It’s September. In the Philippines, the onset of the ‘-ber months’ or the last four months of the year means that Christmas is coming. It’s time to play some Christmas music in the background and wrap up in a blanket while sipping on hot chocolate. Why wait until December to get into a merry mood?
Christmas is a magical time of year. It’s a season of joy and celebration. From the sparkly decorations to the sumptuous food, it’s hard not to get in the holiday spirit. But it can also be a challenging time, especially when you’re feeling locked up at home. The good news is that you can do lots of things to get into the holiday mood. You just need that little push.
Whether you’ve been dreaming of the holidays or have just realized that it’s weeks away from December, there are ways to slip into that festive feeling with ease. Read on for some of our tips.
Listen to holiday tunes
Start getting in the holiday spirit early with the right Christmas music. Start the day on a high note with modern favorites from Mariah Carey and Jose Mari Chan. Play upbeat party songs to get you through your workday. For a quiet time after dinner, unwind with choral or instrumental renditions of traditional carols.
Take out the decorations
Since we spend most of our time at home, why not spread some holiday cheer by taking out your Christmas-themed décor? Unravel those string lights, start searching for the Christmas tree, and check our kitchen cabinets for your most festive tableware. If you’re getting tired of seeing the same holiday paraphernalia year in and year out, consider making that one trip to the mall to update your decorations.
Whether you prefer to order specially cooked meals or create something delicious from scratch, it pays to plan out your Christmas menu beforehand. Taking the cook-it-yourself route? Now is the time to go online to search for recipes, make a wish list, and hone your culinary skills. It doesn’t hurt to plan your holiday meals this far ahead, from breakfast to midnight snacks.
Create your gift shopping list
For many people, the most stressful part of the Christmas season is shopping for gifts. This early on, start thinking about what you’ll be getting your loved ones this year. With the convenience of e-commerce and plenty of sales, you can take advantage of all the time you now have to shop for gifts. We recommend making a shopping list, labeling packages, and wrapping presents when you’re most energetic.
Watch a Christmas movie
What better way to start out the holiday season than with a movie marathon? The secret to watching Christmas movies is to stick to one genre to avoid getting distracted by options. Movies like Home Alone are guaranteed to make you feel the Christmas spirit. Get your friends and loved ones involved by asking about their favorite holiday flicks and hosting a movie streaming party.
Shop for festive attire
Even a sparkly dress or a cozy Christmas sweater can make you feel joyful. Get a headstart on your holiday shopping by stocking up on red and green tops. You’ll definitely need clothes in these two colors for your virtual family reunions and interactive office parties. But if you prefer to save your Christmas bonus, shop for quirky holiday accessories. Among our top picks are Santa hats, Christmas ball earrings, and string light necklaces.
Gearing up for Christmas means having to look at the brighter side of things. It’s important to remember all the good things in your life. Think about all the kind people you’ve met along the way. Reflecting on what you’re grateful for, and take a moment to appreciate the blessings in your life. Share the love by supporting essential workers and charities that are close to you.
Spend more virtual time with friends and family
The tech world is filled with virtual platforms and interactive games that allow you to share moments, laugh, and have fun. Video calls can be dull after a while, so plan something memorable. Virtual cooking demonstrations, fitness classes, and mystery game experiences are among your many options to come together.
*Featured image via Dima Valkov from Pexels
