How do you create magic?

[sweetpumkinpye]

As part of my CIJ I have made a note to think about the upcoming Christmas time.
Not sure what we will be doing this year, it depends on what the kids are doing etc and I probably won't find out for quite a while yet.

Last year DH and I celebrated here early, around the 12th of December before heading to house sit for Christmas. Both of these events were, well a non event. How do you celebrate and create some Christmas magic if it is just the two of you? Looking for some ideas so that even if it is just DH and I it is a nice event. I suppose I am also interested in expanding this to NYE.
Thoughts and ideas would be much appreciated.

 

[Minta]

DH and I love to go looking at lights together. I will pack us coffee or hot chocolate and some cookies to enjoy while with the Christmas Music playing. We also enjoy walking around the mall taking in the sights. Pop popcorn and watch a Christmas movie together and/or play a Christmas board game. Go check out some Christmas Themed events in the surrounding areas. Go to the local school Christmas concerts. Select a tag off an angel tree and shop for a child or if you know someone in need of some cheer play secret Santa to them and this doesn't have to be expensive.

 

[AnnieClaus]

The holidays are different when you are a single person or a couple whose kids are now out on their own.
The traditions that we grew up with or you created for your own kids are..... it's just different.

Maybe set aside some nights to sit by the glow of the Christmas tree and enjoy a special meal or beverage that you have just for that specific time.
If it's one night during the holiday season-Note the date you did it and do it again next year and the year after to build the tradition.

I would still make a very specific special meal for Christmas and NYE. Or have certain foods you only have on those days.
For NYE, I do snacky food. Most years I do a specific meal on New Year's Day. Even if it is just for me.

Look at the calendar for events happening around your area and attend them as a date with just you and DH.
Small town holiday events are the best!
One of the best things I have attended in recent years was a botanical garden that decorates.
It wasn't as kid filled as something like the zoo lights. where kids are running everywhere. We did see families there. But it wasn't as crowded and wild. And I really enjoyed more thoughtful, beautiful displays.

Volunteer or attend something that involves children. Then you can see the magic through their eyes.

Maybe host your Knit and Natter ladies for a cookie day or even just a tea.

Some of my most heartfelt Christmas times are with my Church ladies group and my Pokeeno group.

There is a new baby on the way so some fun years will be coming up.

Hope this helps!

 

[Kate1964]

As a single person, holidays can be tough so I pivot. I decorate my house anyway, including 3 trees. My sis calls it the Christmas House. I buy gifts for just a few but I put the effort into it to be special. I try to go out at night, which is very unusual for me, to see some lights. My sis and I each year go see a local mansion that decorates, and sometimes we take a carriage ride around the grounds. I watch Christmas movies. There's no more malls here so that's not an option for me. I go to Christmas dinner at a sister's house, and it's just 5 of us but it's fun.
It's not the magic of being a kid and a house full of family, but its still good.
For nye I make a special dinner and try to stay up for the ball drop but I don't always succeed. Lol. A town on Lake Erie does a walleye drop and I can watch that online too. It's a big fish.
It can still be special.

 

[sweetpumkinpye]

Some great ideas here. Last year our village had a market evening but we were not able to attend, if they do it again this year I will make a point of going.
We are in a village of 200 people and not many decorate but I am sure that I can find lights in one of the towns closest to us, will look into this. It would be nice to maybe grab a dinner and then go for a drive.

I need to put a bit more effort into celebrating here. Maybe set the table nicely, pop some crackers, a nice meal. Some Christmas movies would be nice along side some snacks. Lots to think about!!!