Does Anyone Else Despise the Christmas Season? | Finding Joy Beyond the Gifts
If you’ve ever sat at your kitchen table in December surrounded by wrapping paper, half-filled Amazon carts, and a cup of cold coffee thinking, “Does anyone else despise the Christmas season?”—you’re in good company. Christmas Season Don’t get me wrong—I love Christmas. I love the lights twinkling on porches, the smell of cinnamon, and the quiet hum that fills our home when the tree is glowing and everyone’s finally asleep. But what I don’t love is the Christmas gift-giving stress that sneaks in and steals the magic. Christmas Season Image Credit When Did It Get So Stressful? Somewhere along the way, the season turned from celebrating love and togetherness into…
🎄 Cozy Christmas Countdown: Simple Southern Traditions to Fill December with Joy
🎁 Slowing Down the Season The beauty of Southern Christmas traditions is how they blend hospitality, warmth, and community.” December has a way of sneaking up on us. One day we’re finishing Thanksgiving leftovers, and the next we’re staring at holiday calendars packed full of school events, shopping lists, and travel plans. Somewhere in the rush, the joy of the season starts slipping through the cracks. Southern Christmas traditions But Christmas in the South?We do it differently.We grab our cocoa, wrap up in a soft blanket, turn on the porch lights, and find small ways to make the season feel warm and full again. If you’re craving a holiday filled…
December in the South: Warm Weather, Warm Hearts
If you’ve been searching for winter getaways in the Southeast, December is one of the best months to escape the cold and soak in warm sunshine, small-town charm, and family-friendly adventures. While the rest of the country digs out scarves and snow shovels, we Southerners are still catching golden sunsets and sipping sweet tea on the porch. December down here doesn’t mean frostbitten mornings—it means cozy sweaters at sunrise and bare-feet beach walks by lunch. If you’ve been craving a little warmth before the year ends, these are the best winter getaways in the Southeast—close enough for a road trip, easy on the wallet, and full of that laid-back Southern…
Grateful Getaways: 5 Family Traditions to Start This Thanksgiving (That Don’t Involve a Plane Ticket)
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean long lines, airport chaos, and reheated rolls in hotel microwaves. Some of the best memories happen right at home — or within a short drive of it. As a mom juggling work, family, and two fluffy travel companions (our goldendoodle and golden retriever), I’ve learned that slowing down during the holidays isn’t laziness — it’s intentional living. This year, instead of hustling through crowded terminals, my family is leaning into gratitude, connection, and those simple little traditions that remind us what this season is all about. Whether you’re near Atlanta or anywhere in the Southeast, here are five easy Thanksgiving traditions that blend travel, food,…
Fall for Small Towns: Cozy Family Road Trips from Atlanta Before the Holidays Hit
Before the hustle of the holidays hits full swing, November gives us a sweet pause, that cozy window between Halloween’s sugar rush and December’s chaos. It’s when the air turns crisp, the fall leaves still cling to a few branches, and local bakeries start smelling like cinnamon and apple butter. If you’re craving one last family getaway before the calendar fills up, it doesn’t have to mean booking flights or breaking the bank. Some of the best fall escapes are within just a few hours’ drive of Atlanta — small towns with big charm, plenty of warm food, and the kind of slow moments that remind you what family time…
Why 2025 Family Beach Trips Are About Nature, Not Just Sand & Surf
The New Kind of Beach Vacation If you’ve been day-dreaming of sun, salt air, nature, and a stretch of sand all to yourself, you’re not alone. But 2025 family travel is rewriting the beach playbook. Gone are the days of packed boardwalks and neon souvenir shops; this year, families are choosing meaningful coastal escapes — places that let you breathe, wander, and reconnect with what actually matters. As a mom who travels with an 8-year-old and two furry beach-lovers (our goldendoodle and golden retriever), I’ve learned that a true break doesn’t come from crowds or chaos — it comes from space and simplicity. The best beach trips now blend sun,…
Hidden Coastal Gems in the Southeast: 3 Family-Friendly Beach Escapes Near Atlanta
If you’re craving sandy toes and salt-air breezes, but you’d rather avoid the bustling resorts and overpriced crowds, these hidden coastal gems in the Southeast are tailor-made for families who want beach time and downtime. As a parent juggling travel, kid-friendly fun and the golden retriever + goldendoodle duo, I’ve been on the hunt for beach escapes that feel relaxed, memorable and just far enough from home to feel like adventure. From small-town charm to nature-rich shorelines, here are three family-friendly beach towns that bring the best of both worlds—easy drive or short flight from Atlanta, and plenty of room for kids (and dogs) to roam. 1. St. George Island,…
Tackling the Picky Eater Dilemma
Parents know that mealtime has a lot of struggles which more often than not include dealing with picky eaters. From stubborn refusals to try new foods to only choosing “safe” choices at dinner tables. This can really be exhausting battles over dinner. But it’s important to remember that picky eating can often just be a temporary phase (which many of us hope) which can be dealt with with patience, creativity and the right strategies. In this blog, we will look at some ways on how to handle them without losing your sanity. Photo by Gábor Szűts on Unsplash Understanding Picky Eating Behavior Before approaching picky eating head…
Night Skies & Northern Lights: The Rise of Noctourism
When most people think about travel, they imagine bright sunny days, mountain hikes, or turquoise beaches — but a new trend is asking travelers to look up instead of out. It’s called noctourism, and it’s all about discovering the world after dark. If you’ve ever stood beneath a sky so full of stars it made you catch your breath, you already understand the magic. From glowing desert dunes to snow-covered forests lit by the moon, noctourism is turning nighttime into prime travel time — and 2025 is shaping up to be its biggest year yet. What Is Noctourism? Simply put, noctourism means exploring destinations at night. It can be as…
Winter Wanderlust: Top 2025 Winter Travel Trends You’ll Love
When the world slows down, winter travel picks up. Maybe it’s the crisp air, the glow of string lights in quiet towns, or that first cup of cocoa after a long day of exploring — but there’s something about traveling in winter that feels richer, deeper, and more intentional. This year, travelers aren’t just chasing warm beaches or ski resorts; they’re seeking connection, calm, and a little adventure. Here’s what’s trending for winter travel in 2025 and how to make it your coziest season yet. Image Pexels Why Winter Travel Is Having a Moment The latest reports show nearly half of travelers already have a winter getaway planned —…
