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Merry Christmas from Holiday Rising: Wishing Peace, Love, and Joy to All
Merry Christmas from Holiday Rising: Wishing Peace, Love, and Joy to All There’s a special kind of magic that drifts through the air on Christmas morning. Whether you wake to the sound of laughter spilling from the kitchen, the scent of coffee and cinnamon rolls filling your home, or the quiet hush that follows a peaceful night, today reminds us of what truly matters — love, connection, and the courage to cherish every precious moment. As the lights twinkle and hearts gather closer, all of us at Holiday Rising and throughout the ever-growing Holiday Rising Universe want to share our deepest wish for you: that this Christmas brings warmth to your heart,…
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From Blueprint to Bonding: Building your childs room using their creativity and ideas!
How Colin used Kingston’s creativity to construct Kingston’s Big Island Volcano National Park room including slide: Building a room from the ground up is an act of faith, creativity, and love. When that space is for your child, it’s more than walls—it becomes a canvas for dreams, a workshop for growth, and a stage for laughter that echoes long past bedtime. In the Colorado Flip—the snowy mountain retreat where our family’s next chapter began—the greatest design challenge wasn’t square footage or style, but something far more exciting: Kingston’s shining wish for a slide. Not just any slide, but one that began at his bunk, twisted around the corner, and sent…
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“Happy Holiday Rising: A Cozy, Curated Guide to Hosting With Heart”
The afternoon light hits differently when you’re getting ready to host. It’s softer somehow, as if the house itself understands there’s a gathering coming and leans into the glow. On the dining room table, a length of evergreen garland waits to be unfurled. In the background, Vivaldi and Charlie Brown (or even Chris Brown, depending on your crowd) take turns on the stereo, trading gentle piano for strings that feel like falling snow. Somewhere between the hum of the oven and the rustle of tissue paper, a quiet checklist begins to form. For some households, that checklist is an institution. Perfect music playlist, check—unless Uncle, also known as DJ Gene,…
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Colin Cook’s Up: Apple Cider Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
There’s something nostalgic about biting into a warm donut coated in cinnamon sugar, especially when it’s homemade and made for sharing with loved ones. These apple cider donuts bring together crisp fall mornings, the crackle of holiday firesides, and Colin’s signature style—simple, rustic, and unforgettable with every bite. This recipe is amazing for the holiday season! What you need: For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating What to do: Colin’s Cook-Up Tips
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Holiday Hustle: How to Entertain, Decorate, Cook & Conquer Every Day with Heart
The lights go up. The music gets jolly. The school calendars fill in with secret Santa parties and potlucks. At work, end-of-year projects somehow multiply overnight. The joy of the holidays? That’s real. But so is the chaos that comes with juggling family, jobs, traditions, homework, decorations, and the ever-rotating snack buffet. How does any family—yours, mine, ours—find magic without melting down? Welcome to the Holiday Hustle. Try easy family recipes, upcycled decor, simple organization hacks, and a heavy dose of laughter to help you juggle it all with grace and joy. The Secret to Surviving (and Loving) the Holiday Hustle First things first: No one does it all, no…
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Colin’s Cheeseburger Sliders
There’s nothing quite like the sizzle and aroma of cheeseburger sliders filling the kitchen during the holidays, especially when your family gathers around for that first, cheesy bite together. These mini burgers are easy to make ahead, kid-approved, and absolutely unbeatable for festive celebrations, holiday movie nights, or casual family feasts. Why Cheeseburger Sliders are a Holiday Hit Sliders instantly bring big smiles and hands-on fun to any holiday table. Hawaiian rolls make the perfect slightly-sweet base, while melted cheese and savory ground beef create a classic, comforting combo that’s welcome at any party or family gathering. What you need: Optional Slider Fixings What you need to do Holiday Serving…
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The Enchanting Story of Big Waves Beach: More Than Just Black Sands
Nestled along Hawaii’s rugged coastline lies a mesmerizing natural wonder, affectionately known as Big Waves Beach, but officially referred to as Black Sands Beach. Thank you to @bigislandguide for providing a great landing spot for information on the Big Island! This unique beach is a spectacle of nature’s artistry, where volcanic fire meets the vast ocean, forging a shore unlike any other—a beach that dazzles with sand the color of polished basalt and carries the legends of lava, waves, and resilience. Black Sands Beach owes its striking dark sands to volcanic basalt lava. When molten lava from the island’s fiery heart flows into the cold Pacific, it instantly shatters into…
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“Shore Thing: Where Family Fun Meets Fries So Good They Should Be Illegal”
Longboat Key, Florida Nestled near IMG Academy’s hustle, Shore is the ultimate dockside delight—perfect for families, sail-ready snacks, and those addictively divine truffle fries that steal the show every time. Shore restaurant is the quintessential family-friendly spot that turns any day into a sun-drenched delight, with a vibe that greets every age—from little sandcastle architects to brisket-burger fanatics. Tucked a stone’s throw from IMG Academy and perched along the water with dock access, it’s ideal for a pre-sailing lunch or a breezy reunion after tournaments and beach outings. Kids and adults alike fall under the spell of Shore’s truffle fries—golden, feather-crisp and delivered with an aromatic punch of truffle that…
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Experience Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
Northernmost Part of Florida Everglades! A family adventure to the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is more than just a walk through the northernmost edge of the Florida Everglades—it’s a tapestry of unforgettable moments, laughter, wild discoveries, and awe-inspiring explorations that will ignite the imagination of every generation. Whether seeking a playful escape for little ones, an immersive trek for nature-loving teens, or a peaceful getaway for parents and grandparents, this storied refuge promises a holiday packed with fun, learning, and shared wonder. Every Family’s Gateway to the Everglades The adventure begins the moment families cross into the lush emerald territory guarded by ancient cypress sentinels. Children press…
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Experience Kojo!
Kojo Restaurant, Sarasota, Florida At the heart of KoJo is Chef Ken Shiro Lumpkin’s menu—a tapestry of modern Asian flavors that honors tradition while breaking boundaries. Dishes showcase both the precision of Japanese culinary methods and a willingness to explore global influences, resulting in bold creations that command attention. KoJo’s commitment to creativity isn’t just about flavor—it’s about presentation and mood. Plates arrive with dramatic flair: garnishes soar, sauces drip artfully, colors pop, and textures abound. Most dishes are designed to be shared, and this philosophy shapes the entire meal. Tables become canvases for conversation and culinary exploration, as friends and family trade bites, notes, and favorite discoveries. KoJo’s beverage…






















