A Cozy Week: My Favorite Holiday Traditions, Comfort Movies & Simple Joys

The week of Christmas has its own kind of magic. Everything slows down, the to-do lists fade a little, and there’s finally time to enjoy all the things that make the season feel special. It’s the week I look forward to most, full of small rituals, familiar sounds, and simple comforts that make everything feel softer.

One of my favorite parts of this week is slowing down with my favorite Christmas movies. I watch The Holiday on repeat every year because I could live in those cozy English cottages forever. Love Actually always makes me cry, Silver Linings Playbook feels especially close to home because it’s set in Philly at Christmastime, and The Muppet Christmas Carol never fails to make me laugh. I even love the old classic The Shop Around the Corner. It’s charming and full of heart.

There’s also something about food this week that feels like comfort itself. The day after Christmas, I always make a sandwich with turkey, stuffing, cheese, gravy, and cranberry sauce. It’s basically a hug in sandwich form. On Christmas morning, it’s always cinnamon rolls, warm and gooey, eaten while everyone’s still in pajamas.

I love having a fire with fancy hot chocolate, the kind that feels like a treat. And even after Christmas Day passes, I leave my decorations up until after the first weekend in January. Once things slow down, I actually get to enjoy them, the twinkle lights, the tree, the feeling of calm that only comes once the rush is over.

There’s one more tradition I always make time for, going to look at Christmas lights. It’s simple, but it never gets old. I love the glow, the creativity, the sense of community in it all.

This quiet stretch of days between Christmas and the New Year is when I feel most grounded. It’s a reminder to slow down, soak it in, and appreciate the beauty that’s already here.

Live Your Style.