by Lauren Burch
“Instead of being a time of unusual behavior, Christmas is perhaps the only time in the year when people can obey their natural impulses and express their true sentiments without feeling self-conscious and, perhaps, foolish. Christmas, in short, is about the only chance a man has to be himself.” ~Francis C. Farley
Holiday decorations, music and festivities surround us this time of year. People are busy decorating, sending cards, buying presents, playing holiday music and attending holiday parties. What do you do if you are just not into the holiday spirit this year? We hear so much about holiday stress that it can be easy to lose sight of what the holidays really should be: fun, joyful, and a little magical.
So if your holiday “spirit-o-meter” has been running low, here are 8 steps to letting in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Christmas and getting into the holiday spirit:
• Turn on the holiday tunes. Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit faster than music. Once you hear those familiar notes, those same jingles you’ve been singing along with since you were 5; the warm and fuzzy Christmas feelings come rushing back.
• Make some hot chocolate or eggnog. The edibles of Christmas are a major part of what makes the season special. So take time to whip up and savor a seasonal beverage like hot chocolate or eggnog. Make a roaring fire in the fireplace, settle into your favorite chair, pick up a good book and sip on a tasty drink.
• Look at Christmas lights. Nothing quite puts the Christmas magic back in your heart like Christmas lights. Ordinary houses and trees are transformed into something extraordinary. It’s seeing the Christmas lights that let you know it’s a special time of year. Drive around town and check out the neighborhood displays.
• Bake cookies. There are few things more wonderful than the smell of cookies warming in the oven. Make an event out of baking with holiday-shaped cutters — reindeer, gingerbread men — or by experimenting with ingredients like cinnamon or pretzels.
• Make gifts. If you’re feeling crafty, why not give your gifts a handmade touch this year? The experience of making them will help you get even more into the holiday spirit, and those you give to will appreciate your handiwork.
• Write holiday cards. For the loved ones you won’t get to do fun winter activities with, don’t rely on e-cards when sending holiday greetings. Sitting down and taking the time to write a hand-written note (as our moms and grandmas have long encouraged) really does show you care, and the gesture will only strengthen these relationships
• Start Decorating Your Home (and Yourself!). One of the classic methods of getting in the holiday spirit is to bring the boxes down from the attic and start unloading the holiday cheer. Once you start unpacking your holiday decorations, you’ll be hearing sounds of jingle bells in your head. Wear your tacky Christmas sweater, elf shoes, jingle bell necklace, or any other Christmas-themed accessory to take it up another notch.
• Do Service. Of course all of the above are simply a means to an end, that end being a warmed heart, a spirit that melts away the cynicism and primes the heart for a renewed sense of generosity. If you’re not feeling jolly this holiday season, the easiest way to change that is to do some service for someone else. Shovel the driveway for the old lady next door, volunteer at the soup kitchen, or anonymously leave a donation for someone in need.
Whatever route you choose this holiday season, just know that if you’re not feeling the holiday spirit, it’s out there, you just need to go out and get it. Happy Holidays!