I love the holidays! I want to bask in all the splendor and joy of Christmas! But even though the desire is there, sometimes, for whatever reason, my Christmas spirit is just out of grasp. It takes a few extra steps to move me from "bah humbug" to "Joyful All Ye Nations Rise".
Maybe you are lacking the joy of the holiday. Maybe you are stressed, anxious or worried. Perhaps you are short on money, or you are not feeling great or your personal life isn’t to your liking. Or maybe you are simply just short on time. No matter the reason, if you can't embrace the glee of the season, it’s still possible to feel festive!
Here’s a list of things that help put me in the holiday mood! Maybe they will help you too.
Light your home: Even one strand of Christmas lights will create a welcoming and cozy feeling.
Bake cookies: One batch will due. I especially like cut out cookies of different shapes and sizes. And don’t forget the sprinkles for color! The aroma alone will lift your spirits. And of course the enjoyment of a Christmas cookie with a cup of something hot will warm your body and your spirit!
Play your favorite holiday music: With Pandora and Youtube, access to a variety of Christmas songs is easier than ever. Create a playlist of all your favorites melodies -- from classic to traditional, R&B to country, and all the genres in between, you can effortlessly and quickly build a library of songs that conjure up pleasant images and happy times! For those who don’t want to be bothered with playlists, simply choose a station from Pandora that reflects what you are in the mood to hear. And for those of you who have a record player and albums, indulge in the characteristically warm sound of needle against vinyl.
Bring back a tradition from times past or make your own tradition! Many years ago my Mother and I went to tea in Philadelphia at the Four Seasons. We were enchanted by the formality, the ceremony and all that makes high tea so special. The next year, we had the idea to go to Christmas tea. Since then, along with my sister and her family, we have gone for the past 13 holiday seasons. Over the years, we’ve changed venues, formality has dwindled slightly from that first tea that I experienced, and the price continues to increase drastically but it’s something to remember and a way to kick-off the holiday season! Find your tradition. It can be anything, the only requisite is to make good memories and spend time with loved one(s).
Do something nice for someone, anyone! You will feel good and so will the recipient. Choose someone you know or someone you don’t. Do something grand or something simple. It doesn’t matter. As long as it is an act of kindness!
Don't stress about gifts. I admit, I lOVE getting gifts! And I really enjoy giving them. But quite frankly, we are all too crazy about Christmas gifts. I know someone (but won't say her name) who would rather forgo a family get-to-together because "the GIFTS aren't ready" as she says in a panicked way. Doesn't missing an opportunity to see family and friends defeat the meaning of the season. Yes it's great to have all your gifts purchased and wrapped in time for the festivities but if you can't, don't sweat it. Give the gift later. Don't give up a chance to spend time with those who are close to your heart! People will understand. If they don't, are they really worth the gift? Sometimes the only gift we need is the gift of time.
Celebrate the season, not just the day! Christmas is a season, not a day. It's the big and the small moments. It's taking a walk or ride around to see homes adorned by decorations and lights! It's writing a greeting to those you haven't been in touch with recently. Receiving a "thinking of you" message, now that's a thoughtful gift! It's making a special dinner at home or adding a little sparkle to your day! It's doing something different from your routine to honor the specialness of the season. Or it's simply, going outside on a cold crisp December evening (okay that's the romantic movie producer in me), and making a wish on a star!
This holiday season I wish you happiness, I wish you freedom, I wish you love! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All!
A Think B.A.R.E. creation by Carolyn Francesca © December 2017