Spending Christmas weekend with the ones you love is an incredible blessing. It is a time for laughter, warmth, sharing and love. Christmas is my favorite holiday, and I love all the things associated with it. I love the festive music, the delicious smells, the twinkling lights, and the amazing food. But most importantly, I love the time I get with my family. If you’re spending the holidays with your family in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge this year, here are a few ideas for Christmas in the cabin:
Watch a movie. There is no shortage of Christmas movies for the whole family, and after a long day of cooking, eating, opening gifts and playing games, curling up on the couch with the whole family is a great way to wind down. Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, and The Polar Express, are all great choices.
Play your favorite holiday tunes. Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Elvis and Gene Autry are always guests in my home for the holidays. With the sweet sounds of “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” playing in the background, cocoa seems richer, lights seem brighter, and the fire feels even more comforting. Your favorite holiday songs will put you in the Christmas mood, and they are the perfect setting for your family gathering.
Whip up an easy breakfast. If you love to have a great breakfast for Christmas morning, but you don’t want to get up hours before the rest of the family, try a biscuit buffet with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. Biscuits are super fast and easy, and if you set out some thick sliced ham and a variety of jams and spreads, everyone will be happy and full. Fresh fruit can be sliced up the night before (or just grab a fruit tray), and scrambled eggs are a breeze. The Apple Barn in Pigeon Forge has some delicious biscuit mixes and apple butter, as well as smoked country ham and fried apples.
Buy local pies. Let’s face it—you have enough going on the night before your family vacation with packing, getting the kids to bed amid their excitement, and doing any last minute Christmas shopping. Although a fresh apple or pumpkin pie sounds great, baking is probably not on the top of your priority list. Luckily, you are on your way to the city where fresh baked goods reign supreme. Carver’s Orchard in Cosby, TN, has the most amazing fried apple pies, and the Old Mill Bakery Cafe in Pigeon Forge offers tasty treats like pecan pie, cranberry walnut bread, and five-flavor pound cake.
Play together. Remember that when you get back home, you will have to go back to work, and the kids will go back to school, sports, and playing angry birds for hours. Take advantage of your time together during the holidays and put away the technology. Dust off the board games, take a hike in the beautiful Smoky Mountains, or make up your own games in the cabin. Whatever you decide to do, do it together!