Tips to get in the Holiday Spirit!
How do you get into the holiday spirit? Right after Thanksgiving the Holiday season really begins. My friend Linda was down for the Thanksgiving, and we kicked off the holiday with a bit of fun. Here are a few tips! These may sound simple, but sometimes doing one or two can kick you in holiday mode!
Plan a holiday trip.
This year I have a holiday trip to Elkhart, Indiana as a Christmas gift for my husband. Traveling for the holidays can be a fun way to celebrate Christmas, or ring in the new year.
Shopping for Christmas and holiday type stops!
The Apple Barn was a fun stop, my friend Linda and I made. Trying a place where baked goods and local artisans’ items are highlighted is always a win. Holiday bazaars also offer unique gifts and begin to pop up this time of year.
Next, we stopped at a few shops on Black Friday. Whether perusing the Internet for the best buys or heading out to the stores in person shopping is fun way to feel the holiday, especially when going with a friend! I enjoyed the beautiful decorations like at Jeffery Allen like Santa outside.
Dining at a fun place
Getting together with friends and stopping at a special dining stop is always a great way to ring in the season. Linda and I stopped at the wonderful Incredibly Delicious. They offer a great entree, we enjoyed the beauty of the surroundings, and it was nice to bring her to a place she had never been. Where is your go to place for holiday fun?
Decorating for the holidays will get you in the holiday spirit!
Decorating for the holidays whether that means a tabletop tree, or the whole nine yards can bring the Christmas Spirit into the house. This year my husband Keith put a star on the shed adding a new decoration to our farmstead.
My friend Annie said for her that decorating with the grandkids is a family tradition. We enjoy hot chocolate as we decorate, and then sitting in the glow of the Christmas tree lights! Traditions create memories that last a lifetime.
Keeping the Christ in Christmas
Remember the reason for the season. The day is not about the presents and the glitz, it is all about the baby born in the Manger. Read the Christmas story, attend a Christmas Eve service at Trinity Lutheran in Auburn. Christmas just isn’t Christmas for us if we don’t go to the eve service! Most churches have online services if you don’t want to get out!
Wherever you worship, get reacquainted with the spiritual meanings of this magical time of year.
Do something for charity.
Most towns or churches have an angel tree or something similar to assist those that need a bit of help during the holidays. Mom and I enjoy choosing an angel every year and especially knowing that the help is local. The list of needs is endless, check with your village office, I am sure they can direct you to a charity that can use your support. Nothing offers a great holiday spirit feel than helping others!
Baking for the holidays spirit
What fun it is to fill the kitchen with the smell of baked goods. Cookies, breads, candy and more are a great way to enjoy holiday time as well as wonderful gifts. Being diabetic, I have to keep this to a minimum, but I surely enjoy the small treats I allow myself to try.
Christmas Celebrations lift the holiday spirit.
Enjoy Christmas lights, holiday walks and all the special events that the holiday have to offer. In the past we have enjoyed visiting Henson Robinson Zoo. One year we even visited the beautiful St. Louis Zoo for their holiday light display. My sister says the St. Louis Botanical Gardens are amazing at the holidays! Most years we do local events, we also visit downtown Springfield for their cool holiday walks. The stores are open, and the Old State Capital is beautiful, and Santa is usually there! This year we are planning a visit to the beautiful Dana Thomas House to see Frank Lloyd’s masterpiece all decorated.
Last night we traveled to Chatham, Illinois, and enjoyed their lovely lights! There are also beautiful lights displays in Taylorville’s Manner’s Park. Where do you go for Christmas lights?
The hometown squares also offer fun. Virden especially decorates and every year we like to circle the square.
Christmas entertainment, music, movies and books!
This time of year, I love to listen to the classic Christmas songs. I also watch Christmas movies and love to read Christmas themed books.
While the holidays can be stressful if you over plan, or overspend, if you keep a few fun traditions, and the checkbook in check, you may find yourself humming a song or two and having a Holly Jolly Christmas!
