You could say I was a late bloomer becoming a Disney fan. Growing up, I always loved the Disney movies and television specials, but I didn’t visit Walt Disney World until I was in my 30s and had children of my own. I grew up in Texas and assumed the Disney Parks were no different than Six Flags. Boy, was I wrong! It took only one trip to the World to hook me. I’ve been back many times with my family, but we’ve yet to get there during the Christmas season. Since we can’t be at the Most Magical Place on Earth this time of year, we bring the magic home for the holidays.

To get in the festive spirit and to feel like we’re at our home away from home, we begin the morning after Thanksgiving with Mickey pancakes. In true Disney tradition, I kick them up a notch—or “plus” them. I mix in some canned pumpkin and a little pumpkin pie spice and use three different sized Mickey molds so the stacks taper. Then I slather on the butter and syrup. Once we’re energized, we decorate the house.

For my kids, unwrapping fragile ornaments is almost as exciting as tearing into gifts on Christmas morning. We never know which one we’ll uncover next. Could it be one of the half dozen or so PhotoPass keepsakes? Maybe the peppermint swirl Mickey…or I bet it will be Princess Aurora! The only arguments are over who will hang what where, but no one stays upset long, because once the tree’s in order, we’re all ready for Christmas and we’ve got a daily dose of Disney twinkling right before our eyes.

What do you do to bring Disney magic home for the holidays?

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Jodi (100 Posts)

Jodi Whisenhunt is a Disney-devoted veteran homeschooling mom of 3 and an award-winning freelance writer and editor. Think outside the textbook and learn while you play at her Magical Mouse Schoolhouse, where Disney IS school!