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The holiday season is a magical time for my family, full of cherished traditions, laughter, and (sometimes) a little chaos. Living in Colorado, we’re spoiled with an abundance of festive activities and beautiful backdrops to celebrate the season. Here’s a peek into some of my favorite traditions that make this time of year extra special.
Downtown Denver Adventures: Lights, Trains, and Parade Magic
One of my family’s most anticipated traditions is spending time in Downtown Denver during the holidays. There are two ways we love to do this:
The Parade of Lights: There’s something truly magical about bundling up, sipping hot cocoa, and watching the Parade of Lights. Floats aglow with holiday cheer, marching bands, and the sparkle of the city—it’s an unforgettable experience. (Pro tip: staying in a hotel along the parade route makes the whole evening stress-free and adds an extra layer of fun!)
Union Station and Civic Center Lights: For a full day of family fun, we take the G Line train from Olde Town Arvada to Union Station. The train ride itself is an adventure for the kids, and once we arrive, the sights of Union Station in all its holiday glory are breathtaking. We’ll grab dinner and then head to the Civic Center for their lights and show—it’s a feast for the eyes and hearts.
Movie Night: "Home Alone" Shenanigans
Every family has their favorite holiday movie, and for us, it’s "Home Alone" starring Macaulay Culkin. My son Lucas loves it so much that we often joke he is Kevin McCallister. We laugh through every scene (even though we’ve seen it a million times) and can’t help but quote it for weeks afterward. “Keep the change, ya filthy animal” is basically a household slogan during the month of December.
Decking the Halls to Sinatra’s Croons
Decorating the house and trimming the tree is a big event for us. We put on classic holiday tunes—Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and the like—and get to work. Each ornament we hang has its own story as we buy one each time we go somewhere for vacation. The house quickly transforms into a cozy, festive wonderland with all five of us decorating. The kids love taking charge of the garland and lights (though I sometimes need to step in for a bit of quality control… it’s all part of the fun!).
Advent Calendars: A Nutmeg Adventure
Advent calendars are a must in our house. Each kid gets one filled with mini toys, figurines, or other surprises. (We learned the hard way to avoid chocolate advent calendars, though… let’s just say Nutmeg, our dog, had an adventurous year involving stolen chocolates, a trip to urgent care, and a dose of charcoal.)
These traditions are more than just activities; they’re the heart and soul of our holidays. Each one brings us closer as a family, and every year we create new memories to treasure. Whether it’s the sparkling lights of Denver, laughing at Kevin’s antics, or the sheer joy of Nutmeg’s mischief, these moments remind us of what the season is all about: love, laughter, and togetherness.
Happy Holidays from my family to yours!
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