10. MAKE COOKIE BOXES Choose one batch project and make enough for family, friends and neighbors; I recommend Gulf Coast-themed cookie boxes with pecan shortbread and satsuma-glazed sugar cookies. Kids can cut shapes, decorate labels and count cookies into each box. Include an ingredient card and deliver them fresh. Making several gifts from one baking session keeps the project manageable. Ocean Springs’ annual tree lighting with Santa is scheduled for Dec. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center. Let the kids pick a festive outfit and bring your camera for a community celebration. Check the Ocean Springs Chamber’s updates before heading out. 12. PLAN 12 DAYS OF FAMILY CALLS If loved ones live far away, schedule 12 short video calls over the days leading up to Christmas. Invite grandparents, cousins and family friends ahead of time, and let the kids mark each call on a calendar. Share the ornament they painted; sing a song or show off the tree. Send a little Coast Christmas cheer across the miles. 11. WELCOME THE SEASON IN OCEAN SPRINGS 13. ENJOY CHRISTMAS IN THE AIR IN BILOXI Beau Rivage’s Christmas in the Air brings dancers, singers, actors and appearances by Santa and friends to Biloxi Dec. 12–27, with no Monday performances. Afternoon matinees on select dates can suit families with earlier bedtimes. Choose a performance that fits your children’s schedule and check current ticket information before booking. 14. COOK YOUR WAY AROUND THE WORLD Spread a holiday food adventure across several evenings: German gingerbread, an Italian seafood supper featuring Gulf shrimp then a French yule log cake. Find recipes together and let the kids help with age-appropriate steps. Pair a meal with a holiday movie set in that country, or invite friends to bring a dish and share its story. 15. TAKE A SANTA STROLL IN BAY ST. LOUIS Old Town Bay St. Louis has its Santa Stroll scheduled for Dec. 13, featuring holiday shopping, games, contests and, of course, Santa. Browse the shops; let the kids help choose a gift and enjoy the decorated streets together. Check the Old Town Merchants Association’s announcements for activity times and participating businesses. 16. SAVE THIS YEAR IN A TIME CAPSULE Fill a box with your holiday card, family photos, a child’s handprint and a few keepsakes from your Coast adventures. Add a drawing of the tree, a show ticket and a note about each child’s favorite outing. Write a letter to next year’s family, date the box and tuck it away to open next Christmas. Alexa Cutrer is the owner of Gather Gulf Coast, a social media guide to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and host of creative community events. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram: @gathergulfcoast.
A cozy Christmas reading nook. Photo by Alexa Cutrer.
Christmas cookie boxes. Photo by Alexa Cutrer.
8. CREATE A CHRISTMAS READING NOOK Turn a corner into a holiday reading spot with a blanket, battery-powered twinkle lights and a basket of Christmas books, including a coastal story or two. Make paper tickets the kids can exchange for story time. Add cocoa and let them choose the book.
9. SHOP TOGETHER AT THE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Our Gather Gulf Coast Christmas Market at The Parlour on Lorraine in Gulfport is planned for Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You’ll find gifts for everyone on your list. Give the kids a small gift budget and let them meet the makers. Plus, Santa will be there offering free photos!
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