10 Ways To Get Into The Christmas Spirit!!!

There is something awfully wrong with the world today. Well, many things for that matter. But don't worry, I won't go all global warming on you. To me it really is about the smaller things. We go about our days and nights always in a rush, sometimes forgetting to breathe. Literally. To take a long deep breath before we go on to the next big thing. Everything goes faster around this time of the year. Days get shorter. Sun sets earlier. Places get crowded. Traffic gets unbearable...and with each year, ever since I can recall, Christmas is less of what it used to be and more of what it shouldn't. 

I have this perfectly clear memory of a small girl at the age of six or seven, snuggled in her bed with a glass of milk and one too many chocolate chip cookies (they were not even home made, but store bought; I never was the baker...), watching A Christmas Carol on TV. I can't remember which of the many versions it was or the actors in it, but I can remember the feeling of laying there, knowing there was no school for another three weeks; with not a single care in the world. Life was so simple back then. For my five year old, christmas is mostly about getting a letter on time in order to receive whatever she's seen on TV. This year: a plush dolphin, a swimming doll, and a glow in the dark pillow. I have to admit it is mostly my fault. I guess it's easier. Hit the mall, buy the gifts, and be over with it.

This Christmas however, I plan to rediscover it's magic. For her, and my whole family. I want to relive and share that feeling I still recall from that memory. I want to go back to basics. I want to stop and take that long deep breathe. I want the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg, and cookies in the oven (even if they came out of a box) and the sight of flickering lights. I want to gather around the tree and give thanks for all what we have and who we have. I want a story to tell. I want the myth. The film version. I want my own christmas miracle, and my little one to be excited about  the little things just as I once was.

So I came up with a short list of all things possible that could get me and my family in the christmas spirit (whatever this was, I'm about to remember!) As clichéd as you may find many, I'd love if you'd join me in this journey and try a few, maybe even come up with a few of your own and give this famed spirit a try year-long!!!

1. Give.

I hope you didn't stop reading right at Give, just to drive straight to the mall. We've taken Giving around christmas pretty literal, and though I can't deny I'd still love to get that beautiful bag I've been lusting after for sometime now, this year giving will have a whole different meaning. Let's give a smile, a Please, a Thank You, a Have a Good Day, a Merry Christmas, a kiss, a hug, a pat on the back, a It's going to be OK, a How are you? Let the kindest word and the unexpected pleasantries be the best gift of all.

2.  Bake Something.

Whip up something. Anything for that matter. It doesn't even matter if you're any good at it. Involve your children, invite your friends, gather round the kitchen, send some over to the neighbours... I promise there is nothing in this world the smell of chocolate chip cookies in the oven can't solve. 

3. Make some DIY ornaments and gifts.

Avoid the crowds and log in to Pinterest from the comfort of your home to get the best DIY ideas for making your very own christmas decorations and gifts. This is a great opportunity to spend some time with the little ones. Create something beautiful for someone you love with your own two hands. Craft your own gift tags. Give your ornaments a makeover. Discover the joy of spray painting!

4. Dim the lights. 

You read that right. Strategically place string lights around the house. Light some scented candles. You'll immediately relax as you arrive home and set a holiday mood.

5. Compile a Christmas Playlist. 

Play it while you make dinner for your loved ones, or while stuck in traffic. Teach your kids some carols. Put them to bed with a christmas song. C'mon, who hasn't ever sang along to Mariah Carey's All I want for Christmas is You??? Ok, so maybe a few of you haven't, but trust me, it's catchy!

6. Make & send your own Christmas Cards.

Do it the old-fashioned way. Write and actually mail or deliver a few lines. You might be surprised and reminded how beautiful your handwriting is. No impersonal E-Cards this year!

7. Read a Christmas Children's book.
Relive the magic of christmas through classic holiday stories. Read a few pages every night, or introduce these stories to your little ones at bedtime.

8. Make a difference. 

Donate. Volunteer. Organize a Toy Drive for a children's hospital. Organize a Soup Kitchen or just drive around and distribute meals for the hungry and the homeless you encounter on your drive.

Keep someone warm. Go through your closet and your children's closet. Select items that don't fit anymore or that you haven't used in over a year and donate them to those in need. 

Check out this great Facebook page for everyday ideas of little things and small acts of kindness you can do to make someone's day...or your own!!!  https://www.facebook.com/sisosbuenoquesenote

9. Create a new tradition.
Come up with your very own family tradition for the holidays. Choose any of the above and make it an unforgettable evening for  your friends and family. Whether baking, watching a movie, reading, writing your own Christmas cards, trimming the tree, caroling...Remember, tis' the season to laugh, love, share and create those special memories you'll cherish the rest of the year...years from now!

10. Watch Love Actually. 
Simply the best film ever to get you in the mood for anything. Period.