UPDATED FOR THE 2026 HOLIDAY SEASON! If you’re like me, you’re dreaming about visiting the Christmas markets in Europe. You know the ones… Geneva, Strasbourg, Vienna, Gdansk (yes, Poland has a top Christmas market!). But it’s also Christmas time in the United States – a wonderful time to be home, enjoying the decorations, the lights, … Read more
This post is sponsored by CertifiKID. This holiday season has been less than relaxing for me. I feel like I’m constantly on the go. On one hand, I love going, seeing, and doing (all with a sense of humor) but the holidays make me want to stay home, snuggle with my son, watch Christmas movies, … Read more
Is it me or does it seem like the Christmas season starts earlier and earlier every year? Do you have those friends who put up Christmas trees before Thanksgiving? Are YOU one of those friends? Every year, the holidays seem to take me by surprise but admittedly, I have my tree up and we’ve already kicked … Read more
It all started a few weeks ago when I took a holiday tour of Gettysburg. I expected to see lights and cute shops and sample delicious food and drink. But I didn’t expect to have a chance to experience Christmas of the past. When we stopped in to the Shriver House Museum, we got to … Read more
This trip was hosted by Destination Gettysburg. Complimentary accommodations, meals, and activities were provided. All opinions are my own. When the summer months hit, I’m ready to take to the road with my family in tow. Whether it’s a day trip, a road trip, or an all out vacation, we try to find fun and … Read more
I’m a big proponent of Christmas timing. That means that the Christmas season doesn’t start until the day after Thanksgiving. That’s when the decorations can start. That’s when the Christmas music can start playing. That’s when everything becomes holly jolly. But darn it if my schedule didn’t get thrown off again this year. Gaylord National in National … Read more
There’s no better way to get yourself into the holiday spirit than Hershey at Christmas. It’s not just theme park rides and chocolate (not that there’s anything wrong with that) but it’s great way to kick off the holidays as a family. We’ve starting doing more and more little family side trips, especially at Christmas. … Read more
For those of you who eagerly anticipate Christmas as soon as there’s a slight chill in the air, I mock you. No, seriously. I do mock you. Those of you who had the audacity to listen to Christmas music before Halloween? You know who you are. It’s just wrong. The official Christmas season doesn’t start until Thanksgiving … Read more
When I booked a weekend getaway for the family, I mainly wanted a change of scenery, access to some fun holiday activities, and a short drive from home. I got all of that when I took advantage of a Kimpton special and planned two nights at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in downtown Philadelphia. While food … Read more
My family has this ongoing problem. We love to travel and experience new things but we often lack the impetus to get and go. We have plenty of grand ideas that we always intend to follow through on and end up stuck behind the never-ending litany of household chores and complacency. The holidays are no exception. We … Read more
Poor longsuffering Charlie Brown. He’s always been one of my favorites and I love his Christmas special. It inspired my holiday message to you. Merry Christmas to all my readers! Thanks for coming back and reading my little old blog. I hope you have a wonderful holiday and enjoy the spirit of the season!
A few weeks ago, I was doing a video challenge where I had to come up with and (gasp!) even sing my favorite Christmas song. Well, I kind of cheated and sang along with my good buddy Michael Bublé to “Cold December Night” because it seems to be my favorite this season. Afterwards, I realized … Read more
5 degrees is very cold and I wasn’t sure I’d ever get a chance to say that. Or that I’d want a chance to say that. A few weeks ago, my dad and his wife offered to take our family to see ICE! at the Gaylord National Hotel. I honestly had no idea what it … Read more
