“New Stage, Same Spark: Holiday Magic After Fifty”

When you reach your fabulous fifties, the holidays often look a little different. Life brings change, and with it, traditions shift. Maybe you’ve lost loved ones who were the heart of your celebrations. Maybe your children are grown and starting families of their own. Or maybe you’re simply tired of all the whoopla and want to scale things back.

But different doesn’t mean joyless. You don’t have to be a Scrooge to embrace a new kind of holiday spirit. Here are a few ways to keep the cheer alive:

Set the mood at home with Christmas-scented candles, jingle bell music, simmering wassail, and just the right touch of festive décor.

Host cozy gatherings—invite friends for Christmas movies, cookies, popcorn, or even a micro-gift exchange.

Step out into the community—parades, craft festivals, neighborhood light displays, and local theater productions are all brimming with holiday magic. My S.O. and I just attended the Barter Theater's production of How the Grinch Stole Christmas in Abingdon, Virginia. This was another fabulous double date with my friend Speedy and her S.O., Jackson. This production couldn't have been more clever as it was told from Max's perspective. Not to mention that Jim Carrey has nothing on Sean Maximo Campos.

Give back—bake treats for neighbors, volunteer at a toy drive, or adopt a Christmas angel through a local shelter if you miss shopping for little ones.

Get crafty—gather your girlfriends for a wreath-making class or a DIY holiday project. (Stay tuned for the Christmas craft my friends and I have planned—it promises laughter, glitter, and maybe a little hot glue chaos!)

Whether you’re carrying on old traditions, tweaking them to fit your new stage of life, or creating entirely fresh ones, the goal is simple: do what brings a smile to your face—or to the faces of those around you.