You might have noticed that things have been a little bit quiet around here lately, and if you’ve been reading for awhile – then you know this is when we take our annual {and much needed!} holiday break. From now through December 28th we are going to be closing up shop to once again eat too many cookies and give too many snuggles to our sweet families. Of course, we will still be pretty active on social media…and who knows, you may even see some of us and our families around town enjoying all that this season holds. But for the most part, we are going to just unplug and enjoy these special days that we have been given.
So until we return in full swing on December 29th, we hope that this holiday round-up will leave you with more ideas and inspiration than you even know what to do with! From fun events to simple DIYs to travel tips, we’ve got you covered. Ready? Here goes…
- First and foremost, you’ve seen our 2014 Houston Holiday Event Guide, riiight? It’s a treasure trove of lights, Santa sightings, and overall family-friendly fun that you MUST read. And reference often all throughout the break.
- And if you’re planning on cruising for Christmas lights, then be sure to take a peek at Lauren’s vote for the best neighborhoods in Houston to go and visit. Some of them even have hay rides so you can sit back and really enjoy the sights and sounds that this season brings!
- Still in need of a few last minute gift ideas? We’ve got you covered! See our list of top toys for babies, toddlers, and big kids…PLUS, 50+ NON-toy gift ideas too! {Pssst…be sure to take a cue from Heather and check out VarageSale for great last minute holiday items as well.}
- On that same gift giving note, here are Jana’s 5 teacher gift ideas…but we think they would be perfect for neighbors, friends, and family too.
- Want to get a little bit crafty? We just LOVE Lauren’s sweet and simple holiday shirts for kids and Chelsea’s super easy card holder and advent calendar. And while it may be a little late in the season for Meagan’s advent wreath — you could always get a head start on next year and create it now for Christmas 2015!
- If your kiddos are like mine and love to join in on all things DIY, then be sure to try Michelle’s salt dough ornaments, Jessica and Sarah’s gingerbread houses, Bre’s kid-friendly stockings, Jenn’s Christmas inspired learning activities, and my snowman themed projects too!
- And if you need just a little bit of time to get all of those presents wrapped or DIY projects finished up, be sure to check out my 20 creative indoor play activities. Or if your kiddos are a little older and have hit the teenage years, then keep them off the couch with these fun, local ideas instead.
- Looking to start a new tradition…or maybe you want to plan ahead and stock up for next year? Check out Jana’s daily Christmas book tradition, Heather’s annual Christmas Eve surprise, and all of Becky’s traditions – both old AND new.
- In the mood for some for some easy and healthy eats amidst all of the holiday gluttony? Try Amy’s super easy spaghetti and meat sauce, Andrea’s tips for using all of those leftovers, and Jessica and Sarah’s busy mom dinner solutions…whole30 recipes…or sneaky vegetable tricks!
- And to wash it all down, be sure and try Andrea’s top shelf margarita or my perfect white wine sangria. Cheers!!
- The holiday break also makes for a great opportunity to take a staycation or explore different parts of Houston that you might not typically have time to check out. Like a day trip to Beaumont with suggestions courtesy of Andrea or a walk all around The Heights like Bre!
- Or if you’re traveling outside of the city limits, be sure to read up on Lauren’s road trip survival tips and Amy’s pointers on flying with little ones — both of which just might save you your sanity!
- And don’t forget that I’ve got a great guide to traveling San Antonio and 5 reasons to get away to the Hill Country. Or if you are headed somewhere else, be sure to check and see if we have a sister site {just like HMB – but in a different city} there too!
- No matter where you go or what you do, don’t forget to record all of your precious memories. There are about a million and one different ways to do it nowadays, but we just love Tiffanie and her Christmas Memories Book…so classic and so beautiful. And Misty has the perfect way to preserve all of those special holiday cards as well!
- And if you start feeling overwhelmed and need some inspiration to get through these often crazy times, read Chelsea’s experience celebrating FOUR Christmases each year, Melissa’s thoughts on raising grateful kids, Michelle’s feelings about cancelling Christmas altogether, and Bre’s important reminder about who REALLY cares about your holidays!