🌴 A Fast Downtown Meal + A Foolproof Gift Rule for Kids

Happy December!

We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving this year, and it left us feeling especially grateful for the health of our family and the simple joy of having healthy, happy kids.

As we ease into the holiday season, we’re soaking up all the magic Charleston has to offer, starting with the Old South Carriage Holiday “Sleigh” Ride, which continues to be one of our favorite traditions with its charming horses, festive elves and cozy cocoa with Santa afterward. We’re also looking forward to the Tree Lighting Ceremony at Credit One Stadium, a beautifully organized and completely free event that always feels safe, fun and full of holiday spirit. And when we’re downtown with hungry kids, Blanca Estrada Taqueria has become our go-to easy stop with its own parking, fresh food and kind, kid friendly staff.

At home, we’re keeping things simple with a pre-Christmas toy reset so we can really see what our kids love to play with, which makes it so much easier to choose meaningful gifts using the “Rule of Four” method. It keeps the season feeling peaceful instead of overwhelming, and helps us focus on giving our kids things they’ll truly use and enjoy.

And check out the Palmetto Parents store for Charleston Mom and Charleston Dad gear to represent your favorite city this holiday season!

My favorite holiday tradition is the sleigh ride with Old South Carriage. There is truly nothing as magical as riding through the old streets of downtown Charleston behind beautiful horses. The clip-clop of their hooves, the twinkling lights overhead and the historic homes all around you create the perfect holiday scene. The only thing that could make it even more magical is Santa himself… and thankfully he’s part of the experience too.

This charming Holiday “Sleigh” Ride has become a must-do for our family. Even though the ride is only about twenty to twenty-five minutes, it feels like the perfect amount of time. The elves are hilarious and so entertaining. They keep the mood festive and make the whole carriage laugh. The tour is offered in a decorated one-horse open “sleigh,” and it really does feel like stepping into a Christmas card.

I’ll be honest. It is a little pricey, especially with kids in tow, but it is one hundred percent worth the money. After the sleigh ride, you head back to Santa’s Stable where Santa is waiting with hot cocoa, cookies and plenty of time for photos. It is one of those moments where the kids’ eyes light up and you feel like you’re giving them a memory they’ll talk about for years.

When we went last year, our baby was four months old, and the thing that made me feel safest was using a baby carrier. I definitely recommend wearing your little one during the ride. It made everything easier and more enjoyable for both of us. And if you’re wondering about logistics, they do have porta potties on site which is always good to know with small kids.

Tickets start at $35 for guests ages three and up, and infants ride free. This special experience is available seasonally around Christmas, so it’s worth grabbing your spot early.

If you’re looking to start a new family holiday tradition or you just want to add a little extra magic to your season, this sleigh ride is such a joyful way to do it. Book your holly jolly ride and get ready to make the sweetest holiday memories.

I always love going to Credit One Stadium. It is such a beautiful venue and every event they host feels so thoughtfully planned. There is something so comforting about attending a free community event that you know will be well run, family friendly and worth the drive. Their annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is one of my favorite ways to kick off the holiday season.

This year’s celebration is just one week away, and it is shaping up to be a magical evening. On Friday, December 5, families are invited to gather at the stadium for a night full of festive fun. The gates open at 6pm and there is plenty to enjoy before the tree lights up at 7pm.

Guests can expect a little bit of everything: a snow show that makes the whole place feel like a winter wonderland, holiday music that sets the mood, cookie decorating to keep the kids busy and happy, and a cheerful visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. It is one of those nights where you feel the holiday spirit as soon as you walk in.

One of my favorite parts is how relaxed and welcoming it feels. There is no pressure to buy anything or rush around. You can simply enjoy being with your family and soaking in all the holiday magic. And with free admission, it becomes an easy “yes” for parents looking for something trustworthy and fun to do with the kids.

If you’re hoping to start December on a festive note, the Credit One Stadium Tree Lighting Ceremony is the perfect tradition to add to your list. Bundle up, bring the whole crew, and get ready to celebrate the season together.

You accidentally skipped lunch and the hunger is now hitting you. You’re headed downtown for some early evening fun with the family, kids in tow, but you need a quick stop that has parking, food your kids will actually eat and won’t break the bank. This is your spot: Blanca Estrada Taqueria.

Owned by the same team behind La Farfelle, the beloved upscale Italian restaurant just next door, Blanca Estrada is their casual, family friendly taqueria that feels like such a gift to downtown Charleston. They converted an old shipping store into a makeshift quick-stop taqueria, and it is honestly perfect. Easy, fast, delicious and surprisingly affordable for being right in the heart of downtown.

The food was so good that my husband brought it up a few times after we left, which absolutely fed my ego and confirmed that yes, I am in fact an excellent restaurant chooser. He loved his quesabirria, and my daughter was perfectly happy with her simple meal of rice and rice. I ordered a bowl with guac on the side and it tasted so fresh and bright. Their menu has tacos, nachos, bowls and other quick favorites that work well for both parents and picky kids.

One of the biggest perks: they have their own parking lot downtown, which already makes this place a win for families. And even better, they share a bathroom with their Italian restaurant next door, and the women’s room has a changing table. RIP to my baby’s pants that didn’t survive that outing, but it was such a relief to have a clean, easy space to change him.

The atmosphere is incredibly kid friendly and relaxed. The host was so gracious when my daughter erased part of the chalkboard menu. Which is actually very understandable and cute! They even have tiny short stools perfect for kids to sit down, eat, and be still for a solid 4 minutes! It truly is such a kind, welcoming group of people who make you feel right at home.

Don’t forget to stop by Off Track Ice Cream after dinner which is right around the corner from the restaurant!

Blanca Estrada Taqueria is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11am to 7 pm at 15 Beaufain Street, and it’s exactly the kind of place every parent needs in their back pocket when hunger hits at the worst possible moment. Great food, kind staff, easy parking and a stress-free environment. It’s a downtown gem your whole family will love.

With Christmas coming up, our house has been feeling a little chaotic, especially with a 15-month-old who loves to destroy anything and everything. We’re rearranging our living room to create a little toddler space, which naturally pushed us into a Sunday afternoon toy purge. It turned out to be one of the best things we’ve done to prepare for the holidays.

We kept it simple with three piles: keep, give away and throw away. Anything broken or missing an important piece went into the recycling bin. For the rest, we asked one question: would you actually play with this again? If the answer was no, we let it go. If the answer was yes, it moved into the “are you sure?” category. Then we asked: how often? If the answer was something like “once a month,” it was probably time to part with that item.

This ended up being so eye opening. My kids honestly enjoy arts and crafts more than most of their toys. And now that the space is clearer and everything is visible again, I can actually see them reaching for different toys. It gives me a much better sense of what they enjoy, which means I can make more thoughtful gift decisions this season.

I like to keep holiday expectations reasonable and low-stress. I learned the hard way that buying gifts solely to make kids happy can backfire. They might not like what you pick or they lose interest instantly. Buying gifts with usefulness in mind cuts out that emotional rollercoaster and focuses on something much more stable.

One method that really helps is The Rule of Four: A Simple, Stress-Free Gift Method for Kids. I am realizing I need help since my 7 year old put gold grills (teeth) on his Christmas list! This rule keeps Christmas from becoming overwhelming, both for parents and kids.

The Rule of Four includes:
• Something they want
• Something they need
• Something to wear
• Something to read

It’s parent-tested and so helpful in keeping holiday chaos to a minimum.

Why it works:
It reduces stress because there’s a clear limit. It keeps things personal because you choose items that fit each child’s real interests. You can adapt it, too — want, need, wear, read plus a Santa gift works beautifully. It teaches kids gratitude, sets healthy expectations and helps keep budgets in check.

A few example ideas:
• Want: a new craft kit or a toy from their favorite show
• Need: a better water bottle, new bedding, art supplies
• Wear: cozy pajamas, holiday socks or a winter jacket
• Read: a beautiful picture book or an early reader series

Pairing a pre-holiday toy reset with this simple gift method creates a calmer, more intentional Christmas. Your kids actually play with the things they keep, you understand their real preferences and holiday shopping becomes so much easier. It’s the best way to start the season feeling prepared instead of overwhelmed.

Enjoy your week!

Love, Jenna