Okay, so we’re not kids anymore, but does that mean we can’t enjoy the holidays like we once did? I say NO WAY! Recently, I visited with my family and got to spend some quality time with my youngest sister who always brings the little girl in me back out. We danced and sang songs, baked and decorated cookies and even decorated our very own Gingerbread House. I left feeling refreshed, cheerful and ready to take on the holidays and everything that comes along with them (i.e. shopping, long lines, holiday traffic, bouncing from one house to the next to be sure we see EVERYONE in a matter of 2 days, etc.). So, my advice to you if you’re still not quite into the Christmas spirit is to try any of the following things to help bring the little kid in you back out this season!
Send Christmas/Holiday Cards: One of my favorite things to come home to this time of year (besides my husband and puppy) is to cards from family and friends wishing us a Happy Holiday. We’ve sent our cards out too and I know I’m not the only one who looks forward to receiving them along with pictures and updates on the lives of those we care about most.
Build a Gingerbread House: The coolest thing about this is now they have pre-built houses for the not so crafty types (or those not wanting to make a huge mess). If you buy a kit, they typically come with the house, frosting and bags of little green and red candies to use for decoration. My sister and I went nuts with the white frosting and added our own sprinkles and extra candies to make a very unique Gingerbread House (believe me, Dad was proud). You can checkout Ultimate Gingerbread for instructions, images and inspiration.
Bake Cookies: I don’t know anyone who loses weight during the holidays, so indulge now and worry about it after the New Year like everyone else! You can use cookie cutters to make little Santa cookies, snowmen, gingerbread men, snowflakes, stars…you get the idea. A little frosting and some sprinkles and you’ve got yourself a bit of holiday cheer in every bite!
Build a Snowman: If you’re lucky enough to have some snow on the ground you should definitely go out and enjoy it (but remember, don’t eat yellow snow…YUCK!). Build a snowman or make snow angels side-by-side with your spouse and don’t worry about how cold it is outside—Bundle up! It’ll be fun and you’ll have a cute story to share with your family this year.
Drink Hot Chocolate: After you enjoy playing in the snow you can go inside and enjoy a nice big mug of hot chocolate (don’t forget the marshmallows) and snuggle up with your spouse on the couch with blankets or a fire in your fireplace.
Host a Cocktail Party: You could have some of your closest friends or family members over for a holiday party. There’s nothing better than spending time with those you love any time of year, but there’s something about Christmas. You know what they say: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Get colorful and creative with these fabulous ideas from hostessblog.com.
What gets you and/or your spouse into the Holiday Spirit? Share it with us and other readers to bring the light-hearted kid out in all of us!
