Twenty-Five Ways To Find Joy This Holiday Season

When I hear people claim that they dread the holiday season, it makes my heart heavy. This time of year is all about appreciating the blessings in our lives, of spending time with family, and showing love to those we care about. I hear complaints about the season being too busy, too crowded, and filled with way too much traffic. If you are already feeling the holiday blues, here are twenty-five ways to find joy this holiday season. 

1. One of the easiest ways to start feeling the holiday spirit is to watch a feel-good holiday film. Enjoy the classics, or a new television special this season. 
2. Three words: baked apple pie. 
3. Play holiday music in the morning. The classics never go out of style. 
4. Light a holiday scented candle for ambiance at home. My favorite are blue spruce candles from The Roost Candle Co in Sandyhook, CT. 
5. Go for a holiday Christmas light drive or walk. 
6. Avoid busy malls and shop local with a hot coa coa in hand. 
7. Make holiday orange pomander balls.
8. Decorate your home to reflect the holidays. No matter which holiday you celebrate this year, winter wreaths and garlands with white lights instantly make your home feel more magical. 
9. Go ice skating. 
10. Enjoy a simple home cooked meal at home with friends or family. Host a cozy night in. 
11. Read a holiday classic such as Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol.” 
12. Visit the theater. Watch the Nutcracker or visit the Rockettes for the Christmas Spectacular in New York City or a holiday show in a city close to you. 
13. Take the train to New York City and walk by Rockefeller Center and the holiday displays or the holiday displays right in your own hometown. 
14. Build a snowman if there is snow. 
15. Switch your morning coffee or tea for hot chocolate and take in the beauty of a calm winter morning. 
16. Wrap your gifts creatively. Instead of making it a chore, make it fun. Consider hosting a holiday wrapping party with friends where you can share gift wrap and ribbons. 
17. Try cooking a new holiday recipe. 
18. Make your own Christmas cards.
19. Get your shopping and holiday cards finished early so you can enjoy the season instead of rushing around last minute.
20. Do something nice for someone else. 
21. Volunteer this holiday to support your local community or donate to a meaningful charity. 
22. Go sledding or skiing (weather permitting). No matter what, make sure you get outdoors. 
23. Bake cookies. Or better yet, host a holiday cookie swap or baking contest. 
24. Wear something festive. 
25. Say no to extra commitments and parties and focus on the ones that mean the most to you.