Halloween is over, November has officially started, and Mariah Carey has started her defrosting process. You know what that means! The best time of year has officially begun—the holiday season! Skipping over the turkey-based holiday, what better way to commemorate the holiday spirit than a list of what's so unique about the holidays?
Christmas Music
Speaking of Mariah defrosting, this is the season for endless Christmas songs to play on repeat. At the same time, you can go shopping or even listen at home. From "All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey to "It's Not Christmas Till Somebody Cries" by Carly Rae Jepson, there is a range of Christmas tunes to enjoy, classic and new. Whether you're stressed from gift buying or planning the upcoming family trip, listening to different Christmas songs is like food for your ears.
Holiday Break
I'm sure all of you are tired of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From dealing with school, work, internships, or better yet, all three, nothing sounds more appealing than a nice holiday break to sit down, relax, and catch up with your friends and family.
A holiday break is also the perfect opportunity to practice self-care and finally focus on your mental health. You can catch up on that book you've wanted to read, start a new skincare regime or even chill out and do absolutely nothing all day. Receiving a long-needed break to recuperate your mind amid a chaotic holiday season can help you return to your regularly scheduled program with a new sense.
Christmas Movies & TV Shows
One of the best things about the holiday season is getting cozy by the fire or just hopping into your PJs and watching a good ole classic Christmas movie or show. From Elf to The Polar Express, this is a fantastic opportunity to watch endless holiday classics, both new and old. On a frigid winter's night, nothing can beat making a cup of hot chocolate and watching the "25 days of Christmas" broadcasting program from Freeform.
25 days of holiday movies and shows to consume while putting yourself and your family in a jolly mood? Count me in! Who doesn't like hearing Home Alone reruns while decorating their Christmas tree?
Christmas Decorations
Staying up all night hanging lights around the house, putting out the snowman inflatables, and putting up a star on the Christmas tree are one of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit. Preparing for the holiday goes beyond doing so mentally, but also making sure your house looks the part. It's an excellent opportunity to gather friends and family to transform your space into a winter wonderland while bonding over gingerbread cookies.
Even if you're not an avid fan of the holidays, going around and seeing the spectacular decorations is a must during the holidays. Whether you're decorating or viewing the decorations, it's an excellent activity to fully immerse in the holiday season.
Presents
Who doesn't love a good gift? Sure, you can get presents any time of the year. Still, everyone's favorite part of the holiday season is getting something from your loved ones.
Buying gifts for your friends and family is guaranteed to spread joy while expressing appreciation for those around you. Not to mention receiving gifts is a surefire way to put a smile on anyone's face.
Opening gifts may be one of the main events during the holidays, but don't underestimate the joy of wrapping presents. There are many creative ways to gift wrap and package presents, from adding artificial greenery to using homemade stamps as decoration. You can spread joy to others while doing it in a fun and enjoyable way for you.
Food
One of the main highlights of any significant event: delicious food. And this is no different for the holiday season. Who doesn't love the opportunity to create and eat seasonal recipes while the chilly weather goes on outside?
However, it goes beyond just eating holiday cookies and devouring the traditional roast. Eating holiday foods brings family and friends together while sharing different traditions, memories, and unique flavors. The holiday season is filled with spectacular treats and good foods, from traditionally decorated sugar cookies to pigs in a blanket. There's no better way to enjoy the holiday season than with eating all these meals.
Traveling
The holiday season has kick-started, and so has the traveling season. Enjoying the holidays from your home is classic and relaxing, but what's more special than traveling out of the house? Ignoring all the stress factors that accompany a typical trip, getting to travel and go somewhere different is a memorable way to enjoy the holidays.
Whether you're by yourself or with your family and friends, traveling to someplace like Rome or Paris for the holidays is a great way to use your vacation while exploring new cultures and destinations. It's also a fantastic way to connect with family and finally come together after not seeing each other for an entire year. Just don't get left behind like Kevin did in Home Alone.
Holiday Discounts
From buying the ingredients for your feast to buying presents for your friends and family, shopping is a staple activity when prepping for the holiday season. Luckily, fantastic holiday discounts are offered to offset the enormous amount of money you and your family might be spending. Everyone loves a significant deal, and receiving plenty of opportunities to save money when gift-buying for yourself and others is just the thing that can boost your holiday spirit.
Holiday Parties
Everyone always finds an excuse to throw a good party. What better excuse is there to host a massive gathering than the holidays? Throwing a party is a holiday tradition everyone enjoys, filled with eggnog, mistletoe, cheerful Christmas songs, and exuberant crowds ready to enjoy each other's company. Hosting and attending holiday parties also allows you to reconnect with family members and friends you haven't seen.
Christmas Outfits
The infamous ugly Christmas sweater is a clothing tradition that has survived the tests and trials of time. Despite the clothing item being a fashion no-no any other time of the year, you can't deny that wearing an ugly Christmas sweater doesn't get you in the holiday spirit. Plus, the holidays give you the perfect excuse to wear matching PJs with your loved ones and stay bundled up in your favorite scarves and sweaters.
The holiday season is filled with joy, laughter, and warmth. From transforming your house into Santa's palace to baking cookies with those you love, the holidays are the perfect chance to enjoy time off and celebrate with the people around you. This is known as the "best time of the year," and it's a season that only comes once a year, so enjoy every moment and make memories that you'll never forget. Happy Holidays!
