The holiday season just got cozier! Here are the deets:
Thanks to a presidential announcement that many federal executive departments and agencies will be closed on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 (Christmas Eve) and Friday, December 26, 2025, in addition to Christmas Day itself.
Gosh, any day off the road, off the clock and in my pajamas with my snacks and movies is a win-win situation.
Of course, not everyone gets the full break. Essential workers and certain agencies may still be open depending on their mission. But overall, it’s a cheerful reminder that even the federal government enjoys a good holiday pause now and then.
Whether this affects you directly or you just love a reason to celebrate, consider this your official permission slip to slow down and soak up the season.
Tonight, I will be initiating my first Noche Buena dinner to the driest crowd around–my kids. They just want to skip Mass and dinner and go straight to the gift opening.
All of my presents are wrapped and under the tree (except a few from Santa!) so it’s just decisions about what to watch while the world takes a breather.
Here are some beloved Christmas classics from a variety of traditions to keep movie night merry and bright:
It’s a Wonderful Life – A heartfelt reminder of kindness and community.
Home Alone – Classic chaos, laughs, and holiday nostalgia.
Elf – Pure joy, sugar, and Buddy the Elf energy.
African American Holiday Classics
The Preacher’s Wife – Warm, romantic, and full of soul.
This Christmas – Family, drama, love, and holiday music. (Love this one!)
Almost Christmas – Big family vibes with big laughs.
Latino Holiday Favorites
Nothing Like the Holidays – A Puerto Rican-American family navigating love and tradition.
Merry Kiss Cam – Cozy, festive, and lighthearted.
Navidad en Vivo – Music-filled and joyful for the season. (A good one)
Lastly, you can’t have Christmas Eve without cookies. Here is a quick and easy recipe for Snickerdoodles:
Easy Holiday Cookie Recipe: Cozy Snickerdoodles
1 cup butter (softened)
1½ cups sugar
2 eggs
2¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar + 2 tsp cinnamon (for rolling)
How to Make Them
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
Beat in eggs.
Mix flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt separately.
Combine wet and dry ingredients.
Roll dough into balls.
Roll each ball in cinnamon sugar.
Bake 8–10 minutes until just golden.
Cool, grab milk, and enjoy!
Here’s to slower days, fuller cookie plates, and movie marathons that last well past bedtime.
Happy Holidays from all of us at CAM.
Felicidades!
