Lieve’s Family Holiday Activities in Austin —

LIEVE'S LOVES

Dec 23

Every year the holidays creep up on us in our seemingly typical whirlwind of rushing around to tend to this that and the other. In most years it seems impossible to also find quiet time to capture the crafting and making of fun traditional holiday activities.

Well, while most of us now realize that may no longer be an excuse going forward, we’ve had the privilege to find this out through the inward pointing parts of this pandemic. As if oft the case, challenges help us find benefits in things, and Covid 19, has thankfully allowed for the same thing.

So while in most years, I carve out time for more “out in the world” types of happenings, this year, I’m guiding my family through the experience of more internal / at home happenings. Here is what we are choosing to focus on in terms of family holiday activities. Hope you’ll find some inspiration to try these or some of your own this holiday season.

We at Turnstyle Design wish you safe and cozy holidays ahead. Thank you for your continued support in what we do and we look forward to helping you make 2021 a great, feel good year!

xLS and the Turnstyle Team

Take the long way home —

Each year, we seem to catch a glimpse of what appears to be a pretty neighborhood décor, with lights all aglow. I must admit, in our case it has been a few years since we’ve deliberately taken the time to check out local streets nearby to see what beautiful outside decoration has been done. Well, never mind that our children are no longer toddlers; it’s still fun!

Grab some homemade hot chocolate and get on the road to some of your favorite suspected thoughts. You can even simply choose to take the long way home and wind along some new neighborhood areas. We recently drove through Pemberton, Westlake and our own Northwest neighborhood to find lots of clever editions of lights.

Some favorites have included walkways lined with luminaries, the all warm white choices highlighting front doors, bushes and tree trunks as well as the beautifully fully decorated giant oak we saw on Westlake drive. Nothing is lovelier than the spirit that comes through from someone having fun, and it’s clear that this year people have enjoyed that extra mile. Lucky for us spectators then, clearly!

Watch a festive concert —

Our friends at Austin Chamber Music have done a great job adapting to the difficulties any non-profit has experienced during this pandemic, by hosting online happenings, such as their online Charlie Brown Christmas performance back on December 13th.

For a bit of an ethereal holiday feeling, catch a glimpse and follow them on Instagram @atxchambermusic to review one of their beautiful concerts online.

You’ll find some holiday joy through music (and please donate if you are able!).

Make and give to neighbors —

To keep the community spirit that is Austin alive, bake and give to your neighbors. We at home have enjoyed making our traditional Norwegian Julebrod recipe (we love this one from The Spruce) as a family (my husband is our own original Viking!).

Once baked, these will head to those around us as a way of feeding our festive taste buds.

Wrap it up nicely —

Every year I relish the opportunity to have a holiday wrapping theme. I take great pleasure in making gifts feel as special as the item itself and love nothing more than finding the right gift for someone I love. In the spirit of holiday activities, make it something that all in the family can join.

This year we chose a clean craft paper theme with a more subtle sense of sparkle. Gather some fun components and wrap the night away with music and a huddle that will ensure the process is fun!