Making traditions is what makes holiday time magical. Here are nine things you can do to celebrate the holiday season in the comfort of your own home and add to your traditions.
- Bake. Nothing gets me in a holiday mood faster than firing up the oven to create something that looks beautiful, smells delicious, and is full of empty calories. At this time of year there are numerous online recipes to drool over and put on your must bake!
- Get your craft on. Sometimes, just making something pretty with your hands is enough to get you into the holiday spirit. Consider making some tree decorations, sewing something, or making a wreath for your front door.
- Wrap something. Oh, isn’t this everyone’s favorite way to feel festive? Whether you’re into simple brown paper or modern printed ones, there’s a way to put your stamp on it.
- Decorate. I have a friend who loves the holidays so much that she keeps some festive-hued cushions and accessories stored away for 11 months of the year and brings them out every December to mix up her living space. That might be taking things a bit far (or maybe not!), but change is good for us, and any excuse works. Move some chairs around or simply through up a garland or two; whatever your holiday decorating style is, indulge it.
- Have a movie marathon. What is Christmas without an afternoon spent watching Elf, Miracle on 34th St, or Love Actually? An incomplete holiday season, right? Find the time and make it happen.
- Throw a (low-key) party. Entertaining in December doesn’t have to be a chore. Keep it casual and invite some friends ’round for wreath making, gift wrapping or cookie decorating. Make it a potluck, so all you’ll have to do is throw on some tunes and open some bubbly.
- Cook something different. You know how, after the rich meals of the holiday season, you begin to crave anything that isn’t roast veg, cheese or wine? That first Thai, Indian, or Mexican meal post-Christmas can be the best of the year. Go make that meal now; whether it’s a tasty curry or bright stir fry, your tastebuds will thank you.
- Do something heartfelt. Find a family or non-profit in need and make it a family event to cook a meal, clean a house, help with meals on wheels, visit someone in a nursing home or help do home repairs for a senior in need.
- Plan a holiday. Slightly strange to stay at home in order to plan to leave it, but I find the days of December are fantastic for plotting your next adventure. Even if it’s just armchair travel, dreaming of different climates and outdoor events in nature, can bring new energy when you feel worn down
In A Nutshell . . .Creating or adding to traditions is what adds the magic to holidays. Giving to others in the way of time can help regain perspective and increase joy a hundred fold.