This time of year should be a joyous happy time. Sometimes, people just don’t have the holiday spirit. A few years, I was the ba-humbug, no holiday spirited person. When I get like that, I try to do things that will life my spirit. There are a lot of things that can be done to get you in the spirit. Here’s my list of holiday spirit boosters.

Holiday music.

This is the number one thing that can change my sour mood around. Put it on when you are cleaning your house. Sing obnoxiously even if you sound like a wounded moose. Play it when you are cooking and use the spatula as a microphone. Play it when you are getting ready for the day. Starting your day with it can really help turn your mood around.

Holiday movies.

If holiday music isn’t for you, because I know a lot of people who find Christmas music, annoying, maybe try watching a holiday movie. I love Christmas movies. The grinch is my favorite and is relatable when you are not in the holiday spirit. Another good movie is Prancer. (Prancer has Sam Elliot in it when he was younger, so you know this is a good movie!)

Holiday festivities.

Going out and seeing some Christmas lights or participating in a Christmas related activity can really help you get into the spirit. Being around others who are in the spirit can lift yours. Seeing some beautiful light displays can also get you in the mood. This past Sunday night, my family and I went to a chocolate factory in my town that decorates their outside gardens with millions of light displays. They even had Santa there and a hot cocoa stand. We went with our good friends and their kids. My daughter had a blast and thought it was just the prettiest thing ever.

Holiday baking.

I don’t know about everyone else, but I love to bake. Baking cookies around the holiday and giving them to family and friends or just eating them myself puts me in a great holiday mood. I love the smell that fills the house.

Decorating.

I love decorating for the holidays, especially Christmas. Light up candy canes and reindeer are my favorite outdoor decorations and garland and paper snowflakes are my favorite indoor decorations, as well as a Christmas tree, of course. Seeing the decorations really does put you in better spirits. I’ve been making paper snowflakes and hanging them from my ceiling ever since I can remember. 

The gift of giving.

This always warms my heart and brightens my holiday mood. I think this is the most important part of the holiday season.  Giving to those in need gives you a sense of joy that you can’t buy. It teaches you to be humble and sometimes, being humbler is the key to a better holiday spirit. Just about every year, except for the last few, I have gone to feed the homeless. One of my favorite things to do, especially around the holidays. You wouldn’t believe how thankful someone is just for spending your time with them and spreading your holiday cheer with them.

Remember, the holidays are about love, giving, family and friends. Not about material things. If you are having a rough time this holiday season and can’t seem to shake the ba-humbug mood, look to your family or friends for support, use my list as a guideline or make your own list of your favorite holiday things. Sometimes writing down what you love about the holidays will make you feel better.