It’s the week after Thanksgiving and you know what that means…
It's officially the holiday season.
So turn up the Christmas music you’ve secretly been listening to and dig up those tacky holiday sweaters because today starts the 25 days of Christmas.
Here are 25 things to do to get pumped about your favorite time of the year.
1. Deck the Halls...
It's finally acceptable to decorate your home with as much festive creativity as you want. So turn on your fireplace, hang some stockings, and deck the halls to your hearts content.
2. Send Some Season’s Greetings
Whether it's your dog, your family or a group of friends, get the ones you love together for a festive photo op. Then, take advantage of the nearest 24-hour-photo service or send them out as e-cards. Regardless of the form, those on the receiving end will undoubtedly appreciate the extra holiday cheer.
3. Make a holiday playlist
Or just listen to Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" on repeat for the next 25 days.
4. Invest in a tacky holiday sweater
...or DIY one. *cue seven hours of Pinteresting*
5.Tacky sweater party
Now that you have your very own tacky holiday sweater, it's time to invite your equally festively clad friends and kick back.
6. Find a heartwarming book to curl up by the fireplace with and read
Now that it's nearing winter vacation, you're bound to have a few extra hours to spare. Why not invest your time in an uplifting book and feel good from the inside out. Some recommendations include "Olivia Helps with Christmas" and "The Itsy Bitsy Snowman."
7. Become an elf.
Turn you and your friends into Santa's helpers with JibJab.com's holiday e-card videos! Other options include A Hawaiian Christmas and Santa's Twerk Shop.
8. Toys for Tots
In lieu of the holiday festivities, let's not forget what this season is all about. Donate a toy or two to Toys for Tots--a non-profit organization run by the US Marine Core Reserves that collects and distributes toys to children who otherwise would not receive anything during the holidays.
9. Go ice skating
A classic winter activity – grab some friends, your significant other, or a parent, and burn off the extra holiday cookies on the ice.
10. Perfect your eggnog recipe
Or buy a bottle from the grocery store and pretend it's a secret recipe. Trust me, no one will know.
11. Find a holiday run!
If ice skating didn't work out or you're still feeling a little stuffed from Thanksgiving, find a local holiday-themed run and challenge some friends and family to a race!
12. Decorate gingerbread houses
Go for the classic look or take inspiration from these crazy, architecturally sound gingerbread houses.
13. Clean your closet
And donate your unwanted clothes to a nearby charity. And let's face it, your closet probably could use some organizing anyway.
14. Make paper snowflakes
Reminisce about your childhood as you create some seasonal masterpieces. *cue more Pinteresting*
15. Have a Christmas movie marathon
Take advantage of Hollywood's vast selection of holiday films and create your own line-up of the classics. Or, let ABC do the work and wallow in a sense of nostalgia for the next 25 days.
16. Go caroling
What better way to spend some time with family and friends than serenading a bunch of random folks?
17. Have a bake-off
Pit your mom against Aunt Sue in a battle for the best peppermint bark. Volunteer to be the judge and later, mediate tensions with some hot chocolate.
18. Secret Santa
Stick some names in a hat and let the giving games begin!
19. Dress up your pet for the holidays
When the holidays roll around, not even your pet can be spared from the holiday cheer. Your pet might hate you but at least you'll get a great Instagram post out of it. Take some inspiration from these festive animals.
20. Play in the snow
Nothing says winter like a day in the snow. If you live somewhere it doesn't snow, have no fear – snow in a can exists and is available for a reasonable $5.99 per can.
21. Volunteer
Whether it's at a local soup kitchen, animal shelter or through an organization like Habitat For Humanity, give some of your time this holiday season.
22. Polar bear plunge
Find the closest one to you and "bear" the cold for a worthy cause! Participants take a dip to raise money and awareness for the event's cause of choice.
23. Roast some chestnuts o'er an open fire
Warm up after your sub zero swim around a fire and hear those chestnuts pop.
24. Bake cookies
Get ready for the big man's arrival or just enjoy them yourself with a tall glass of milk.
25. Eat, drink, and be merry.
Take some time to catch up with old friends, spend time with your family and enjoy the only time of year where red and green can coexist in peace and harmony.
