the holiday season can be a buzzkill. Planning, buying, wrapping – kind of takes away from the enjoyment. I’m not alone in this, am I?

Anyway, in an effort to reignite the feel good holiday spirit, and because my kids are into it, which is super cute (except for that darn Elf on the Shelf,  whooooo had to start that up??), Shawn and I are on a quest to create new traditions to enjoy the festive weeks between October and December.

With Halloween behind us, we are heading straight into the thick of it. Our kids have skipped the thought of Thanksgiving altogether, and have been listening to, dancing to, and singing along with Christmas music for weeks. It’s a happy break from Taylor Swift, JoJo Siwa, and other teeny bopper madness.

We’ve done many of the popular holiday attractions around the Philadelphia area – and I think we are still obliged to head down to Macy’s per my son’s request.

However, we wanted to make a list of things that we haven’t been to yet for ourselves and to inspire all of you. Thank you to those of you who gave us some great ideas on our Facebook thread!

Here are some area attractions and events that we found. We might not make them all, but we will definitely keep them in mind for furture years!

Local to us:

CRICKET CRINGLE IN ARDMORE

https://www.facebook.com/events/176186956661147/

A fun event in Ardmore November 30^th-December 1^st featuring food and merchants for your holiday shopping and cheer.

ARASAPHA FARMS, GLENN MILLS

http://holidayhayride.com/tickets-2/

Farm fun in Glen Mills, PA through December 23^rd. Hayrides, Christmas tree, and pictures with Santa

MARPLE SPORTS ARENA, BROOMALL

The Incredibles at Marple Sports Arena (Black Friday) https://www.facebook.com/events/2142959342587679/

A fun non-holiday themed event to keep your kiddos entertained, while you avoid the Black Friday shopping craze

DINNER WITH SANTA AT SAM’S BRICK OVEN PIZZA, ARDMORE

https://www.facebook.com/events/524959714581875/

Classic dinner with Santa at your favorite neighborhood spot in Ardmore!

HIGHLAND ORCHARD BAZAAR, WEST CHESTER

https://www.facebook.com/events/510874706075151/

December 2^nd, 3^rd, 9^th, and 10^th, a Farmer’s Market atmosphere with cookie decorating, ornament making, an appearance from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, food, and shopping

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY AT BRANDYWINE

https://www.facebook.com/events/1124927107672012/

Wednesday December 5^th 6-8p Festive fun amongst the beautifully decorated trees, includes face painting and the train displays

PHILLIES CHRISTMAS EVENTS, PHILADELPHIA

https://www.mlb.com/phillies/fans/events-and-happenings/holidays?fbclid=IwAR1XY56pBVN33SIQN30zkEA0o2F6ALJLMTEKxaC9VMudN0IVTbWf94goz-c

November 23^rd 10-6p, another non-shopping option (aside from baseball merchandise at 40% off), pictures on the field, and with Phanta Claus

Check the site for more holiday events at Citizens Bank Park

Day Trips from the Philadelphia area:

CHRISTKINDLMARKT, BETHLEHEM

http://www.christmascity.org/?fbclid=IwAR1jgLoj4rrcqmkKcnHuUkPAm5sCVTh9FRFUSjAVXMt9xL9Vh851_tq9-ag

A classic Christmas market. You must check out the site for all they have to offer

KOZIAR’S CHRISTMAS

https://www.koziarschristmasvillage.com/home/?fbclid=IwAR2KuAuV6G6aLZiz7S5GZfspboKyV4a98669iIJeFnOUQ1YTYgPTGVfMkTQ

A popular attraction featuring a drive through or walk through holiday light extravaganza

CREAMY ACRE FARMS

http://www.nightoflightshayride.com/

Holiday lights at the farm! You must cross the bridge to Jersey for this one!

Bonus suggestion to add to your (and our) holiday bucket list:

CHRISTMAS IN THE OZARK MOUNTAINS

https://footprintsinpixiedust.com/bloggingbranson-celebrating-the-season-with-an-ozark-mountain-christmas/?fbclid=IwAR3ZMK98LAjdWhTYGasKUIWxA-AySJOIvvcq1Erb8fjPPov9r2IRpScPgwE

A classic Christmas experience in the Ozark Mountains .This post has me wishing we already had a trip planned!

Where do you love to go during this time of year? What traditions have you created with your family?