How is it December already? 2021 had its share of ups and downs, but we’re ready to end it on a high note. There are so many things we’re all loving right now that it was almost impossible to pick a top 10. But we've done it, and what follows below is a perfect mix of our latest obsessions that includes the best toys to buy for Christmas; the most unique gifts to give friends, family, and ourselves; and the best holiday movies and new TV specials that will keep the whole family happily entertained all month long.

Every one of these things is tried and tested by our Mommy Poppins team, and we think you'll love all our picks every bit as much as we do. Read on to find out what we just can't get enough  of this holiday season.

New York City may be one of the most iconic holiday destinations but there are plenty of cities, towns, and villages across New York state that also get into the Christmas spirit and make for a great holiday day trip or seasonal weekend getaway. From Santa’s Workshop in North Pole, N.Y., to the Snowflake Festival in Kingston, here are six New York-state Christmas towns and holiday festivals where you'll find plenty of magic of this season.

There's something magical about Christmas lights that make the holidays come alive (even in Houston when it's 80 degrees in the winter). Twinkling lights and snowy scenes always help make spirits bright! From drive-thru (and drive-by) experiences to free walking adventures, and out-of-this-world displays to an old school Santa's workshop, we've rounded up holiday and Christmas lights in Houston to suit every taste. For the best over-the-top Christmas lights in Houston, check out one of the locales or events below. And for more holiday and Christmas ideas, check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events.

Formerly an uber-popular walk through experience, Westchester’s Winter Wonderland has been reimagined for safe, seasonal fun and returns for a second consecutive year as a drive-thru holiday lights extravaganza.

Read on for our full review and a sneak peek at some of the stunning displays, and remember our Family Activity Calendar and Holiday Fun Guide are overflowing with curated picks to celebrate, whether you want to venture out or need some ideas for a festive night at home.

For many Orlando families, visiting local Christmas lights is a treasured holiday tradition. It’s a great way to get in the Christmas spirit, and Orlando has no shortage of options. From dazzling displays at the theme parks to lighted boat parades, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to see Christmas lights here in Central Florida.

Get an exclusive view of Give Kids the World Village as it's tranformed into a wonderland of lights at Night of a Million Lights; stroll through illuminated forests and watch dancing light displays at Leu Gardens' Dazzling Nights; or venture to Mount Dora for the town's amazing seasonal lights. Read on for the very best holiday light displays around Orlando and Central Florida.

If you're looking for the perfect holiday family outing, search no further: The Brooklyn Botanic Garden's after-dark, immersive display Lightscape does not disappoint. You'll want to snag tickets now for this glittering holiday lights display and prepare yourself to be wowed.

While my family will happily bake and eat cookies any day of the year, we really ramp it up for our Christmas cookie baking. We have hosted an annual Christmas cookie party every year since the kids were born, and it’s a tradition they look forward to almost as much as opening their stockings. Because they love to be part of the cookie baking process, we have amassed a ton of Christmas cookie recipes. They range from super easy Christmas cookies the kids could help make and decorate when they were tiny, up to more sophisticated Christmas cookie recipes their tween tastebuds love. We’ve tested out dozens of Christmas cookie recipes over the years, and these are our top ten: including our favorite never-fail, best ever Christmas sugar cookie recipe.

We’ve got more kid-friendly holiday treats, like these yummy Hot Chocolate Bombs, in our Guide to Easy Recipes for Kids, plus loads more Christmas fun for the whole family in our Ultimate Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities.