As the final days before Christmas draw near, it’s time to slow down and enjoy the last few days of the season. After all the planning, decorating, and shopping, now is your chance to relax and savor the fruits of your efforts. There will always be more festivities, food and fun to be had, but these are the days we wish we could put in slow motion. This is the magic of the holidays—a time to connect with loved ones and make cherished memories. Simple Joys at HomeSpend a quiet evening with family, sitting in front of the twinkling Christmas tree, checking in with one another, and sharing stories. Pair it with a cup of tea or hot cocoa while working on a holiday-themed jigsaw puzzle for a cozy, laid-back activity. Festive GatheringsFor something a bit livelier, host a casual Christmas get-together. A hot cocoa bar with homemade marshmallows and all the toppings paired with a spread of festive cookies is sure to delight guests. Make it easy and prep the hot cocoa ahead of time and keep it warm in a crock pot. This allows guests to serve themselves. Add an interactive touch with a bowl of oranges and cloves for guests to create their own scented decorations—perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Special Meals and TraditionsCooking a traditional holiday meal together can be an entertaining bonding activity. From baking to setting the table, everyone can play a role. And don’t forget to plan Christmas Eve activities—perhaps a candlelit walk, a game night, or reading classic holiday stories. Relax and Savor the SeasonWith all the hustle and bustle behind you, take time to simply enjoy. Whether it’s hosting a holiday open house, sipping cider with friends, or admiring the decorations you’ve lovingly prepared, this is the season’s true essence—celebrating togetherness, love, and gratitude. So, light those candles, dim the lights, turn on the holiday music, and embrace these final festive moments. May the last few days of the season be wonderful – filled with relaxing festivities, food, fun, and the warmth of shared traditions!
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Festive Holiday Traditions and Activities Brighten the Season…
The holidays are a magical time filled with cherished traditions and fun activities that bring us together and create lasting memories. Every community has traditions and annual holiday events. Wherever you call home, we encourage you to participate in your local activities. Find out what events are happening in your area and make a plan to attend – holiday traditions and activities always make the season a little brighter. Whether you’re in Charlotte, NC, or another city, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season. Here in Charlotte, the holiday spirit comes alive with local favorites like The Nutcracker performed by Charlotte Ballet, the U.S. National Whitewater Center’s Winter Wonderland with ice skating and hot cocoa, or the vibrant Uptown Holiday Market from December 4–7. A trip to the Light the Knights Festival at Truist Field offers holiday lights, skating, tubing and a market, while a drive to McAdenville (Christmas Town USA) dazzles with one of the most spectacular light displays in the region. For a serene experience, visit Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s “Holidays at the Garden” to enjoy breathtaking lights and seasonal decorations. Not in Charlotte? No problem! Many cities host similar events, such as local markets, light shows, and cultural performances. Check your community calendars to find your own regional holiday treasures. Beyond attending local events, embracing at-home traditions makes the holidays even more special. We have listed a few of our annual traditions, but there are countless ways to get in the holiday spirit. For some a polar plunge may be a favorite activity, for others it may be shopping or hosting an annual white elephant party. For us, it’s a time to gather with loved ones and watch classic Christmas movies, bake cookies, decorate gingerbread houses, or put on some holiday music and trim the tree. All of these simple yet meaningful traditions truly make the season brighter. And don’t forget about our Christmas Acts of Kindness Challenge—we encourage you to perform a random act of kindness each week during the holiday season. We hope festive holiday traditions and activities brighten the season everywhere. So, whatever activities you choose, we hope you find joy in spending time together with friends and family. We encourage you to find a balance of local adventures, RAKs, and cozy, at-home traditions to make this year’s holiday season unforgettable.