Eleven Saturdays Until Christmas
Finding a Little Christmas Magic in a New Season of Life
Remember when Christmas seemed to last forever?
When the kids were little, the season was filled with school programs, Christmas cookies, shopping lists, decorating, wrapping and hiding presents, and trying to squeeze every last bit of magic into those few wonderful weeks.
It was exhausting at times, wasn’t it? But looking back, I think most of us would give just about anything to experience a little of that excitement again.
And then life changes.
The kids grow up, start families of their own, create their own traditions. The house gets a little quieter, the shopping list shorter, and Christmas doesn’t always look quite the way it used to.
But I’ve been thinking about something.
Just because Christmas looks different doesn’t mean it can’t still be wonderful. Starting tomorrow, October 10, there are exactly eleven Saturdays until Christmas Day, with the final Saturday falling on December 19.
Maybe this is our opportunity to rediscover some of the things we loved about Christmas before we became so busy making it magical for everyone else.
So, I thought it might be fun to come up with eleven little ways to bring some extra joy, laughter, kindness, and maybe even a little adventure into the season.
Nothing complicated. Nothing expensive. and certainly nothing that adds more stress to an already busy time of year.
Just eleven Saturdays to make some new memories, revisit a few old traditions, and remind ourselves that we’re never too old for some Christmas magic.
October 10
Saturday #1 - Dream a Little Christmas Dream Make yourself a cup of coffee, pull out a notebook, and write down what you want Christmas to feel like this year. Peaceful? Festive? Adventurous? Nostalgic? Forget what you’ve always done and think about what would make you happy.
October 17
Saturday #2 - Bring Back a Little Nostalgia Dig out your favorite Christmas decorations, play the songs you loved growing up, or look through old holiday photographs. Maybe even bring back one childhood tradition you’ve forgotten.
October 24
Saturday #3 - A Little Christmas Shopping Adventure Visit a charming boutique, craft fair, antique shop, or holiday market. Buy one small thing just because it makes you smile. Christmas shopping doesn’t have to be about everyone else. Invite a friend, and have twice the fun.
October 31
Saturday #4 - Bake Something Wonderful Pull out an old family recipe or try something completely new. Share a plate with a neighbor or invite a girlfriend over for coffee and cookies.
November 7
Saturday #5 - Spread a Little Unexpected Joy Write a heartfelt Christmas card, deliver flowers to someone who might be lonely, or surprise a friend with a small gift. Sometimes the most meaningful holiday moments are the ones we create for someone else.
November 14
Saturday # 6 - Have Yourself a Christmas Movie Night. Pick your favorite Christmas movies, put on your coziest pajamas, make some hot chocolate and enjoy an evening with absolutely no obligations.
November 21
Saturday # 7 - Start a Brand New Tradition Who says Christmas traditions have to stay the same forever? Host a holiday brunch with friends, have a Christmas craft afternoon, or plan an annual holiday outing.
November 28
Saturday #8 - Go Find the Christmas Lights Take a drive to see neighborhood Christmas lights, visit a beautifully decorated hotel, or walk through a festive downtown area. Bring a thermos of cocoa and make an evening of it.
December 5
Saturday #9 - Make Someone’s Christmas Brighter Donate to a toy drive, support a local charity, put together a care package, or help someone who could use a little extra kindness this season.
December 12
Saturday #10 - Get All Dressed Up for Christmas Put on something festive, make reservations for a lovely lunch, attend a holiday concert or go to the ballet and see The Nutcracker, or simply enjoy an afternoon out with a friend.
December 19
Saturday #11 - Slow Down and Soak It All In With Christmas just days away, take a little time to appreciate the season. Attend a Christmas service, reflect on your blessings, and remember that Christmas isn’t about making everything perfect.
A Little Christmas Magic is Waiting
Christmas may not look quite the way it did years ago, and that’s okay. Life changes, traditions evolve, and sometimes we have to find new ways to celebrate the things we love.
But here is what I hope we remember this year: the magic of Christmas was never just about the presents under the tree, the cookies in the oven, or the excitement of little ones on Christmas morning. It was always about the love, laughter, kindness, and memories we made along the way.
So whether you try all eleven Saturday adventures or just a few, I hope you’ll give yourself permission to enjoy this beautiful season in whatever way makes your heart happy.
And who knows? Maybe you’ll discover a new tradition, make a wonderful memory, or find a little Christmas magic you didn’t even realize you were missing.
After all, we are never too old to make Christmas magical again.
Print out the Eleven Saturdays Until Christmas Bucket List. Check off each little adventure along the way and make this Christmas season one of joy, laughter and a little Christmas magic 🎄. Press the button below to download and print your bucket list.
