How to get into the Christmas spirit

If you’re like me and you turn into a little bit of a Christmas fairy at this time of the year, you’re someone who loves to go all out on everything every year, the food, the decorations, the gifts, ect, someone who just loves Christmas and everything about it then you may find it hard to understand or relate to but there are some people out there that don’t look forward to Christmas, they don’t enjoy the season, in fact they dread it every year and they struggle to get into the Christmas spirit.

I love Christmas, I really do but I can understand why some people aren’t exactly jumping for joy when Christmas comes around… Let’s be honest, Christmas puts us all under a lot stress and pressure. For some people who don’t have family, Christmas can be a lonely time of the year. For some people who have money struggles, Christmas expectations can be a big worry. So to try and help those feel fun and festive in the run up to the big day, I have compiled a list of heart-warming things that always get me in the Christmas spirit for you to navigate your way through.

Here goes:

• Christmas movies. Curling up on the couch under a blanket with a bowl of popcorn just watching Christmas movies always gets me feeling all Christmassy! Why not watch a different Christmas movie for every night of December? Here are a few of my favourites:
• Home alone
• Jingle all the way
• Elf
• The grinch
• Jack Frost
• Miracle on 34th street
• A Christmas carol
• I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus
• Scrooged
• Love actually

• Christmas music. Listening to Christmas music while decorating the Christmas tree or baking some Christmas cookies makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Can’t go wrong with a bit of Michael Bublé and Mariah Carey!

• The Christmas tree. Putting up and decorating the christmas tree is an early Christmas activity you can do with your whole family. I love putting my Christmas tree up, once it’s up it becomes a daily reminder of Father Christmas’ long awaited arrival! Don’t forget to listen to that Christmas music I mentioned earlier while you decorate your tree for the ultimate Christmas feels.

• Write your letter to Father Christmas. It’s a great way to get the little ones even more excited about Christmas as you wait for his reply. No one experiences the magic of Christmas more than children do, so seeing this holiday through their eyes will make it more special for you too.

• Elf on the shelf. If you have little ones (or even if you don’t!) Elf on the Shelf is a great way to count down to Christmas Day while having fun coming up with different ideas daily for your elf.

• Christmas shopping. Okay, Christmas shopping can be a lovely experience but it can also be daunting. If you’re gift giving, have a look around online first see what deals you can find before you head to the shops. Also to save yourself the stress of Christmas shopping, plan what you want to buy and start buying small gifts early.

• Read. Read a classic Christmas book to your child. I read a different Christmas book each night to Kory starting on the first night of December leading up to Christmas Eve. Reading is the best way to get into the world of Christmas for us both, Kory loves being read to and really gets sucked in by the stories.

• Baking. I love baking but there’s something about baking festive recipes that I just love that bit more. I love the smells and all the different decorations. Why not try decorating a gingerbread house or making some Christmas cookies? This is a delicious way for you to get into the spirit of things.

• Events. Check your local area for any events that might be taking place nearby. Some of them might even be free and don’t have to cost you an arm and a leg! Here are some to look out for:
• Christmas lights. Whether that be attending a Christmas light switch on near you or even just driving around at night to admire the Christmas lights and decorations.
• Meet Santa. Take the little ones to meet the big man himself!
• Christmas fairs, Christmas markets, public movies and carols.

• Treat yo’ self. And last but not least, just try to enjoy Christmas, don’t be so hard on yourself and don’t put yourself under any unnecessary stress. Instead of worrying about all of the things that you have to do, like those 20+ gifts that you still have to buy, try and remember that Christmas isn’t just about presents. It’s about helping others, celebrating with loved ones and feeling joyful. So don’t worry about those gifts you still have to buy, instead think of it this way. I am so lucky to have so many loved ones in my life! Christmas is a time to be enjoyed and everyone should be able to enjoy this time of the year.

Merry Christmas!