Finding out that Santa Claus isn't real is one of the most major losses a child could experience. From that moment on, a piece of excitement is lost for Christmas. Things seem dull and to some people the holiday becomes dreadful. If you are one of those scrooges who isn't feeling cheerful, here are 10 steps you can take to have a "holly jolly Christmas."
1. Listen to Holiday Music
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear,” so crank up those tunes and belt out to Jingle Bell Rock or sit by the fireplace and be serenaded by Michael Bublé’s "Silent Night."
2. Wear Festive Clothes
Pull out those ugly Christmas sweaters, Santa hats, and reindeer ears from the back of your closet and dress fun for a month! Your holiday attire and accessories will brighten the room and encourage others to get into the holiday spirit.
3. Watch Old School Christmas Cartoons
These cartoons are only on television once a year so take advantage and spend some family time around the TV as you watch some Christmas classics. For the best lineup and holiday movies and shows, Freeform’s (formally known as ABC Family) 25 Days of Christmas list is one that can’t be beat.
4. Decorate Your House
Cover your house in twinkling lights, sparkling garland, or big character blow ups to bring some life to your neighborhood. It’s so beautiful to drive down a residential block and see how each house is uniquely decorated. The glow of the lights creates a communal feeling of happiness that all feel around this time of year.
5. Give Back To Your Community
Whether you give money to the Salvation Army bucket that is outside of your local grocery store or you buy nonperishable items for the church’s food drive, make sure to give to those who are less fortunate so their Christmas can be the best it can be.
6. Whip Up Delicious Holiday Treats
Bake a classic holiday treat such as a yule log roll or peppermint bark to entice your holiday senses. Shape those butter cookies using Christmas shaped cookie cutters and use red and green sprinkles to add even more holiday zest to your desserts. And if you’re uncomfortable in the kitchen, make hot chocolate or pour yourself a glass of eggnog.
7. Bring Your Little Siblings To Visit Santa
The excitement of the holidays may fade as a person gets older and the one way to feel that excitement and joy you once knew is by living through your little siblings’ experiences with Santa Claus. Bring them to see Santa at the mall, help them write letters to him, and track Santa’s every move as he flies across the world on Christmas Eve by using the Nordic Tracker. Seeing their faces light up during the holiday season is definitely the best gift of all.
8. Host A Holiday Themed Party
Host a pre-Christmas celebration with your friends with many games, food, and prizes. A classic party is an ugly Christmas sweater party, one where the person with the ugliest sweater wins a prize! Or, you could also host a potluck, a party that requires each guest to bring one of their favorite holiday treats (less stress for the host).
9. Play In The Snow
No one is too old to play in the snow. Break out your inner kid and have a snowball fight with friends or see who can build the best snowman.
10. Go See Holiday Performances
If you’re lucky enough to live near a big city such as New York City, then go on down to Rockefeller Center and see the enormous Christmas tree they have on display and don’t forget to go see the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City. If you don’t live close to a big city, then make sure to check out what your community is doing for the holidays. Schools, churches, and community centers are guaranteed to create some holiday magic by performing plays, having a caroling group, or hosting their own Christmas tree lighting.
