How to Get Into the Christmas Spirit (when you're not quite feeling it yet)

Oct 2nd 2018

They say Christmas is the most wonderful time of year, but what if the holiday season is right around the corner and you’re not feeling the Christmas cheer? If you’re struggling to get in the holiday mood, these tips might help:

Bell Christmas Ornaments on a Brightly Lit Christmas Tree

Go All-Out with Decorations

One of the most magical parts of Christmas is the way your surroundings transform and light up as the holiday draws near. Could you imagine a Christmas party without any lights, garland, or trees? It’s not nearly as fun! If you haven’t yet, put up Christmas decorations around your home and go all-out. Hit Pinterest or Instagram for some inspiration on how you want your decor to look this year. Go for a classic look of reds, greens and golds, or mix it up and try a more modern look. Shop for a fun new collection of ornaments you’ll be excited to use, adorn your walls and doorways with warm clear lights, hang up the stockings and make your Christmas tree the biggest spectacle you’ve seen yet. Light a holiday-themed scented candle, post a picture of your masterpiece on social media, sit back, and enjoy.

Christmas Playlist On a Laptop

Create a Christmas Playlist

For some, Christmas music is a highly anticipated part of the holiday season, while for others, not so much. However, there’s no denying that listening to Christmas music is a great way to get the spirit going. Many of those familiar, classic tunes conjure up images of quaint snow-covered villages, sleigh rides, family parties, and the classic wintertime characters such as Santa Claus, Frosty the snowman, or Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. Even if you typically aren’t a fan of Christmas music, try this out: pull up some classic Christmas tunes online, pick out the ones you don’t mind too much, make your own curated playlist, and watch how quickly the holiday mood washes over you.

Closeup of Hot Chocolate With Toasted Marshmallows

Indulge in Holiday Treats

Food always has the power to transform our mood, and certain foods just go so well with certain seasons. A classic example is the emergence of pumpkin spice, cinnamon and apple flavors as soon as the first leaves begin to fall. Christmas has its own wonderful collection of treats and there’s no better excuse to indulge than “I’m getting into the Christmas spirit!”. So stock up on eggnog, grab a mug of hot apple cider or a soothing cup of hot chocolate, make a batch of sugar cookies, sit down by the fire and enjoy your treats while listening to your custom Christmas playlist.

It's a Wonderful Life Christmas Movie

Watch a Christmas Classic...or Three

Christmas movies are perfect for getting into the holiday groove. There are so many to choose from, and they’re almost guaranteed to leave you feeling excited for the festivities to come. Love old movies? Put on It’s A Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, or White Christmas. Into slightly more recent classics? Opt for A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, the Home Alone series or Elf. In the mood for something animated? The Nightmare Before Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer or A Charlie Brown Christmas are all great choices.

Women Holding Hands on Table

Make Someone Else’s Christmas Merry

A classic Christmas axiom states “‘tis always better to give that receive”. The holiday season is a wonderful time for many people, but it can be a difficult time for others. If you want to not only get into the Christmas spirit but want to instill it in others as well, get out there and give. Volunteer at a local shelter, donate food and other goods to those in need, visit a local nursing home and maybe bring gifts for the residents - there are so many wonderful things you can do to brighten somebody’s Christmas and inspire others to do the same.