Tag: Christmas spirit

8 Ways to Get into the Holiday Spirit

Thanksgiving is over. Are you having trouble finding your Christmas spirit this year? Take a step back and try to find the magic of the holiday season. Set aside your overwhelming to-do list and recharge. If you are searching for ways to get into the holiday spirit, check out the following ideas for inspiration.

Photo by Leeloo Thefirst on Pexels.com

1. Start Your Own Traditions

Yes, carrying on family traditions is a large part of the Christmas holiday. But if the tradition is not within your budget or causes stress, skip it. Find new traditions to fit your own individual or family’s vision. Low-budget or free activities are easy to turn into yearly Christmas traditions.

  • Drive around and look at Christmas lights and displays.
  • Attend a Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
  • Go to special Christmas services at church.
  • Watch a Christmas parade.
  • Christmas movie night (Don’t forget the hot chocolate)

2. Decorate

Decorate than decorate more. Do you only use certain decorations? Well, consider pulling out all your Christmas decorations. Decorate every part of your house. Spreading the Christmas cheer throughout your home is a great way to find your holiday spirit.

3. Learn to Say, “No”

Christmas is a busy time of year. Schedules quickly fill up. If you do want the extra work or attend another Christmas party, remember it’s okay to say “no”. Politely decline. Overbooking yourself or your family over the holiday season is the fastest way to lose your holiday spirit.

4. Volunteer

 Giving back to the community is a great way to boost your Christmas spirit. Volunteer a day or a couple hours to a good cause. Volunteering is a great tradition to start with your entire family.

  • Wrap presents for children in need.
  • Deliver Christmas baskets through your local community non-profits or church.
  • Cook or serve food at your local women’s shelter, homeless shelter, or soup kitchen.
  • Walk dogs at your local animal shelter or pet rescue.

5. Bake

Are you someone who finds baking a soothing experience? Then set aside time to bake holiday treats. Homemade cookies, fudge, and other tasty treats make lovely Christmas gifts. Don’t forget to turn up the Christmas music to help create a festive atmosphere.

6. Make Reservations

Do you usually host different Christmas parties for friends, extended family, co-workers, neighbors, and your immediate family? Skip them. Now, skipping your immediate family may cause a commotion. But remember you do not always have to be the hostess. Allow other family members or friends to host. Or make reservations at your favorite local restaurant.

Many restaurants have separate rooms for larger gatherings. Everyone pays for their own meal. And you do not get stuck cleaning up all the mess. Remember if you pick this option to tip your server well. After all, it is Christmas.

7. Get Creative

Spend time letting your creativity flow. Crafting is an excellent way to get into the spirit of the season. Host a craft day with your friends or family.

  • Create Christmas wreaths. (An excellent project to use as a hostess gift or Christmas present)
  • Make salt dough ornaments.
  • Create no-sew blankets.
  • Cut out paper bag snowflakes.
  • Make homemade Christmas cards.
  • Placemats for Christmas dinner.

8. Skip Everything

Who is to say, what is the right or wrong way to celebrate Christmas? Skipping everything may be the best way to find your holiday spirit. There’s nothing wrong with a small tabletop Christmas tree for your only decoration.

  • Go on a solo vacation.
  • Book a bus trip with your best friend to New York or other iconic Christmas destinations.
  • Take your family on their dream trip to Disney World or Universal Studios.
  • Scale back your holiday commitments.
  • Relax in your spare time and let the holiday season pass by.

Have a joyous Christmas season!

Ways to Give at Christmas

Are you looking to give at Christmas time? 2020 has been a challenging year for individuals, families, and organizations. Giving to help ease the strain provides a happier holiday for all. The gesture can be small. Christmas time is the right moment to show people you care. Do you need ideas on ways to give at Christmas? Check out the following.

Money

Almost every organization or charity accepts monetary donations. Under many circumstances, your donation is tax-deductible.

If you want to give to a person in need, consider slipping a gift card in the mailbox or other secure location. For added fun, do not put your name on the envelope. Often a secret gesture provides the best feeling.

Food

  • Donate food to your local pantry or shelter.
  • Make or purchase fruit baskets to deliver to neighbors.
  • Make cookies to distribute.
  • Fill a laundry basket with food to give to someone in need.

Baby Pantry

A baby pantry caters to families with young children. Pantry donations are always needed, especially around the holidays. A baby pantry is generally open on specific days. If you are donating, do your research to help give at the right time. Some pantry items include:

  • Diapers
  • Pull-ups
  • Baby wipes
  • New baby bottles and nipples
  • New pacifiers
  • Baby formula
  • Baby food
  • Books
  • Toddler snacks

Animal Shelter or Pet Rescue

Animal shelters and pet rescues cater to numerous types of animals. Many organizations rely heavily on private donations. Many will post needed items on their social media pages if you check out your local pet organization. Along with money, you generally can donate the following:

  • Pet food (dry and canned)
  • Kitty litter
  • Pet dishes
  • Toys
  • Pet beds
  • Cages
  • Bleach
  • Laundry detergent
  • Cleaning products

Church

Due to the pandemic, many churches are experiencing less than normal donations. Consider putting extra money into the offering. Even the smallest amount is helpful.

If you do not have a home church, do your research. Find a church in the community that offers support to the homeless or low income. Many churches host soup kitchens or other outreach programs. When you donate, you can specify how you want your donation put to use.

Flowers

A bouquet of flowers may seem frivolous to some individuals. But often, a small gesture can make someone’s day. Christmas flower arrangments are beautiful. Flowers can be sent almost anywhere, including:

  • Your child’s teacher
  • A former teacher who inspired you.
  • Nursing home with instructions to give to a resident who doesn’t receive visitors or cards from family.
  • An essential worker
  • A neighbor
  • Your favorite waitress or waiter at a local restaurant.

Christmas Cards 

Sending Christmas is a small token to show people in your life that your care. 2020 has been a tough year for many individuals. But when take a moment to write a note inside a Christmas card, people realize they are not alone.

  • Family
  • Friends
  • Service Members
  • Nursing homes
  • Teachers
  • Community members

Giving is part of the Christmas season. Small gifts or cards can make someone’s day. Not to mention, give you a sense of satisfaction and the holiday spirit.