The Christmas season is fast approaching and for some, it can be a struggle to feel good or festive. Although it’s supposed to be a time of cheer, relaxation, and celebration, for many people, the festive season around Christmas can be very stressful.
Some people experience feelings of isolation, financial pressures, or increased family conflicts that can make the Christmas season in particular very difficult.
In December 2020, Simply Health published 5 ways to avoid festive stress this year. Some tips included: planning in advance, shopping wisely, and setting realistic and achievable Christmas goals.
How to make your festive season feel good
Christmas can come with high expectations of perfect and happy families enjoying luxurious gifts around a Christmas tree. However, not all of us are able to live up to these ideals. Those who can’t afford the material bling of Christmas often struggle with feelings of guilt and inadequacy.
But there is something priceless about Christmas that everyone can enjoy. All it requires is to be more mindful of your surroundings, the season, and the implied spirit behind it all.
The following are a few things that can make a world of difference in how you experience Christmas, both materially, and spiritually.
1. Christmas cheer
“Christmas cheer” is the joyful and generous attitude that comes to mind when people think of this time of year. Knowingly embrace this joy and happiness and try to cultivate a lightness of spirit. Such positive feelings are contagious and you may soon find that those around you have a more cheerful state of mind, too.
2. Glitter light walks
The Christmas season is that time of the year when dark concrete jungles and boring small towns turn into beautiful decorative works of art. It’s that time of the year when you know everyone is working toward one common goal — Christmas.
Avenues turn into beautiful dream landscapes with sparkling transparent toy store windows giving you a glimpse of childhood memories and desires that you wish to fulfill for your loved ones.
Walk among the festive season lights in your local town and travel if you can to see the Christmas decorations in other areas.
3. Christmas carols
Listen to Christmas music. While it may be considered annoying by some, a good sing-a-long to your favorite festive season song is considered to be just the right antidote.
4. Christmas market strolls
Visit Christmas markets, because — why not? Most of them are also free to enter, which is a bonus!
5. Family time
Spend time with loved ones. Not everyone has the family network around them that others are fortunate to have, but you can still spend time with the special people in your life.
On November 8, 2021, Esquire published The 60 Best Christmas Movies of All Time. Nothing goes better with a mug of hot chocolate and a mince pie than a feel-good festive film.
Classic movies to put you in that feel-good festive mood
The Snowman
An animated tale of a young boy and his short-lived adventure with a snowman.
Jack Frost
Michael Keaton stars in the role of Jack Frost, a bitter and aging rocker who reincarnates as a snowman a year to the day of his passing on Christmas Day. A treat for the whole family and, for the record, one of my own personal festive season favorites!
Elf
One of Will Ferrell’s timeless classics. Ferrell stars as an orphaned elf who makes his way to New York City to reconnect with his real father. Infamous for the line: “Saaaaaaaanta! I know him.”
A Christmas Carol
This Charles Dickens tale has been re-told many times over the years, and it never gets old.
Home Alone
A storyline that would be considered every parent’s worst nightmare, yet a movie that tops the festive season list year after year.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Few films define Christmas like Frank Capra’s 1946 fantasy starring Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, who, on the verge of committing suicide, is visited by an angel who shows him the true importance of his life.
Or treat yourself to some hot spirits
Another widely enjoyed festive season treat is mulled wine. Also known as spiced wine, it is a beverage usually made with red wine along with various mulling spices and sometimes raisins.
It can be served hot or warm and is considered to be a traditional winter treat. There are non-alcoholic versions of mulled wine also available.
As you count down to Christmas this year, take note of some ways you can also connect with others. You could start a new family tradition, share what you have enough of, and offer a helping hand to those who need it.
Or why not volunteer at one of the Christmas kitchens serving festive season food to the community?
Christmas festive feelings are free
It’s great to buy and get Christmas gifts. But the most memorable thing about any occasion is the feeling you have during your time with friends and family.
There’s nothing like it, and it never did, never can, and never will cost a dime.
So make the most of this festive season and Merry Christmas to all!
