Winter holiday lovers rejoice -- Thanksgiving is over, which means that you can officially start celebrating for your respective winter holiday. Confession: I've been celebrating since before Halloween. For me and my family, this holiday is Christmas, and we take our celebrating pretty seriously. So, from a self-proclaimed Holiday Spirit Expert, here are some things you can do right now if you're struggling to get in the Holiday Spirit.
1. Listen to some really good Christmas music.
Simple, but effective. Last night I downloaded three Pentatonix Christmas albums, and I'm pretty satisfied honestly. This one is really up to your personal taste, because there's holiday music out there for everyone's taste.
2. Drink something warm.
As silly as it sounds, having some hot chocolate sitting by a fire or looking out a window can do a lot in the way of increasing one's holiday spirit. Especially if it involves marshmallows.
3. Hop in the car and go see some Christmas lights.
This time-honored tradition is one of my personal favorites. If you live where I live, there are plenty of places just a short drive away that put up professional light displays, and many of them have free admission. If you do not live in one of these light-accessible places, driving around neighborhoods works just as well. I have lots of memories of going to my aunt's house for Christmas, and we would pile in the car and drive around ooh-ing and ah-ing at some of the gorgeously decorated houses. This one will likely be better further into December when more people have decorated, but please keep it on your radar because it's fun.
4. Buy a present for a loved one.
Assuming your finances allow for this one (some of us are in college and money is not something of which we have a lot), it can be incredibly effective at warming a Grinch-y heart (not saying that you have a Grinch heart, just using this allusion to give you a scope). The spirit of giving to others is what the holidays are about. Doing something for someone else can really get you in the spirit.
5. Make a present for a loved one.
This is the back up for item #4. If you have time, but no money, this item may be more to your liking. Last year I made candles as gifts, and it went over pretty well. Turns out that buying supplies to make candles is cheaper than buying candles. I digress, but there really is nothing quite like making something for someone and then watching their face when they open it because you hit it out of the park with your thoughtful, made-with-love gift.
Wishes for a happy holiday season to you and yours!
