Family Holiday Movie Night Tradition

This post is sponsored by Mondelez. All thoughts are my own. 

Nothing will get you more into the spirit of season like snuggling up on the couch with a jolly movie. 

As a little girl, one of my favorite traditions was picking out our holiday movie, getting all the snacks, and then fighting for the comfiest spot of the couch. 

When I think about those moments in our little apartment, I get that warm fuzzy feeling inside. I love replicating these special moments with my little ones. 

No movie night is complete without the movie night essentials...you know, cozy pajamas, a jolly movie, and treats because what’s a movie night without popcorn, movie theater candy, & OREOs!?! Sour Patch and Swedish Fish are our favorites. 

Head to Walmart for all your movie night needs and get ready for a true holiday miracle...a silent night. Well, except for the munching and giggling 😉

My favorite family tradition and a cozy break from the hustle and bustle of this often busy season. Slowing down is the best way of cherishing little moments during the holidays. 

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Christmas Home Tour

I love this season and I love finding fun ways to bring magical family fun into our home. 

This year, I teamed up with a few merry mamas to show you how we decked our halls. I’m so excited to share our home with you for this Christmas Home Tour! Hope you enjoy this as much as I do 🎄

When it comes to decorating, my style is SIMPLE. I love a clean look. There’s so much beauty in simplicity. 

Christmas Mantel

The mantel is decorated very simply. Christmas Trees, a beautiful reindeer, a sneaky elf, and just a sprinkle of color

The puff ball & wood bead garlands add just the right amount of merry to our living space. Throw in a basket of comfy blankets, a bin of holiday books, and you’ll be ready to snuggle the days away. 

And no home is ever complete without a beautiful tree, beautiful ornaments, stockings, and countdown to Christmas. 

Christmas in the Kitchen

A festive Graham Cracker House. A yummy candle. Winter florals. Delicious coffee. Christmas Heaven!

Christmas in the Playroom

My favorite room in the house! It’s holly. It’s jolly. It’s loads of fun!

This basket of ornaments holds all the magic of every Christmas past. Every year, our littles get a new ornament of something that is special to them that year. Needless to say, there are quite a few Elsa’s, Anna’s, & Ka-Chows!

Christmas in the Bedrooms

A few Christmas trees, a touch of merry, and twinkle lights...that’s it!

The most stunning prints of whimsical ballerinas!

Added a few of my favorite holiday pillows and garlands to cozy up the space. 

Just adding a few little touches makes the holiday so magical and so much more fun! ❤️

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Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses with Honey Maid!

This post is sponsored by Honey Maid and all opinions are my own.

Holiday baking and decorating is my jam and making Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses are one of my favorite Family Traditions...and a jolly good time!

Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses are quick, easy, affordable, and yummy. 

These yummy houses are the perfect addition to your own traditions, to add to a play date, or to make with with a classroom of littles. 

This is the second year we are making them and my kids love it as much as I do!

Honey Maid Graham crackers are my go to. They are yummy, easy to cut, exceed the taste test, and are strong enough to withstand the yummiest of decorations!

Ingredients:

• Honeymaid Graham Crackers 
• 1 batch of icing 
• Wilton Mini Squeeze Bottles
• Assorted Candy & Sprinkles for Decorating 

Step 1: Make the Icing!

You can’t put the cart before the horse...make the icing before you even think about assembling these bad boys. I use the Wilton Recipe. 

Step 2: Assemble!

With little ones, the best way to start is to assemble the house yourself (without kiddos) and let it dry over night. I find it makes the process less crazy and allows you to enjoy the fun part with your little without turning into a stressy momzilla. 

Step 3: Decorate, Eat, Repeat!

When it comes to decorating graham cracker houses, I like to use mini squeeze bottles. They are easier than piping bangs for little hands and a lot less messy for momma! 🙌🏼 A mini plastic painting palate is perfect for candy display and organization. We take these very seriously 😉 Plus it looks totally cute and let’s my littles concentrate on the important parts...eating and creating an edible work of art.

Aren’t these the best? 

I hope you have the best time making these houses with your family this season!

As always, tag me on Instagram (@justinevidovich) with your graham cracker house creations! I would love to feature them in my stories. 

Happy Eating...I mean decorating. 

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Favorite Christmas Books

One of my favorite things to do with the kids over the years is snuggling up in my bed and reading our favorite Christmas books. 

Each year we add new holiday books to our collection and add to our list of holiday favorites.

I have collected these books over many years...as a little girl, then as a teacher, then a momma. I've always looked to read and been so drawn to the magic and beauty of children's books. From the illustrations to the message...there’s so much I love and it is something I love sharing with my littles. 

Today, I am sharing my round-up of Christmas storybook favorites.

1. Mice Skating 

The story of a sweet little field mouse who loves winter so much that she finds a creative way to get her friends to join her in the cold. Adorable story. Beautiful illustrations. 

2. The Night Before Christmas 

The classic that forever takes me back to being a little girl and the excitement of Christmas Eve...the whimsical illustrations are pure magic. 

3. The Little Reindeer g

A lovely holiday story of a little girl and her friendship with a lost reindeer. Such a cute read with illustrations that are absolutely magical. 

4. The Gingerbread Man 

The classic tale of the gingerbread man comes to life in this darling story. With vibrant illustrations and fun repetitive phrase, your littles will be begging you to read it over and over again. 

5. Pick a Pine Tree 

A darling read full of the joy and excitement of Christmas...starting with picking out a tree

6. The Nutcracker 

The simple retelling of a beautiful classic with stunning and whimsical illustrations.

7. Christmas in the Manger 

Simple lyrical text and the sweetest artwork. Perfect book for little hearts to embrace the wonder of the First Christmas.

8. Who is Coming to Our House? 

The sweetest Christmas Story of how the animals prepare a their home and welcome baby Jesus.

9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas 

What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. 

What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.

One of my favorite stories and favorite messages. 

10. Christmas Cookies 

The most beautiful book that captures the spirit of Christmas through cookie making and sharing. Defines tricky words like tradition in child-friendly ways and related to the theme of Christmas cookies! The sweetest read and perfect start to the season. 

This season, make time to slow down and read out loud to your littles. These memories of you reading to them will be something they treasure forever. 

Many of these can be found at your local library or purchase them for your own collection. ✨