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December is just days away, and as we wrap up Thanksgiving, we move into Christmas. The malls are already decorated, the ads are up and it’s almost time to put the tree up! The question is: how to get into the festive spirit? Well, here’s a list of all the happy and bright things to get you into the holiday spirit.
Organize this year’s gifts
Christmas is all about gifts and one of my favorite parts is being able to give presents to my family and friends. Start thinking about who you need to buy for this year and what they might need or want. It’s a good idea to control your expenses: a good idea is to write a list. It’s never too early to do Christmas shopping: I know I’ve done some wrapping and bow ties myself! Get out the wrapping paper, gift bags and lots of tape, and get into the holiday spirit.
Put on a party tune
I’m definitely the type to play with Mariah Carey as soon as possible! You can’t be sad while listening to Christmas music, it’s just an unwritten rule. Browse some playlists on Spotify or create your own, grab a speaker and hit play. Nothing can put you in the festive mood more than uplifting music. Jingle bell rock, Last Christmas and Rockin around the Christmas tree are some must-haves. As Michael Buble would say, it’s starting to look a lot like Christmas!
Go see the Christmas window displays
Each place has its own local traditions. While many of us can’t experience Rockefeller Center’s incredible tree (for those who can, I’m still extremely jealous), there are plenty of other festive exhibits around. Why not take a drive to see the Christmas lights or the decorated and illuminated Christmas tree in your city? It will put you in the festive mood for sure!
Watch Christmas movies
Much like Christmas music, I’m the type to binge on all the Christmas movies from November until Christmas. It’s the best time of year to curl up with a hot chocolate and watch a cheesy holiday rom-com. The films to discover this year if you haven’t seen them are obviously the classics: The Holiday, Home Alone, Elf, Christmas with the Kranks, The Santa Clause and Love Actually. Netflix also has an abundance of Christmas movies to check out, and here are a few worth watching:
- Princess Switch
- A prince of Christmas
- Holidays
- Christmas Legacy
Cook up a storm
From sugar cookies to gingerbread, there are so many diverse festive recipes to get you in the holiday spirit. Not only do they produce delicious results, but they’re a super fun way to get in the festive mood by covering your hands with cookie dough in the kitchen. One of my favorite dishes to make with my family and friends is gingerbread. If you’re impatient enough…try building a house! There’s plenty of baked goods inspiration all over Pinterest and TikTok, so finding something festive to whip up isn’t a problem.
Hang the decorations
It’s not Christmas without a tree! Pull those boxes of decorations out of the basement or attic and start setting the festive tone for your home. I love spending the very first day of December climbing the tree with my family and making our home look like a winter wonderland. It may take time…especially if you have yearly dilemmas with tangled lights, but it’s worth it. Arrange garlands around it, string twinkling lights and you’ll already start to feel the holiday cheer.
Get involved in the community
I love all things festive in my community and it’s great to get involved. Discover all the events happening in your city and invite your friends and family. It can be a festive night market where you happen to pick up some extra Christmas stockings or even just try some delicious food. There could be a drive-in or an outdoor screening of a Christmas movie, which is great fun with a couple of friends. See what’s happening in your city, a simple search online and you can create festive memories!
Plan a Secret Santa
Christmas is about spending time with friends and family, and while everyone is heading home or leaving for the holidays, it’s nice to plan festivities with friends. Gather your group of friends or a few of your closest friends and organize a Secret Santa. Everyone has a selected person they buy for, and it’s a surprise! Keep in mind that it is always a good idea to set a price limit. A fun and sometimes hilarious way to spice up this year’s gifts.
Christmas is less than a month away, and it’s time to celebrate! From music to movies… from messy icing to tangled lights, there’s something very magical about this time of year. I hope you use some of these ideas from this list and start feeling very festive. I know I’m definitely in the party mood already.