When it’s close to Christmas, but you aren’t quite feeling the joy and lightness of the season yet, you might need a little help. As an adult, that’s not unusual, either. Past Christmas memories may be weighing on you. A lack of money may be weighing on you. There could be all sorts of stressors around the holidays that make it difficult to get into the warmth and merriment of December.
If any of this feels like you right now, read ahead. Here are some tips on how to get into the Christmas spirit.
1. Listen to Christmas Music
Pick out some Christmas music that resonates with you. There is Christmas-themed music in every genre. Put some on the next time you’re cleaning up or making dinner.
2. Make Some Christmas Treats
A nice tray of Christmas treats – such as cookies – can fill the air with pretty scents and add celebration to your kitchen. Consider what sort of treats you enjoy at Christmas and try your hand at making them homemade.
3. Send Out Christmas Cards
This may be a bit old-fashioned, but it’s festive. Sending Christmas cards to family, friends, and work colleagues lets others know you’re thinking of them. Many cards are out there, too, so you can customize this activity to be anything you want.
4. Set Up Your Best Christmas Lights Display
A high-quality Christmas lights display will surely get anyone in a jolly and festive mood. Christmas light installation is easy to arrange if you don’t want to handle the hard work yourself, too. There are all sorts of light displays and ways to arrange holiday lighting to make something unique, no matter your property.
5. Attend Local Christmas Events
If what you’re doing around the house isn’t quite getting you hyped for the holidays, go outside. Find out what Christmas-themed local events are, and go have some fun. Consider inviting a friend to check out some events with you.
6. Do Some Christmas Arts & Crafts
There are hundreds – if not thousands – of creative holiday arts and crafts and Christmas DIY projects anyone can do at home. From projects done with cardboard to more elaborate ornaments to wrapping Christmas gifts in strange ways, some artistic holiday endeavours may be just what you need.
7. Buy New Christmas Decor
Don’t bother with the same holiday decor you have been putting up forever. Instead, buy new Christmas decor and set it up. Refresh and reinvigorate your Christmas display. Find decorations that truly represent your personality.
8. Watch a Christmas Movie
There are hundreds of Christmas movies out there. New ones are put out every year. Find some classics or search out ones you haven’t seen before. Much like with music, there are Christmas films, from family-oriented stories to those more adult in design.
9. Drive or Walk to Christmas Displays Around the Town
Go see the hard work of others and their Christmas displays. Many towns and cities make it a point to decorate downtown, along riversides, or in the town square. Take a walk, play music through your phone, and enjoy the beauty of these public displays.
10. Buy Some Christmas Clothing
Get into the Christmas spirit with sweaters, socks, pants, and hats. You may even want to paint your nails with a holiday red or a similar theme.
11. Do for Others and Volunteer Help
Reach out to others. The holidays can be hard on some people. Check-in with family or friends. If you want, look at local organizations’ volunteer opportunities to see how you can help those in your community who may be in need.
12. Hit Up Your Local Shopping Malls
Local malls have Christmas decor trees, and you may even see Santa Claus while you’re there. Even if you don’t buy anything, just walking through an abundance of Christmas might spark something in you. An alternative to the mall would be to check out some local shops you know that celebrate the holidays in much the same way.
13. Throw a Christmas Dinner for Friends
There are a lot of Christmas parties happening this time of year for families, work, and among friends. If you’ve got some folks you know that aren’t connecting with the holidays like you, throw a dinner with them. Share a meal and have some fun in amongst Christmas decor, music, and treats.
14. Buy a Real Evergreen Tree
If you typically always use artificial trees, consider going all the way this year with a real Christmas tree. It can even be a small version you keep in another room. A real tree brings in the smells and feel of nature that an artificial creation can never capture.
15. Fill Your Home with the Scent of Christmas
Common scents at Christmas include peppermint, cinnamon, cloves, evergreen, and vanilla. Diffuse essential oils or find scented products to add these scents and others to a room. You may also want to add cedar or similar wooden scents.