Any day I’m not at Walt Disney World is a less than par day, in my opinion. But knowing that I won’t be paying a visit to my happy place for the holidays this year has me a  little bummed out, to say the least. Even with all the holiday baking, my Christmas Spotify playlist on repeat and a date night complete with peppermint hot chocolate and beautiful, festive lights, I can’t help but feel like a bit of my heart is miles away this holiday season. While there is no substitute for the snow on Main Street in your hair and Mickey and Minnie (and all of your favorite pals!) in their holiday finest, I have a few pro tips to surviving the holiday season when you’re half a world away from the magic of home. 

Put up a Disney-themed tree! 

To be fair, if my house were large enough, I’d have five Christmas trees (one for each of the Mellomen in the Haunted Mansion, of course!); but alas, it’s not, so I have a humble two-one of which is a Disney themed tree! Although it didn’t start out that way, the Disney Christmas ornament purchasing (no matter the time of year!) got out of hand and somehow just…engulfed the tree. Since letting go of Disney memorabilia is not an option, the only thing I saw fit was to get another tree and adorn it with my favorite mouse (if you know me, you know I’m actually talking about Gus Gus!) and all of the delightfully sweet, silly and whimsical characters that make my heart happy when I can’t be home for the holidays. 

Watch Youtube footage of the Very Merry Christmas Party in your jammies with a tear in your eye

God bless content creators! The next best thing to seeing  Elsa transform Cinderella Castle to the dreamlights castle in person is… Youtube! For months before I get to Disney for Mickey’s Not So Scary, I have already seen Boo to You and the Halloween light show a zillion times… in twenty pixels! Last night, after the third cheesy christmas movie with the same plot (spoiler alert, they fall madly in love and have a zillion babies) I decided to tune in to where my heart really was- at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! As I sat there, hot cocoa in hand all bundled up, I couldn’t help sniffling at the sights and sounds I have fallen so in love with over the years. The interaction of the parade gets me every time, especially when you see a tiny tot light up when their favorite character waves or blows them a kiss. 

Have a Disney Withdrawal Day – Christmas style!

If you are not giving yourself a good ole’ Disney withdrawal day at least once a month, I highly suggest indulging in some self care! Create your favorite Disney snack or treat from the parks, wear your favorite Disney tee (all I have are Disney T-shirts at this point!) or even dress up or Disney-bound as your favorite character. Go see a Disney movie in theatres, be ambitious and  stay at home and watch all the Star Wars films in chronological order like I’m going to be doing this weekend in preparation for the Rise of Skywalker! Wear your magic band and ‘Smith family vacation 2015’ shirt to Publix! Whatever you do, transform your Disney withdrawal day into your version of a perfectly magical day. 

Hold your loved ones a little bit tighter

While the holidays are a magical time for so many of us, let us not forget that there are those who are just trying to make it to January 2nd. It can be easy for those of us with the sun illuminating out our ears to judge so called Scrooges for not partaking in the holiday spirit. But the truth is that some folks have had a tough run of it and don’t necessarily associate the holidays with happiness. It’s ok to love Christmas and it’s ok to be less than zealous about this joyous season. If you are one of the lucky ones who are blessed to be surrounded by friends and family this year, human and furry alike, count your blessings and don’t be stingy with the hugs and kisses! Hold those near and dear to you a little…nearer and dearer. 

Disney is a time and place separate from the world we live in, but one which includes the people we cherish most. That walk down Main street or ride on the Haunted Mansion wouldn’t quite be the same if it weren’t for the people we share it with. As our lives change and adapt, so does Disney and often times, so does our experience with Disney and sometimes even the people we have shared it with. Disney was created as a place for families and friends to come together all times of the year, with a special emphasis on the holiday season. If you won’t be making it to Disney this Christmas, or even if your connection to Disney is changing, don’t be dismayed. You are right where you are supposed to be, celebrating with those you love. That’s a little bit of Disney magic in and of itself!