Life has a nasty habit of throwing curveballs, usually right before the holidays. Maybe your kids are not doing well in school, you fought with your husband, or it’s a combination of dozens of factors. Instead of acting like Scrooge or waiting for a sign of the holidays, make your own sign. Use a few different methods to get you in the holiday spirit fast.
Make little changes around your home that bring the holiday spirit inside without putting out all of your decorations. Spray a cookie, cinnamon, or Christmas tree air freshener around your home and add a small bowl of holiday-scented potpourri to your bathroom or living room. Place silver candlesticks on your fireplace mantle, kitchen table, or dining room table and top with red and green candles.
Spend an hour at the mall. Avoid the stores crammed with shoppers and take advantage of the holiday spirit all around. Check out the center of the mall and watch Santa Clause meet and greet with children. Watch the kids’ faces light up as they finally get to present their lists to Santa.
Reserve a few hours on an otherwise boring weekend day and bake Christmas cookies. There is something about the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and sugar cookies that just makes you smile. If you have kids, take some time and teach them how to make sugar cookies. Roll out the dough, use the cookie cutters, and decorate the finished cookies together. Get in the holiday mood even faster by playing Christmas music while you bake.
Give back to your community by volunteering at a charity that works with needy families. Remind yourself that not everyone has everything they need. Working with the needy also reminds you that giving to others is as important as getting and reminds you of the true spirit of Christmas.
Find little ways throughout the day to get into the holiday mood. Offer a ride home to a co-worker that usually takes the bus, hold open the doors for others, and smile at others. Seeing a smile or a grateful look on others gives you an instant makeover. Or just pull out a goofy Christmas sweater or that funny pin shaped like Santa Clause and wear it to work.
Get into the holiday mood fast by pretending that you are a kid again. Make your own wish list for Santa, including that winning lottery ticket, hot new purse, or that vintage car you always wanted. Sit back with a cup of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows and remind yourself how much you loved Christmas as a kid.