Getting into the Spirit of Christmas!

I can't believe it's almost Christmas! Does that sound familiar? Every year I say that, and every year it seems to come faster and faster. Getting into the Christmas spirit seems to be harder and harder as the years pass, since there seems to be so much more going on. This year seems especially troubling since the economy is weak, people have lost jobs and prices are higher for most things, like gas and food.

I was looking for a way to get into the spirit and found an intriguing article with ten simple ways of getting in the "mood" this year. And, guess what? It doesn't involve spending lots of money! I like that!

Christmas Spirit--10 Ways to Renew the Joy!

1. Donate your time. Volunteer to wrap gifts for the homeless, help out at a Christmas fundraiser or assist a senior citizen with their shopping. Giving is one of the most rewarding ways to get into the holiday spirit.

2. Gather a few loved ones or friends and make Christmas decorations. To keep the cost down, have each person bring one of the supplies needed.

3. Write your Christmas cards early and take the time to write a short note in each card. Think about the joy of the season and how you are also helping others get into the Christmas spirit.

4. Phone a distant relative or an old friend that you have not seen in awhile. Let them know that you are thinking of them this holiday season.

5. Take up a collection. Let your friends and neighbors know that you will be donating the money to a needy family or buying toys for a charity.

6. Plan a Christmas gathering. It doesn't have to be a huge extravaganza. Invite a few friends for coffee and holiday breads, have an afternoon tea with Christmas cookies or plan a cocktail party and ask everyone to bring their favorite appetizer.

7. Write a list of the things that you are most thankful for this holiday season. Share it with a close friend or family member.

8. Stop by the mall just to observe. Notice the beautiful decorations, the excitement of the children visiting Santa and scent of Christmas in the air.

9. Make a photo album. Pull out the old photos from Christmases past and put them together in a holiday album. Set it out on the coffee table and share over the holidays.

10. Sing! Put on your favorite holiday tunes and sing out loud. Sing with joy and happiness in your heart and you'll be feeling the Christmas spirit in no time.

Mary Crowther is a writer and webmaster. To learn more about holiday traditions visit her successful website FavoriteTraditions.com

In the spirit? Need some ideas for gifts? Stay at The Mom Tree, and we'll help you find what you need! Click here!

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