What words would you use to describe “the perfect summer?”

• Peaceful
• Fun
• Relaxing

As moms, we desire the so-called “perfect summer,” where the arguing is nonexistent, and everyone is simply happy all the time. Not only that, but mom is well-rested and enjoying her summer as well! Is that too much to ask for??

While this description of your summer with kids may seem like a faraway fantasy, it may not have to be!

What has been the reality for your summers in the past? Chaotic…out of control…stressful?

If this has been the case for you, it’s time for a change this summer! And even if your summer breaks have been “ok” or “pretty good,” there’s always room for improvement.

12 Tips to a More Enjoyable Summer for All

I have 12 summer mom tips to help you achieve your ideal summer as a stay-at-home mom. While it will not always be picture-perfect, it can definitely be an enjoyable and relaxing summer experience for all (at least MOST of the time).

1. Have a Daily Plan posted.

Planning….in the summer? If you’ve never tried, it, it might sound crazy to you. But, to avoid the chaos or boredom, I’d recommend a tentative daily plan. You can’t expect your children to entertain themselves for 12 hours straight and not have issues.

Last summer, I used the template below to plan out each day. It has a “schedule” for the day, along with space to write down morning and afternoon activities/outings. There’s also space to outline the menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day.

Having a posted plan is an excellent idea, particularly for school-aged children. While it’s not essential to stick to the schedule strictly, it can help maintain a rhythm and flow throughout the day.

What’s the purpose of posting a Daily Plan?

• Everyone is familiar with the order of events for the day
• All family members know the planned activities & their timings (also items needed for that activity. ex. Pool Day=swimsuits & towels will be needed)
• Eliminates the questions about “what’s for dinner?” because all the meals are right there!

2. Have a morning activity laid out.

For those early birds, plan a morning activity to capture their interest right away. If any of your children wake up sooner than you’d like, provide them with something enjoyable to occupy their time before breakfast. Mom needs her morning quiet time too! This is certainly achievable unless your kids are very young; just tailor the activity to suit your child’s age.

What’s the purpose of a morning activity?

• Giving mom a little extra time to complete her personal morning routine.
• Teaching your child to be independent.
• Avoiding screens first thing in the morning.

Consider choosing an activity that the kids haven’t done in a while to keep it fresh & interesting. Keep it simple! It should be something they can handle independently, without mom’s assistance!

Here are a few examples of morning activities to prepare.

• A bin of magnatiles and character toys
• Coloring books & markers
• Floor puzzle
• Pop beads
• Sticker books
• Rubber stamps & paper

3. Have a daily Snack Box for each child.

The battle of the snacks also takes place in the summer. Someone is always hungry and looking for a snack, so we can tend to go through soooo many snacks.

A great solution for this is a snack box!

Encourage kids to help prepare their own snack boxes either the night before or in the morning. This approach can help you reduce the need to buy numerous pre-packaged snacks & will help your children eat healthier snack foods. You can still maintain a designated “snack time” in the afternoon for an extra treat but this method is for all the in-between times when snacks are requested.

I try to keep each snack box pretty balanced, with a protein, a veggie, a fruit, and a carb. The options are endless for what types of snacks you could include.

Here’s a couple sample snack boxes you could create:

Box 1: blackberries, string cheese (cut in half), cherry tomatoes, & goldfish crackers.

Box 2: strawberries, pistachios, cucumbers, and veggie straws

4. Incorporate 5-minute tidies into your day.

Don’t underestimate the power of 5 minutes! A seemingly insignificant amount of time. So quick, but they can make such a big difference in the tidiness of your home.

Especially with everyone working together. I join in as well, that way it’s a family effort. Set a timer and then have everyone hurry around tidying up as much as possible in 5-minute intervals. I do encourage the quality, as well as the quantity of tidiness.

Putting things back in their correct places is essential but it’s also important to avoid distractions & wasting time (we all have those kids who struggle with this).

The more you consistently integrate these 5-minute tidies into your daily routine, the more they will evolve into a habit. It’s up to you to decide the best times for these tidies for your family and home. Also, encouraging children to maintain a clean room each evening is a fantastic practice (that can also help them sleep better!)

BONUS TIP: If your young child’s bedroom is a complete disaster, it’s unrealistic to expect them to tidy it up independently. Assist them in restoring order to a manageable state. Have them help you assign “a home” for each toy and item they own. Once this is established, they can be expected to return the room to this organized state each night before bedtime. I have found this approach to be highly effective!

5. Have scheduled times for Reading.

Whether or not you want to include learning time into your summer days, reading is essential! It can effortlessly fit into your daily routine. Consider reading during breakfast while everyone is quiet and occupied, or listening to an audiobook at lunch (like on a Yoto player). A great way to calm down before bedtime, is to cuddle up and read a couple books together. Whatever your preferred times are, aim to include reading at least twice a day!

For my 6-year-old, I plan to set aside around 10 minutes each afternoon for her to read on her own. It doesn’t need to be extensive; even just 10 minutes a day can significantly help prevent the “summer slide.”

BONUS TIP: Make a weekly trip to the library. Stock up on books to read throughout the week. You won’t need to purchase a single one!

6. Have Electronic Time planned into your routine.

Establish a designated electronic time each day, to help eliminate the repeated requests. You know, the constant, “Can I watch my iPad?” For my family, from 1-2 pm each day, everyone can take a break to use their iPads, watch a movie, or whatever electronic device they choose. And that’s it for the day! (unless we have a family movie night planned for the evening).

While it may be tempting to turn on the TV first thing in the morning, try to resist until later on. Attempt to get out of the house in the mornings instead! There’s a whole summer out there, I don’t want my kids glued to screens constantly.

Plus, this afternoon electronic break will be a perfect time for us moms to recharge. An hour of pure peace and quiet, providing a much-needed break.

7. Have a Laundry Routine & stick to it.

Oh, the dreaded laundry!

The amount of laundry in the summer with a bunch of kids can be INSANE.

You need to have a plan for staying on top of your laundry! 1 load a day is probably the best bet if you have multiple kids.

Start your day by throwing in a load of laundry right away and set a reminder to transfer it to the dryer. Everyone can contribute by folding and putting away their own laundry. If you time this whole process, the total hands-on time, is probably less than 10 minutes! It doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as we make it out to be.

TIP for pool or beach days: Wash beach towels and swimsuits immediately to ensure they’re ready for your next outing. Encourage the kids to toss their towels and swimsuits into the washer right after use and start the cycle. I have found that one beach towel and two swimsuits for each child works perfectly.

8. Plan solutions for “I’m Bored.”

Mom, you don’t need to provide a source of entertainment 24/7. My solution is this closet I have pictured below. I always refer my kids to what I call the “game and craft closet.”

I don’t make decisions for them; instead, I provide a space filled with a variety of activities for them to choose from. Puzzles, art & craft supplies, board games, magnatiles, beads, Legos, and the list continues.

Let them use their imaginations and I guarantee they’ll find plenty to do. If they still say those dreaded words “I’m bored,” have a chore ready with their name on it.

9. Be flexible & think outside the box.

Yes, I hyped up the schedule and I still remain true to that. But I’ll admit, sometimes flexibility is helpful.

I’ll explain exactly what I mean by this tip by giving two examples.

Example #1 – Flexibility with bath time.

Normally, bath time is part of a night routine. However, there are occasions when it’s more practical to give your kids a bath earlier in the day. For instance, after spending most of the day at the beach or hiking, you might return home at 4 pm with everyone feeling dirty (or covered in chlorine). This seems like an ideal moment to clean everyone up and get them into pajamas. At 4 pm? Absolutely! This approach can make the evening more relaxing, especially since everyone is usually tired after a long day. I chose to embrace flexibility in this situation, and it definitely pays off.

Example #2 – Flexibility with getting ready in the morning.

Typically, my kids would get dressed after breakfast every morning. However, when we have plans to swim at the neighborhood pool at 11 am, what’s the purpose of getting dressed at 9 am only to change into swimsuits a couple of hours later? It seems unnecessary. Embrace flexibility and let the kids enjoy their pajamas a bit longer than usual.

10. Set up your kitchen for success.

If your kitchen is not efficient or set up for functionality, mealtimes may be a struggle. Your kitchen is the heart of the home, the most essential part of your home when your “starving” children arrive for meals 3 plus times a day.

It’s got to be set up correctly and function well, as well as be stocked with all the essentials. Moms, we cannot slack on getting groceries and having food on hand during these summer months.

On grocery day, a great idea is to prep your fruits and vegetables ahead of time. You want them to be easily accessible as healthy food options.

Have all cups, plates, and bowls where kids can reach them. It’s definitely ok to use paper plates. Some days call for that!!

11. Let your kids TAKE their TIME.

This is such a blessing in the summer! Time is on your side. Life (hopefully) slows down quite a bit.

Let your kids take a break from the school year hurry routine. You know…

“Hurry up and get dressed.”

“Quick, go get your shoes on.”

“Hurry up, let’s get your homework done before dance class.”

All the hurries can cease for a while.

This doesn’t mean being lazy and sitting around the house all day, but it does mean taking a little extra time to enjoy breakfast, to get ready in the morning, and to let your kids play as long as they want at the park. Summer is the time of no strict schedules and more slow living.

Take your time and let your kids take their time. Embrace a “no rush” mentality for a couple months out of the year.

12. Integrate plenty of Fun Learning Experiences.

Summer offers an excellent opportunity to engage in fun learning experiences based on your children’s interests. It’s also the perfect time to try new things!

There’s so much to learn during the summer—not just academic knowledge, but real-life skills and experiences.

Consider activities such as:

• Bowling
• Visiting zoos
• Exploring museums
• Reading books that align with their interests and curiosity

Time is practically unlimited as to what can be learned in the summer. Encourage creativity, exploring the world around them, and soaking up the sunshine while enjoying the beauty of God’s creation.

My girls catching frogs down by a creek.

Your kids is interested in zoo animals? Watch documentaries about zoo animals. Visit the zoo. Get a bunch of books from the library about them. Color or paint pictures of them. Learning should be done in a fun way!

BONUS TIP: Get a monthly (yearly) membership to places you visit often (if your budget allows). We have purchased a membership to the local trampoline park. Active play and exercise is so important to your children’s growth and development.

Other membership ideas: the zoo, a children’s museum, or a local play area. We don’t have a ton of options in our town, but you can definitely get your money’s worth!

Summer is the Time to Enjoy the Little Moments

18…that’s how many summers you have with your children.

While summer trips are wonderful, the majority of time is spent in the mundane, day after day in your hometown.

Mundane doesn’t have to mean boring though.

Focus on spending quality time together and creating lasting memories in a structured manner, making it feel more peaceful and enjoyable.

Take a look at my Ultimate SAHM Summer Schedule HERE, for more tips and a detailed summer schedule.

Create a summer bucket list with tons of amazing, fun, and even educational ideas for summer activities. Check out the Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Kids HERE.

Have a happy, healthy, and relaxing summer! It is possible.

Are you searching for a fun way to kick off the holiday season? Do you want an entertaining method to gift all the exciting Christmas activities and treats to your children?

I’ve got the perfect way to do this…

It’s a December 1st Box!

There’s no need to hold off until Christmas Eve to hand out Christmas pajamas! And why wait to give your family festive goodies and other enjoyable Christmas items?

On December 1st (or the weekend right after Thanksgiving, which works great too), let your children unwrap a box filled with delightful items!

What’s in our December 1st Box This Year?

This year I focused on activities we can enjoy together in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

1. Foil Art Christmas craft

These foil art kits appear to be enjoyable, and I’m optimistic they’ll perform as wonderfully as they seem. It’s an excellent craft project for a leisurely winter weekend afternoon at home.

Simply press the foil onto the stickered designs, remove it, and the sparkly foil adheres. There’s a variety of picture canvases available that depict charming holiday scenes. Without the mess created by scissors and glue!

2. Create your own Gingerbread Garland Kit

Alright, it’s another craft item since my girls have been enjoying arts and crafts recently. This kit includes 12 gingerbread figures for decorating and string to assemble a gingerbread person garland. It’s yet another chance to get creative, and it was only $5 at Target!

3. Christmas pajamas

This year, I allowed my girls to pick their pajamas, and they selected Grinch and Max pajamas. They’re made of a soft fleece from Target. I believe it’s a great idea to gift Christmas pajamas early in the season, allowing for more time to wear them throughout December. Whether you opt for matching sets or not is up to you.

Check out the pajamas HERE.

4. Lego Friends Advent Calendar

I’ve chosen a single advent calendar to share this year. They can work together by assembling the Lego pieces for each day or alternate turns. This set is particularly enjoyable because they can play with the completed scene afterwards.

There’s an abundance of excellent advent calendar choices available for children. Whether they’re fans of Peppa Pig, Bluey, Mini Brands, Rocks & Gems, or dinosaurs, you can find a wide selection of advent calendars on Amazon. It’s simply a fun way to countdown the days until Christmas.

Check out our LEGO Friends advent calendar HERE.

5. Seek and Find Floor Christmas Puzzle

A massive 50-piece Christmas-themed floor puzzle is perfect for my daughters, who are 5 and 6 years old. Once the puzzle is assembled, it becomes a search-and-find game with numerous Christmas items hidden within. It’s two activities in one!

Check out the fun puzzle HERE.

6. Highlights Christmas Puzzles: Puzzle Mania

Suggesting a puzzle book is an excellent idea when someone mentions boredom. This particular Christmas-themed puzzle book features mazes, captivating search-and-find puzzles, and spot-the-difference games, along with other interactive challenges.

7. Christmas Treats

You surely cannot forget the Christmas treats!

This year we’ve got Christmas tree cakes and brownies. Throw in a special holiday treat that everyone can enjoy. Whether it be a festive-themed snack, popcorn, or hot cocoa packets, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

Well, that’s everything in the December 1st box for my family this year. But, keep reading for more ideas you can include!

Other Items to Include in a December 1st Box

The options are literally endless as to what you can include in your December box!

Cater it to your family’s interests and ages. Decide if you want everything to be Christmas themed or not. Consider if you prefer more practical items. Choose a theme, if desired, such as everything Grinch or Santa Claus.

You Choose!

• Slippers-keep those little feet warm on a cold winter’s night!

• Hats-Santa hats or cold weather hats

• Ornaments-that represent an interest of your child’s or perhaps a trip you took this past year

• Hair bows & accessories-that match their Christmas outfits

• Christmas shirt-a sweater or T-shirt to wear throughout the month

• Christmas socks

• Movies-you could either include a DVD (do people even own these anymore??) or a gift certificate for a family Christmas movie night you plan to have this holiday season.

• Christmas mugs/cups-themed mugs to drink hot cocoa in all month long

• Christmas candy-everyone’s family Christmas candy to snack on during Christmas movie nights, like red and green M&M’s, holiday-themed gummies, or whatever your preference!

• Christmas coloring books (or activity books)

• Tonies or Yoto cards-if you have a Tonies box or Yoto player, it would be great to get a holiday-themed character/card for the Christmas season.

Create your Own Christmas Box Today!

I hope you got some great ideas for what to include in your own December 1st box (or Christmas Eve box) for your family this year.

Another alternative is to create a small box for each of your children (this might be a good idea if everyone has differing interests and a wider age range).

Have fun with it!

And have a Merry Christmas!!

Looking for more Christmas Content?

Check out these other motivating blog posts featuring Christmas!

12 Christmas Traditions that Place Jesus at the Center

The Ultimate Christmas Bucket List

Plan and Prepare Early for a Simple, Stress-free Christmas

Make this Christmas unforgettable! December can be the most enchanting time of the year, with its stunning decorations, joyful music, and cherished moments with family. As a mother, my goal is to create a Christmas that’s as magical for my children as it was for me in my childhood.

Creating a Christmas Bucket List with your family is a wonderful way to enjoy the holiday season. Choose activities and events that hold special meaning for you and plan to experience them this Christmas. Whether you prefer a packed schedule or a more laid-back approach, my bucket list offers ideas suitable for all preferences.

If you believe Jesus is the Reason for the Season, make sure to include elements that celebrate Jesus’ birth and focus on Him this Christmas!

Create an abundance of wonderful memories with your loved ones this holiday season! It’s my wish that this ultimate Christmas Bucket List provides you with plenty of achievable ideas to set you off on the right path. Let’s get started now!

Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.

The Polar Express

25 Christmas Bucket List Ideas

1. Walk (or drive) around and look at Christmas lights.

The enchantment of Christmas lights and decorations is unmatched. Bring along some hot cocoa and candy canes, bundle up, and enjoy the sights. In our town, there’s a special street where each house is adorned with festive decorations for Christmas, inviting us to bundle up and stroll along both sides of the street to admire the lights and decorations.

2. Countdown the days until Christmas with an Advent Calendar.

There is an abundance of charming advent calendars suitable for both kids and adults, featuring everything from coffee to skincare products, Legos, or books. Find one that works for your family or make your own! Alternatively, you can create a traditional countdown chain with links made of construction paper, removing one link daily as you count down to Christmas.

3. Purchase and wear Christmas pajamas.

Consider purchasing them early to wear throughout December! You might assemble a box filled with items for your family to open on December 1st, such as the Christmas pajamas and various Christmas-themed activities to delight in all month.

Some ideas of items to include in the December 1st box:

• Hot chocolate packets
• Popcorn
• Candy
• Christmas puzzle
• Christmas coloring books
• Christmas craft projects
• Slippers
• Santa hats/festive bows

Here’s a few snapshots when all four of my children were interested in wearing matching pajamas. It’s sad that not all of them want to participate still.

4. Make a gingerbread house.

You have the option to bake from scratch or opt for a pre-made kit, which has always been my choice. Candy is universally adored, especially when it comes to decorating. Even if your kit includes candy, adding a wider variety can enhance the fun. M&M’s, gumdrops, Twizzlers, lifesavers; the options are endless. Involve the whole family! Perhaps organize into teams to construct various gingerbread houses and spark a friendly competition.

5. Make Christmas cookies and of course decorate them!

Annually, we dedicate a day to this tradition, involving the grandparents and cousins to join us too. The kids can participate as much (or as little) as they wish. Typically, we make cut-out sugar cookies in the shapes of stockings, snowmen, and Christmas trees. Then, the children assist in decorating with a variety of icing colors and sprinkles. The cookies might not be edible by the end, but the fun had by all is what truly matters.

6. Made homemade hot cocoa.

While pre-packaged hot chocolate is certainly more convenient, consider making your own from scratch at least once this holiday season. Collect all the necessary ingredients, along with your favorite additions such as candy canes, marshmallows, and chocolate chips. This way, you’ll craft the perfect drink to savor during a holiday movie night.

7. Leave cookies and milk for Santa.

A classic Christmas Eve tradition for children involves leaving out cookies and milk for Santa to enjoy during his visit to their home. Maybe some carrots for Rudolph too? Or perhaps some reindeer food to sprinkle outside as well? Check out this DIY Reindeer Food Recipe. I intend to savor these delightful little traditions for as long as my children wish to.

8. Watch all the classic Christmas movies.

Many nostalgic movies from my childhood have become annual viewing traditions with my children. Some of our favorites include “Elf” and “The Santa Clause” series, as well as both recent adaptations of “The Grinch” and “The Christmas Chronicles.” Establishing your family’s favorite movies and watching them every December can create lasting memories and traditions. Consider preparing themed snacks or a festive Christmas snack mix to accompany your movie nights.

9. Make a wreath for the front door.

Choosing a fresh pine wreath or crafting a DIY holiday-themed wreath is crucial for your front door decor! With countless DIY possibilities at your fingertips, you’re sure to discover a design that captures your interest on Pinterest.

Decorating the outside of your home with Christmas lights is a delightful bonus (assuming you can convince your husband to scale the roof). It’s certain to bring joy to my children, who are already eager to see the Christmas lights go up.

10. Go to a live nativity.

Experiencing the nativity scene firsthand, complete with farm animals and a baby Jesus, can enhance your understanding of the Christmas story and the birth of Jesus.

My daughters and I attended an event at a local church where they provided costumes for dressing up, taking pictures with the animals, and posing in the nativity scene with baby Jesus. It offered an excellent opportunity to learn about the birth of Jesus in an interactive way.

11. Display a nativity scene in your home.

As a Christian family, displaying a nativity scene in the home holds great significance. Whether you choose a fancy nativity or a child-friendly option (or both), it’s a great way to engage in discussions about its importance throughout the month of December. The figurines can also be used to reenact the Christmas story with your children and keep Jesus as the focus of the Christmas season.

12. Buy a new ornament each year.

A fun tradition is to buy an ornament on your summer vacation to save as a memorable keepsake. Throughout my childhood, we collected ornaments from trips to Alaska, Maine, and Hersey, PA, to name just a few.

You might also consider allowing your children to select ornaments that represent their current interests each year. Alternatively, surprise them by choosing the ornaments yourself, which could be included in the December 1st box.

13. Have a sleepover by the Christmas tree.

Gather all the pillows and blankets, along with 58 stuffed animals, and consider adding an air mattress. This setup will primarily delight the younger children, but perhaps you’re young at heart and want to join in the fun. Leave the Christmas tree lights on to twinkle all night long.

14. Go to a Christmas parade.

Perhaps your town organizes a Christmas parade, or you could find a nearby town to partake in the parade festivities. Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thanksgiving also seems to initiate the Christmas season with Santa Claus’s arrival.

15. Go to a Christmas show.

Whether it’s a concert dedicated to Christmas music or a local theater’s rendition of a classic Christmas tale, both are truly delightful experiences. Look up the Christmas events scheduled in your area this year and select one or several that appeal to you.

Make sure to book your tickets in advance and cherish the moments with family or friends.

16. Make a Christmas-themed treat.

Food creations shaped like snowmen, reindeer, or Santa Clause? Yes, please. Search Pinterest for thousands of simple treat ideas to create with your family.

Try these pretzels; they’re super tasty and easy to make, perfect for getting kids involved in the kitchen. Get the recipe here for Christmas Pretzel Hugs.

17. Read Christmas books.

I adore all the seasonal books, whether I’m reading aloud to my kids or enjoying a holiday novel personally. I’ll take the kids to the library to gather as many Christmas titles as we can.

During December, you’ll often find me snuggled next to the Christmas tree, engrossed in a Christmas romance novel after the children have gone to bed. Such a cozy, festive feeling!

18. Give to someone in need.

Reflect on how you and your family can support someone in need this December. It’s crucial to foster a spirit of giving back and to impart the value of generosity to our children, particularly during the holiday season.

I’m familiar with the Angel Tree program, which provides an opportunity to give Christmas gifts and clothes to children who might otherwise not receive anything at Christmas time. Research other programs in your area to find one that best matches your family’s resources and budget.

19. Learn about the holiday celebrations of other cultures.

Each year, as a family, you could explore the Christmas traditions of different countries and cultures. This could involve reading books, preparing a holiday meal, and participating in one of their holiday customs.

For instance, Mexican traditions include Las Posadas, Three Kings Day, and the use of poinsettias as the Christmas flower. In France, in place of stockings, children will leave their shoes near the fireplace, to be filled with gifts. Your kids might find it amusing to do this!

20. Make a Christmas-themed breakfast.

Make a special Christmas morning breakfast complete with Santa Pancakes or green waffles made into Christmas trees. Use whipped cream for Santa’s beard and strawberries for Santa’s hat. Check out this blog post which features 21 Christmas Breakfast Ideas.

While such themed meals may primarily captivate younger children, they are certainly worth the effort.

21. Play all the Christmas music all month long.

Make a Christmas music playlist. Introduce your children to new Christmas songs this year too, or you’ll be hearing Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on repeat.

22. Make it a family affair to decorate for Christmas.

Enjoy a delightful afternoon or evening together by inviting everyone to decorate the Christmas tree. Even the little ones can help hang up ornaments and participate in the festive experience. While the tree may not look like it’s straight out of a magazine, it will be adorned with love, which is truly what matters.

You can enhance the holiday spirit by wearing Santa hats, playing some Christmas tunes, and eating some holiday treats.

23. Make a Christmas simmer pot.

This might be a new experience for me this year since I’ve never prepared a simmer pot before. Soon, your whole house will be filled with the scent of Christmas.

Gather some oranges, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and rosemary with this Christmas Simmer Pot recipe and you’ll be all set!

24. Elf on the Shelf (or Shepherd on the Search) makes an appearance!

In our household, the Shepherd (whom we call Ezekiel) appears every December. For those not acquainted with it, the Shepherd on the Search is a holiday tradition centered on Jesus. Throughout the month, the Shepherd embarks on a quest to find baby Jesus, bringing small surprises or biblical messages for the children to reflect upon. While he may engage in playful antics akin to those of The Elf on the Shelf, the emphasis remains on Jesus.

On certain days, our Shepherd leaves behind notes or treats. On the first day of December, he arrives with a special box for the children to open.

25. Do an experience gift for Christmas this year.

Several years back, our family chose to visit Great Wolf Lodge in December as an alternative to an extravagant Christmas celebration. The memories we created were incredible and will be cherished indefinitely.

Therefore, this year, you might contemplate opting for a family excursion or experience over an assortment of toys and gadgets that lose their appeal three days post-Christmas.

Start Making Those Christmas Memories!

I hope you’ve discovered some fresh, exciting ways to celebrate Christmas this year with your loved ones!

I encourage you to explore new activities and traditions that you haven’t considered before. Avoid waiting until the last minute to plan; start preparing your Christmas Bucket List now, even if it’s October or early November.

And remember the reason we celebrate Christmas: it’s Jesus.

“When we give each other Christmas gifts in His name, let us remember that He has given us the sun and the moon and the stars, and the earth with its forests and mountains and oceans–and all that lives and move upon them.”

Sigrid Undset

Fall is hands-down the best season! Don’t agree with me? That’s ok, I still have some amazing activities you should try this fall season that just might change your mind. This is my ultimate fall bucket list as a 35-year-old mama of 4 from West Texas (where we don’t exactly have the best representation of fall). But I still try!

It remains hot here in Texas until like October. So yes, some years I may be baking pumpkin-flavored goodies when it’s 90 degrees outside. That doesn’t stop me though!

I love to embrace the fall season in every way possible. The colors, the scents, the cozy feeling, the slightly spooky Halloween vibes. I love all of it and my kids do too!

Here’s list of 20 fun, family-friendly ideas to include in your fall plans this year. Some of these ideas are geared towards the whole family, while others are more focused on the moms out there. Get started now making amazing memories with your family!

The Ultimate Fall Bucket List: 20 Things you Should Do this Fall

1. Go to a farm and/or orchard. Pick some apples. Wander through a corn maze. Pet the farm animals. Ride on the cow train. Head to the pumpkin patch and choose the perfect pumpkins. Participate in all the activities that interest you and your family. Tip: If your children aren’t interested in a particular activity, don’t force it. You definitely shouldn’t try to do an activity just because it’s on the list.

2. Make pumpkin cookies (heck, make pumpkin-flavored everything!) My family members have recently been requesting pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting. I always say, “not until September!” However, once September 1st hits, you better believe we are baking those cookies.

Try the recipe HERE: Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Pumpkin muffins, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cinnamon rolls. I’m pretty sure anything can be made pumpkin flavored. So why not try some new recipes this time of year? Or make your family’s favorites?

Not a fan of pumpkin? Maybe apple appeals more to your taste buds. Then find an apple recipe instead!

3. Have a Hocus Pocus movie night. Our favorite spooky, family-friendly Halloween movie over at my house is Hocus Pocus (we love both 1 and 2). Whatever your family favorite is, that’s what you should watch. You can even do a fall/Halloween themed movie night every Friday in October. You can go all out and prepare themed snacks or keep it simple with microwave popcorn.

4. Make a fall-inspired trail mix. You can enjoy your snack mix while cuddling up with your loved ones during that spooky movie. Try to stick with a fall color scheme of brown, orange, and red, to make it more festive. We tried this one below, which includes pretzels, mini marshmallows, teddy grahams (chocolate & original), and red and orange peanut M&Ms. You can really choose whatever snacky items you like!

5. Carve pumpkins. A quintessential Halloween tradition you definitely shouldn’t forget about. Carve a simple jack o’ lantern face or make it more elaborate if you want to get creative. If you have younger children, it might be more fun and easier for them to paint little pumpkins.

6. Read scary books (or fall-themed books). You can get a bunch from the library to read to your children each night. While you’re at it, grab a fun fiction read for yourself.

Two thriller books on my list to read this autumn are: Home Before Dark by Riley Sager and Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. I can’t recommend them at this point, since I have yet to read them. There are hundreds of options out there for thriller reads or cozy fall fiction; find one that suites your interests. And then cozy up and read, read, read!

7. Go to the drive-in movies. But elevate your experience…have a truck or know someone who does? Why not put a mattress in the back, bring a bunch of cozy blankets and pillows, and enjoy the show that way?? You can make it a date night with your significant other or a fun family night with the kids. Don’t forget all the snacks!

8. Buy yourself a new cozy sweater. One that you’ll want to wear on repeat. There’s nothing better than having a comfortable sweater to throw on. One that you love and enjoy wearing.

9. Go on a hayride. Your local pumpkin patch or farm may have this as part of their experience. It takes me back to my childhood and brings all the feelings of nostalgia.

10. Create a fall aroma in your home. With either candles or using essential oils in a diffuser, you can give your home the wonderful fragrance of fall. Do you prefer the smell of pumpkin or apple or cinnamon? The choices that represent autumn are abundant.

11. Decorate! Give me all the cozy vibes and pumpkins galore. You can keep it fairly simple, which is what I usually do. You don’t need to overdo it, just decorate the main area of your house with a few decorative pieces that you love. I definitely recommend adorning your front door with a beautiful, fall-inspired wreath. I’m going to attempt to plant mum on the front patio this year. Let’s hope the heat doesn’t kill them off like in years past (or maybe I’m the one to blame).

12. Roast pumpkin seeds. We sort of fell into a tradition at my house…my husband is in charge of the pumpkin carving each year. My job is to gather all the seeds and roast them. You can try a variety of different seasonings, depending on your taste preference.

13. Go to a football game. Whether it be your local high school team or an NFL game (if you’re a hardcore football fan), football is another tradition of the fall season. Even watching a game or two on TV can count. As someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy sports, it really does bring all the fall feels for me. When you’re all bundled up at a football game (or in shorts & a T-shirt), cheering for a team, it just feels like fall is here.

14. Make a fun fall craft with your kids (or a fall DIY project). Hobby Lobby has tons of inexpensive seasonal crafts kits your kids are sure to love. I plan to attempt a couple DIY fall decorating projects this year. I have a fall centerpiece and a fall-themed tiered tray in mind, so I’ll keep you updated as to how those turn out!

15. Choose Halloween costumes and take your kids trick-or-treating. I think this is a given. Even if you don’t have children, hand out candy to the neighborhood kids. How fun to see all their costumes and the joy that Halloween (and tons of sugar) brings to children.

16. Take an autumnal nature hike. Explore the great outdoors, when the leaves are changing colors, and the weather has slightly cooled. Your children may like to collect leaves or other items they find in nature. Sadly, we don’t get enough leaves that fall from the trees here to rake and jump into piles. Definitely take advantage if you do, because my kids don’t get to experience that in the fall.

17. Dress your pets up for Halloween. Here’s my two Boston Terriers years ago when they were just puppies. I’ll admit, they probably hated being dressed up, but it made for an adorable photo op.

18. Make all the different kinds of soups. Taco soup. Broccoli cheddar soup. Zuppa toscana. Chili. Find a new recipe to try and make your favorites too. It’s the perfect time of year to make a hot soup to enjoy on a chilly evening.

19. Make a pumpkin inspired drink (or buy one from your local coffee shop). I’m drinking my first pumpkin spice latte of the season while writing this blog post. There’s just something about the first taste of pumpkin that ushers in the fall season for me. I’ll admit, it tastes better from the coffee shop. Or else I haven’t found the right recipe yet or I lack the skills to make a great latte at home.

20. Practice gratitude. Be thankful. You could write in a gratitude journal during this season of the year. If you have younger children, you could make a thankful turkey in the month of November. In past years, I have constructed a turkey out of construction paper and then each day, each of my kids will write or draw something they are thankful for on a construction paper feather. By Thanksgiving, you’ll have a turkey with bunch of feathers filled with things your family is grateful for. I thought it was a cute idea. If you don’t, I’m sure there’s dozens of other ideas to practice gratitude.

Need ideas for a Summer Bucket list, check out this blog post: Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Kids.

Enjoy the Fall Season Thoroughly This Year

No matter what activities you choose to participate in this autumn, don’t forget to be grateful for the season.

Enjoy the small moments.

Appreciate the time spent with family and friends.

Delight in the tastes and smells of the season.

Be open to the changes that life brings with each new season.

Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.

F. Scott Fitzgerald, “The Great Gatsby”

Want to make the back-to-school season more special and memorable for your children this year? And not stress yourself out!? (This is key). You’ve come to the right place. I’m sharing some back-to-school traditions that you should consider starting with your family this year.

I promise you won’t be spending hours prepping for a list of 20 plus activities. You’ve already spent days (and tons of cash) buying new clothes and shoes and backpacks and lunchboxes and school supplies (does the list ever end??!!)

Keep it simple and meaningful! That’s my motto here. My blog is meant to be a place of simplicity and achievable things for everyday moms. So, keep that in mind as you read about 6 back-to-school traditions my family is actually doing this school year.

Whether your kids are super excited to be heading back to school or it’s going to be like pulling teeth each morning, it’s that time of year. I have mixed feelings over here with my 4 kids. We will get through this, mamas!

Tradition #1: Prepare a Back-to-School Breakfast (and/or lunch!)

Here’s our little breakfast setup this year.

A few decorations. Who doesn’t love balloons shaped like apples and school buses?

I opted out on spending a fortune on school themed tableware. Instead, I purchased simple red plates and yellow napkins from the Dollar Tree.

A “special” breakfast, whether that be your kid’s favorite foods or something school-themed.

Like pencils made from cheese sticks perhaps.

Or pencils made from wafer cookies.

So cute! But not on my radar.

Personally, I like to keep things simple. I found that my kids don’t appreciate food shaped like inanimate objects as much as it’s worth my time to make them.

I opted for chocolate chip muffins (I was able to make 6 large ones and a bunch of mini ones to stick in the freezer for later). Also, some berries, sausage, and bacon. Oh, I did make cinnamon rolls too (just the pre-packaged ones in the tube). Because my kids seem to enjoy those ones much more than the homemade version which literally zaps hours from my life (so I’m ok with it).

The main point I’m trying to make here is this: make a breakfast and decorate in a back-to-school theme if possible! I think ours turned out cute (but not overdone). And it didn’t take me all that long either.

If a special breakfast isn’t enough, let’s add a lunch as well! That’s what we did, as our first day was a half day. All I did was keep the same decorations, use the same tableware, and make the same lunch I would on a normal day, but called it a “back-to-school lunch.”

Here’s our charcuterie style lunch. Well, I did stop and grab some Crumbl Cookies (mostly for the kids, but I was craving them too).

Tradition #2: Write your kids encouraging notes.

Write an encouraging note for your child on the first day of school. My husband was not able to be there for their first day, but he wrote them notes! Just encouraging them to do a great job this year and stating how proud we are of them.

I didn’t even put the notes in an envelope or anything. Just on simple notebook paper. Laid in front of their plates at the table.

If your child’s love language is words of affirmation, this one will give you a lot of bang for your buck. They will probably keep the note and maybe even frame it.

If you have a younger child, you could tweak this: color them a heart picture with their name on it (how darling). I didn’t do this, but youngest probably would have loved it. You know your kids best, so pick whatever form of encouraging note, card, or picture would bring them the most joy (but works with the time you have).

Tradition #3: Read a book the night before school starts.

We try to make reading part of our evening routine anyways, so what better way to amp up your reading game, than to find back-to-school themed books.

My two youngest daughters picked out these two books below from the library the week before school started, without even realizing they were perfect. My youngest is starting kindergarten and her older sister starting 1st grade.

It feels a little more personalized since each book is about a child going into the exact grade they are! I’m sure there are dozens of options of back-to-school books you can find on Amazon or borrow from your local library.

Tradition #4: Go out for ice cream after the first week of school is completed.

Ice cream? Of course, sign me up. My kids agree, anytime and anywhere.

This year my parents initiated this ice cream eating excursion. They treated me and the kids for ice cream, but they took it up a notch. They came up with questions to ask the kids, focusing the conversation on school and how their first week went.

Here are some questions you could ask your kids:

• What do you like about school so far?

• What do you not like so much?

• What friends have you made?

• What subject do you like the best?

Add in any other questions you can think of!

This is a fun way for your kids to open up a little while enjoying a sweet treat. It may help you as a mama notice some fears or insecurities your kids may have. You may be able to better identify some of their strengths, as well as struggles that may be encountered this year.

Overall, it’ll be a chance to connect with your kids and enjoy the amazing goodness of ice cream together.

Tradition #5: Take first day pictures.

Well, duh! Okay, so I know every parent probably takes the classic first day of school pictures.

However, I have started taking pictures the day before. That way I’m able to take my time and get all the pictures I want of my adorable children. My girls had fun with it this year and some ideas for cute poses they wanted to include.

Let me tell you, trying to get the good ones the morning of, has proved to be difficult. Save yourself the stress of another thing to add to the first day morning chaos and do it the day (or weekend before).

I use a letterboard and even let the kids decorate with the tiles they want.

Amazon has felt letterboards for as inexpensive as $9.99. You can use them year after year!

Tradition #6: Pray for (and with) your children.

This “tradition” is more important than we realize. God is the one who is by your child’s side throughout the school day.

Hour by hour. Day by Day.

He knows their hearts. Their needs. Their strengths. Their weaknesses. Their fears.

Pray for each of your children by name, starting on the first day of school, but don’t stop there! Each morning, make it a priority to talk to God. Even 2 minutes each morning (or any time of day!) is going to make the world of difference.

I know the mornings are crazy and rushed and sometimes you feel like you’re “a chicken with their head cut off,” as you run around. Making sure everyone has everything they need (plus things they probably don’t!)

But try to make time to pray as a family too! Even if it’s “Lord help us today” or “God be with us at school today.”

On the drive to school. On the walk to the bus stop. As you’re eating a nice, calm breakfast (yeah right!)

My point here is this: you have an extra minute (30 seconds?) Teach your kids to communicate with God, their Perfect Heavenly Father.

Make Back-to-School Season Memorable This Year!

I could go on and on with a bunch of traditions that you may or may not have time for. Let’s keep it realistic though. What is most meaningful to your kids? What is most meaningful to you? Because our mama feelings matter too.

These are small traditions that my family is doing this year. I want to make it memorable for my kids and be an encouragement to them. A fresh start for them.

A new teacher. A new backpack. New friends. A few family activities to get them excited about the year ahead! And for them to know that their parents love them and are so proud of them.

Need some more guidance in setting up routines for your morning or evening, check out some of my other blog posts:

THE IDEAL NIGHT ROUTINE TO SET YOU UP FOR SUCCESS THE NEXT DAY

CREATING A MORNING ROUTINE YOU LOVE IN 4 EASY STEPS

Summer is almost here! You’ll have about 70 glorious days of summer to create lasting memories with your family. Let’s make the most of them. The sun is shining, the air is fresh, and the pool is open!

How will you and your family spend all this extra time? Do you need some new ideas to keep your kids occupied all summer long??

I’ve got a few ideas up my sleeve that you should try with your family this summer! In this blog post, you’ll find the ultimate summer bucket list for kids and families.

Grab your sunscreen. Put on those swimsuits. Buy plenty of snacks. Whether you’re planning a summer with your only child or you have 5 little humans, I guarantee you’ll find plenty of creative ideas to have an enjoyable summer.

Here’s my list of 35 items you should add to your summer bucket list for a summer full of fun!

The Ultimate Summer Bucket List: 35 Things you Should Do this Summer

1. Go to the duck pond and feed the ducks.

2. Play in the rain. I mean, actually let your kids play in the rain. Let them get as wet, as muddy, and as messy as they want. They will LOVE it and it will be worth the clean up afterward, to see the smiles on their faces.

3. Have a water balloon fight but forget those disposable water balloons that make a mess everywhere. Try THESE instead, reusable water balloons!

4. Plant flowers. Or plant seeds and attempt to grow your own flowers or vegetables, fruits, or herbs. It may not pan out exactly how you want, but you may have great success. You never know unless you try!

5. Friday night pizza and movie night. This has been our tradition for years, not just in the summer. Make homemade pizzas. Pop some popcorn and snuggle up together for a family movie night.

6. Make popsicles. You could even try multiple different flavors, depending on your children’s preferences.

7. Go to a local “attraction” that is popular in your town (or a neighboring town). Our town has a Stonehenge replica. Does your town have a unique landmark that you can share with your kids?

8. Build a fort. We have a Nugget couch, which makes it much easier to build a fort. Gather up all the blankets and pillows. The kids may even decide to play in the fort all afternoon!

9. Ice Cream Tuesdays (or whatever day of the week you choose). Go out for ice cream or make ice cream sundaes at home on that same day every week. Your kids will look forward to that day, knowing ice cream is within their reach.

10. Spend the day at the beach. It can be any beach: at the lake, the ocean, or any body of water will do! Our closest beach (Gulf of Mexico) is about 7 hours away, so we are planning a 4-day trip there this summer. I don’t really consider it to be a beach if there’s no sand 🙂

11. Visit all the parks in your town. You can go to a new one every week. Invite friends to join you and bring along a picnic lunch or plenty of snacks.

12. Go to the children’s museum or science museum. Or any other museum that will keep your children entertained, especially on a HOT summer’s afternoon. They will have fun AND probably learn a thing or two.

13. Visit a Splash Pad or water park.

14. Participate in your library’s summer reading program. Go weekly (or bi-weekly) to check out new books and participate in any fun summer activities the library is hosting. Then, have a daily reading time set aside each day (even 15 minutes will be perfect).

15. Go to Dollar Days at the movies. Ok, so the snack prices will get you, but at least the ticket prices are much cheaper!

16. Go on a hike in nature. We have a local nature preserve that we sometimes visit. Encourage your kids to explore and enjoy being outdoors in nature. Soak up the sun and fresh air!

17. Visit the zoo or a petting zoo. My girls LOOOVEE animals. Go check out all the animals but make it a learning experience for them as well. They can learn new facts about their favorite animals.

18. Make lemonade. Even have a lemonade stand if you want.

19. Go swimming. Of course, it’s not even summer if you don’t jump in a pool or a lake. Make up a new game to play in the water.

20. Go to a kids workshop hosted by Home Depot or Lowe’s. This is completely free, but you need to register beforehand. You build something together and then paint and decorate it. Home Depot has their workshops the first Saturday of every month.

21. Have a family game night/afternoon. Struggling to keep everyone occupied on a rainy day? Why not pull out the board games and have a little friendly competition? A couple of our favorites are Sequence for Kids and Hedbanz.

22. Do science experiments. There are plenty ideas floating around on Pinterest, which use basic household products. Learning and having fun, I love to find every opportunity to combine the two.

23. Relax in a hammock and read. Ok, so maybe this one is for the adults out there! But for your book loving children, this would be a great way to spend the afternoon.

24. Do drawing videos. This YouTube channel, Art for Kids Hub, has over 2,000 step-by-step drawing videos catered towards kids.

25. Go on a bike ride or scooter ride (why not do this every day?!)

26. Go strawberry picking (or whatever fruit is in season in your area). My kids enjoyed this way more than I thought they would. Plus, who doesn’t love fresh strawberries?!

27. Make a new summer dessert. You can go with the red, white, and blue theme and make a patriotic dessert. My kids requested to make cake pops. Decide on a dessert that everyone in your family will enjoy and get baking!

28. Collect things in nature (like flowers, sticks, acorns, stones) and make nature art.

29. Play at a local trampoline park or gymnastics gym. Your kids will be sure to burn a lot of energy and be ready for a nap later (or not).

30. Go on an overnight road trip. Our plan this summer is to go visit some friends who moved out of state. It’s about a 6-hour drive, so a “perfect” length for a road trip with kids. Be prepared with plenty of snacks, activities, and electronics to keep those kiddos entertained.

31. Celebrate Christmas in July. You could watch a Christmas movie or play Christmas music. Make Christmas cookies or even assemble a small Christmas tree. If Christmas is your favorite holiday, you’ll definitely want to try out this celebration this summer. If Christmas once a year is plenty for you, skip this one!

32. Go mini golfing or bowling (or something similar that interests you and your family). Have you heard of the Kids Bowl Free program? All summer long, kids can bowl two free games every single day at participating bowling alleys. You just pay for the shoe rental! Check to see if your local bowling alley is taking part in this program at the Kids Bowl Free website HERE.

33. Go camping. It doesn’t have to be tent camping! No matter how much my kids insist, I won’t do it. You could rent a little cabin or something similar. Just have the firepit, so you can roast hot dogs and make s’mores.

34. Make sand angels 🙂 Obviously the younger your child is, the simpler the activities need to be to entertain them.

35. Draw using sidewalk chalk or sidewalk chalk paint!

Create your Bucket List Now!

Make your own family summer bucket list! Ask your kids for their own ideas. What do they want to do this summer? My daughter came up with making the world’s largest pizza! As well as go on a shopping spree. You never know what kind of amazing ideas they’ll come up with.

I included a combination of free activities and cost-effective activities, so hopefully you can choose a few that fit your interests and your budget.

Our biggest plans are to go to the beach (East Texas!) and go camping (although this might be more towards the fall).

Next, check out my blog post all about our daily summer schedule! It will explain how I balance spending time with my kids and taking the time for myself as well.

Have an amazing summer making wonderful memories with your family! Make the most of every day and try to incorporate some new experiences into your summer. But don’t forget to relax and have slow days as well.