December is only a few days away and, as we wrap up from Thanksgiving, we move on to Christmas. Malls are already decorated, adverts are up, and it’s nearly time to put up the tree! The question is: how do we get into the festive spirit? Well, here's a list of all things merry and bright to get you into the holiday spirit.
Organize This Year's Gifts
Christmas is all about giving and one of my favorite parts of it is being able to give my family and friends gifts. Start thinking about who you need to buy for this year and what they may need or want. It’s a good idea to keep your spending in check: a good idea is to write out a list.
It’s never too early to go Christmas shopping: I know I’ve already been doing some wrapping and bow tying of my own! Get out the wrapping paper, gift bags, and plenty of tape, and get into the holiday spirit.
Put on Festive Tunes
I am certainly one for hitting play on Mariah Carey as soon as possible! You cannot be sad when listening to Christmas music, it’s simply an unwritten rule. Browse through some playlists on Spotify or make your own, grab a speaker, and hit play.
Nothing can get you more in the festive mood than uplifting music. Jingle bell rock, Last Christmas, and Rockin around the Christmas tree are a few definite must-adds. As Michael Buble would say, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Go look at Christmas Displays
Every place has its own local traditions. While many of us can’t experience the incredible Rockefeller center’s tree (for those that can, I remain extremely jealous), there are plenty of other festive displays around. Why not go on a drive to see Christmas lights or your town's decorated, lit-up tree? It’ll put you into the festive mood for sure!
Watch Christmas movies
Just like Christmas music, I am one to binge on every single Christmas movie there is from November right up until Christmas. It’s the best time of year to curl up with some hot cocoa and watch a cheesy holiday rom-com. Movies to check out 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 has an abundance of Christmas movies to check out too, and here's a couple that are worth watching:
- Princess Switch
- A Christmas Prince
- Holidate
- Christmas Inheritance
Bake 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 it is an extremely fun way to get into the festive mood by getting your hands covered in cookie dough in the kitchen. One of my favorites to make with my family and friends is gingerbread people.
If you're eager enough… attempt making a house! There's plenty of inspiration for baked goods all over Pinterest and TikTok, so finding something festive to whip up is no problem.
Hang up decorations
It’s not Christmas without a tree! Dig out those boxes of decorations from the basement or the attic and start setting the festive tone in your house. I love spending the very first day of December putting up the tree with my family and making our house look like a winter wonderland.
It can be time-consuming… especially if you’ve got yearly dilemmas with tangled lights, but it’s all worth it. Arrange some garlands around, string some twinkling lights, and you’ll already begin to feel the festive cheer.
Get involved in the community
I love all things festive in my community, and it’s great to get involved. Check out any events happening around your town and invite friends and family. This could be a festive night market where you happen to pick up a couple of extra stocking stuffers or even just try some delicious food.
There could be a drive-in theater or an outdoor screening of a Christmas movie which is great fun with a couple of friends. See what's happening around your town, one quick online search, and you’ll be able to make some festive memories!
Plan a Secret Santa
Christmas is about spending time with friends and family and, while everyone goes home or away for the holidays, it’s nice to plan some festivities with friends. Gather your friend group or a couple of your closest pals and organize a secret Santa. Everyone has a selected person they buy for, and it’s a surprise!
Keep in mind it’s always a good idea to set a price limit. A fun and sometimes hilarious way to spice up this year's gift-giving.
Christmas is less than a month away, and it’s time to get jolly! From music to movies… messy icing to tangled lights, there's something very magical about this time of year. Hopefully, you’ll use some of these ideas from this list and begin feeling very festive. I know I am definitely getting into the festive mood already.
