This holiday time of the year is supposed to be one of peace, love, and goodwill to all. But with the stress and commotion of the season, many of us end up feeling more like Mr. Scrooge than Santa Claus. Maybe you’re working overtime this month and Christmas is at the back of your mind. Perhaps you have no holiday spirit at all, or you just realized, Christmas is two-weeks away! Here are some ideas on how to get into that cheery holiday spirit!

STEP 1: Shop early.

Nothing takes away the Christmas spirit like fighting for parking and struggling through crowds.

STEP 2: Holiday greetings

Wish people that you meet in stores and other casual environments a happy holiday. Say it with a smile.

STEP 3: Donate

Put money in a Salvation Army kettle. Give items to the food bank. May NGOs have extra demands at this time of year. Help the out.

STEP 4: Do something nice for someone.

Offer to babysit so a friend can do her Christmas shopping, take cookies to your neighbors, or shovel an elderly neighbor’s walk.

STEP 5: Volunteer

Even if you are busy, you can spare an hour or two to help people less fortunate than you.

STEP 6: Organize a food drive

Get co-workers or neighbours involved. Collect food and personal items and donate them to a local shelter for the homeless or for battered women.

STEP 7: Play Christmas music.

As that ambassador for Christmas, Buddy the Elf says, “The best way to spread Christmas is cheer singing loud for all to hear.”

STEP 8: Watch Christmas movies.

Elf, or The Santa Claus are good for reviving a flagging Christmas spirit, as is How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

STEP 9: Read

A Christmas Carol

STEP 10: Decorate your house for the holidays.

STEP 11: Don’t spend more money than you have.

Anxiety over after-Christmas bills can ruin your holiday.

A few years ago, I compiled a list of links to Christmas carols and song lyrics with guitar chords. Since that time, these lists have proven to be popular posts during the holiday season.

If you stop and think about it, carol singing with a guitar is an inexpensive and straightforward way to enjoy the holiday season. The guitar is one of the most popular musical instruments around and in any group of people, there will be someone who can play.

If you’re looking for a simple way to spread Christmas cheer, grab some guitar-playing friends and:

1. Have a carol sing in someone’s home
2. Go caroling in the neighbourhood
3. Visit care homes and have a carol sing with the residents
4. Get the kids away from screens and sing some carols

If you’re planning a holiday sing-along, here are links to some sites that have Christmas carols and songs:

• Lyrics for Christmas
• Christmas Carol Guitar Chords
• Christmas Song Lyrics Chords
• CHRISTMAS Songs and Carols
• Easy Guitar Songs – 40 Christmas Carols For Beginners (Amazon aff)
• Christmas Songs for Easy Guitar (Amazon aff)

Peace on Earth and Goodwill toward men are common sentiments at this season of the year. There are times when “Christmas is too commercialized,” seems to join that list.

As seasonal greetings go, it seems to be the most meaningless. People who complain about the commercialization of Christmas also talk of the amount they spend on gifts. Those who complain about losing the true meaning of Christmas spend more time shopping than they do with family, friends or at church.

If you think you need to change your focus at Christmas, here are some simple things you can do to “take back” Christmas.

1. Make it yourself. Whether knitting or baking or woodworking, there are loads of ways that we can create gifts.
2. Appreciate the gifts your children make. Get an early start on instilling the true value of the season.
3. Connect with family and friends. Be available for those you have avoided or neglected throughout the year.
4. Be a cheerful recipient. If your sister-in-law insists on cooking Christmas dinner, accept and say thank you. Christmas should not be a “me” time.
5. Entertain neighbours and workmates, etc. We feel obligated to buy chocolates for all sorts of people. Instead, invite them over for dinner; organize a potluck supper; have a casual party.
6. Speak up for the values of Christmas. Wish others a merry Christmas and peace on earth and do it sincerely.
7. Donate to a charity in someone’s name. Instead of buying a gift, give that money where it is needed.
8. Make gifts and care packages for those in need. Seniors, street people, those in hospital and many more could use something special at this time of year.
9. Watch classic Christmas movies and television. Scrooge, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and many others reinforce what Christmas is all about.
10. Take some quiet time. Make Advent a season of preparation: mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Don’t cram your Calendar so full that you have no time for reflection.

Christmas is only as commercial as you make it. You choose what Christmas means to you. If you choose, you can take back Christmas.

Related articles

• True Christmas Gifts
• Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays