Things to Do

3 Hill Country Holiday Traditions to Help You Enjoy the Season

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Each year, the Christmas displays begin to fill the big box stores right around the same time as the Halloween décor is selling out and we’re looking for the perfect Thanksgiving turkey. So quickly, we often blink it seems, and the holidays have come and gone in a flurry of gift shopping, wrapping paper, and family visits. Experiencing a true Texas Hill Country holiday in which you don’t feel overwhelmed, your kids enjoy family time, and you get to catch your breath can be easy to do if you know where to begin. Here are three holiday traditions that will help you slow down and enjoy the season.

1. Operation Turkey

Part I: Texas Hill Country Holiday Traditions Your Family Will Love

Photo: Facebook/Operation Turkey

According to their most recent Facebook post, “In 2016, Operation Turkey hand delivered more than 40,000 meals to the homeless and less fortunate in 13 official cities in 6 states. This year our goal is 50,000 meals with even more locations. Want to see what it takes to prepare, package, and deliver 40,000 meals in 4 hours Thanksgiving Day? Click here to watch The Power of $2.50: https://youtu.be/bj82q3axYLA

We are working hard to ensure everything is in place for you to volunteer with us November 23rd. Including more locations in cities like Dallas and Houston where volunteer support was abundant! Please keep in mind that we are 100% volunteer with no paid employees. All donations made to Operation Turkey go directly towards the cost of food. A small portion of each donation will go towards the 2016 deficit.”

Beginning in 2000, Operation Turkey is a great opportunity for you and your family to participate and give back in the Texas Hill Country this holiday season. Volunteers of all ages come together to smoke turkeys in their annual “Turkey Tailgate” on the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving. The following morning, all of the holiday meals are packaged and distributed throughout Austin to those in need, and kids are encouraged to volunteer together with a family member or guardian. Visit their website for more information including volunteer opportunities.

2. Hill Country Holiday Feast & Baking Class

Part I: Texas Hill Country Holiday Traditions Your Family Will Love

Photo: Pexels

A regular feature at The Blair House Inn Bed and Breakfast is a variety of three-day cooking classes that they offer throughout the year. This year, from November 27 to 29, they will be offering a popular session entitled Hill Country Holiday Feast & Baking which will get you and your family ready to enjoy the holiday season. By showing each of the participants how to make a few favorites Texas Hill Country cooking classics like turkey, dressing, and delicious pecan pie, the inn ensures they have the skills required to pull off a scrumptious holiday menu, and then some! And, as an added bonus, members of the class can enjoy a relaxing and fun time at the bed and breakfast before the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Visit their website for more information and class registration.

3. Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels

Part I: Texas Hill Country Holiday Traditions Your Family Will Love

Photo: Pexels

Featuring one of the greatest holiday light displays in Texas, Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels is a Texas Hill Country delight. Now in its 16th year of operation, their sparkling Christmas holiday spirit is contagious. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving or Christmas, your family can drive through more than a mile of animated displays and twinkling lights. There’s also fresh kettle corn and hot chocolate to stay warm by and each evening from November 3 through December 31, you can visit and be dazzled! One-night show passes are available as well as a season pass and pricing, time schedule and location are all available on their website for your holiday planning. Watch for their 50-foot Christmas tree on the horizon and enjoy this Texas Hill Country holiday tradition!