Christmas Magic
I think we can all agree the year 2020 has been one HELL of a year. And not in a good way.
The Covid-19 virus pretty much took control of everyone's life early on in the year. And not a lot seems to have changed as we are heading into the end of the year.
Am I alone in feeling like almost everything of importance was canceled? My family had a big party planned in April for my mother's 90th birthday. Yep, we had to cancel it. Granddaughter's 6th birthday was a drive-by, and we handed her gifts out of the car window. Easter, we skipped it. Summer vacation never happened. Thanksgiving, we had a small family dinner.
And now it's December. Christmas is quickly approaching, and some of us are having a hard time finding our Christmas spirit. Of course, that's not surprising. And we need Christmas magic more than ever.
We need somehow to get revved up for the holiday festivities. So I have listed a few ideas below that should do the trick.
Crank up the music and let those Christmas songs do their magic. There is something about listening to your favorite Christmas songs that bring back all the great Christmas memories of past years. And before you know it, you will be singing Christmas songs as you go about your day. One of my favorite Christmas songs is "The Little Drummer Boy." And I also have a fondness for "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree."
Start watching Christmas movies. Of course, it's a well-known fact that Hallmark has non-stop Christmas movies. So you can start there. But don't forget about some of the favorite classics.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation has become a classic favorite for our family.
Home Alone quickly became an all-time favorite of children. But adults love it too!
A Christmas Story-Poor Ralphie had to deal with a bully and his dreams of that coveted Red Ryder air rifle. Another holiday favorite in our home.
It's A Wonderful Life with the great Jimmy Stewart. One of the true classics.
Miracle On 34th Street is truly an oldie but a goodie. Another classic.
No matter what your preference for holiday movies might be, grab a bowl of popcorn and get comfortable with a warm throw and settle in to watch your favorites.
Even though you might not be feeling the Christmas spirit yet, get the holiday decorations out and get hopping. The decorations are not going to arrange themselves. You will soon be reminiscing and smiling as you bring out your favorite old ornaments. String a few holiday lights in the windows. And don't forget the star for the top of the tree.
And let's not forget the scents of the season. Get yourself some candles, and soon your home can smell like balsam & cedar or sugar cookie or spiced pumpkin.
Or get out in the kitchen and get baking. Everyone will enjoy the aroma of fresh-baked cookies and pies, and you will have a head start on your holiday baking.
So, I hope a few of these ideas put you into the spirit of things. Because you still need to make those shopping lists and get those gifts bought and wrapped.
Don't forget to take a break now and then and enjoy a cup of peppermint hot chocolate.
Happy Holidays!
