The countdown to Christmas has begun ticking! It seems like it ticks faster every year, doesn’t it? Each year my family has a dozen various holiday traditions we like to check off our list. We don’t do every tradition every year (do they still count as traditions?), but in an overarching kind of way they always seem to happen. Here I’d like to share a 5-star rating for a kid friendly venue we visit every Christmas, and I’d also like to inspire you to find one or more of your own traditions.

Huntsville Botanical Gardens Galaxy of Lights

One of our favorite traditions is visiting a local attraction called the Huntsville Botanical Gardens’ Galaxy of Lights. The Botanical Gardens have been putting on a holiday lights show for over 25 years, and they feature scenes from beloved Christmas shows such as The Nutcracker, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman. You’ll also find the 12 Days of Christmas and a winter wonderland all while tuning your car’s radio to the show’s personal station for a synchronized music and lights performance. Best of all, it is a kid-friendly Christmas event!

The Huntsville Botanical Gardens even has designated nights as walk-thru evenings for those who would rather experience the lights on foot. We definitely give this one a 5-star rating as one of the best places to visit with kids in our area this holiday season!

Even if you’re not located in the North Alabama region, the good news is that most areas have a version of their own. Here’s a great time management tip for you—check out our free kid friendly venue app to find holiday lights shows in your area. This will also let you know what other busy moms have to say about the lights shows near you. Once you’ve checked out the venue, you can add your rating to the app in order to help other moms!

After visiting the lights show, you may not be ready for the evening to end. If this sounds like your family, you could consider other holiday activities to keep up your spirits.

Ice Skate to Cheer

Skating in the Park is an annual event here in the Huntsville, Alabama, area. Located in downtown, patrons can find tons of shopping and dining venues nearby, as well as a holiday tree stroll. Check out our KFV app to see what’s available in your area.

Ice skating is a popular winter activity, and while you may or may not love it for yourself, your kids are sure to enjoy it. While they skate to their heart’s content you can cuddle up with a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy the atmosphere. You’ll typically find festive lighting, holiday music, and lots of laughter.

If nothing else, you can amuse yourself with the antics of all those doing their best to stay upright! For those struggling with the Christmas spirit this holiday season visiting an ice-skating park can help get you in that coveted festive mood.

Of course, there are lots of other ways to create holiday traditions, especially if you’re not up for something as adventurous as ice skating. Check out the more toned-down suggestions below.

The Basics

It’s never a bad idea to keep things simple. Crank up the Christmas music, light a cinnamon-scented candle, and whip up a batch of gingersnap cookies. You could even pull out old family recipes to help you create an even more special holiday tradition.

“But wait!” you might say, “I hate Christmas music and I’m a terrible baker. Besides, smells irritate my allergies!”

I totally get it. I’m not advising you to do anything that doesn’t feel authentic for you. Choose one thing. Maybe you can find a beloved Christmas story and read it together each year. If you aren’t much for baking, you can find a local bakery in your area and pick up a few already-made goodies.

If using scents in your home is out, try other homey touches such as putting out cozy blankets, lighting a fire, or using decorative pillows. The idea is to take simple steps to facilitate that holiday mood and create traditions, so do whatever it is that feels right for you.

At the end of the day, only you can decide on the type of holiday traditions your family will love. Other popular ideas include shopping trips, an advent calendar, or even a religious service. Whatever it is, we here at the Mom’s Tribute Blog wish you the happiest of holiday seasons and many heartwarming traditions for years to come.

Feel free to share with us your favorite holiday traditions and recipes and rate your favorite holiday venues in our Kid Friendly Venues app!

Katie C