Everyone says, “Deck the Halls,” but nobody remembers to tell you when. With this timeline, you can ensure that you’re prepared for December’s seasonal celebrations and don’t miss out on any winter cheer.
Throughout the month
Holiday Market
Find holiday décor and gifts for friends and family from local vendors and crafters. Most communities have a pop-up market or two open during the season.
Local spotlight: Visit the Annapolis Holiday Market for festive shopping, wintery décor and local vendors. The market will be open from Dec. 12-15 at 1 Dock St., in Annapolis. annapolisholidaymarket.com
Dec. 1-7
The Tree
Whether you roll up your sleeves and visit a tree farm or order a forever tree online, the real magic comes from decorating the tree as a family. Consider adding candy canes or other hidden sweets to keep kids engaged all season long. Just remember to limit sweets to one or two a day per child and be prepared to restock treats when the branches get bare.
Lights and Décor Galore
Place lights and decorations outside and involve the kids by giving them holiday window clings to add to the festive atmosphere.
Dec. 7 & 8
Go Ice Skating
When kids are old enough to walk, they’re old enough to skate. Find a local rink, rent your skates and buy a steamy hot chocolate for whoever falls down the most.
Find Santa
Everyone is guilty of being a late-season shopper at least once. Find out what the kids really want and grab a cute photo by visiting Old Saint Nick. Parents can also encourage kids letter writing to Santa—which clues them into their kids’ wish lists and teaches kids an important skill.
Local spotlight: Grab a bite of breakfast with Santa! Families can register together online to attend breakfast with their holiday hero at 9 a.m. Dec. 7. The breakfast will be held at Partnership Activity Hall in Laurel. Register online to attend.
Dec. 14 & 15
Neighborhood Walk
Bundle up and take a walk through your neighborhood to see the lights! If your neighborhood isn’t big on decorations, look for a nearby neighborhood or the city for light displays. This activity is perfect for soothing kids before bedtime.
Local spotlight: Experience Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. Start or renew a family tradition of driving the scenic route along the bay to see more than 70 illuminating displays. This show runs now through Jan. 1, 2025. lightsonthebay.org
Dec. 20
Go Caroling
Families can go caroling with a community organization or blaze their own trail and invite their children’s friends and their parents to join them. Plan a neighborhood route or destination, make or order songbooks and have fun! Just remember the golden rule of caroling—if there are enough of you, nobody can tell who’s off key.
Dec. 21
Bake Sweets
If you have guests visiting during the holiday season, it’s best to get a head start on becoming the cookie capital. Christmas cookies, pumpkin bread, yule logs and even fruitcake can pave the sweet path to entertaining success.
Dec. 24
Story Time
Read a holiday or winter story as a family to bond and give kids an outlet for their Christmas Eve energy. Let each child pick out a book and take turns reading to encourage literacy and promote confidence in your young readers. Visit your local library ahead of time to borrow a cute seasonal tale.
Treats for Santa
What kind of cookies are Santa’s favorite? Homemade cookies, of course! Bake cookies together and save a plate for Santa! Beware: Children who stay up to catch Santa might just end up on the naughty list.
Just One Gift
Let children open one gift on Christmas Eve to tide them over ‘til morning. Families who attend religious services on Christmas Day might consider opening all their gifts the night before for convenience.
Family Pajamas
What are you doing out of uniform? Get cozy and cute with a set of matching family pajamas. For extra fun, match the collars or outfits of pets, too. Don’t forget to take pictures!
Dec. 25
Gifts
Opening gifts on Christmas morning is an exciting experience. Here are a few tips to make sure things go smoothly.
1. Assign a person to pass out gifts. By keeping most people seated, there’s less tripping and more attention paid to individual gifts.
2. Alternate gift recipients. If children are getting multiple gifts, don’t pass them all out at once. Keep the kids engaged by alternating who opens their gift next.
3. Have a cleanup bag on hand. Dispose of gift wrapping and tape as you go.
Christmas
This Christian festival celebrates the birth of Jesus every year on Dec. 25. Share the meaning of this holiday with your family by reading the story of Jesus’ birth, exchanging gifts to remember those brought to Jesus or attending a special service or Mass. Many non-Christians in the United States also celebrate Christmas, though their observance may look different.
Chanukah
This Jewish “festival of lights” lasts eight days and marks the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The festival is celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, prayers and foods like latkes, brisket and sufganiyot. This year, Chanukah begins on the evening of Dec. 25 and ends Jan. 2.
Holiday Dinner
Have a big family meal! Invite friends and family to share your home and company. While the host traditionally provides the main course, invite guests to bring side dishes or desserts.
Dec. 26
Kwanzaa
This is an African-American and Pan-African holiday celebrating history, values, family, community and culture. The holiday takes place over the course of seven days, each with a different core principle. Celebrations include feasts, honoring ancestors, celebrating African and African-American culture and more.
Dec. 28 & 29
Thank You!
Take time this weekend to teach your children the how and why of writing thank-you notes. Writing thank-you notes teaches kids to recognize and appreciate their gifts and connect those gifts to the people who gave them. Don’t leave Santa out either—mail those notes straight to the North Pole.
