Christmas Eve has a magic all its own, and one of the most delightful traditions is keeping an eye on Santa’s journey around the world. Whether you’re cozying up in your town with hot cocoa or helping the kids set out cookies, you can follow Santa in real time thanks to the NORAD Santa Tracker.
NORAD has been tracking Santa for 70 years, and they make it easy for families to join the fun. You can:
Call 877‑446‑6723 to hear the latest updates from NORAD’s Santa-tracking volunteers
It’s a simple way to bring a little extra wonder into your home tonight. So gather the family, refresh the map, and enjoy the countdown as Santa gets closer to Texas. Merry Christmas Eve, y’all!
Merry Christmas Eve, Y’all — A Little Light for the Season
Christmas Eve has a way of slowing the world down, even if just for a moment. The lights glow a little softer, the air feels a little sweeter, and the simple act of pausing reminds us how much goodness still lives in everyday life. As we gather tonight—whether around a bustling table, a quiet living room, or a late‑night shift—we’re all sharing the same season of hope.
So from my family to yours, I want to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas Eve. May this day wrap you in warmth, comfort, and the kind of joy that lingers long after the decorations come down.
Be Kind, Be Safe, Be Well
This time of year invites us to slow down and look around. Kindness doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful. A smile at the grocery store, a patient moment in traffic, a quick message to someone you haven’t talked to in a while—these small gestures ripple outward in ways we may never see.
As you travel, cook, celebrate, or simply rest today, I hope you stay safe and take good care of yourself. The season shines a little brighter when we’re all well enough to enjoy it.
A Gentle Reminder: No One Should Feel Alone Tonight
For many, Christmas Eve is full of laughter and tradition. But for others, it can be a quiet or even heavy night. If you know someone spending the holiday alone, or someone far from their family, consider reaching out. A short visit, a phone call, or even a warm message can mean more than you realize.
And if you happen to be one of those spending this evening in solitude, please know this: you are seen, you are valued, and you are part of a much bigger community than you may feel in this moment.
Open Your Heart — And Maybe Your Home
If you’ve been thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, Christmas Eve is a beautiful time to remember the pets waiting in shelters. Dogs, cats, and all kinds of companions are hoping for a warm home and a loving human to call their own. Adoption changes their lives—and yours—in ways that are nothing short of magical.
Let Peace, Joy, and Love Lead the Way
Tonight, let the spirit of the season settle in. Let peace soften the edges of your day. Let joy find you in the small moments. Let love guide your words, your choices, and your connections.
Christmas Eve isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a feeling. A reminder that even in a busy world, we can choose gentleness. We can choose compassion. We can choose to be a light.
Wherever you are, whatever your traditions look like, and however you’re spending this evening, I hope your heart is full and your home—whether loud or quiet—feels warm.
Merry Christmas Eve, y’all. May peace, joy, and love surround you tonight and carry you into the days ahead.
There’s a unique warmth in these final days before Christmas arrives. The world feels like it’s holding its breath—lights glowing a little brighter, kitchens warming up a little earlier, and hearts stretching just a little wider. With only two days left until Christmas, y’all, the countdown is officially real.
Santa’s Almost Here
Whether you’ve got little ones pacing the hallway or grown-ups pretending they’re not checking NORAD every hour, the excitement is building. Stockings are hanging, cookies are planned, and the question on every kid’s mind is the same: “Do you think Santa’s close yet?”
There’s a sweetness to this anticipation—those quiet moments when the house settles down and you can almost imagine sleigh bells in the distance. These are the memories that stick.
Cooking Up the Favorites
This is the time when kitchens across Texas start smelling like pure holiday joy. Maybe it’s your family’s famous tamales, a perfectly glazed ham, or that one dessert that only comes out once a year. Maybe you’re mixing up a batch of Christmas margaritas, hot buttered rum, or a simple bourbon neat to sip while the oven does its thing.
Whatever your traditions look like, these last two days are for leaning into them—slowly, intentionally, and with a whole lot of love.
Gathering Close With Family
The best part of Christmas isn’t the gifts or the glitter—it’s the people we share it with. These final days before the big morning are perfect for slowing down, turning off the noise, and soaking in the moments with the folks who make life feel full.
Board games on the table. Christmas movies on repeat. Kids running around with that unmistakable December energy. Laughter echoing through the house. These are the scenes that make the season feel real.
Holding Space for Those We Miss
As joyful as this time is, it’s also a season of remembering. Many families have empty chairs at the table this year—loved ones who are far away, serving, traveling, or no longer with us. If that’s you, know that you’re not alone.
Take a moment to honor them. Light a candle. Share a story. Say their name. Christmas has a way of bringing both joy and tenderness to the surface, and there’s room for all of it.
Two Days to Go
So here we are—just 48 hours from Christmas morning. The lights are twinkling, the lists are nearly checked off, and the spirit of the season is settling in like a warm blanket.
May these next two days be filled with good food, good company, and good memories. May your home feel peaceful, your heart feel full, and your hope feel renewed.
Merry (almost) Christmas, to all. Let’s make these last moments count.
There’s something magical about this moment on the calendar — that sweet spot just three days before Christmas when the world feels like it’s buzzing, bustling, and brimming with anticipation. Whether you’re racing through last‑minute shopping, welcoming friends and family into town, navigating hectic holiday travel, or settling in for a quiet Christmas at home, this stretch of December always has a way of reminding us what truly matters.
The Last-Minute Hustle
Let’s be honest — some of us thrive on the thrill of those final shopping days. The stores are packed, the lines are long, and the parking lots… well, let’s just say patience becomes a virtue real quick. But even in the chaos, there’s a certain joy in picking out that perfect gift, imagining the smile it’ll bring, and feeling connected to the people we love.
Traveling, Hosting, and Holiday Hecticness
For others, these days are filled with airport runs, long drives, or prepping the house for guests. Suitcases, snacks, playlists, and prayers for smooth travel — it’s all part of the season. And when everyone finally arrives, the noise, the laughter, the stories, and even the mess become memories we’ll hold onto long after the decorations come down.
Or Maybe… a Quiet Christmas at Home
And then there are those who choose — or need — a slower holiday. A peaceful Christmas at home, wrapped in blankets, sipping something warm, watching the lights glow. There’s beauty in the stillness, too. Sometimes the quiet moments are the ones that speak the loudest.
What Matters Most
No matter how you’re spending these last few days, it’s worth pausing to remember the heart of the season. Christmas isn’t about the perfect gift, the perfect house, or the perfect plan. It’s about the spirit that connects us — peace, love, and joy.
Peace that settles our hearts even when life feels busy
Love that reminds us we’re never walking through this world alone
Joy that shows up in big moments and small ones alike
As we count down these final days, may we all find a little more of each.
So, take a breath, y’all. Look around. Savor the moments — the loud ones, the quiet ones, and everything in between. Christmas is almost here, and its spirit is already shining bright.
Can you believe it? Christmas is just four short days away! If you’ve still got a few gifts left on your list, now’s the time to wrap up that shopping. Be safe out there, shop smart, and don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy the magic of the season.
Wishing y’all a joyful, merry countdown to Christmas!
There’s just something about vintage Christmas photos that takes a hold of my heart and won’t let go. Maybe it’s the soft glow, the worn edges, or the way the light feels warmer than it ought to be. Or maybe it’s because they remind me of a slower, steadier time—one where Christmas didn’t rush past you like a pickup flying down the highway, but instead pulled up a chair, poured some coffee, and stayed awhile.
I recall while growing up that Christmas has always been about more than decorations or presents. It’s about place. It’s about memory. And, for me, vintage Christmas imagery captures that feeling better than anything else I know.
Take a towering Christmas tree glowing against a deep evening sky. The lights don’t sparkle sharply—they shimmer softly, like they’ve been shining faithfully for decades. That kind of tree doesn’t just light up a town square; it gathers folks together. You can almost hear boots on pavement, quiet laughter, and the hum of conversation as neighbors pause to take it all in. In Texas, trees like that aren’t just decorations—they’re landmarks of togetherness.
I’m especially drawn to images of parks and public spaces dressed up in soft golden light. Trees wrapped gently in strands of bulbs, glowing like fireflies caught in the branches. The people are often just shadows or impressions, but that’s part of the magic. Those photos don’t tell you exactly who was there—they invite you to imagine yourself in the scene. That’s the kind of Christmas memory that lasts.
One of my favorite things about vintage Christmas photos is how they handle light. It’s never harsh. Candle flames flicker instead of glare. In one scene, a small cardinal sits near glowing candles, quiet and watchful. That image feels like Christmas distilled down to its simplest form: warmth, stillness, and life holding steady in the cold. Cardinals have always felt special to me, and seeing one paired with candlelight feels like a gentle reminder to slow down and be present.
Even the colors in these photos feel like home. Warm golds, deep greens, soft reds—nothing overly bright, nothing shouting for attention. They’re the colors of old ornaments, well-loved decorations, and stories passed down year after year. They feel like Christmas mornings that start early and stretch long, where nobody’s in a hurry and the coffee pot stays on.
What I love most, though, is how these vintage images carry emotion without trying too hard. They don’t rely on perfection. They embrace texture, grain, and imperfection—just like real memories do. Around here, we know that the best moments usually aren’t polished. They’re honest. They’re shared. And they stick with you.
That’s why vintage Christmas photos mean so much to me. They remind me of Texas winters that may not bring snow, but bring plenty of warmth. They remind me that Christmas isn’t about keeping up—it’s about holding on. Holding on to traditions, places, and the quiet moments that shape who we are.
So when I look at these images, I’m not just seeing decorations or scenes from the past. I’m seeing family, community, and a Christmas spirit that feels as wide and steady as the Texas sky. And that’s a feeling worth cherishing, year after year.
Merry Christmas and Season’s Greetings from our family to yours!
These photos are from Christmas each year in both Gilbert, Arizona in 2020 and San Tan Valley, Arizona in 2021, capturing the essence of our holiday spirit and traditions. From ornamental outdoor decorations to an array of our favorite Santas and cherished ornaments that bring nostalgia, each image tells a story of joy and warmth.
We surely do miss the delightful weather of Arizona during this magical season, filled with sunshine and vibrant colors, but we also feel incredibly blessed to be making new memories and friends here in the Heart of Texas. As we embrace the charm of our new surroundings, we find joy in blending the old with the new, creating a tapestry of experiences that enrich our lives and fill our hearts with gratitude.
This weekend Heritage Square in Downtown Waco came alive with holiday cheer as the 13th Annual Waco Wonderland Festival kicked off its return for the season. From December 5–7, 2025, families, friends, and visitors from all over are gathering to celebrate one of Waco’s most beloved traditions — and we were thrilled to be part of it.
Tree Lighting & Fireworks
Friday evening began with the spectacular tree lighting ceremony, followed by a dazzling fireworks display presented by H-E-B. The crowd’s excitement was contagious as the sky lit up with color, marking the official start of the holiday season in Waco.
Holiday Parade & Santa Visits
Saturday morning the Downtown Holiday Parade brought festive floats, marching bands, and plenty of holiday spirit. Of course, no Wonderland is complete without Santa himself — and families lined up to capture the magic with a free photo with Santa, a tradition that never fails to delight.
Winter Fun & Entertainment
Over the weekend, Heritage Square transformed into a winter playground with the snow tube hill, Ferris wheel rides, and live entertainment throughout the night. Musical performances filled the air, while a live ice carving demonstration wowed the crowd with frosty artistry.
Food, Crafts & Market Magic
We couldn’t resist indulging in delicious bites from some of Waco’s top food and drink vendors. The Mistletoe Market was bustling with local artisans offering handmade crafts and unique gifts — perfect for holiday shopping with a personal touch.
Downtown Lights & December Cheer
Beyond the festival grounds, Downtown Waco’s holiday light display sparkled across the streets, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere. The Downtown in December calendar promises even more holiday cheer throughout the month, from shopping strolls to special seasonal experiences.
A Community Celebration
Waco Wonderland is more than just an event — it’s a collaboration between the City of Waco, the Waco Downtown Public Improvement District, City Center Waco, and countless community partners. Their efforts make this festival a true celebration of togetherness, joy, and holiday spirit.
If you haven’t yet, make plans to join the fun before the weekend wraps up. Whether you’re here for the lights, the food, or simply the festive ambiance, Waco Wonderland 2025 is the perfect way to welcome the holiday season.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas: Season’s Greetings & Happy Holidays
Here in Waco, the holidays shine a little brighter. From the glowing lights along Austin Avenue to the festive displays at Magnolia, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas all across town. Families gather downtown for the annual Waco Wonderland parade and tree lighting, where the air is filled with music, laughter, and the smell of kettle corn.
Texas traditions bring their own charm to the season. You’ll find neighborhoods proudly draped in Lone Star–style decorations, with boots by the fireplace and wreaths made of mesquite branches. Local churches host candlelight services, and Baylor’s campus sparkles with holiday spirit, reminding us that community is at the heart of every celebration.
Whether you’re strolling through Cameron Park to see the lights, enjoying Wild Lights at the Zoo, sipping hot cocoa at a Friday night football game, or simply enjoying the warmth of family at home, this season is about connection.
Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays from Waco and across Texas! May your days be filled with joy and holiday cheer.
realgilmorris 