It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year! Although I started listening to Christmas music a few days before Thanksgiving (whatever, sue me), it’s officially officially holiday season aka the happiest month of them all. My mom always calls me “The Christmas Girl” because I absolutely loveeee all things Christmas so needless to say I’m ready to get into the holiday spirit. Here are some easy ways to fully enjoy this holiday season (maybe do one each day for the 12 Days of Christmas! hehe)

 

Listen to Christmas music during your commute

Blast “All I Want for Christmas Is You” on repeat–guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. There are literally hundreds of Christmas songs out there & renditions of the classics. Throw together a holiday playlist. It’s pretty hard to be mad because of traffic when *NSYNC’s “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” is playing.

put up some lights

(^props if you know this movie) I love love love twinkly lights. I personally like them year round, but there’s something so cozy about Christmas lights on a cold night. We have a little Christmas tree in our living room & I love turning off all the lights except the ones on the tree. The best.

Buy holiday scented candles

The holidays = prime candle season. There are SO MANY great scents associated with this time of year. I personally love anything that smells like pine/spruce (like this one!). But there’s cinnamon, peppermint, sugar cookie, etc. to choose from. Perfect for a cozy night in & some hot chocolate.

Make Lists (& check them twice)

The older I get, the more I love giving gifts. Maybe it’s because I actually have a salary so I can buy nicer gifts for my friends and family, but one of my favorite things to do during the holidays is making a list of all the gifts I want to get people. Finding the perfect gift is definitely a simple joy of mine–seeing someone open it is awesome.

sending holiday cards

If you’re a little short on $$ (I mean, what twenty-something isn’t?) and can’t splurge on everyone you want to, a heartfelt handwritten card can go a long way!

bake something yummy

My mom and I both agree that we hate cooking but love baking. There’s something so soothing about baking for me. I love the exact preciseness of it (hello, type A here) and who doesn’t love homemade baked goods? Every year, my mom and I dedicate one day to make all our Christmas cookies.  It’s a tradition I always look forward to and never fails to put me in the holiday mood. Need some inspiration? I have a Pinterest board exclusively for baking here.

getting together with friends

The holidays are all about togetherness, right? Even though it’s a c r a z y time of year, make some time to get together with friends. It can be as simple as a happy hour or as full-out as a Christmas brunch (pics definitely to come from mine later next week!) Call up that friend you haven’t seen in a while or actually schedule dinner with someone you’ve been meaning to. The holidays are better when you get to share it with people you love. 

volunteer/donate

While we all probably should donate/volunteer throughout the whoooole year (I’m guilty of this too!), there’s something about the season of giving that makes us feel a little more generous. There also seems to be more opportunities to give back during this month, so take some time or give a little money to a cause that’s important to you.

Watch Christmas movies

This is an obvious one. There’s nothing better than a Christmas movie on a Sunday afternoon or on a cold night after a long day at work. Or if you’re like my mom, you can watch the Hallmark Channel movies 24/7 (seriously, she’s addicted. Love you mamma!)

Go on a holiday-themed date/Self-care day

There’s definitely something magical/special about this time of year if you have an S.O. Take advantage of it by having a holiday-themed date. Go all out! I’m talking ice skating, hot chocolate, cuddling by the fire, going to see the Christmas lights. Romantic & fun.

And if you’re not in a relationship, this time of year is still awesome & a great time for some self-care. Show yourself some TLC and have a self-care day. Light up those holiday candles, grab some wine & relax in a nice bubble bath (with some holiday scented bath bombs!) Take yourself shopping (even it’s wandering around Target by yourself–so soothing). Go to a spa. Cozy up with a good book & some tea. It’s a time to show love–to your significant other and yourself.  

get crafty

I’m typically not a crafty person, but even during this time of year, there’s something really fun about arts & crafts. I think homemade gifts are super thoughtful and fun to make, so take a trip to your local Michael’s & get inspired. Even if it doesn’t turn out perfectly (like most of my craft endeavors) it’s a fun way to unwind.

decorate your desk

Of course all for decorating your apartment, but since you’re at your desk/cubicle for 8 hours a day, spruce it up with a little holiday cheer! Doesn’t have to be anything fancy–just a little Christmas spirit.

BONUS! To help you get into the holiday spirit, you can download this fun little holiday spirit checklist! (and if you like freebies, subscribe to the Ampersand newsletter! #shamelessplug) Wishing you a wonderful holiday season! &.