Reuse those beautiful CHristmas picture outfits and take your child to afternoon tea with Santa Claus and other Christmas favorites. This is a more expensive Christmas treat but it is worth it. We have enjoyed this experience at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in New Orleans and the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans. These experiences were unique but both hotels donated profits to charities. Sydney definitely enjoyed dressing up and playing with the characters. Who reads the night before Christmas better than Mrs. Claus?

The Polar Express train ride is a wonderful experience for people with kids and without. This is also an experience that should be booked in advance because tickets sell out fast. Sydney, my mom, and I dressed alike in our Christmas pajamas and enjoyed the show with a warm cup of hot chocolate. The kids are also given a beautiful keepsake ornament. I hope the bell will always ring for Sydney!

Check your city park's holiday schedule for great events that will not murder your Christmas budget.  Sydney and I have enjoyed Celebration in the Oaks at New Orleans City Park.  The park is beautifully decorated with lights and the fairgrounds are open as well.  The train ride is a must for all age groups.

Every state has a place that knows how to bring it at Christmas time.  In Louisiana, this place is Natchitoches, Louisiana.  Natchitoches has a wonderful Christmas parade and lights festival that lasts for a month.  This is a book in advance event because hotel rooms sell out fast.  Natchitoches is special to me because it is the home of my alma mater, the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts.  I really wanted Sydney to experience the excitement that I felt at the Christmas Festival as a kid.