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Every Christmas, I try to find gifts that do more than fill space under the tree — I want to give my family the kind of presents that pull us away from screens and out into the snow. Gifts that spark laughter, teamwork, and memories. Over the years, I’ve learned that the best gifts aren’t the ones that plug in or light up… they’re the ones that bring us together.

This year, as the first snow dusts the foothills and the kids start begging for cocoa, I’ve been thinking about what really makes the holidays magical. It isn’t the perfect decorations or the matching pajamas — it’s those little moments that come from doing things together. So when I started choosing gifts this year, I leaned toward the kind that promise adventures instead of clutter.

Like our old-fashioned saucer sled, which somehow manages to turn a quiet Saturday morning into an all-out family competition. There’s something about that simple metal design — it’s just like the ones I grew up with — that brings out the kid in all of us. I can still hear the sound of the sled cutting through the snow, the squeals of laughter, the triumphant “Mom, you lost!” that echoes down the hill. We keep it in the back of the car all winter long, ready for the first big snow.

When the hills get too crowded or we’re craving something quieter, we head for the woods with our kids’ snowshoes. The first few steps are wobbly, but once the kids find their rhythm, they’re unstoppable — tromping through powder, following animal tracks, and making up elaborate snow adventures. There’s a peace that comes from watching them explore like that. Snowshoeing slows everything down, giving us space to breathe, talk, and notice the small things: the way snow sparkles in sunlight, the sound of boots crunching, the joy of discovery.

Of course, even the best adventures can turn sour with cold hands. That’s why I keep hand warmers stashed everywhere — coat pockets, glove compartments, backpacks. They’ve saved more sledding days than I can count and kept a lot of tears at bay. Honestly, they’re a winter essential. And when we head out for camping or cabin trips, they’re one of the first things I pack. (If you’ve ever tried packing for a family trip without losing your sanity, you might like my post on how to pack for a family camping trip without losing your mind.)

Once everyone’s warm, it’s usually time for a snowball fight — and our snowball maker kit has turned that into an art form. No more frozen fingers or crumbly snowballs that fall apart mid-flight. The kids love cranking out perfectly round snowballs and seeing how far they can throw them. It’s messy, it’s chaotic, and it’s wonderful. Those are the moments I want them to remember: when everyone’s laughing too hard to care who wins.

After the battles are done, we love to gather around a fire. Our portable wood fire pit has become a fixture on winter nights. We roast marshmallows, sip cocoa, and tell stories until our cheeks ache from smiling. For easier nights when I don’t want to deal with smoke or cleanup, I set up our propane fire pit. It’s instant warmth and glow — no matches required — and turns any cold evening into something special.

All this adventuring means we’re constantly packing up gear, and I’ve learned that organized packing is the secret to family happiness. Packing cubes are my not-so-secret weapon. Each family member gets their own color, and suddenly everyone knows where their socks, gloves, and thermal layers are. It’s the kind of quiet sanity-saver that makes traveling feel like an adventure again instead of a chore. I talked more about small comforts like that in my post on cozy fall camping essentials — so many of those ideas carry beautifully into winter.

One of my favorite holiday traditions is slipping a winter beanie and scarf set into each stocking. There’s something about matching cozy accessories that makes the morning photos extra sweet — plus, everyone’s ready for that first snowy outing before breakfast is even finished. They’re soft, practical, and surprisingly meaningful; every time I see the kids wearing theirs, it’s like a little reminder of that Christmas morning warmth.

And because the adventure doesn’t stop when we leave home, I rely on our car organizer to keep our chaos under control. With boots, mittens, snacks, and chargers all in their places, road trips feel calmer and more intentional. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the kind of gift that makes life better in the background — which, honestly, is exactly what moms deserve.

Finally, when it’s time for a getaway, I always reach for my travel duffle. It’s big enough for all my layers, sturdy enough to handle the backseat pileup, and still stylish enough that I don’t feel like a pack mule. Whether it’s a quick weekend up to McCall or a cozy stay with family, it’s my reminder that adventures don’t have to be elaborate — just intentional.

When I look back on past holidays, I don’t remember the wrapping paper or the toys that broke by New Year’s. I remember the laughter echoing across a snowy hill, the smell of wood smoke, and the quiet peace of driving home tired but happy. These gifts — the sleds, the snowshoes, the scarves — are just the tools. What really matters are the moments they create. That’s the real gift we give each other every Christmas: time, laughter, and memories that will last long after the snow melts.