25 Heartwarming Ideas for Celebrating the Holidays: Cozy Movies, Festive Decor, and Tasty Treats
The holiday season has officially begun, offering an abundance of inspiration to celebrate this joyful time of year.
From crafting an Extra Old Fashioned with Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves McConaughey’s signature tequila to dressing pets in festive outfits like Sofía Vergara’s, and filling homes with seasonal scents suggested by Molly Sims, this period invites creativity and celebration.
Additionally, fans can draw ideas from Kelly Ripa and Khloé Kardashian, who advocate for bold, personalized wrapping paper, indulge in handcrafted chocolate Santas, and curate the perfect holiday playlist with tunes from Lady A and Lainey Wilson.
1. Raise a Glass to Something New
Matthew and Camila McConaughey have unveiled a rare, limited-edition organic tequila, sharing their favorite cocktail recipe. “Our Organic Extra Añejo is something special,” Camila shared. “It’s smooth and full of flavor — agave, oak, a little chocolate — and it’s got that Texas warmth that makes you want to slow down, kick back and enjoy the season.”
Extra Old Fashioned
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz Pantalones Organic Extra Añejo Tequila
- 0.5 oz orange liqueur
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 0.2 oz agave
- Garnish (orange peel and brandied cherry)
INSTRUCTIONS
In a mixing glass, combine the tequila, orange liqueur, bitters, and agave with ice. Stir and strain into an old fashioned glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a brandied cherry and orange peel.
2. Invite Fido to the Festivities
Courtesy of Sofia Vergara/Instagram
Sofía Vergara highlights the importance of including pets in the holiday festivities, showcasing her Chihuahua adorned in holiday attire alongside her son’s rescue dog. Consider dressing your own pets in festive outfits, from tiny sweaters to reindeer antlers.
3. Smell-ebrate!
Molly Sims recommends filling homes with seasonal scents through specialty candles, praising Sniff Candles for their delightful holiday fragrances. “I am currently obsessed with their Old Saint Wick candle with notes of Siberian pine, apple blossom, rosemary, jasmine, fir balsam, sandalwood, and cedarwood,” she stated.
4. Give ’Em What They Want, What They Really, Really Want
To elevate the complexity of gifting, opt for a festive faux leather cardholder for gift cards, ensuring that even the simplest presents arrive in style.
Go Global With Your Traditions
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Incorporate unique global traditions into your holiday festivities. For instance, in Japan, families often feast on KFC instead of traditional meals, while in Germany, the pickle ornament tradition offers the chance for a surprise gift for the lucky person who spots it first on the tree.
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Add New Tunes to Your Holiday Playlist
Here are some recommended songs:
BMLG Records
7. “Wouldn’t Be Christmas,” by Lady A from their new album, On This Winter’s Night (Vol. 2)
Republic Records
8. “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm,” by Pentatonix, featuring posthumous vocals from Frank Sinatra
Bmg Rights Management
9. “Peace, Love, and Cowboys (Holiday Edition),” by Lainey Wilson
Hollywood Records
10. “Coming Home This Christmas,” by the Jonas Brothers, featuring Kenny G
11. Throw a Cookie Bash
Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty Images
Martha Stewart shares her expertise in hosting holiday parties, emphasizing her lifelong devotion to cookie-making. When pressed for time, opting for pre-made sugary delights from Jane’s Sweet Things is a clever shortcut.
12. Stay Up Late
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On December 20, tune in to Saturday Night Live for a night of holiday-inspired comedy. Anticipation is high as Ariana Grande hosts for the third time, with Cher making her musical guest return after four decades.
13. Cue Up Holiday Comfort TV
Warner Brothers
Cozy up for a laugh marathon as TBS airs beloved holiday episodes, featuring fan-favorite sitcoms like Friends, Modern Family, and The Big Bang Theory on December 21.
14. Glow for a Ride!
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Experience the holiday spirit by taking a drive through neighborhoods adorned with spectacular light displays, from Dyker Heights in Brooklyn to Christmas Card Lane in San Diego.
15. Be a Wrap Star
Transform every gift into a standout present with eye-catching personalized wrapping paper. Celebrities like Kelly Ripa and Khloé Kardashian showcase the importance of gift presentation.
16. Indulge in Santa’s Sweetest Treat!
Discover holiday cheer at Manhattan’s oldest chocolate shop, known for its impressive 21-inch-tall chocolate Santa, made from eight pounds of chocolate. This delightful treat serves around 60 people and is available for nationwide shipping, earning praise from celebrities like Cardi B, Andy Cohen, and Hugh Jackman.
17. Crunch Into Latke Love
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Actor Seth Rogen shares his love for Hanukkah and latkes, emphasizing the importance of pairing them with sour cream and applesauce, or even smoked salmon and caviar.
18. Plan a Holiday-Themed Trip
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Celebrate the holidays in a festive town like Leavenworth, Washington, or New York City, where notable families like Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, and Kathy Hilton will embrace the season’s magic.
19. Add a Tartan Touch
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Glamour
Nothing exudes holiday cheer quite like plaid. Celebrities such as Rachel Zegler are embracing tartan through cozy textiles and stylish outfits, adding color and charm to the season.
Copy a Hallmark Star’s Watchlist
Lacey Chabert suggests several beloved classics alongside Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas holiday rom-coms, including:
New Line/courtesy Everett Collection
20. ELF – “Love it. It’s funny. I know so many of the lines by heart at this point.”
Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett Collection
21. CHRISTMAS VACATION – “Growing up, that was a big staple in our family, a big tradition every year.”
Doan’s Bakery
22. CHRISTMAS WITH THE KRANKS – “You can just watch these comedies over and over again, and they never get old.”
23. Have Fun With Food
Courtesy of Absolut Recipes
Engage culinary creativity with festive charcuterie boards, providing a vibrant and flavorful centerpiece for gatherings.
24. Be Like Tom Cruise
Doan’s Bakery
Follow Tom Cruise’s lead by sending loved ones the iconic coconut cake from Doan’s Bakery, a treat he has shared with friends like Jimmy Fallon and Glen Powell.
25. Party Like the Queen of Christmas
Monica Schipper/Getty Images
Experience Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar pop-up locations in NYC, L.A., Miami, and Las Vegas, where festive cocktails and photo opportunities await.
