Now that Thanksgiving is over, the most wonderful time of the year can now commence: Christmas. If you’re like a fellow Christmas enthusiast like myself, odds are that you’ve been humming “Sleigh Ride” and compiling ideas for gifts in your head since Halloween ended. And then there are those who roll their eyes at the sight of anything red and green and groan when harmonious carols fill the wintery air. To you anti-Christmas people I not only say “bah humbug!”, but I come with a list of things to get you in the holiday spirit. Enjoy.
1. Get your drink on. I’m personally not the biggest fan of eggnog, but hot cocoa and anything peppermint flavored automatically gets the Christmas vibes going. Depending on where you live, odds are it’s freezing cold so you’d be doing your body a favor by warming up with a cup of cocoa. Snuggle up with a fuzzy blanket and you’re basically set for life.
2. Play some festive tunes. Christmas music is the number one thing that gets me in the Christmas mood. Some favorites include “White Christmas” and “Baby it’s Cold Outside”. If we’re being completely honest, I caught myself singing these songs back in September. What can I say? I’ve been in the holiday spirit for a while and it’s finally my time to shine.
3. Online shop. I have two words for you: Cyber Monday. The Black Friday without having to interact with people. You can shop for others, but also remember to treat yourself! If that eyeshadow palette you’ve been wanting forever is on sale, go for it! You have to admit, this time of year has the best deals (and free shipping).
4. Put up a tree. Whether you want a real and musky pine or a fake one for under $100, the choice is up to you. But this holiday season is not complete without a tree. One of my favorite family traditions is putting up the tree with my family the day after Thanksgiving and decorating it with all our ornaments: each ornament representing each of us throughout the years of our lives. (I won’t go too much into detail about all the Hannah Montana and Twilight ornaments I have). There’s something about the twinkling lights and glimmering star that make Christmas seem so magical, even though my belief in a fat old man giving me presents has faded.
5. Get crafty. There are so many options: DIY ugly sweaters, ornaments, wreaths, snow globes. Take your pick. Putting something together yourself and seeing the result can not only make you feel accomplished, but you’ve got some cute decorations.
6. Decorate. If walking in the dollar section at Target doesn’t give you the chills, you need to reflect on where you went wrong. As we speak, I’m decorating my house with garland, twinkly lights, nutcrackers, snow blankets, you name it. Seeing colors of green, red, and gold intertwined together has me on the edge of my seat with excitement. If you’re not into going all out like I am, you get do something as simple as getting some festive scented candles and munching on some candy cane oreos.
7. Go ice skating. I hate all types of skating, whether that be on ice or hardwood floors. I can’t even walk on my own two feet without tripping, but being bundled up and twirling around on the ice has a certain aesthetic to it. You don’t have to be Kristi Yamaguchi to enjoy it. I’m sure falling on your ass in front of everyone is just as fun.
8. Christmas movies. There are your classics like Elf, Home Alone, Christmas Vacation. But don’t forget about TV shows too! The Simpsons and Bob’s Burgers are known for having some classic Christmas comedies. Besides, I could never get sick of Will Ferrel.
9. Give back to the community. This one is a little different than my other suggestions, because this one is all about doing something for someone other than yourself. The holidays may not be merry for everyone, but we can do our best to try. Volunteer at soup kitchens, donate at Toys for Tots, there are many options to help out those less fortunate. It may not necessarily get you in the holiday spirit, but the feeling of helping out others is one that will make up for it all.
10. Go see Christmas lights. Here in Chicago, the lighting of the Christmas tree and seeing all the window shops decorated is a tradition that many can enjoy. And you don’t have to live near a big city to do this. Drive around some random neighborhood and enjoy the glimmering lights. Or don’t. I’m sure no one is going to take their Christmas lights down until February anyway.
11. Sing. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!
