Tips to Get into a Christmas Mood When You’re Just Not Feeling it
The Christmas season is the most wonderful time of the year… or at least, it should be.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to feel the Christmas spirit. Maybe the festive season snuck up on you too soon, work stress is getting to ya, you’re flat broke, or you just went through a bad life situation and you’re just not feeling the Christmas-y vibes this year.
I totally get it! The holiday seasons can be expensive and exhausting – from throwing parties, to picking gifts for co-workers you barely know, and baking cookies for a hundred people plus two. It’s actually a lot to handle, and the expectations can quickly turn the Christmas spirit into a nightmare of stress.
But hey! The most important thing to remember is that Christmas is all about spreading joy – from spending time with loved ones to wearing your grandma’s ugly Christmas sweater and if you’re one of the lucky ones, to play in the snow.
It’s totally possible to get yourself back into a Christmas mood even if you’re just not feeling it this year, here are our top tips:
Watch your favorite Christmas movie
Cozy up with a blanket and some hot cocoa and escape reality for a bit with a movie. If you’re not feeling the Christmas energy yet, pick yourself up by watching that Christmas film you’ve always loved (no matter how cheesy it is!). It’s that perfect time of the year to stream movies like How the Grinch Stole Christmas or the newest Christmas release, Klaus. They’re both on Netflix, so there is no excuse!
Read More: Best Christmas Movies To Cozy Up To
Decorate your home yourself
Sometimes, it takes alone time at home to give yourself the break you need to get in the right mood. Taking some time out to just relax at home while decorating for the holidays may just trigger the Christmas-y mood you’re after. Pro tip: Head over to Spotify to find a cheerful Christmas playlist to play on repeat while decorating!
Hang out with friends and family
Christmas is a time to share with your favorites, and even when you’re feeling down, spending quality time with your loved ones might just be the fix to get your holiday vibes on.
Get thrifty with your holiday gift
The festive season can be very expensive, we get it! If your finances are not ideal this year, it might be the reason why you’re feeling down – we know we’ve been there!
The good news, though? You don’t need to spend thousands of bucks to get your loved ones the perfect gift – handmade is a thing, guys! Not only is it cheaper to make something yourself, it’s also way more original than getting them yet-another-Amazon purchase.
If money is tight (or you’re just feeling creative and thoughtful), get thrifty with your holiday expenses. DIY your decoration, and maybe host a gift exchange with friends and relatives so you only have to commit to one gift. Pinterest is key here!
Volunteer to help someone in need
The festive season is a great time to help someone in need or you can volunteer your time to some community services. Any form of charitable gesture will go a long way in people’s lives and there’s no denying that seeing the smiles you bring to the needy is going to give you a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. And hey! Maybe it is just what you need to make you realize the festive season is here!
The festive period is about giving, not just to family, friends and relatives, but also to those who you don’t know. Whether you donate food, old coats, toys or your time to charity support, either in your town or online. You’ can never go wrong by lending a helping hand to those in need.
Attend a Christmas event
Joining a Christmas event like singing carols, attending a friend’s Christmas party, or attending a themed Christmas ball is one of the most surefire ways to bring back the Christmas mood.
Shake and bake
What better way to get into the Christmas mood than a mouthful of cookies! Don’t just settle for store-bought baking this year. Instead, put on some Christmas tunes and try out some new recipes yourself. And do it together with your family or friends, it’s a lot more fun!
Turn on the holiday tunes
Your best holiday tunes may just be your best route to get you in the Christmas spirit. Once you hear those familiar sounds, those same lyrics you have been singing since you were five, the warm fuzzy Christmas vibes come rushing back.
For maximum effect, play some of the good ol’ classic stuff and sing along. As the saying goes – the best way to spread the Christmas cheer is by singing out loud for all to hear.
Here are some Christmas classics to add to your playlist: white Christmas (by Bing Crosby), Holly jolly Christmas (by Burl Ives), and Sleigh ride (by Jonny Mathis).
Light up the hall
This one is a pretty obvious tradition in many homes, but there is a difference between mindlessly lighting up your home and actually making an effort.
If you have been doing the same lighting pattern year after year, try taking a different approach this year. Pick up a few new stuff and take your decoration game to another level and get super extra!
Putting in the effort yourself to create something different is a great way to tell yourself Christmas is here.
Final thoughts
This time of the year can be a difficult one for some people, especially if you’re going through some serious life situations. That being said, the festive season is a great opportunity to fill your heart with joy and cheer. Stop waiting for that special holiday vibe to find you because it may never happen – instead, look for the beauty that surrounds you every day – the lights everywhere, getting the chance to see family, playing old tunes and signing at the top of your longs without a care in the world, or simply baking your grandma’s cookies.
Remember, the Christmas season is a time to reflect on all our many blessings and not what we have lost or what we did not achieve. Try not to get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas and remember what it is truly about: Christmas is about loving, caring, and appreciating those around you.