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Finding Holiday Magic: A Guide for Moms, Grandparents, and Caregivers

By Shelby Phelan, Co-Publisher Macaroni Kid Roanoke November 24, 2024

The holidays officially kicked off in our house with the annual Grandin Children's Parade, a cherished tradition that takes place the Saturday before Thanksgiving. It’s always a festive start to the season, but this year was extra special for our family. For the first time, we participated in the parade.

We walked with U Can Dance Roanoke, and whether you were an adult or child in our group, part of another group, or simply enjoying the parade as a spectator, it was a magical experience. The energy, the cheers, and the joy shared by everyone truly embodied the holiday spirit. If you’ve never participated in the parade, I highly recommend it!



The Macaroni Kid Roanoke Holiday Guide is here to make your holiday season even more magical! From festive events and Santa sightings to library storytimes and holiday performances, the guide is your go-to resource for creating holiday memories with your family. And don’t forget to check back often—we’re always updating it with new events.

Here are just a few of the local traditions and events we’re excited about this year:

Simple Ways to Bring Holiday Joy

  1. Start with Gratitude:
    Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect with your children. Use the Macaroni Kid Gratitude Cootie Catcher to spark conversations about thankfulness in a fun and engaging way.
  2. Get Involved in Community Traditions:
    Whether it’s walking in a parade like we did with U Can Dance Roanoke, or attending events like Dickens of a Christmas, connecting with your community makes the season even brighter.
  3. Simplify Holiday Prep:
    Feeling overwhelmed? The Macaroni Kid Roanoke Holiday Guide  and the Macaroni Kid 2024 Holiday Gift Guide has your back. From places to order Thanksgiving meals to festive activities for kids, we’ve done the hard work so you can focus on what matters most.
  4. Add Personalized Magic:
    This year, make the season extra special with a personalized letter from Santa or an elf—sure to bring smiles and excitement to your kids!
  5. Make Time for the Little Moments:
    Sometimes the simplest traditions—baking cookies, snuggling up for a holiday movie, or walking through neighborhoods to admire the lights—become the most cherished memories.

A Season to Remember

The holidays can feel like a whirlwind, but they’re also a time to create joy and connection. By embracing gratitude, participating in local traditions, and leaning on resources like the Macaroni Kid Roanoke Holiday Guide, you can make the season magical for your family without the stress.

We’re so grateful to be part of a community filled with festive events and cherished traditions. 


*Disclaimer: The original ideas, insights, and creative direction of this content are mine. However, I utilized ChatGPT for assistance in refining, enhancing, and polishing the text to improve readability and flow.