A Midlife Muse’s Guide to Creating Festive Magic When Family Dynamics Shift (2024)

Hey beautiful souls! It’s your #MidlifeMuse here. I thought I’d pop out from behind the scenes to chat about the holiday season—especially those times when family dynamics shift, leaving us feeling a bit lonely or even a little down this time of year.

I’m all too familiar with that seasonal pressure to create a “perfect” holiday vibe, one Pinterest-worthy photo at a time. But this year, my “bestie” and I are saying *nope* and choosing to do things our own way—and honestly, I think it’s going to be the most fun we’ve had in ages!

Instead of stressing over a picture-perfect setup or hanging out with others doing the whole hoopty doo, we plan to lean into the unexpected and make our own kind of holiday magic. And here’s the best part: you can do the exact same thing! Let’s jump into some simple, cozy ideas that don’t break the bank so you can enjoy every bit of this holiday season!

A Comfort Food Feast That Will Warm the Soul

We’re kicking things off with some serious comfort food next to an affordably awesome, one-minute set-up, pop-up Christmas tree you can order now on Amazon. Rather than spending all day in the kitchen, we’ll be picking up our favorite Chinese takeout – Wah Too. Imagine a cozy spread at home with those familiar, savory flavors—all for about $30-$60, depending on what you order and watching all the romantic NETFLIX holiday movies we can find. 

Chinese takeout not your thing? No worries! Get some warm pizza or a festive fast-food meal. Swiss Chalet. The goal is to set aside perfection and

embrace that “home for the holidays” feeling. 

*Holiday tip:* 

Want to elevate the vibe? Make festive hot chocolate drinks. 

[This Hot Chocolate Recipe] (https://amiraspantry.com/semi-homemade-hot-chocolate-mix/)

only needs a few ingredients:

2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

2 Tablespoons powdered sugar or to your liking.

2-3 teaspoons corn starch

50 gram Dark chocolate (60%) or mini semisweet chocolate chips

1 ½ cups milk.

¼ cup mini marshmallows or whipped cream

Instructions:

• In a sauce pan add cocoa powder, sugar and cornstarch then mix.
• Pour in cold milk and whisk well to dissolve cornstarch.
  
• Add chopped chocolate and heat it up over low heat while stirring.
  
• Keep stirring until it is bubbly and hot and you have a chocolate thick mixture.
  
• Pour in cups and top with whipped cream or marshmallow if desired.

 Perfect for cozying up after your meal!

Giving Back with a Twist

Days before indulging in our takeout feast, we’re planning to spread holiday cheer by giving back. This is the season of kindness, after all. We’ll be creating small gift bags to pass around to the homeless, which is simple, affordable, and heartwarming. Think cozy mugs filled with gourmet hot chocolate mix (you can boxes at $2-$4 each), peppermint candy canes, cookies lip balm, and hand warmers. Dollar stores are goldmines for affordable mugs and treat supplies—look out for sets that will let you make a few bundles for less than $20!

Once the gift bags are ready, we’ll be hand them out to those in our community who might need a little extra cheer. The joy of connection, the smiles, and the warmth we feel from these simple acts make it one of the best parts of the season.

A Light Show Adventure to Remember

What about a local holiday light display? A magical (and often free!) experience. We’ll be bundled up with our hot chocolate, giggling like kids and Snapchatting as we experience the spectacular twinkling lights. Depending on where you live, there are usually various options. Many cities offer [free or affordable holiday light displays] (https://www.bloor-yorkville.com/holiday_magic/index.php), and some even have holiday fairs with hot chocolate stands and carolers.

In case you want to go for something a little extra, consider checking out tickets to a drive-thru light show. Admission can range from $20-$30 per car, making it an affordable, immersive holiday adventure with friends or family.

Cozy Café Moments & Winter Wonderlands

After the lights, you can find a cozy café to settle into, order a couple of festive drinks, and just soak in the warmth of the season. Some local spots offer unique holiday drinks at about $5 each, like peppermint mochas or gingerbread lattes, that you can sip while enjoying the festive café decor. [Check out this cozy café spot]

(https://www.forgetmenotcoffee.ca/pages/ossington)

Then, it’s off to the Winter Glow

…in the heart of downtown there’s the “Winter Glow”, a great way to spend an evening out solo, with friends, or part of a date night between the 14-23 of december. This entry fee is $6, and it’s a wonderful way to start or end the pre-Christmas Season.

Netflix Holiday Movies: Perfect for a Cozy Nights In

No holiday season is complete without a festive movie marathon. My daughter and I have a list of Netflix holiday favorites, including *A Christmas Carol* (Jim Carey of course), *The Noel Diary,* *National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation* and more recently, Eddy Murphy’s, *Candy Cane Lane,” —both are sweet, funny, and perfect for that cozy night in. Netflix offers a basic plan for around $5.99/month, so if you’re signing up just for the season, it’s an affordable way to add a little extra joy to your evenings. Grab your festive hot chocolate a warm blanket, and settle in for some feel-good, lazy days movie time. Here’s a link to Netflix’s best holiday movies (https://www.example.com/netflix-holiday-movies) to get you started!

A Festive Mocktail/Cocktail Recipe to Try at Home

Celebrate the holiday season with Christmas cocktails (or mocktails, like me)—whichever suits your vibe! These festive drinks let you savor the spirit of the season, whether you’re skipping the alcohol or just embracing a cozy, refreshing mocktail. Picture a merry blend of cranberry, pomegranate, and peppermint—ingredients that sing with seasonal flavor and holiday cheer. Watching your sugar? Regular sweeteners can easily be swapped with low-sugar options to keep things light, fresh, and oh-so-enjoyable. So, grab a glass, mix up your favorites, and let’s toast to a season filled with that sweet-life attitude! 

Cheers!

Here’s a festive and delightful *Santa Baby* mocktail recipe that’s sweet, sparkling, and perfect for the holiday season. With a cranberry base, hints of mint, and a touch of lime, it’s both refreshing and merry!

“Santa Baby” Mocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

– 1 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened or low-sugar, if preferred)

– 1/2 cup sparkling water or club soda

– 1/2 lime, freshly squeezed

– 1-2 teaspoons honey or agave syrup (optional, for added sweetness)

– Fresh mint leaves (for muddling and garnish)

– Fresh cranberries and a lime wedge (for garnish)

– Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glass:  Start by adding a few fresh mint leaves to your serving glass. Muddle gently to release the minty aroma, which will add a refreshing layer to your mocktail.

2. Add Juice & Lime:  Pour in the cranberry juice and squeeze in the fresh lime juice. Stir to combine.

3. Sweeten It Up: If you’d like a touch of sweetness, add 1-2 teaspoons of honey or agave syrup and stir until dissolved.

4. Add Sparkle:  Fill the glass with ice cubes, then top with sparkling water or club soda for that bubbly holiday cheer. Stir gently to mix.

5. Garnish & Serve: Garnish with a sprig of mint, a few fresh cranberries, and a lime wedge on the rim of the glass. For an extra festive look, you can add a tiny peppermint stick as a stirrer.

Tips for Serving:

For a low-sugar version, opt for a no-added-sugar cranberry juice and skip the honey or agave. If you’re making this in batches for a party, mix everything except the sparkling water in a pitcher, then add the sparkle right before serving to keep it fizzy.

Cheers to a merry, alcohol-free *Santa Baby*! 🥂

How You Can Create Your Own Holiday Magic

The takeaway here, is that holiday magic doesn’t come from expensive decorations or lavish plans. It comes from unexpected, joyful moments that you create with those around you, without the stress of perfection.

Here’s how you can start your own holiday adventure:

• 1. Indulge in a Takeout Feast: Skip the stress of cooking and treat yourself to delicious takeout. Comfort is key, and you’ll have more time for laughs and memories.

• 2. Spread Holiday Cheer:  Put together little gift bundles for people in need. A cozy mug and a hot chocolate packet can mean the world to someone else.

• 3. Wander Through a Light Display: Bundle up, take your loved ones, and let the lights and the chilly air bring out your inner child.

• 4. Treasure Hunt at the Holiday Market: Leave the holiday hustle behind and explore at your own pace. You might find some unique ornaments or treats you’d never expect, and often these holiday markets are free or have a low entry cost (about $5).

• 5. Soak in the Winter Glow: Find a local light display or winter event to truly bask in the season. Some places offer free admission to outdoor holiday displays that are perfect for creating peaceful memories.

Affordable Holiday Memories: The Gift That Keeps on Giving.

So, if you’re feeling the seasonal pressure, remember this: holiday magic is about connection, joy, and comfort. It’s in the laughter shared over takeout, the warmth of a cozy drink, and the quiet beauty of twinkling lights. Whether it’s a simple meal or a walk through a winter wonderland, these moments of joy are the real gifts of the season.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your bestie, your daughter, or even just yourself, and dive into the magic. Who knows—you might just find that the best holiday memories are the ones you didn’t plan at all. 

xoxox,

The MidLife Muse helping you find inspiration in your next chapter,

Happy Holidays!

Rain🌹

#HolidayGiving #HolidayTips #MidlifeMagic #MakeItYours #BudgetFriendly #LifeInBeautifulMoments #MakingHolidayMemories #MidLifeMuse

PS…If you’re looking for some unique gift ideas visit my shop at: https://iinfiniterain.com/shop/ you may find something that peeks you fancy, for you or someone else!