15 Things to get you in the holiday spirit
Charlie Brown said, “I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I'm not happy. I don't feel the way I'm supposed to feel.” Do you feel the same as Charlie Brown? How do you get into the holiday spirit? Check out the following ideas you can share:
- Christmas lights – Especially with turning the clocks back
String lights are a very popular décor accessory. They come in plug-in, battery, or solar options for both indoor and outdoor. Add Christmas lanterns to stair stoops or hang from low tree branches. Flameless lights and lighted Christmas presents can provide décor and illumination.
- Pulling out the holiday décor including the wreaths for the front door
Take stock of your holiday stash by pulling out the plastic tubs, boxes, and bags of décor. Time to decide what your themes might be and decide what changes to make. Front door wreathes are easy and can quickly set the holiday feeling.
- List of Christmas carols / An overview of original Christmas songs vs their remakes
Do you like old school traditional Christmas music, like Judy Garland or Burl Ives? Or do you prefer to add new tunes from Harry Connick, Jr? New artists, such as, Cascada are getting involved in the lucrative holiday tunes market and providing snappy alternatives.
- Plan for watching classic holiday movies and cartoons
Here are some classic lines from our favorites.
“First we’ll make snow angels for at least two hours, then we’ll go ice skating, then we’ll eat a whole roll of Tollhouse Cookiedough as fast as we can, and then we’ll snuggle.” - Elf
“Just because you can’t see something doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.” – The Santa Clause
“I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It’s not bad at all, really. Maybe it needs a little love.” - A Charlie Brown Christmas
- Holiday candle scents
Great scents include: Mistletoe, fir, fireside, juniper, peppermint, gingerbread, cinnamon, clove and cedar.
- Martha Stewart suggests placing festive ornaments around the house
Hang ornaments in small windows, on your wreath, lamp shade, overhead hanging lights, mantle, stair railing, garland, nook, fireplace, and outdoor planters.
- Holiday parties for the home, office, or family
Holiday parties are great to start planning to get in the spirit. This is a simple way to keep the merriment going from Halloween and Thanksgiving. Fall food, good drinks, and chocolate desserts are part of the culinary experience.
- A roundup of gorgeous wrapping paper and ribbons
You can run to Target and pick up wrapping paper or you can get more adventurous and go to a specialty paper store, like the Paper Source, to get unique paper like glitter and instructional videos on ribbon bow tying. Presentation is so much fun!
- Your family’s personal traditions
Family's holiday traditions are a nostalgic blend of happiness and remembrance. Your family’s holiday traditions are one of the most special parts of the season and build fond memories. What are some of your traditions?
- Christmas Tree Shopping
Does your family go to the local lot, head to the country, or visit a store to get your fir baby? Last year they went quickly, and this year will be no different so plan accordingly.
- Holiday cards! Maybe with family photos?
Receiving cards in the mail is a sure sign that others are getting ready for Christmas. What type of cards to you send?
- Top Christmas stories / books
Before it came a movie, it was probably a book! How the Grinch Stole Christmas was a book first and a fun read.
- Christmas beverages!
Hot chocolate, cider mulled wine, pumpkin spice latte, golden wassail, cinnamon toddy, bourbon citrus sipper, peppermint hot chocolate, apple cider, cranberry punch, and champagne! Yum! Can’t wait!
- Plan some baking with friends and family.
Sugar cookies and gingerbread houses are awesome treats for the holidays. If your really advanced, fruit cakes or thumbprint cookies could be your thing.
- Donate! USPS has a program called USPS Operation Santa, where is pairs kids and families with people who can help fill wishes.