The holiday season is all about giving, being thankful and celebrating with the ones you love. Still, it can be hard to get into the festive mood with all the craziness of the season rearing its ugly head. Try just once a day to do something, no matter how small, in the name of holiday spirit. Mix and match in whatever way works for you, but be sure to remember to take some time to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.
1. Perform a random act of kindness for a stranger.
Whether big or small, a simple act of kindness can easily make someone's day a whole lot brighter. Offer to buy someone a meal or pay for their Starbucks drink. Leave a kind note on someone's car or on the bathroom mirror. The possibilities are endless!
2. Treat yourself to your favorite festive drink.
'Tis the season, so sip on some hot cocoa, peppermint mocha, or whatever you enjoy!
3. Take a quiet moment to enjoy the holiday lights.
This can be done in a quick walk around the block, or made into a night of fun, driving place to place singing Christmas carols. Many towns have houses that go all out with Christmas decorations and can usually be found online.
4. Listen to some holiday tunes whenever you need some background noise.
Michael Buble's velvety renditions of classic holiday songs is sure to make any task a little happier. Whether you're closing at work, walking home after a long day or just making dinner, you can't go wrong with some festive tunes.
5. Write down three good things that happened today, and reflect on the goodness of the world around you.
The holiday season is about giving and appreciation, after all, so don't forget to take some time out of your day to recognize the positive things around you. This can also help whenever you're just feeling down.
6. Surprise an acquaintance with a holiday gift.
Your mailman or hairdresser may not be your best friend, but they sure do work hard for you! Say thank you with a holiday gift or some homemade cookies.
7. Do some festive baking!
The possibilities are endless when it comes to seasonal baking, and you can enjoy this activity by yourself or with friends. A quick trip to the grocery store is sure to inspire your next gourmet treat.
8. DIY some gifts for less than $10.
It won't take much scrolling through Pinterest to get some majorly creative DIY gift ideas. Many of these presents can be made for super cheap with items you can get at any grocery or craft store!
9. Donate toys to a children's hospital or food to your local homeless shelter.
The holidays aren't an easy time for everyone, and it really doesn't take much to help out those in need of a little extra merriment. Around this time of year you'll find food, clothing and toy drives in your town, and you can always give that extra pocket change to the nice folks ringing the bells for the Salvation Army.
10. Write a letter or card to someone you don't see often.
Over the past several years, Christmas cards have slowly been replaced with Facebook status updates and wall posts. A mailed card or letter will be especially meaningful to family and friends in an age of technology.
11. Decorate your home or workplace.
This can be done for little cost as well! Your local dollar store is bound to have as many decorations as anywhere else, so stock up and deck the halls!
12. Let someone know how much you appreciate them.
Kindness goes a long way, and not just during the holiday season! Make sure to go out of your way to tell someone what you appreciate about them. You can write it in a card, comment on an Instagram photo, or tell them face-to-face!
13. Dress up in the spirit of the holidays.
Don't be a Grinch in a world of Santas and Rudolphs! A simple hat or festive necklace will do the trick if you don't feel like rocking that ugly holiday sweater.
14. Attend a Christmas or New Year's event.
Especially in a college town or big city, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate the holidays. From parties to tree lightings and parades, book your schedule full with holiday cheer.
15. Take a friend or loved one on a holiday date.
Spend a festive night out on the town at one of your local holiday events, at the mall for some gift shopping or at the ice rink for skating. For a night in, try your hand at baking, watching Christmas movies or roasting chestnuts on an open fire.
16. Get some holiday shopping done.
This one tends to stress out a lot of folks, especially as we get closer and closer to the big day, so beat the crowds and get started! If you're too busy or if shopping isn't your thing, you can always find what you need online. Think of it like a big holiday scavenger hunt!
17. Binge on holiday treats (or share)!
Forget the calories for a day and have at it!
18. Make a homemade meal with someone you care about.
For many, the holidays mean lots of homemade meals with family. While in preparation for the big Christmas dinner, try making new dishes or have mom teach you her secret for perfectly cooked turkey.
19. Wrap presents, or help someone who needs to.
Even if you're terrible at wrapping presents, it's a nice gesture. If all else fails, stuff some tissue paper in a cute festive bag and you're good to go!
20. Watch a Christmas movie or TV show to get in the holiday spirit.
Freeform's 25 Days of Christmas will be back again this year, as will all your favorite holiday movies and shows.
21. Let someone know that they're in your thoughts this Christmas.
Even if you can't see all of your friends and family this holiday season, reach out to them and let them know that they're in your thoughts. A positive message can make a world of difference, especially for those who may be extra stressed this Christmas,.
22. Call up a relative just to say hello.
Catch up with that weird uncle on your dad's side, just because! Even if it means listening to his jokes for an hour and a half, you'll be glad you gave him a call. I'm sure that he'll be glad that you thought of him, too.
23. Make a gingerbread house!
It's a classic Christmas tradition for anyone of any age. Also, this makes a fantastic date night idea with friends or a loved one.
24. Celebrate a holiday tradition.
Whether or not you're at home this Christmas, observe a tradition that you and your family have. Personally, my family and I each give one Christmas Eve gift to someone and sing Christmas carols at the top of our lungs until we get complaints from the neighbors.
25. Wish everyone you talk to a happy holiday.
It's a simple thing to do, and it might just make someone's day!
