Getting into the spirit of things

Over the years it has become increasingly more difficult for me to get into the Holiday spirit. As a kid it's easy for us, our parents and loved ones make Christmas happen for us. As an adult (with no kids), it can be tough to really find that festive feeling. Frequently it's overcome by the irritation that crowds in shopping malls, awful music, and oppressive sale commercials that bombards us during the season.

I feel that over the past couple of years I have let it all get the better of me and it was making me into a bit of a curmudgeon. It would be so easy, given my current circumstances, to be bummed out and overwhelmed by the Holidays this year, but I have no desire to give in to that.

So this year I am leaning all the way into the Christmas spirit.

I planned my company's annual Holiday Outing (we're going luxury bowling...it's gonna be a blast!) and decorated the entire office suite with lights and decorations (it actually looks kinda cute, you guys). All of this helped really kick-start my Holiday Spirit so I want to share the ways I'm enjoying the season this year.

Decorations, decorations, more (simple) decorations!

I strung up several lengths of simple white lights around my apartment and it feels goddamn magical. There is just something about the light given off from a good string of white Christmas lights that makes me feel so warm inside. I also hung the stocking my mother gave to me when I moved out after college and bought the world's tiniest table-top Christmas tree from Trader Joe's. Making your space match the season is a great way to lean into the spectacle and promote those joyful feelings.

Scented candles!

I always have a candle in each room of my apartment these days. It's the quickest way to make my space look and smell and feel #cozyaf. I choose scents that match the season and I can't overstate the relaxing quality of turning off all the lights when it gets close to bed time and reading/listening to music by only candlelight. Scent is the sense closest tied to memory so I know by doing this I'm also going to benefit in the future. When I smell the same scents later in life I'll always remember my cozy apartment and the joy of curling up with my cat in a warm blanket with a good book.

Music! (not the cheesy radio garbage...)

I actually didn't really enjoy much Christmas music as a kid. I honestly didn't come around to it until this year. I decided to put some effort into seeking out the kind of Christmas music that speaks to me and fills me with joy (read: definitely NOT Dominic the Donkey!!!!!). I stumbled across this album and fell in love with her voice and the harmonies she uses. I just love that jazzed up sound to Christmas music and the hymns remind me (in a good way) of all my years growing up going to the Christmas Eve service at my church. So my biggest tip for finding your holiday spirit is to look at the kind of music you enjoy listening to and find holiday music in that style! You'd be surprised at how much of a difference it makes in enjoying the season.

Movies! (the classics, or the not-so-classic...it's all up to you)

There are many movies that I love for Christmas, and I can't even really pick a favorite (did someone say Die Hard?) but I chose this year to kick-off my Christmas Movie viewing with what I think might be the most classic Christmas movie of all time: Irving Berlin's "White Christmas". I only saw this movie for the first time a few years ago, but I'll never go a year without it again. Having been a performing arts nerd most of my life, the singing and dancing in this movie are truly impressive to me and I love the old-school clever sense of humor. The best lines are the ones said almost as an afterthought. It's a highly quotable movie and that always tickles me. Additionally, I will never not cry at the end of this movie. It gets me Every.Damn.Time. If that's not your thing, go back and re-watch your favorites from your childhood! There really is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than watching a great holiday-themed movie (even if it is Home Alone).

So there you have my list of (affordable!) ways to kick-start that warm, cozy, holiday goodness!

Are there any traditions you love that make you feel Christmassy? What are your favorite Christmas cookie recipes? Share the holiday cheer!