How To Enjoy Christmas Without Kids

Eat, DINK, and Be Merry

There are so many ways to create a magical Christmas without having children of your own. In fact, I’ve come to learn that a childless holiday can be just as meaningful, cozy, chaotic, and joy-filled, only in a different way.

As many of you know, Mr. Tipsy and I are childless by choice, and because of that we’ve built a holiday season that feels deeply ours. It’s filled with traditions, small rituals, a lot of intentional joy, and yes, some downright weird yet adorable moments with the fur kids.

Over the years I’ve discovered that magic doesn’t have to come from kids running down the stairs at sunrise. Magic comes from the moments you choose to make magical.

Below are some of the ways we do exactly that.

1. Matching Pajamas, But Make It Dog-Inclusive

Just because we don’t have kids doesn’t mean we can’t participate in the classic matching-pajama chaos. Every year, Mr. Tipsy and I pick out matching holiday PJs… and sometimes the dogs get roped into it too.

There is nothing cuter than two dogs in holiday jammies, especially when they’re more excited about the outfits than most toddlers would be. Well not Gus… and maybe not Daisy, but they participate anyway LOL.

We also buy gifts for our dogs and cat, things they actually love and appreciate. We wrap them up like real Christmas presents.

The dogs unwrap everything on Christmas morning, and honestly? I think their enthusiasm matches what you’d see from kids.

2. Turning Tree Decorating Into a Full-On Event

Decorating the tree is never just “decorating the tree” in our house. It’s a whole evening.

I make a couple of special appetizers, pour myself a holiday cocktail or crack open a gorgeous bottle of wine or champagne, and settle in. Mr. Tipsy picks a “fancy pop” that’s nostalgic or he’s been wanting to try.

Football is always on in the background. We graze on snacks, order takeout, and take our sweet time making the tree perfect.

It’s not chaotic. It’s not rushed. It’s our version of Christmas magic.

3. The Annual Mother-Daughter Holiday Trip

A few years ago I started a new tradition: a special holiday trip with my mom. It falls right around her birthday at the beginning of December, and it has quickly become one of my favorite parts of the entire season.

One year we went to Montreal and Old Québec City. We strolled through the Christmas markets, sipping cocktails, crunching across snowy cobblestone streets in warm hats and mittens, and eating our way through Canadian holiday food.

This year we’re heading to Disney World for a full Christmas tree and gingerbread house tour. I’ve done it before, but doing it with my mom will be pure magic.

I plan on resort-hopping, grabbing coffees and sweet treats, maybe a cocktail or two, and capping the night with a beautiful steak dinner.

It’s our version of holiday wonder!

4. Sharing the Magic With My Cousins’ Kids

One of the great joys of having financial means at this stage of life is being able to make the holidays special for the kids in my family, especially my cousins’ kids and goddaughter.

Helping the kids have a truly memorable holiday is something I cherish. Seeing their excitement is priceless, and it brings a sense of connection and purpose that feels as magical as anything.

It also makes me proud of my hard work. My cousins support me in SO many ways that this is the least I can do.

5. Our Cozy Michigan Traditions

Our lake house in Michigan is another major source of holiday joy. Normally we’re up there for Thanksgiving, but this year we hosted in our new home, which was very exciting!

When we are up at the lake house we love visiting neighbors, having happy hours with appetizers and drinks, and popping into The Gateway Lodge to see our favorite Christmas tree and enjoy a drink. We always hit the holiday cookie walk in St. Germain, Wisconsin and stroll through the little shops packed with Christmas décor.

We’ll miss that this year, but we’re spending New Year’s at the lake house hopefully surrounded by snow, coziness, and snowmobiling. A different kind of holiday magic, but magic all the same.

6. The Joy of Small Rituals

Sometimes the most magical traditions are the simplest ones.

Every year, I swap out my regular mugs for my collection of Christmas mugs. Every single morning in late November and December, I drink my coffee from a different one.

It sounds small, but it adds such a sense of coziness and intention.

I also grew up watching Hallmark Christmas movies with my grandma. We watched them together or texted back and forth about them, and this time of year always makes me miss her.

Having Hallmark on my little kitchen TV 24/7 keeps her memory close. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and one of my favorite seasonal rituals.

Throughout the house, I sprinkle in little touches like Christmas blankets for the dogs’ beds, festive towels in the bathroom, holiday scented soaps and candles, and a few new décor pieces just to keep things fun.

7. Baking, Driving, and Soaking It All In

I’m not a huge baker but every year I say I’m going to bake more cookies and this year… we’ll see if I actually do it. I’m at least going to try.

Mr. Tipsy and I also have a tradition of piling into the car with the dogs, grabbing hot chocolate, and driving around listening to Christmas music while we look at all the decorations around town. It’s simple, but it might be one of the most magical nights of the season.

8. Enjoying the Advantages of Childfree Christmas Morning

Our Christmas morning doesn’t have anyone screaming down the stairs, and you know what? It’s still wonderful.

We sleep in.

I make a huge breakfast.

The dogs and cat open their presents.

We take it slow, sip our coffee, stay in pajamas, and let the day unfold however it wants to.

It’s calm, cozy, and ours.

A Final Word

There is no one right way to have a magical Christmas. For some people, that magic comes from kids.

For others, it comes from peaceful mornings, meaningful traditions, travel, pets, food, family, or creating joy in smaller, quieter ways.

Magic is magic  no matter what it looks like.

And whatever your version of the holidays may be, I hope this season brings you comfort, joy, warmth, and a whole lot of love.

Wishing you all a truly wonderful holiday season.