The Holiday Season Has Finally Arrived

It has been a hell of a year and out of the all the things 2020 cancelled, Christmas and the holiday season is not one of them! November has come and gone, and we have finally entered December. Full of posadas, Christmas shopping, Christmas photoshoots, and decorating, it’s a busy time of year. But boy oh boy it sure does feels good to have something to do —— and look forward to!

I can’t tell you guys how many Christmas posts I’ve seen on Instagram the day after and even a few days prior to Thanksgiving. It’s safe to say that after this year, everyone needs some Christmas spirit and holiday cheer, and no one is afraid to start early!

We’ve been looking forward to this moment all year, and now that it’s here, what can we do? How can we get down and dirty with all things Christmas to really embrace the holiday season as much as possible? Overwhelmed with that question? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a list of some Christmas festivities (big and small) that are simple, fun, and jam-packed with holiday cheer.

1. Put on Christmas music

About a week ago, I decided it was time to start listening to those holiday classics once again. So, first thing in the morning, either using my smart TV or computer, go to Youtube and type in Christmas music, where I find 2 hours of non-stop Christmas music, free of charge! Starting my day out listening to Christmas music helps me get right into the Christmas spirit.

Here’s my go-to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlqadskaRCw

2. Light a scented candle

Three Words….Flor de Venus. I have officially found Christmas in a candle. Brand? Flor de Venus. Scent? They call this candle Amuleto Lunar; it has cypress, eucalyptus, and pachouli. Do yourself a favor and just order it. You can thank me later. This candle feels like a warm hug from Santa.

They also have a scent called Enchanted Forest, which is a bit more pine-ier than Amuleto Lunar. Both fantastic and Christmas-y. Light either one and you will instantly be slapped with holiday cheer.

Check out their website here.

3. Throw on a Christmas movie

Sounds basic, I know, but it works. Especially here in Vallarta, where if you’re originally from a place where it gets cold during Christmas time, it can be a bit hard to get into the holiday spirit without snow and that brisk windchill.

Netflix, Amazon Prime, and now, yep you guessed it, Disney Plus. We have so many great Christmas classics to choose from right in the comfort of our own home. Talk about “snuggled up together like two birds of a feather would be”.

4. Go all out with decorating

Christmas 2020 is not just any Christmas. It’s THE Christmas to really just go all out with. Decorate the hell out of it, go bananas. Tree? Obviously. Decorated head to toe? Yep. Reef on the front door? You bet. Decorative throw pillows and hand towels? 100%. No shame in the decorating game this year.

I bought some decorations from La Comer and Walmart. And of course, good ol reliable Amazon.

5. Try a new dessert

Whether you hit the kitchen yourself or order some special holiday edition (or the classic) sweets from @bakedgoodsbylu, give your taste buds a new flavor flave.

Baking is a great holiday tradition that the kids will love. The sweet smell of Christmas sugar and spice will fill your home, giving it that extra kick of holiday joy.

There are hundreds of dessert recipes to choose from online, some easy peasy and others a little more challenging. Make sugar cookies to leave out for Santa or build a gingerbread house (sold at Costco). And of course, if you and the little ones aren’t feeling up for it, Baked Goods by Lu is just a call, text, or DM away.

6. Make your own Christmas cards or ornaments

A classic holiday arts and craft. Christmas cards are a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Using either printer paper or construction paper, draw some Santas, Christmas trees, reindeer, you name it. If you want to make it a Christmas card, fold it in half and write a sweet message on the inside, OR, to make it an ornament, cut it out, poke a little circle on the top, loop some string in there and hang it on the Christmas tree.

This is a great one for kids, as it gets their imagination going, and keeps them entertained for hours.

7. Whip up some fun Christmas cocktails

Eggnog isn’t the only thing on the adult beverage menu this year! Click here for 30 cocktails that are sure to help you let loose this holiday season.

Not a big drinker? Turn any of these cocktails into mocktails. You can also try the vegan options by replacing cows milk or heavy cream with plant milk.

8. Road trip up to El Tuito, San Sebastian or even Mascota

Escape the Vallarta heat for a day or two and head up into the mountains. Sometimes it just doesn’t feel like Christmas without the cold!

Mountain towns like El Tuito, San Sebastian and Mascota are close enough to Vallarta that you can make it a day trip, or if you’re feeling adventurous, make it an overnight or weekend stay.

9. Read a Christmas book by the tree

Christmas books are a fun and educational way to spread Christmas cheer. And what’s more fun than reading by the Christmas tree, perhaps with a hot chocolate in hand!

Amazon and Mercado Libre have a pretty good Christmas book selection.

10. Christmas PJs all month long!

Christmas PJs are a tradition that every child (and adult) looks forward to. So why not let it ride every night of the month? Make it feel like Christmas, every night!

11. Wrap those presents!

To some, a daunting task. To others, fun, fun, fun! One of my absolute favorite things to do during Christmas time is wrap presents. Make it festive by putting on a scented candle and Christmas tunes.

12. Schedule a family photoshoot

I mean if you didn’t take a photo, did it even happen? Make memories this Christmas 2020 by scheduling a family photoshoot. There are tons of photographers around Vallarta who are doing Christmas photoshoots. Some with big set-ups and props and others a little more low-key and natural. In the lady multi-task group on Facebook I’ve been seeing a lot of Christmas photo session postings!

I’m a photographer which luckily means I’ll be doing our own family photoshoot this year. Something by our little Christmas tree, or using the decorations here in Marina Golf.

I am also booking in-home Christmas photoshoot sessions for those who want a more low-key family shoot using their own decorations.

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If you or your business offers Christmas services and want to be promoted, please direct message us on Instagram or email us at callepatasalada@gmail.com.

To all our readers, have a happy happy happy holiday season.