1. Give to Charity

Honestly giving to charity around the holidays sounds so cliché, but it is worth it. Giving to charity should be year-round, but the holidays can be especially hard for some families. Giving or volunteering can not only make you feel ten times better, but you’ll be helping someone else also! There is nothing like knowing that you changed someone’s life to put you in the giving spirit of Christmas.

2. Have a Christmas jam sesh

I start listening to Christmas music after Halloween, but I may be a little obsessed with Christmas so it’s probably not necessary to start that early. However, if you’re feeling down and not in the spirit, Christmas music can change that! You can’t be sad while listening to Justin Bieber sing Mistletoe. As Buddy the Elf says, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear”, so don’t be ashamed to sing right along with him!

3. Go Ice-skating

Ice skating is one of the best hobbies around Christmas time, and it can be so much fun. Even if you can’t skate, bring along a friend so that they can help you stand up! Grab some friends, some cute fuzzy socks, and a camera so you can grab a cute Instagram pic. Plus, if you live near the Birmingham area they just opened their first outdoor skating rink!

4. Make Candy

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is making candy. The best part is that this can be combined with the Christmas jam sesh! Even though candy canes are mainly thought of for Christmas, there are so many other cute ideas. You can look at Pinterest but here some of my favorites that we make every year.

5. Decorate

It’s now well into December, so if you haven’t put up your Christmas tree or decorations I am a little disappointed. It’s never too late though! Like I mentioned earlier, I start listening to Christmas music in October but my mom refuses to decorate until after Thanksgiving Day so I don’t truly get into the spirit until we put our tree up.

6. Throw an Ugly Sweater Party

My favorite kind of party is an ugly sweater party! One of the best parts is getting to decorate your own sweater (here is some for the less creative AKA me). I haven’t personally hosted one but I have been to a few and it’s always a good time. Plus, what is better than getting to plan your own party? The snacks, the decorations, the invites! Maybe it’s just me but I can’t imagine being sad planning a party.

These are just a few ways to get into the Christmas spirit! However, if all else fails, have a holiday movie marathon with some hot chochalte because that works every time!