I think most of us can agree that 2016 was not the greatest year. For a multitude of reasons, the world is ready for it to be over and long forgotten. However, before we go charging into 2017 and try to completely wipe out this horrid year, there are a few things we can do to try to end 2016 on a positive note. So while there were some pretty terrible things this year, it doesn’t have to end that way!
1. Make Copious Amounts of Cookies (And Eat Them)
They make great gifts and you can have a baking montage!
2. Buy Presents
Sure, most people do shopping online nowadays, but the old fashion way is so much more fun!
3. Make Someone a Present
Or better yet, make something creative for someone you love. Whether it's a gift or just a card, they'll appreciate the time effort you spent on them.
4. Buy a Present For Someone In Need
Pick up a card from a gift Christmas tree, donate a toy to Toys for Tots, buy someone a book at Barnes and Noble, the options are endless.
5. Make Personalized Holiday or New Years Cards
Instead of slapping a name and signature on a greeting card, make a memorable card people will actually want to keep, and spend some time filling out a personal message that is sure to make them smile.
6. Write a Christmas Card to a Hospital Patient or Veteran
7. Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen
8. Go For a Walk and Look Up at the Snow Falling
9. Drink Hot Cocoa
10. Play in the Snow
11. Set Your Goals For 2017
I think most of us can agree 2016 wasn’t so great, but 2017 can surely be better!
12. Rearrange and Decorate
Just because you take all your Christmas decorations down doesn’t mean you have to go back to boring and plain walls. Switch it up to lift up your spirits all year.
13. Listen to Christmas Music
Yes, it’s everywhere, but can it really get old? Michael Buble’s Christmas album basically is Christmas.
14. Make an Ornament
Get creative and make something you can cherish for the years to come.
15. Self Care
The holidays usually involve lots of time planning for other people, but sometimes you just need time for yourself. Whether it's binge-watching a show or giving yourself a spa night, do something for you so you can charge into 2017 ready to pounce.
16. Make a Photo Album or Scrapbook of the Year
17. Make Homemade Applesauce and Pumpkin Pie
18. Decorate the Christmas Tree
20. Decorate Your Living Room or Desk. Get Creative With It!
27. Get Crafty with Pinterest
21. Reflect on the Year
Where did you run short, and what were your proudest moments?
22. Start Your New Year’s Resolutions Early
You don't need to start 2017 feeling down about yourself. Create a plan, and get going!
23. Watch Classic Christmas Movies
Whether it’s "Frosty The Snowman," "Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer," or "The Year Without a Santa Claus," the classics are always the best.
24. Watch a New Christmas Movie
Even though some movies are tradition, it's good to throw something new into the mix now and then. Watch something you've never seen before, be it new or old, and maybe you’ll even start a new tradition.
25. Watch the Christmas Special of Your Favorite TV Show.
Dr. Who, Spongebob, Friends, or Glee, most shows have holiday specials.
26. Watch a Slasher Movie
27. Find Your 2017 Anthem or Mantra
28. Get a Haircut for the New Year
29. Cook Food Together
30. Go Ice Skating
31. Give Yourself Christmas Themed Nails
32. Learn About Another Holiday
33. Go Shopping For Yourself
34. Wear Fuzzy Pajamas and Socks
35. Do Whatever You've Always Wanted To Do, But Never Get To
