10 Ways to Spread Cheer this Holiday Season

By Aubrey Schultz

1. Watch a Christmas Movie

Christmas movies are the BEST way to feel the Christmas spirit. There’s nothing quite like sitting down on the couch on a chilly December night with loved ones and laughing your butt of while Buddy the Elf tries to give a raccoon a hug, or crying while little Billy sings about Christmas coming to town on the back of the Polar Express, or having childhood flashbacks as Ralphie begs his mom for a Red Ryder BB Gun. See? You’re probably already feeling all the feels just from reading this.

 

2. Go Caroling

As Buddy once said, “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Grab some friends, get bundled up, and go around your neighborhood knocking on doors and singing Christmas carols. The best part is seeing the looks on people’s faces as they open the door and start singing along, too.

 

3. Make Christmas Cookies

Okay, first of all, YUM. Second of all, this is such a fun way to get festive with people you love! Go grab some Christmas cookie cutters from the Dollar Store and start baking! If you’re really feeling creative, get some frosting and some food coloring and decorate your cookies with red and green and sprinkles and candy and all the Christmas-y goods!

 

4. Look at Christmas Lights

Can we all just agree that Christmas lights are one of the most magical things ever?! Aside from putting them up on your own house and getting to see them as you pull into your driveway each night, it is so much fun to take a drive around to different neighborhoods and simply observe the beautiful twinkling lights. If you’re lucky, you might even find one of those awesome decked out houses with lights and decorations covering every square inch of the property!

5. Play in the Snow

“IIIII’m dreeaaming of a whiiiiite Christmaaaaas…” Even if you hate the snow, you have to admit that waking up to a blanket of white on the ground with snowflakes gently falling during Christmastime is pretty much amazing. So, take advantage of all the beauty and go outside and build a snowman, have a snowball fight, catch snowflakes on your tongue, go sledding, or simply go on a walk and enjoy the view. I guarantee that with the right attitude, you will feel Christmas joy in your heart.

 

6. Decorate your House/Room/Office

Not only is it a great feeling to wake up to a fully decorated house or enter a fully decorated office, but it can be so much fun to turn on some Christmas tunes and set up decorations with friends or loved ones. Also, the Dollar Store is a GREAT place to shop for decorations if you’re on a budget. You’d be surprised the amount of festive decorations you can get for only a dollar each!

 

7. Host a Holiday Party

Yep. White elephant gift exchange, Christmas treats, crafts, ugly Christmas sweaters, games, Christmas music, joy, laughter, love! Get some friends together and enjoy all of the fun and joy that Christmas is. Maybe think about inviting someone who might be feeling lonely or sad during this time of the year. This is a great way to spread cheer!

 

8. Drink Hot Chocolate.

Hot chocolate can be added to any Christmas-y situation or activity and immediately make it ten times better. Seriously, hot chocolate is just the best. Its delicious, warm, and it just screams Christmas. And if you’re not a huge fan of the taste, try maybe a steamer, coffee, or hot apple cider! As long as you’ve got a cute Christmas mug and a warm beverage trickling down your throat, that’s all that really matters.

 

9. Go Ice Skating

That’s right, grab some friends, head over to the nearest ice rink, and get skating! Even if ice skating isn’t your strongest talent, let’s be honest, slipping and falling and giggling with friends as you struggle to keep your balance is half the fun anyway.

 

10. Give Back!

Christmas is all about love, hope, and giving. Allow yourself to feel the true meaning of Christmas and help those who need it. I’m telling you, there is NO better feeling than helping people and giving back. If you’re struggling with how to do this, find a local Giving Tree and make a child’s Christmas dream come true! Christmas is a perfect time to remember what is truly important in life.

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