For some, like me, the scent of evergreen in the air and the hustle and bustle of the season can be an annual exercise of refraining from outwardly expressing annoyance. While being bold in harboring the humbug of the season, there are some benefits to making the most of Christmas magic.
Check out this list of ways to get into the holiday spirit.
1. Embrace the Humbug
Instead of feeling guilty about or fighting the feelings you have about the holiday season, accept them and look within.
- Are there bad memories or experiences that you associate with the season?
- Is there a particular aspect of the season that brings up negative thoughts or emotions causing you to feel less than jolly?
Acknowledging and exploring your feelings is the best way to move past them and closer to festive, but also knowing that it is okay not to feel holiday joy is acceptable. Knowing that you are in a safe mental and emotional space not just this season but every season is most important.
2. Spark Joy
One great way to spark joy in your heart during the season is to complete acts of kindness that benefit the lives of others.
- Do you have older neighbors that you could bake or buy Christmas treats for?
- Is there a toy giveaway operation in your city that you and your family could donate to or volunteer at? Is there a local charity where you could volunteer?
Giving back to others can remind you of the true spirit of the holidays.
3. Connect with Nature
Connecting with nature can be a good reset for any mood in any season. During the holiday season, take advantage of the cooler, crisper air; marvel at the changes on the wintertime landscape; and enjoy the holiday scenes created by neighborhood and commercial light displays. Spending time in nature can be incredibly rejuvenating and can help remind us of how we fit into the holiday festivities around us.
4. Treat Yourself
During all of the hustle and bustle of the season, the to-do lists, and the holiday crowds and traffic, it can be easy to overlook yourself. Indulge by treating yourself to activities that bring you joy.
- Treat yourself to your favorite meal.
- Take a short escape to your local spa.
- Steal away for some quiet time to read your favorite book.
- Treat yourself to a shopping spree.
Taking time for yourself and acknowledging your own needs can help improve your overall mood and help you embrace the season with a more positive mindset.
5. Start a New Tradition
Create a reason to look forward to the holiday season each year by creating one! Starting a new tradition, whether solo or a family tradition, can create new memories that will spark joy for seasons to come. Whether starting an annual ugly sweater competition, creating handmade ornaments with your children each year, or starting an annual Christmas movie marathon bookmarked by hot chocolate, setting aside time to create special moments is an excellent way to flood your heart and memory with meaningful fun and joy.
6. Practice Gratitude
During this season of gifting, it can be easy to feel the heaviness of what might be missing from your life. To negate these feelings, practice gratitude. Write down the people and things in your life that you are grateful for. This will give you a tangible list to reflect on each day of the holiday season. Gratitude has the power to shift your focus from what is lacking in your life to the areas of your life that fill your heart with happiness.
Remember, it’s okay to feel like a Grinch. The holiday spirit isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Take a break from the expectations of the season, be kind to yourself, and incorporate these tips into your holiday routine and you will find your way back to the warmth of the holiday season. Happy holidays!
