I love making memories with my family—especially around the holidays. There’s just something extra magical about this time of year, and I can’t get enough of it. Although this year has been extra busy with the launch of RFA and starting a second location for Racquel Aesthetics & Wellness, I have made sure to soak up the memories with my family. I feel like my “babies” are at the perfect age to really embrace the wonder of the season, and knowing that these years are numbered makes me want to savor every single moment. From the wide-eyed awe as they see the Christmas lights to the laughter as we bake cookies together, every little moment feels like a gift.
As a mama, it’s all about creating memories they’ll carry with them for years to come, and I’m doing my best to make sure they’ll look back on these holidays with a smile. Over the years, we’ve built some really fun family traditions—things we do together that have become staple parts of our holiday season. Whether it’s decorating the tree, breakfast with Santa, The Polar Express or cozy movie nights, these little traditions are what make this time of year so special. I’m hoping to continue them for years to come, knowing that each one will leave a lasting impression on my kids, and we’ll all carry these traditions with us as they grow.
Our Family Traditions
In St. Louis we have an incredible Polar Express Train experience through Union Station that the kids absolutely love. We went this year with family, friends, and Racquel Aesthetics family. The train, the music, hot cocoa and everything they do to make it truly magical lights up the kids’ eyes. This is a tradition we have done the last couple years and we will continue to, until they outgrow it. I think Sal and I love it as much as the kids do.
A whole family favorite activity we do with the kids is driving through the Christmas Lights! The kiddos love Candy Cane Lane and then stopping for a peppermint ice cream at the famous, Ted Drews and having a family dinner on the Hill. Santa’s Magical Kingdom Light Show is another amazing experience with over 35 acres of magical festive lights.
Another magical experience this season was going to the Fox Theater here in St. Louis. This year we saw The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. The Fabulous Fox is a beautiful Theater in St. Louis, that has great plays and musicals all year long. The girls especially love dressing up for the theatre!
I always love finding the kids festive Christmas outfits for all the events. As they have gotten a little older all 3 of them have a little bit of their own input now but it’s so much to see their little personalities shine. The girls still match or coordinate colors. Their adorable dresses & shoes are from one of our favorite places – Lola & The Boys. Enzo looks so sharp in his Vineyard Vines jacket & dress shirt. I love his little style with his tennis shoes!
The kids’ Christmas program at school is one of those moments that truly fills my mama heart. There’s something so special about seeing them up on stage, singing their little hearts out, and beaming with pride. As a mom, it’s a reminder of just how quickly they’re growing and how important these little milestones are. Watching them fully embrace the joy of the season, surrounded by their friends, is so heartwarming. It’s not just about the songs or the performance, but about seeing their confidence grow, their personalities shine, and knowing that these are the moments they’ll look back on with fond memories. It’s a perfect snapshot of the magic of childhood—and as a mama, it’s an experience I will always treasure.
This will be the second year we are hosting the Frisella kid Christmas party! This is where we invite all their little friends and we do a craft, bake cookies, play musical chairs and rob your neighbor! They had an absolute blast! We plan on hosting this party every year and look forward to all the memories we create with our friends and their children. The adults have just as much fun as the kids!
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
On Christmas Eve, we have the joy of hosting our entire family, and it’s always such a special time. There’s something about gathering together, sharing laughs, enjoying a delicious meal, and simply being surrounded by those we love that makes the season unforgettable.
Of course, Christmas morning is the highlight for our kids—hearing their little feet racing down the stairs, their excited shouts as they see what Santa brought, and all the giggles that follow is simply priceless. Sal and I feel so incredibly blessed to be their parents. Watching our family spend quality time together, creating memories we’ll cherish forever, is truly the best gift of all.
The grand finale of our Christmas celebrations comes the weekend after Christmas, when Sal’s dad hosts his big Christmas party. It’s always such a fun way to wrap up the season before the New Year. It’s a tradition we look forward to every year!
The Magic Of Christmas
These have definitely been the highlights of our holiday season. We’ve also had plenty of fun with our Elf on the Shelf, decorating cookies, and enjoying our annual breakfast with Santa. And, of course, the Christmas music and all those yummy holiday treats have made everything feel even more festive.
As we head into the final days of the season, my Christmas wish for you is that you have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday, surrounded by the people who make your heart feel full. I hope you get to savor the little moments and make memories that will stay with you for years to come.
Wishing you all the magic, love, and joy this season has to offer!
Happy Holidays!
XO-
Racquel
