Getting Into The Holiday Spirit When You're Not Feeling It

Saturday, December 04, 2021

 I love Christmas, but not everyone feels the same. Sometimes Christmas isn't at the front of your mind, and it can be hard to get into the Christmas spirit. There has been so much going on over the last few years. Life seems busier than ever, and some people still worry that Christmas may be cancelled again this year. If you're lacking a bit of magic, here are some easy ways to get into the holiday spirit! 

Bake Some Christmas Treats


I love baking, but there is something magical about baking around Christmas. I've been baking a lot more recently. My family love coming home to the smell of baking and a table full of cake! If you're lacking the holiday spirit, why not bake something delicious? There are so many takes on classic baked treats that have a Christmas twist, so you'll find something that all the family will love. I love my gingerbread cupcakes, and they were gone within just a few days of baking! They had just the right amount of warm spices! If you're stuck for ideas, I have a round-up of all my favourite Christmas recipes, so you'll never run out of baking ideas again! 


Put The Christmas Decorations Up


This year I think most people put their decorations up in November! I also know that it made them a lot happier to see the decorations up because it means Christmas is coming and the year will soon be ending. Choose a day and spend it decorating the house or shopping for Christmas ornaments! It brings the whole family together, and you can share the memory of putting up the decorations. There are so many pretty decorations out there, and I love watching videos of extravagant decorating! If you're not ready to put them up just yet, watching videos of other people putting up decorations could also help you into the festive mood. 


Treat Yourself To A Shopping Day


There are three types of shopping days you could try to make you feel better. The first one is a personal shopping day for Christmas bits. I love going around the shops and picking out decorations, homeware and sparkly clothing! The second one is a Christmas browse. Take a slow wander around the shops, start planning gifts and treat yourself to a festive drink or treat. You don't necessarily have to buy anything on this trip, but it's nice to look around the shops. The last shopping day you could try is a gift shop. I love shopping for other people and get excited when I come home with half of my Christmas gifts. If you like giving, then go Christmas shopping! My shopping centre has all the Christmas decorations up, so the experience is even more magical!

 

Wrap Christmas Gifts


If you've done your shopping, it's time to wrap the gifts up! I love wrapping, and it's my favourite pre-Christmas activity. Grab yourself a Bailey's, put on a Christmas film and start wrapping! I do this every year with my mum, so it's a nice way to spend time with the people you love. I love choosing the wrapping paper, picking out bows and creating something that people would love to open. If you're looking for some eco-friendly wrapping ideas or ways to save money on wrapping, I have a blog post that might interest you! There are some creative ways to wrap up gifts, and I've recently watched videos on unique wrapping paper hacks. I'd highly recommend trying some fun ways to wrap gifts as your recipient will appreciate the effort you've put in.

 

Give To Those In Need


Christmas is about giving, and giving to those who need it most can help you get into the holiday spirit. Many people need your help or would appreciate a small gesture. It doesn't have to be big or expensive. You could help people in the local community or a cause that you are passionate about. Here are some little ways you can give back this Christmas


  • Help at a shelter or soup kitchen
  • Purchase from small businesses
  • Donate gifts to children or hospitals
  • Fill up a food bank with items they need
  • Donate toiletries to help end period poverty
  • Send Christmas cards to those who have made a difference this year
  • Gift cakes or cookies to people in your office
  • Volunteer at a care home to help those in need
  • Donate money to a charity you believe in

Go To A Festive Christmas Market


Whether you go to a local or globally known Christmas market, I'd recommend visiting one this year. Your local Christmas markets will have handmade and unique goods to purchase. You'll be helping a small business while putting money back into your community! The bigger markets will have food stalls, rides and you might even get to meet Santa. Either way, I love going to a Christmas market. You should wear something warm and possibly even go in matching Christmas jumpers! They always have lots to offer, so you can get your gift shopping done. It's also a nice way to get into the holiday spirit as there is lots of music and happiness.


Attend A Holiday Event Or Visit Santa


There are so many things to do around Christmas. Every year, we visit a pantomime on Christmas Eve to get the family into the festive spirit. It's also nice to look at Christmas lights. This year we are attending Christmas at Wimpole to avoid being indoors a lot. If you have children or want to entertain the family, here are some unique things to do at Christmas: 


  • Visit Santa somewhere special
  • Take a Polar Express train ride to meet Santa
  • Find a local pantomime to enjoy
  • Go ice-skating at a pop-up rink
  • Explore Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
  • Attend Christmas at Wimpole for a light-up forest!
  • Visit Kew Gardens at Christmas
  • Try the Silverstone Lap of Lights

Snuggle Up For A Film


Watching Christmas films can help you get into a festive mood. There are a lot of cheesy Christmas films on the Christmas channel, or you could watch a classic! My mum and I like to sit down on a weekday and watch whatever film comes on the TV, as it's usually cringy but fun. I find that the Christmas channel has a lot of movies about a single mum with a child who falls in love with a man at Christmas. Something happens, and they part ways, only to realise they love each other! They're quite predictable, but I can't help myself! I love snuggling up on a cold night to watch Christmas films with my family. We like to get matching pyjamas and drink hot chocolate while watching.


Enjoy A Starbucks On A Cold Day


I love when the flavours change and the red cups come out at Starbucks. I am not a huge coffee fan, although I like to treat myself to a Christmas drink when I am out shopping. Why not have a coffee date and try some of the new flavours. Starbucks also has some festive treats to try. I have my eye on a few of them, including the white chocolate and cranberry muffin, which I am a sucker for! If you didn't want to support Starbucks, you could see if your local coffee shops offered any Christmas specials. The money would be much more appreciated if you supported a local business. We have a few bakeries in town with an amazing selection of Christmas treats. If you're ever in Ely, I'd highly recommend visiting Tom's Cakes!


Create A Holiday Playlist


Whenever I am feeling down, I put on some music and dance around my bedroom. It makes me feel better, and I like taking emotions from music. If you want to feel Christmassy, why not create a holiday playlist? There are so many Christmas songs that you can pick from, and even some new ones to listen to. You could team up with friends and family to make the ultimate Christmas playlist or simply borrow someone else's. There are many Spotify playlists that you can use if you don't want to make your own. Once you've created your playlist, you can dance around while trying other festive activities!


Style Some Festive Outfits


Why not have a Christmas jumper competition with your family or colleagues? Dressing up in sparkly clothing, Christmas jumpers or funny costumes always get me into the Christmas mood. You don't have to spend lots of money dressing up, but it is nice to wear something you feel special in. There are some fun Christmas pyjamas on sale if you don't want to dress up for a day out! You could have a fashion show with your friends to see who can create the most unique costume idea. There are many ways to use clothing to get into the festive spirit. Even if you're just shopping for your Christmas day outfit, it might make you a little more excited for Christmas!


Build A Gingerbread House


If you're in the mood for a tasty treat, why not get into the Christmas spirit with a gingerbread house! You can team up with your family or compete to design the best gingerbread house. We like to put on matching pyjamas and add in a film to really get the magic going. There are pre-made gingerbread houses and kits if you don't want to make your own gingerbread. It could be part of the fun trying to bake the walls yourself! There are other gingerbread house kits out there if you don't like gingerbread. I have spotted Cadbury chocolate houses and Oreo ones. You can also get wooden ones if you'd like to keep your creation forever! You could also try a village, train or caravan kit if you're feeling creative!


It can take time to get into the Christmas spirit, and there are other factors to consider. Just take your time and do the things that make you happy. You don't have to rush into Christmas activities if your heart isn't in the right place, but doing things one by one can help. What things do you like to do in the run-up to Christmas? I love shopping, wrapping gifts and creating table favours for Christmas day. I'd love to hear what you and your family do to get into the festive spirit and start feeling a bit Christmassy!


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5 comments

  1. This is a great post! It can be so hard if you can't get into the festive spirit. While there shouldn't be any pressure, these are some fantastic ideas. I watched Love Actually last night and that definitely helped x

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  2. I love the idea of grabbing a Baileys and wrapping presents! The two practically go hand in hand, though I enjoy a mug of hot chocolate with a film. I also enjoy shopping, as looking for gifts for myself and others gets me thinking about past holidays.
    Thanks for sharing!

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  3. I am finding it hard to get into the Christmas spirit this year. The Christmas decorations are up, and I've watched a few Christmas films, but I haven't felt quite festive yet.

    I love these suggestions, especially about baking some Christmas treats. Gingerbread cupcakes sound like a good idea, and I can imagine they'll make my home smell very Christmasy! 😁

    I like going out shopping around Christmas, as seeing the city with Christmas lights and decorations can make you feel festive, although I'm not overly fond of the crowds. Giving to those in need is a lovely idea!

    I am determined to make a gingerbread house this year! Thank you for these fantastic suggestions! 🎄🎅

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  4. Lovely ideas, definitely need to bake something and make the Christmas presents
    even just for me..

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  5. Lovely suggestions! Christmas is my favourite time of year but this year I have had some difficulties getting into the festive spirit, so this came at the perfect time. I can't wait to do some baking tomorrow - it never fails to get me into the mood! I love a good Christmas film too. Thanks for sharing x

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