The holidays are always a little extra magical when you live in Orlando. I mean, it’s hard not to feel the Christmas spirit when everywhere you go there’s something twinkling and jingling—whether it’s the giant Christmas tree at Disney Springs or Rob trying to figure out how to hang Christmas lights without electrocution. It’s chaos, but in the best way. If you’re like me, with a husband who is more ‘last-minute gift shopper’ than ‘Christmas decorator,’ and twins who are at the age where the magic still feels real (but I can see the skepticism peeking through), you’re probably looking for ways to keep things special without pulling your hair out.
So, how do we make Christmas extra magical for Jenny, Sam, and the whole crew? Here are some of my best (and most realistic) tips:
- Disney World at Christmas – But Keep it Real
Okay, we live in the land of Disney, so it’s basically required that we make at least one holiday pilgrimage to Magic Kingdom. But let’s get one thing straight—Disney in December isn’t a “quick trip” unless you enjoy waiting in line for 2+ hours in the Florida heat (in a Santa hat for the aesthetic). But here’s the thing: if you plan ahead, it’s totally worth it. Start with a breakfast reservation at one of the resorts so you can kick off your day with a stress-free meal and a little Disney magic before hitting the park. We’re not all supermommas—sometimes a solid breakfast can make the whole day go a lot smoother. - Christmas Lights Tour – No Parking Stress
Now, if you’ve been around Orlando long enough, you know that the Christmas lights here are serious business. The drive-thru light displays are perfect for keeping kids entertained (and avoiding the potential for “I’m bored” rants). But my personal favorite? The houses in Winter Park. It’s like stepping into a Hallmark movie, and bonus points if you can grab hot cocoa along the way. We just load the kids in the car, crank up some holiday tunes, and enjoy the ride. If you can manage to dodge the chaos of the crowd, it’s the best way to enjoy the twinkling magic without ever having to get out of the car. - Santa’s Workshop Experience – No Mall Chaos
Okay, full confession: I used to dread going to the mall to get a picture with Santa. Between the long lines and the tears (sometimes mine, sometimes the kids’), it was never the most joyful part of Christmas. But then we found an alternative: a Santa’s Workshop experience! You can find these all over Orlando—think of it like a holiday-themed photo shoot where the kids actually get to be interactive, making cookies or writing letters to Santa. Not only do they leave with a memory (and a keepsake ornament), but they also get to take part in something special without dealing with the stress of the mall. - Make It a Family Craft Day
Sometimes, the best moments are the quiet ones. I’m not talking about the “I’ve been wrapping presents for hours and now I have to clean up” quiet. I’m talking about pulling out the glue, glitter, and construction paper for an afternoon of family crafting. Jenny and Sam love making their own ornaments and little DIY gifts for their friends, and honestly, it’s just as much fun for Rob and me as it is for them (and slightly less expensive than the store-bought stuff). Plus, the house looks like a glitter bomb went off, and we all get to take a moment to just laugh about how our holiday disaster is also a holiday masterpiece. - Holiday Movie Marathon (With All the Snacks)
You know what makes Christmas extra magical? A movie marathon. I’m talking the real classics. Not just the cartoons, but the ones that make us all nostalgic: “Home Alone,” “Elf,” “The Polar Express.” We set up a little movie theater in the living room—complete with popcorn, blankets, and hot chocolate (with the tiny marshmallows because, let’s be real, they’re the best part). Rob and I get to reminisce about the “good ol’ days” while Jenny and Sam argue over whether or not they’ve already seen the movie 4 times. Spoiler alert: they’ve seen it. But it doesn’t matter, because every year, it still feels like the first time. - Volunteer Together
Okay, this one may not be “magical” in the twinkling lights sense, but trust me, it’s magical in a different way. Giving back as a family is the perfect way to remind everyone that Christmas isn’t just about what’s under the tree. We spend one afternoon every December volunteering at a local food bank, helping to organize donations. It’s not glamorous—there’s no Instagram filter that makes food boxes look good—but it’s an experience that sticks. For Rob and me, it’s a way to show Jenny and Sam that the real Christmas spirit isn’t in the presents but in the kindness we show others. Plus, it gives us all a warm, fuzzy feeling that lasts long after the glitter has worn off. - Magical Christmas Breakfast (Yes, with Pancakes)
Our Christmas morning tradition? A big family breakfast. Now, this isn’t just your run-of-the-mill cereal-and-toast situation. I’m talking about pancakes, bacon, and eggnog French toast. I do my best to make it a holiday spread worthy of the big day, and Jenny and Sam definitely approve. It’s a time where we all sit down together, surrounded by presents we’ve yet to unwrap, and just enjoy each other’s company. Some of my favorite memories have come from this chaotic (yet comforting) breakfast table. Rob’s trying to pass off his “perfect pancake flip” as a legit skill, and I’m just over here trying to make sure nobody burns themselves with the maple syrup (no shame, it happens).
So, while I’m sure there’s plenty more I could share, I think this is about as close to “Christmas magic” as we can get in Orlando without turning into holiday robots. Some things take a little planning, others come together in the moment, but what matters most is that we’re together—making memories, making messes, and hopefully not making too many of Rob’s pancake-flipping attempts go wrong.
Joke of the Day:
What’s Santa’s favorite type of music?
Wrap! 🎁🎶