10 Free Things You Can Do Right Now to Boost Your Holiday Spirit.
I’m going to start this off by being completely transparent. Sometimes, the holidays are the WORST! There are all these expectations and obligations and external stressors that make you want to just SCREAM. The older I get, the more I relate to the Grinch. Tis the season to be expected to just ignore family members who make you feel like crap all year, but YES, tell me your Christmas list so I can not only buy things for you, but also spend my family’s time with you. Oh! A mandatory office holiday party? You mean even more time with those who make me crazy every single work day? SIGN ME UP!! How do I get all Holly Jolly when it’s 85 degrees outside and I’m sweating? Not to mention trying to get the things your kids really want for Christmas, worrying about spending, wondering about all the ways in which forced family visits and outdated traditions will send them straight to the sofa in their future therapists office one day.
Any of this sound familiar??
OK, maybe I have exaggerated. (Or have I? Hmmm…)
Look, even if things are going smoothly and you are blessed with a close, loving, honest, Hallmark Christmas Special family, there may be days where you wake up and just feel… off. You may ask yourself “How do I snap out of this funk? Money can’t buy happiness. There must be something I can do to lift spirits when it feels like the world around me is falling apart.”
Well, my friend, here are a few ideas for you.
10 free things you can do right now to boost your holiday spirit:
1. Holiday Movie Marathon:
- Host a movie night with friends or family. Pick a favorite holiday film, create a watch party, and enjoy the festive spirit together.
Yes, there are so many obvious classics, but have you tried Bridget Jones's Diary with friends? (Why is this still a favorite of mine? The second-hand embarrassment is at epic levels with this one. So much laughter!! Complete the movie by including blue soup, omelet, and orange marmalade dip!! - IYKYK)
2. DIY Decorations:
- Get creative with homemade decorations using items you already have at home. Create paper snowflakes, DIY ornaments, or repurpose old decorations for a fresh look.
One year, we had about 50 paper snowflakes hanging from the kitchen/dining ceiling. The kids (and cats) loved it!
3. Festive Playlist Creation:
- Curate a holiday playlist filled with your favorite seasonal tunes.
Confession: I cannot handle most modern Christmas music. If it’s not Bing Crosby or earlier, I’m probably skipping it. Take a listen here: Bing Crosby Christmas Playlist
4. Recipe Exchange:
- Organize a virtual recipe exchange with your friends. Share your favorite holiday recipe and encourage them to do the same. It's a fun way to try new dishes.
On that note, here’s a simple treat using ingredients you may already have on hand.
Quick Holiday Granola
Ingredients:
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, combine the rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
Spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the granola is golden brown. Stir once or twice during baking for even crispiness.
Allow the granola to cool on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break it into clusters.
Your quick holiday granola is ready! Enjoy it on its own, with milk, or as a topping for yogurt.
5. Digital Holiday Cards:
- Design and send out digital holiday cards to friends and family. Use free online tools or apps to create personalized and eco-friendly greetings.
6. Secret Santa:
- Host a Secret Santa gift exchange with friends. Set a budget limit or encourage handmade gifts to keep it affordable and meaningful. I’ve even seen some where it MUST be something found around your house. Zero spending.
Let me tell you about the time a friend of mine sent me her homemade soap after she asked me what my favorite winter smells are. I opened up a box with 6 beautiful bars of soap that smelled good enough to eat. Oatmeal, brown sugar, clove, and ginger. I almost cried when that last bar was used up.
7. Nature Walk or Scavenger Hunt:
- Take a stroll in a local park or nature reserve. Create a holiday-themed scavenger hunt looking for signs of the season in nature.
Yesterday, the kids and I read a short story about animals preparing for the winter. We went out into the yard and collected items to add to our seasonal Nature Tray to represent Plants and Animals. We added some beautiful leaves, a bird feather, and stones. (Google Montessori Nature Trays and Tables for some inspiration.)
8. Caroling Session:
- Organize a caroling session with friends or family. Choose your favorite carols, sing along, and spread the holiday cheer.
I’ve seen families do this. Now, this wouldn’t work in MY family (I can’t even imagine), but one of my friends has been involved in theater and opera for as long as I have known her. She and her family often get together to sing and play instruments. It fascinates me every time.
9. Mindful Moments:
- Practice mindfulness by taking a few minutes to appreciate the holiday season. Whether it's through deep breathing, meditation, or simply reflecting on what you're grateful for.
The other day, I grabbed my coffee and went outside. It was windy and chilly, but the sun was shining bright. I saw a single red leaf on the green grass. This wasn’t from any of my trees. I picked it up and wondered where it flew in from. While holding it I thought about all the ways nature grounds us. The sun on my skin immediately makes me feel good. Feeling grass below my feet. Watching the spiders in the grass. Feeling the various textures of leaves and petals. Watching the breeze move from tree to tree before finally reaching my face and hair. This feels so much more magical than the feeling of holding a phone in your hand, the strain in my eyes while staring at screens, the beeping and buzzing of notifications going off. I cannot stress this enough: GET OUTSIDE.
10. Read Holiday Stories:
- Rediscover the magic of holiday stories by reading or listening to classic tales.
Victorian era Christmas stories have always been my favorite. Hands down. It’s a great way to think about simpler times. Candlelight, wood stoves, homemade hot chocolate, simple, hand made gifts. Think: Little Women, A Christmas Carol. Still, I want to create new memories with my kids, so we scatter several Christmas books throughout the home and take turns picking one out to read together while enjoying a treat.
I would love to know if you’re already doing these things or if you have any other ideas you would add. I wish us ALL feelings of comfort, love, and calmness as we stumble through the holiday season. Whatever positive activity works for you, to lift your spirits, do that. We are all different and that’s what makes us beautiful.
If you take away something from this, and want to share, feel free to tag me. I’d love to see you smile!
Find me on Instagram: @AutumnEverAfter
