Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, and all those Black Friday deals have been replaced with new shopping opportunities, the holiday season is officially here. With 2018 nearly at an end, we’ve got lots to celebrate, including outstanding entertainment, family time, and brand-new sweepstakes. So, put on those fluffy slippers and cozy up for a few minutes! Here are some ways to make this holiday season even brighter.
Mary Poppins Returns
It’s finally here! The new Mary Poppins movie features Emily Blunt, Dick Van Dyke, and Meryl Streep among others. This time, the Banks children are all grown up, with kids of their own. Mary Poppins shares her magic once again, helping the family rediscover happiness after a terrible loss. Mary Poppins Returns will be available in theatres throughout the holiday season.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – Season 2
Now is a great time to catch up with The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. The second season premieres December 5th, and promises to bring more laughter, drama, and spontaneity with it. We can’t wait! The first season won both the Emmy and the Golden Globe for Best Comedy Series. Great things are in store! In case you missed it, you can catch up with The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Amazon Prime.
Free Holiday Activities for Single Moms
Holiday fun doesn’t have to cost a bundle – in fact, there are plenty of ways to bring comfort and joy to the littles in your life without spending a dime. We’re pretty sure that you’ll enjoy these free holiday activities, too!
Christmas parades – In cities and towns around the country, you can find holiday parades throughout the season. Check your local media for listings and details.
Visits with Santa – If you have little ones who still believe, be sure to find your local Santa and line up for a visit! Many communities offer multiple opportunities for kids to share their wishes with St. Nick.
Holiday Lights – Walk if the weather is nice, or take a slow, scenic drive. Either way, you can take in holiday light displays large and small!
Ice Skating – Some cities offer free ice skating, charging only for skate rentals. Check to see if there are any opportunities in your area and treat your kids to a fun outing.
Sledding – Grab the toboggan and head for the park! Sledding is a great way to burn off some calories and make room for more cookies.
Crafts – School’s out for the holiday season. Why not line up some free Christmas crafts ideas to keep them occupied? There are plenty of tutorials online, and Pinterest has a dazzling array of holiday-themed projects to try.
Christmas Movies with Divorce in Their Stories
Whether you’re newly divorced or if it has been a while, Christmas can bring up some feelings that might be a little tough to deal with. This list of holiday-themed divorce movies provides a little comfort for those times when you’re feeling isolated, and some of them are downright hilarious. Look for these titles on Netflix and other popular media outlets.
Four Christmases
All I Want for Christmas
Home by Christmas
The Santa Clause
A Christmas Wish
This Christmas
Love the Coopers
A Christmas without Snow
A Country Christmas Story
Father Christmas
Christmas Specials 2018
2018’s Christmas specials promise fun and entertainment. Here are ten we’re looking forward to.
A Legendary Christmas with John and Chrissy features John Legend and Chrissy Teigen. This year, the duo will be hitting the streets of LA for some door-to-door caroling fun. The lineup includes plenty of A-listers including Stevie Wonder, Kenan Thompson, Meghan Trainor, and many, many more.
A Charlie Brown Christmas – Gather the kids around and enjoy this holiday classic. It’s short and sweet – and like some other favorites, it airs more than once.
The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition – Whether you’ll be baking up old favorites or if you’re looking for some inspiration, you’re going to love this Christmas special! This season, the bakers are showcasing new treats each and every week.
It’s a Wonderful Life – Although this classic Christmas movie is 72 years old, its message is worth hearing again and again.
iHeartRadio Jingle Ball – 2018’s lineup includes Khalid, Dua Lipa, Shawn Mendes, The Chainsmokers, Cardi B, and many other artists. Tune in as they travel across the country to perform new and old favorites for fans.
CMA Country Christmas – Gorgeous sets and show-stopping performances make 2018’s CMA Country Christmas special memorable as always. In case you can’t tune in for this year’s special, CMA has its Country Christmas playlists available for streaming.
Christmas in Rockefeller Center – Watch the tree lighting, see another legendary performance by the Rockettes, and more. This star-studded holiday tradition is like no other!
The Wonderful World of Disney Magical Holiday Celebration – If a trip to Disney’s Magic Kingdom isn’t in the cards this year, take a little time out to watch the castle lighting, take in the stunning decorations, and of course, enjoy special appearances and performances. Jordan Fisher, Sarah Hyland, and Jesse Palmer headline a star-studded cast of characters.
Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas – There are three versions to enjoy this year: The live-action movie featuring Jim Carrey and the original 1966 animated Christmas special air on TV, and the new Grinch movie (an animated film featuring Benedict Cumberbatch) is in theaters throughout the holiday season.
Ready for a fun quiz and the opportunity to win $500 in Amazon shopping? Head over to our new Transitions & Traditions quiz, where you’ll gain insight into the meaning behind your own holiday style. This special quiz and sweepstakes run from November 27 through December 17, 2018, and the winner will be announced on December 20th. Ready for a fun quiz and the opportunity to win $500 in Amazon shopping? Head over to our new Transitions & Traditions quiz, where you’ll gain insight into the meaning behind your own holiday style. This special quiz and sweepstakes run from November 27 through December 17, 2018, and the winner will be announced on December 20th. Take the quiz and increase your chances of winning by entering daily and sharing your results. Every time one of your friends uses your link to enter, you get an extra entry!
Ruth Lakin is the arts and culture editor for the Worthy blog. Her love of books, TV, and movies has given her a passion for anything and everything pop culture.
