Whether it’s something you always do, or you’re looking to start a new tradition, tis the season. From favorite dishes to activities, parties and travel we share a handful of twists on traditions.
TRADITION: THANKSGIVING FEAST
Every family has the one must have-dish or recipe passed down through the years that becomes a staple for Thanksgiving dinner. Absolutely bake or make the favorite, but carve out quality time to spend with family and less time in the kitchen… leave some of the work to the experts whether it’s the turkey or a ham, or maybe you tackle the meat and introduce new savory sides.
We turn to Omaha Steaks for not only our holiday and seasonal needs, but for all our meat favorites. From turkey to pumpkin pie, potatoes to green beans… Omaha Steaks has everything you need for a complete Thanksgiving meal regardless of the size of your guest list.
You can find several different types of turkey, ham and beef options as well as side dishes and desserts that can be bundles or bought separately. Plus you can find Thanksgiving recipes and tips on the Omaha Steaks website too. It’s so simple to follow instructions and have the perfect feast delivered right to your doorstep.
TRADITION: HOLIDAY FAMILY ACTIVITY
Most families have the tradition of a holiday activity that has become a tradition from riding the Polar Express to Breakfast with Santa. One of our family’s favorite traditions is going to see the Nutcracker Ballet. This year, why not support local youth? Scripps Performing Arts Academy will be performing a full length youth performance. From the sugar plum fairies to Clara and the Rat King battle, we love watching the talented dancers bring the Nutcracker story to life. And if you have an aspiring dancer in your family, it is a great performance to bring them to because they can watch peers their own age perform and be inspired to potentially take a class and be a part of the performance next year! It takes place December 13 and 14 at 6:00pm and December 14 & 15 at 2:00pm at the David & Dorthea Garfield Theatre in La Jolla. For tickets and more information, visit: ScrippsBallet.com/Academy
With two locations in San Diego — Carmel Valley and Scripps Ranch — and both spots have classes for children through adults, Scripps Performing Arts Academy has ballet, musical theatre, other forms of dance and of course the annual Nutcracker shows. We love Scripps Performing Arts Academy because they inspire learning from the inside out, rather than trying to motivate students from the outside in. Utilizing age appropriate costumes and choreography, they produce beautiful and meaningful dance and musical theatre productions in lieu of dance competitions and recitals.
TRADITION: TRAVEL TO THE SNOW
Since San Diego doesn’t get winter weather very often, many families travel to the snow. Whether it’s to a favorite ski spot or a vacation home in Big Bear rolling some snowballs or tubing a hill is definitely in the forecast. A twist to take is make sure you’re outfitted properly is to not leave home without your Vessi 100% waterproof shoes and boots.
The bestselling Weekend Sneaker feels more like wearing a sock than a traditional shoe and don’t need a break-in period, so your feet won’t blister or chaf. These are perfect for running around town in the rain and if you’re headed to colder conditions, or as the temps drop, Vessi’s Alta High Top is a cozy winter boot with a warm fleece lining. It’s been updated for a better fit and a more tailored feel and designed to keep your footing even in slushy conditions.
Or opt for the Weekend Chelsea that is a combo of both. This cool weather staple combines the comfort of a sneaker with the coverage and warmth of a boot. Plus don’t forget the kids! The entire family can stay dry for any upcoming adventure.
TRADITION: SECRET SANTA
Whether it’s the office, friend groups, school parents or neighbors… Secret Santa gift exchanges are a tradition at holiday parties. From ornaments and jewelry to personalized jewelry, Bauble Bar is a great option for those gift exchanges. Bauble Bar has curated an entire holiday collection complete with Nutcrackers, Gingerbread, Lights, Trees and other festive holiday inspired jewelry. Whether you are headed to the holiday party and need some fun accessories for yourself or to gift to a friend, there are so many fun items. We also love their ornament line to add a personal touch to gifts like the initial Gingerbread ornament, or the gingerbread house that you can add a name to.
And if you need a place to store all your new jewelry, they also have the cutest trinket boxes. We love this Mickey Mouse gingerbread themed one. Plus with tweens and younger gift givers, Bauble Bar has the cutest necklaces, earrings and bracelet sets in their Kids Collection “Minibar.”
