Tuesday, December 1, 2015

25 Ways to Get Into the Christmas Spirit


This post is a little out of my normal range of posts, but December 1st has finally arrived, which means that Christmas cheer is about to get kicked up a notch. This is my absolute favorite time of year, so I cannot wait to celebrate as much as I can. 

Feeling extra "grinchy" this year? Here are some ways to boost your holiday spirits.

1. ABC Family's "25 Days of Christmas"
Every day through Christmas, ABC Family has a nonstop lineup of Christmas movies from early in the morning until late at night. With movies like Elf, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Home Alone and Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the possibilities are endless. You can view the entire movie line-up for the 2016 Christmas season here. 

2. Classic Christmas cartoons.
Of course, you can't simply forget Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, or Frosty the Snowman, either. 

3. Baking holiday treats.
Because who doesn't love Christmas cookies and cranberry nut bread? Find some of the most delicious recipes for holiday goodies here.

4. Buying presents.
With the season of Christmas comes the season of giving. Giving family and friends presents is probably one of my favorite things about this time of year, and with Cyber Monday only a few days ago, some websites like Amazon.com have them available all week long. Of course, even if you are not able to snag a good deal this week, plenty of stores keep them popping up all month long.

5. Wrapping presents.
To be honest, I love wrapping presents but am dreadful when it comes to putting sheets of wrapping paper and Scotch tape together to make something look pretty. If you are the same way or simply want cute and creative ideas, check out this ultimate gift wrapping guide.

6. Keeping a countdown (or twenty).
Planners, laptops, cell phones, white boards and calendars make great places to keep as many countdowns as you want. (I may or may not have round twelve at the moment.)

7. Constant Christmas music.
From Mariah Carey to Bruce Springsteen, it can be hard to grow tired of the seasonal classics. Spotify has some pretty great playlists, too. Try looking up "Merry Christmas: The Best Holiday Music" on your account to spruce up your day.

8. Decorating.
Deck the halls with boughs of holly, or whatever you want! Tinsel, bells, wreaths, snowmen and absolutely anything with glitter make perfect touches. 

9. Putting up the Christmas tree.
 Besides a great family pastime, putting up the Christmas tree is often filled with memories. Finding old ornaments and remembering the significance behind them can be a heart-warming task, even for Ebeneezer Scrooge.

10. Seeing Christmas lights at night. 
Maybe your family is something out of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. If that is the case, it might be a good idea to look at the twinkling lights around your town and see your neighbors' small victories. 

11. Making wish lists.
 I always find myself thinking of things that I want for Christmas, but constantly forgetting them when it comes time for someone to ask me what they should buy me. Try writing your own thoughts down virtually or in a notebook so that you do not forget, either.

12. Fireplaces.
My dad never lets me turn on the fireplace until the Christmas season is officially upon us. Who doesn't love the toasty feel of a roaring fire?

13. A long vacation ahead. 
The time that you have been waiting for since Thanksgiving ended. One week, two weeks, or however long, make this the vacation that you know that you deserve.

14. Paper snowflakes.
I do not care how old you are, you are never too old to make paper snowflakes. Whether you have snow in your area or not, hang them from your ceilings and tape them to your walls. Make some more like when you were a kid by learning here. 

15. Planning holiday parties.
Planning parties in general has always been a favorite of mine . . .

16. Attending holiday parties.
. . . but sometimes, it is nice to let someone else do the work, too.

17. Volunteer.
No matter how fortunate you may be (particularly during the holidays), not everyone can be as blessed. Take the opportunity to volunteer at a local shelter, nursing home, or soup kitchen and lend a hand to those who might not have anyone to spend this time of year with. You might really make someone's day. 

18. Traditions.
Every family has their holiday traditions. Big or small, there is bound to be at least one that you are attached to. Not with your family to celebrate them? Practice them on your own or share them with close ones who might not know of them. 

19. Start your own traditions.
There is a first time for everything! Why not make some new traditons for you and your loved ones to celebrate?

20. Family Christmas pictures.
If you hate making new ones, at least you can have a good laugh while looking at some of the old ones.

21. Getting Christmas cards. 
 Especially in college, receiving Christmas cards from loved ones back home is enough to make me smile all day.

22. Build a snowman.
Do you want to build a snowman? HA I am totally joking. But . . . maybe?

23. Go ice skating.
If you are as clumsy as me this might not be something that I advise, but it can be a good time with the right people (especially when they laugh at your misery whilst hitting the ground).

24. Watch the NORAD Santa Tracker.
I am not sure that there is anything much better than seeing the faces of my little cousins light up when I show them the NORAD Santa Tracker every Christmas Eve to see where Santa visits before Christmas morning. There is something about that spark in one's eyes, especially with such belief and excitement in their hearts, that makes everything glow just a little bit brighter.      

25. Getting the family together.
Because there is no place like home for the holidays. "The best gift around the Christmas tree is the presence of family wrapped in love." (Perhaps a bit of a cheesy end note, but in the spirit of Christmas, bear with me.)

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