1. Smile and say hello.To everyone and anyone. The bell ringers outside the grocery store, the employees working overtime at retail stores, your neighbor walking the dog, etc. Buddy the Elf says it best, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing (or saying hello) for all to hear.”
2. Ditch the gift cards.I refer to gift cards as the easy-way-out present. Spend a little more time asking about the person you are buying for versus using that time to buy things for yourself. I am guilty too, don’t worry.
3. Call a relative.This one is simple. Just do it. Even if Grandma keeps you on the phone for 30 minutes rambling on about all the different types of Christmas cookies she just made.
4. Ask the question, “Hey (insert name here), is there anything I can do for you today?” Mom could always use help in the kitchen, Dad shoveling the driveway and grandparents figuring out their new technology, aka the IPad. A helpful hand is a gift in itself.
5. Put away the phone, especially on Christmas.There is no need for you to be snapchat-ing your presents, Instagram-ing your super cute holiday outfit or checking in at Downtown, Chicago on Facebook. Enjoy YOUR holiday, there is no reason to browse everyone else’s.
6. Embrace the holiday chaos.Chances are there is going to be lots of extra traffic, long lines and zero close parking spaces. Easy fix? Turn on some Christmas music and practice patience. If you follow people around the parking lot like a shark long enough, I am sure you will eventually get a spot.
7.Watch your favorite Christmas movie.ABC Family isn’t showing those movies just because. Grab some popcorn, a cozy blanket and reminisce on the days you believed in the magic of Christmas. P.S. There still is some Christmas magic, you just have to believe!
8. Ditch the diet.Eat the caramel popcorn. Eat the cookies. Eat the candy canes. Drink the eggnog and/or spiced wine. Everyone puts on lbs. during the holidays, don’t try and be the exception
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9. Give an unexpected gift.Your local bartender, your favorite cashier at Jewel, the front door man, your pick. Everyone deserves a present, big or small. An unexpected present may just make their holiday season.
10. Go to church. You have heard it a million times. “That’s what Christmas is really all about.” In case you forgot, Jesus is hitting big birthday digits and is still fully alive and #blessed. If you have made excuses all year long for not giving some praise to the big guy, at least go on his birthday! He is the reason for the season.
