Excerpts from Southern Living Magazine
The holidays are filled with special moments spent with family and friends from near and far; Time to get planning a memorable holiday this year and maybe make a few new traditions.
Bake Dozens of Christmas Cookies
If you think you’ve made enough, make another batch or two. Christmas cookies have a way of disappearing mighty quick during the holiday season—must be those pesky elves! Baking cookies is fun but can be time-consuming. Doing it with your loved one makes the prep time go by like a breeze.
Go Holiday Shopping Together—As In, Not Online
I know, what a novel idea! Online shopping has reached an all-time high, but I’m still nostalgic for the days you could grab a hot chocolate or cider, walk around the mall, and handpick gifts for your family and friends. I understand some things are best Amazon Primed, but you can still hit the shops with your loved one for some productive quality time. This is a holiday tradition my mom and I have had for as many years as I can remember.
Get Christmas Crafting 
Decorating the tree is just the start. Spend an afternoon with your loved creating those extra Christmas touches that make a house extra festive. No ideas? Be sure to check on Pinterest – they have almost endless ideas, and for every budget.
Snuggle Up for a Christmas Movie Night
In between holiday errands and parties, plan a relaxing night with your loved oneand your favorite seasonal movie. Whether it’s your yearly viewing of It’s a Wonderful Life or a new Christmas movie, it’s the perfect way to get excited for the season.
Plan a Cookie Swap
Invite all of your friends and their mothers, ask your mother to do the same (but with their daughters!), and have everyone bring their best-ever Christmas cookie. Each duo will leave with tasty new holiday treats!
Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen or Food Bank
Giving back is the greatest gift you can give during the holidays, so reserve a day (or more!) to help those less fortunate. Serve breakfast at the soup kitchen, gather supplies and funds for the food bank, or go Christmas shopping for a struggling family. These are the experiences you’ll remember for years to come.
Have a Gift-Wrapping Night Complete Homemade Hot Chocolate
A sprig of rosemary here, an artfully curled ribbon there. Not sure how to make those wrappings extra special? That’s right, check Pinterest. You bring the homemade hot chocolate, they’ll bring the extra scissors!
What plans are you making with your mom this holiday season? Do you have any special traditions the two of you share every year? I’d love to know.
