Embrace Something New This Christmas Weekend

Dec 27, 2026

The holidays are such a special time, but sometimes we get so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle that we forget to pause and enjoy the simple pleasures. This Christmas weekend, I’m taking a step back from all the to-dos and embracing something new—something lighthearted, fun, and a little out of the ordinary. I want to invite you to join me in breaking the routine and making this holiday weekend one to remember, even in the smallest ways.

First up, I’m going to indulge in one of my favorite simple pleasures: s’mores! Now, I know this might not be your typical Christmas treat, but there’s something about toasted marshmallows that screams cozy vibes to me. Instead of going outdoors and lighting a fire, I’m going to make s’mores right in the oven. The gooey, melty marshmallows and the little bit of char are just so comforting. It’s not about perfection—it's about the joy of doing something a little different. Maybe you’ve got a little sweet craving, too, so why not make a batch and curl up on the couch with some holiday tunes or a good book?

S’mores in the Oven

Here’s a simple recipe for making s’mores in your oven:

Ingredients:

Graham crackers

Marshmallows

Chocolate bars (milk or dark, your choice)

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Arrange graham crackers: Break your graham crackers in half and place them on a baking sheet.

3. Add chocolate: Place a piece of chocolate on each graham cracker.

4. Top with marshmallows: Put a marshmallow (or two) on top of the chocolate.

5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden and slightly toasted.

6. Assemble: Carefully remove the s’mores from the oven and top with another graham cracker.

7. Enjoy: Let them cool slightly (if you can resist) and then dive in!

Tip: If you love that extra toasted flavor, you can use a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallows after baking. Enjoy these cozy treats while watching your favorite Christmas movie or reading a book by the fireplace.

And then, I’m going to try something I've never done before: making my own candle! With the scent of pine, cinnamon, and cloves filling the air, I thought it would be fun to try crafting my own holiday candle. It’s a little DIY project to bring some creativity into the holiday weekend, and even if it doesn’t turn out exactly how I imagine, at least I’ll have a fun new tradition to try next Christmas. Who knows? Maybe it’ll become a little yearly ritual!

DIY Holiday Candle Tutorial

Here’s an easy way to make your own scented candles for the holidays:

What You’ll Need:

Wax (soy wax is easy to work with and burns cleanly)

A container or jar (mason jars work great)

Wick (you can find them online or at craft stores)

Essential oils (cinnamon, pine, or vanilla are perfect for the holiday season)

A double boiler (or a makeshift one with a pot and a glass bowl)

Stirring stick (wooden dowels or chopsticks work)

Steps:

1. Melt the wax: Use a double boiler to melt your wax. Fill the bottom pot with water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Place the wax in the top pot or glass bowl, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully melted (about 10-15 minutes).

2. Prepare the jar: While the wax is melting, secure the wick to the bottom of your container using a dab of melted wax or glue. Make sure the wick is centered.

3. Add essential oils: Once your wax is melted, remove it from heat. Stir in 15-20 drops of essential oil (depending on how strong you want the scent) and mix well.

4. Pour the wax: Carefully pour the melted wax into your prepared container. Leave about half an inch at the top. Make sure the wick stays centered as you pour.

5. Let it set: Allow the candle to cool and harden for 4-6 hours. If you see the wax sink around the wick, add a little more melted wax to fill the top.

6. Trim the wick: Once the candle has fully set, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch.

7. Enjoy your homemade candle! You’ve created a cozy holiday gift for yourself or someone else. Light it up and let the warm, comforting scent fill your space.

This Christmas weekend is about embracing the joy of trying something new—whether that’s a fun holiday treat, a craft, or simply stepping out of your usual routine. I know it’s easy to get caught up in expectations, but what if we let ourselves be a little spontaneous this year? If we make something a little quirky or different, we’ll have a new memory to look back on, one that isn’t about the perfect meal or the perfect moment but about making space for some fun and creativity in the holiday season.

So if you’re like me and love trying new things, take a break this Christmas and embrace the simple joys of doing something out of the ordinary. Whether it’s making a sweet treat like s’mores or trying your hand at a DIY project, there’s beauty in the small moments. And hey, if it doesn’t go as planned, that’s okay too! It’s about enjoying the process and creating memories that will last.

Whatever your holiday weekend looks like, remember that there’s no “right” way to celebrate. Whether you’re alone, with family, or just taking it easy, there’s always room for a little creativity and joy. So let’s embrace a new tradition, take a break, and celebrate the season in our own special way.

Kathe'rine