There are just two more weeks until Christmas. But for some people, it still doesn’t really feel like Christmas. In the fast paced world we live in, at this time of year it is sometimes hard to find the energy to get in the Christmas spirit.
Here is a little inspiration to get you in the mood:
Turn on the holiday tunes.
Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit faster than music. Once you hear those familiar notes, those same strains you’ve been singing along with since you were 5, the warm and fuzzy Christmas feelings come rushing back. But to have maximum effect, you’ve got to listen to the good stuff, the classics. And sing along. Because as Buddy the Elf has wisely instructed us, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.” Here’s a few of my favorites:
- “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby
- “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole
- “Holly Jolly Christmas” by Burl Ives
- “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Bing Crosby
- “Sleigh Ride” by Johnny Mathis
- “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams
And when it comes to albums, you can’t go wrong with
- Merry Christmas by Johnny Mathis
- White Christmas by Bing Crosby
- The Best of Christmas Cocktails by UltraLounge
- Christmas Portraits by The Carpenters
Throw a party.
One way to force yourself to go whole hog into the season is to throw a party. Planning the food, decorations, and tunes will thrust you head-first into Christmas. And the party will warm your spirit with the company of friends and family.
Watch a Christmas movie.
You’ve seen them a million times, but they never fail to pull at the heart strings. Here are my go-to films for getting a dose of the Christmas spirit:
- It’s a Wonderful Life
- A Christmas Story
- A White Christmas
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
- Love Actually
- A Miracle on 34th Street
- Elf
- Peanuts’ Christmas Special
Look at Christmas lights.
Nothing quite puts the Christmas magic back in your heart like Christmas lights. Ordinary houses and trees are transformed into something extraordinary. It’s seeing the Christmas lights that lets you know it’s a special time of year. Drive around the suburbs and check out the neighbourhood displays.
Plan a romantic Christmas-themed date.
To me, the closest thing to the magic you felt as a kid around Christmas, is the romantic feeling you get from sharing the holiday with someone you love. The magic comes back when you’re experiencing old traditions with a loved one by your side. So plan a festive date.
Do Service.
Of course all of the above are simply a means to an end, that end being a warmed heart, a spirit that melts away the cynicism and primes the heart for a renewed sense of generosity. If you’re not feeling jolly this Christmas season, the easiest way to change that is to do some service for someone else. Put up the Christmas tree or lights for the old lady next door, volunteer at the homeless shelter or kitchen, or anonymously leave a donation for someone in need.
Remember, Christmas only comes around once a year, so grab the bull by the horns and enjoy!
