How I'm Creating A Cozier Holiday Season For The Whole Family

Some strange sort of magic happens when the holiday decor starts popping up in store windows and along familiar streets. There’s a definite vibe to that first time you climb into your frost-kissed car, click on the radio, and are greeted by festive music that streams out and takes you by surprise. Can it be that time of year already, for real? (And how?!) The answer is yes, and you can feel it as you’re brought back to warm and happy times. After all, the holidays have that power to make spirits brighter.

This year, I’m trying to channel even more of that cozy holiday goodness in my home as well. I’m upping the ante on all things snuggly, inviting, comfortable, and memorable to make staying home together feel extra special leading up to our favorite days of the winter season, and beyond.

My goals? Create a big mood that sticks with my family for years to come. Inspire them to unwind, enjoy, and just be. And maybe even recreate this holiday cloud for their own families in the future. Step one in achieving this: head over to Walmart.com and use their Gift Finder tool to get a jumpstart on my list. Keep reading for the rest of my holiday plan, and don't be afraid to let it inspire your own, too!

1. Think Merry & Bright

Ambiance goes a long way in creating a mood, and the holidays are no expectation. No matter what the weather’s doing or what the day may have brought, encourage your whole crew to leave it at the door and reset when they arrive home. A great way to set the right tone is with a well-positioned electric fireplace placed wherever they’re hanging out, with bonus points for a portable option that can move from spot to cozy spot. It has the look and feel of the real deal, without the hassle or upkeep of an actual fireplace.

Candlelight is another go-to for capturing cozy vibes in gathering spaces. Who doesn’t enjoy the warm, flickering glow and subtle, seasonal scent of a long-burning candles (without actually having to bake something delicious night after night)? Plus, with scent being the sense most heavily linked to memory, these traditional seasonal fragrances will pave the way for creating warm ones.

2. Maximize Comfort & Joy

Give your family every opportunity to snuggle up by offering them irresistible options at every turn, and for all of the activities the season brings. Couch-bound for a family movie night? There’s an oversized sherpa throw for that. Decorating the tree or gingerbread houses? Those are jobs best done in uber-soft jammies, naturally. When it’s time to read some holiday classics, a cozy spot to sit is essential. Even less nostalgic moments call for comfort, like walks to the mailbox made more comfortable in soft slippers, or slipping into plush socks just before getting out of bed on a chilly morning.

3. Make Relaxing New Traditions

Growing up, I remember the crackling crooning of my grandfather’s record player in the background of the holiday hustle bustle. One year, he showed me how to listen for the “click” of it stopping before turning it over and placing the needle for more music. It became something I looked forward to celebration after celebration, so I’m surprising my family with a turntable of our own this year in hopes of adding that same undercurrent of excitement to our holiday season.

I’ve also promised myself to say “yes” to more hot cocoa for all of us this year, because there’s nothing like having our hands wrapped around warm mugs amidst lively conversation with nowhere to be. And I couldn’t do it without the Keurig! Or at least I couldn’t do it as quickly, easily, and deliciously, and the kids couldn’t help at their age, making it the center of this new holiday tradition.

If you’re ready to level up your cozy game this holiday season, check out Walmart for all the things you need to get started (for less). Wishing you all of the warmth one holiday season can hold!

This post is sponsored by Walmart.