I love listening to Christmas music just as much as the next person, but when I turn on my local holiday radio station each year, it just feels repetitive. No hate to musicians like Burl Ives or Nat King Cole, but Christmas music needs an update. Personally, I'm tired of the same "Let It Snow" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas". So plug in your Christmas tree, make some hot cocoa, and listen to these amazing (and updated) holiday songs.
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EntertainmentDec 02, 2020
11 Holiday Songs You NEED To Listen To This December
Tired of hearing the same songs every Christmas?
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Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash
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Lifestyle
How The Holidays Have Changed
It all started when we learned the truth about Santa.
10h
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It is no secret that many American traditions have changed over time. As we grow older we change in so many ways that it only makes sense that we also change the way we celebrate special occasions. Of course when it comes to the holidays there are some family traditions that many of us still excitedly look forward to, whether it is eating your favorite dish or seeing favorite cousin. However, we all know that the holidays have overall changed a little from what they used to be.
1. Has anyone actually gone caroling?
While it may always be shown in holiday movies caroling has actually been on the sharp decline for some time now. According to the Pew Research Center the percentage of people who went caroling as a child dropped by almost half when asked if they were going to continue the tradition. Considering most people don't enjoy singing for strangers, including myself, this change in tradition is one I can understand.
2. Christmas cards.
Christmas and New Year gift card Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Besides your dentist or doctor people don't really send christmas cards to extended family and friends anymore. Surprisingly this used to be one of the more popular holiday traditions celebrated in America. Pewforum.org reported an almost 20% decrease in people who sent cards and people who plan to send cards. I personally would love to see this tradition saved considering sending the basic Merry Christmas or Happy Thanksgiving text to friends isn't always sufficient enough.
3. Putting up the Christmas Tree.
When I was a kid putting up the christmas tree was a very big deal. It was always huge and extravagant with ornaments of all kinds. This is still a reality for a lot of people but it has become a little less common. Whether it is small and skinny or full and decorated putting up a Christmas tree is still one of the most celebrated traditions.
4. Gifting baked goods.
butter cookies on plate Photo by Monika Grabkowska on Unsplash
Giving and receiving baked goods for special events is still very mainstream in America but the idea of doing it specifically for the holidays has become less and less popular. If we could try and keep this tradition going I would greatly appreciate it. Baked goods will always be considered a great gift to me.
5. Attending religious services.
boy holding Holy Bible Photo by David Beale on Unsplash
Christmas is already beginning to see Christmas a cultural practice rather than a religious one. This may be the reason that less people plan to attend religious services during the holidays compared to when their were kids. It could also be because your parents at there to wake you up.
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Everyone who has done musicals knows that once you go there you can never go back. It's like a virus. It never leaves and you find yourself attracted to all types of theater things. You're drawn to it like a moth to a flame. There are certain things you know to be true, whether you did a musical once or have done them your entire life.
1. A single word can make you burst into song.
If you happen to mention even one cue word around me, it's likely that I will break into song. It just happens. Nobody else knows what is happening either so don't feel left out.
2. You knew how to contour before it was cool.
All of the stage makeup you had to do for every performance is paying off. But, remember to tone it down a bit for off stage.
3. You own a huge collection of foundations that are way darker than your natural skin tone.
It's something you have to live with because the lights on stage are bright. If you don't own a collection of foundations then the above gif is the reaction you get.
4. Accidentally going too heavy on the blush and bronzer when you're not on stage.
This is a more rare occurrence but we've all done it a few times. It's okay. It's most likely going to happen after a long run of performances.
5. You've learned to get comfortable with improvisation.
Things happen. Some could accidentally get hit with a baseball bat on stage and you have to roll with it.
6. When you watch another performance you always notice the curtains moving.
It's really distracting. Now you understand what your director was talking about when she told the cast millions of times not to touch the curtains.
7. You know that getting comfortable with the script is the most important thing.
After that, the most hilarious shenanigans ensue on stage.
8. The little ongoing games that take place both on and off stage.
How many times can I get him to break character? When will someone notice that I have been doing the macarena for the last five minutes? The possibilities are endless.
9. You have no problems going to see a show more than once.
You know that each show is drastically different, even if it is the same story.
10. Your fellow cast members become your family.
While you're glad it's over because you don't have to worry about not eating dairy before the show and all of the other little things that come along with being in choir, you're going to miss it. Who else but your cast mates will understand the struggle?
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Lifestyle
9 Holiday Dates You And Your Significant Other Should Go On
Fun things to do in the winter.
20h
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Pexels
When you come home over Christmas break, it's hard to find fun in your hometown. During the winter, it's hard to find the motivation to go out and find things to do. However, there are plenty of fun things to do in almost any town, and there are tons of fun date ideas that aren't taken advantage of. Here are nine fun winter dates to go on.
1. Ice skating
The seasonal classic. There's nothing more romantic than falling down in front of your date or showing off your skills if you actually know how to ice skate. It's a fun way to adventure outside your comfort and really get in the Christmas spirit.
2. Walks in the snow
Even though it's cold, it's so pretty after it snows. If you can bear the cold, why not take advantage of it? Also, during the winter, the parks are fairly empty, so you can enjoy the snow in peace with your SO.
3. Hot chocolate and movie night
There's nothing like curling up with a mug of hot chocolate and putting on your favorite movies to spend time together and stay warm.
4. Decorating a Christmas tree
If you live together, this is a fun seasonal one. It's a cute little bonding activity to do together. If you really want to go all out, you can even go pick out your own tree together.
5. Christmas shopping
Whether it's online or at a mall, it's cute to walk around picking out presents for the people that you love with the person that you love.
6. Sledding or skiing
If there's snow on the ground, then why not go snowing or skiing? Even though sledding is normally just for kids, why not still do it as adults, especially if neither of you ski.
7. Baking Christmas cookies
There's nothing more fun than baking with your SO. Not only can you eat what you've made, but it's also something fun to do together.
8. Try something new
Have an interest in common, but have never done anything with it before? Why not use the free time that you have over the holidays and try a new hobby?
9. Look at Christmas lights
Whether you drive around neighborhoods to see them, or you go to the mall or the zoo, the lights are so pretty, and some people go all out with their lights.
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Health and Wellness
5 Practical Ways To Be Kinder To Yourself, Because You Deserve The Same Love You Give To Others
I've realized that being nice to myself is actually really important.
01 December
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Photo by Freddy Mishiki on Unsplash
I'll never forget the day that someone told me these words: "Madison, I think you're a good friend to everyone but yourself." I stood there completely in awe of that statement. Before that day, I never really thought about being a friend to myself, and at the time, I didn't really know what it meant. Now, I realize that you can't fully be there for other people unless you're there for yourself, too. You can't show up for others until you're willing to show up for yourself.
Here are five things everyone should learn in order to be a better friend to themselves. These steps are hard, but they're so worth it.
1. Learn to say no, and actually mean it
This is one of the hardest things for me to do. I'm an enneagram 2, for goodness sake — I love to help and I'm happiest when I'm busy. I've realized that I over-commit and burn myself out, simply because I'm afraid of letting other people down. I often worry that if I don't do something, they won't like me.
By no means am I advocating for everyone to walk around and say "no" to everything, but I want to encourage you to be intentional about what you put your time and energy into each day. Pick a few things that you genuinely want to do and commit to them.
I struggle with saying no, but I've come up with two questions to ask myself when an opportunity arises: Do I genuinely want to do this? If not, is there a chance that I might be taking an opportunity away from someone else who does — someone who will do the job just as well, or even better than me?
2. Realize that doing your best does not mean sacrificing your health
Too often, we're judged so much on our performance and output that our health often becomes secondary. I hope you know that doing your best and striving for excellence does not mean rejecting your basic needs and overall wellbeing. Doing your best does not mean perfection, and trust me, this is something that I'm very much working on myself.
Just as it's important to set clear expectations in our outside relationships, we have to do the same with ourselves. This might look like allowing yourself to take a nap, even though you have five hours of work left. It might look like showering and getting dressed, even if you don't feel like it. It might mean putting the textbooks away for the night and watching an episode of your favorite Netflix show instead.
Something that's helpful in this endeavor is having friends that actively encourage and hold you accountable to your physical and mental health as well. You can also do this on your own by setting a timer or a schedule. In high school, I had a rule that if I wasn't finished with my work for the day by nine, I would go to bed. Now, I give myself thirty minutes each day to do something that I enjoy that's free of work, whether that be listening to music or going for a walk. It's the little things that end up being the big things — take them seriously.
3. Enjoy your own company
As an extrovert, I'm someone who adores being around people. I've started realizing that part of being a good friend to myself is setting time to be alone. Being alone used to terrify me — sometimes, it still does. Yet, I've found that setting time each day to do something independently is valuable.
Whether that be writing poetry, browsing Pinterest for inspirational quotes (yes, I'm definitely that girl), or making a quick run to Target, I'm working to incorporate some alone-time into my daily routine. For you, this might look like going for a run or taking yourself out to get your favorite Starbucks drink. For others, this might mean cooking your favorite dinner and binge-watching your favorite show for hours.
If you don't want to schedule out time each day to do something for yourself, you can also pick a certain day each week to treat yourself and enjoy your own company. As strange as it sounds, taking time for yourself is the foundation of your relationships with others. It's not selfish, and quite honestly, it's one of the most selfless things that you can do. I've found that having a clear view of myself has given me greater clarity in my relationships with others. Most importantly, I'm aware of what I bring to the table and no longer tolerate those who don't.
4. Realize that not everyone deserves a front-row seat to your life (and you don't need a front-row seat to theirs)Â
Embracing this truth might mean something different for all of us. For some, it might mean unfollowing accounts on social media that continually make you feel unworthy. It might mean limiting your time on social media. For others, it might mean distancing yourself from others who don't make you the best version of yourself. By all means, be kind and respect them, but realize that you don't need to be everyone's best friend.
You don't have to like everyone, and they don't have to like you. You owe it to yourself to surround with those who are dedicated to your well-being and give you energy instead of taking it from you. As difficult as it is, you can love people and want the best for them but not allow them back into your life. Wish them well, and realize that gaining them isn't worth losing yourself. You owe it to yourself to unfollow your ex or remove yourself from toxic friendships.
The same is true for others. Respect the boundaries that they might put in place, and realize that you don't need to know every detail of their lives, either. Seek out people who continually build you up. These are the people who do deserve a front-row seat to your life. Seek relationships that speak life into your bones and give you a sense of purpose, but realize that these relationships don't define who you are.
5. Give yourself grace
Your relationship with yourself takes work, just like your relationships with other people. It's OK if there are moments where you slip up and think that you've failed. Those moments will come, and it's these moments that push you to grow as a person. It's these moments that will ultimately define your character and shape who you hope to be. You are worthy of the love that you so freely give to others — use that truth to advocate for yourself. Live fiercely and do big things, but remember that even if you didn't do these things, you would still be just as wonderful. You don't have to be perfect. I promise, and I'm still learning, too.
You are worthy of every good thing that comes your way. Don't ever forget it.
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Lifestyle
5 Things You Can Do To Get Into The Christmas Spirit
Merry (early) Christmas!
01 December
1954
YouTube
Finals, exams and papers - oh my! The only thing keeping you sane at the moment is the thought that Christmas break is near. Need a mid-week pick-me-up? Here are some simple things you can do to stay motivated and get into the Christmas spirit.
1. Play Christmas Music
Walking to class? Studying in the library? Driving to work? No matter what boring task you are doing, listening to Christmas music will boost your mood instantly. Pick your favorite Christmas movie and download the album ASAP. Almost every artist has a Christmas album too, so the options are endless.
2. Start Buying Gifts Early
Just can't wait to start buying gifts? Start early! You will thank yourself later when you are not rushing to be done a few days before Christmas. Plus, you will get everything on your list. As Christmas nears, the mall becomes more and more picked over. Shopping early gives you the first picks before others start shopping.
3. Decorate
Time to put up the tree! There's no right time to put up your Christmas tree; any time is the right time. Getting set up early not only puts you in the Christmas spirit, but it allows you to slowly start putting up your decorations vs devoting an entire day to it. Start pulling the ornaments down from the attic and put the Christmas pillows on the couch - the time has come.
4. Eat/Drink Seasonal Treats
If the peppermint and eggnog coffee creamers are in-store, you know it's time. Eating or drinking seasonal items can put you in the Christmas spirit instantly. Gingerbread, eggnog, peppermint, white chocolate - the options are endless. Or, make a treat that your family only has over the holidays. This will be sure to brighten your week.
5. Dress For The Holiday
Dressing for the Christmas season will make you feel ready in an instant. Still too hot out for your favorite sweater? No worries! Sleep in it at night or bring it to wear in the chilly library. If there's a will, there's a way.
No matter your holiday traditions, keep pushing through and make it to Christmas. Merry (early) Christmas!
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