Having trouble getting into the holiday spirit this year?! Stress and hard times can really take the joy out of the holidays. Don’t worry I have several ways to help you get into the holiday mood! All it takes is a little effort and a whole lot of fun! Let’s get festive!

Here We Go!

• Decorate! This one is big!!! I mean specifically putting up a tree and lights! I don’t care if it is a fake or real tree, small or giant, just put some sort of tree up and I promise it will add more cheer to your home! Light is proven to boost moods so definitely throw some Christmas lights up somewhere too! We have them outlining our windows, cabinets, and on our tree!
• Bake! Come on, there is nothing more festive than the smell of fresh-baked cookies! It has this way of filling the whole house up with a warm fuzzy feeling! Bonus points for decorating your cookies too! Extra bonus points if you make enough to share with someone! Or even take to the office!
• Movie Marathon! This one is right up my alley! I love a good movie binge! Especially if it is a series! Harry Potter, Santa Claus 1, 2 & 3, etc! If you are not into movies and prefer to watch tv shows I have an idea for you too! Watch all the holiday episodes of your favorite show! All you have to do is google it and you’ll find a list!
• Homemade Gifts! This one will definitely warm your heart! I mean, gift-giving is already fun but doesn’t it just make you even more excited to give someone something that you made just for them?? How special!
• DIY Holiday Photoshoot! Now that you have that beautiful tree up why not take some super cute photos all snuggled up under it?! Make some hot cocoa, put some fuzzy socks on, and smile big! Hint: all smartphones have a timer feature for the camera!
• Get Matching PJs! Ok maybe do this one before the DIY photoshoot! Matching holiday PJs are all the rage these days! You can find them for dirt cheap and come one, they are super comfy! You won’t regret it! This is something my family does every single year for Christmas Eve! My husband even loves the tradition!
• Make a Holiday Playlist! Okay, this one is a no brainer! If you aren’t into making your own playlists, Spotify has TONS to choose from! But a perk of making your own is you can leave off all the songs you don’t like! This would be a perfect playlist to play while doing any of the above activities too!
• Diffuse festive scents! I love a good evergreen scent or holiday joy oil in my diffuser during the holidays but if you are not into essential oils just grab an air freshener that has a festive scent and make your house smell like the holidays! Bam, mood set!
• Make homemade holiday cards! I am the first one to use a service like Shutterfly to make my Christmas cards for me but who fun would it be to make them a little more personal this year! You can grab some cards at the store and type a little update about your year and family to include in it! So special!
• Give back! There countless ways to do this and I promise it WILL warm your heart! Volunteering at a food bank, homeless shelter, or hospital will 100% help someone this season and you will feel so much joy by doing it! Maybe it is as simple as paying for the person behind you in the drive-through or giving someone a compliment as they are walking by! Spread joy and kindness this year and watch the benefits explode in you!

Feeling festive yet?

I would love to hear your holiday stories this year! Let’s share our special moments and inspire each other to spread joy this season! Please drop yours in the comments below! Hope these ideas help you to feel more festive this year!