I received a message the other evening asking about tips on how to get into the holiday spirit with everything that is going on around us in the world. Admittedly, I’ve had my moments when I wake up in the morning and struggle with putting on a happy face with the current state of affairs. And when this happens, I always ask myself “what would I say to clients, how I would address the notion of being congruent, while still being able to get into the spirit of the season?” So I put together a few things that I have found to be helpful over the past several months. This is obviously a very generalized “list” and is not intended to minimize any single person’s experience.

1. Two feelings at the same time: I have had this conversation with clients numerous times. The notion of being able to feel two feelings at the same time (heck, even “Daniel Tiger” sings about this….). It’s 100% ok to feel sadness, frustration, anger, etc regarding where you are right now, but it’s also 100% okay to also feel a sense of festivity during this time of the year. Feelings don’t have to be mutually exclusive. I remember right after TJ and I got married, my Nana passed away. I was devastated, yet at the same time so happy to be newlyweds. Giving myself the space to feel both of these feelings, at the same time, was really helpful.

2. Limit the news: Over the past several of months I have had to limit how much time I spend watching, and consuming, the news. I saw a direct correlation with the amount of time I watched the news to a decreased mood. I’m not advocating being unaware and uninformed. But giving yourself blocks of time throughout the day to watch, or read, your news is a helpful way to not let it become all consuming. I give myself some time in the morning and again at the end of the day. I find that it helps me to stay informed as to what’s going on, while at the same time not consume my day.

3. Give back: I always find that the act of doing for others helps me to feel better, especially during the holiday season. This doesn’t have to be monetary either. It can be dropping off some cookies on a neighbor’s doorstep, offering to help a neighbor (socially distanced of course) with their Christmas lights, etc….

4. Focus Inward: When I can’t control what’s happening outside of me (and most of what is going on right now outside of my home is out of my control) I focus on what I can do within our four walls. That means I can create the fun and festive holiday we want to have to make the season special for my little girls. I can teach them the meaning of giving back, helping others, and being grateful for what we have.

And given that I am looking to focus on ways we can keep the holidays alive within our home, I’ve put together some simple ways that we’re making the holidays festive and fun below… would love to hear any of your suggestions as well!
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9 FUN WAYS TO MAKE THE HOLIDAYS FESTIVE

1. Cookies. Always holiday baking. I know that Harper is at an age right now where she loves to cook, so I know that baking cookies is going to be something that she enjoys so much this season. We’ve been making these sugar cookies since I was five, and we only make them at Christmas, so they’re extra special. We also make these peppermint chocolate cookies and these peanut butter blossom cookies.

2. Holiday Lights. We went looking at holiday lights for the first time on Monday night and it was so fun… and the look on both the girl’s faces was priceless. Usually, we just pick one night and make the rounds, but this year we’re going to spread it out… a few over the top streets a night to really make the days feel special.

3. Movie Night. I thought it would be fun to either create our outdoor movie theater for a Christmas themed movie night for Harper… or if the weather is too cold, bring it inside with lots of cozy blankets, hot coco, and some cookies.

4. Santa. Harper hasn’t been a fan of Santa for the past couple of years, so we haven’t really “visited” him… but this year she told me she wanted to “zoom with Santa….” and I thought it was very 2020 of her (and a way to still “see” Santa without actually having to see him…). So… I’m currently looking for a non family member to dress up as Santa for 10 minutes so she can have her visit… any takers????

5. Music. Since we’re at home most of the day, having a steady stream of Christmas music really lends itself to feeling festive. I mean, it’s hard not to smile when your favorite Christmas song comes on….

6. Special Nights. Even though we can’t actually really go to holiday parties, that doesn’t mean we can’t have special nights at home. I love the idea of making a big ol’ cheese platter, opening a special bottle of wine/champagne, dressing up a little (comfy glam of course….), and maybe even having a zoom call with those you would have been with in person if it wasn’t 2020.

7. Front Door Drop Off. This year I am going to bake with the girls (mainly Harper) and drop off some of the treats, and maybe a small poinsettia, at some of the neighbor’s houses. I know there is one lady down the street who lost her husband, and this will be her first Christmas without him… I think when we can put a smile on the faces of other’s it helps us feel better as well.

8. Elf on The Shelf OR The Shepherd On The Search: I asked about Elf On The Shelf on instagram stories the other day and the reaction was mixed. A lot of people mentioned not liking the idea of telling their kiddos the elf is watching them, but a lot said they don’t insinuate that and it’s just a fun “visitor” for the season and their children absolutely love it and look forward to it every year. Then some people mentioned The Shepherd On The Search, a great alternative if you don’t like the Elf idea. We decided to that one in our home and I’m looking forward to it!

9. Holiday Pajamas. I feel as if these always make this season feel a little special. The girls have this pair, and Harper loves matching with Camille + Camille just wants to do everything that Harper does.