"How To Embrace the Christmas Spirit" by Sarah D

It’s that time of the year again; time to pull out the ornaments and other decorations, play some holiday jingles, and stay up late watching Christmas movies while drinking hot chocolate. And, of course, you cannot forget to write a letter to Santa Claus! It is actually quite easy to get into the festive mood of the holiday; here are some easy steps to embrace the joys of Christmas and everything else it brings.

1.     PICK A TREE!       

Whether your tree is a fresh, sweet pine-y smelling tree or something that is pulled out of a box and put together, having a Christmas tree is the first step in getting into the holiday spirit. When picking a tree, you must find the PERFECT tree. It has to have the most precise branches to hang ornaments off of. WARNING: if choosing a fresh tree, be sure to find a tree that has lively needles, or else your tree will not last till the day of Christmas.

2.     SET THE MOOD TO DECORATE!

Before getting started make sure you have the proper setting to decorate your home. Begin by lighting your fireplace. The soft glow of the flames will bring a comforting, and warm, light into the room, perfect for the holidays. If you do not have a fireplace, there are some great apps available that will allow you to bring a simulated version of a warm fire, complete with the low crackle a real fire creates.

Along with the soft lighting, Christmas music as well as your favorite Christmas movies should help create the perfect setting to decorate. Regarding music, you can either pop in your favorite holiday CD or you can download apps such as Pandora and Songza which allow you to find your favorite artist or holiday song to get you in the cheerful, festive mood. When looking for movies you can rent DVDs, stream movies on Netflix, or even find the best classic movies on channels such as ABC family’s 25 Days of Christmas and the Hallmark Channel.

3.     DECORATE!

You’ve brought home your tree, now it’s time to decorate it along with the rest of your house. Start with the small things, such as cinnamon and baked good scented candles (or even bake your own treats!) in addition to other small ceramic trinkets that bring holiday cheer to your house. Add lights to the inside and outside of your house. You can even set up small Christmas scenes in front of your house, complete with Santa, his elves, and his reindeer. Stores such as Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Lowe’s will have great inflatable Christmas decorations that will assist in making your home a winter wonderland! For the inside, keep it simple and classic with lighted garland and wreaths.

The tree; this is possibly one of the most staple decorations of the Christmas season; it is also one of the most fun things to do. Start by adding lights to your tree (unless it is pre-lit). Next, add all of your favorite holiday ornaments, from homemade ones (you know, the ones you made in kindergarten) to the simple seasonal colored store bought ones, to the crazy fun colored ornaments. After hanging all of those ornaments you’re not done yet! You have to top the tree! To add a center piece of sorts to your tree you may need a ladder (use with caution!). You can top your tree with an array of items including stars, angels, and decorative ribbon.

4.     WRITE YOUR LETTER!

When writing your list to Santa Claus, be sure to include how grateful you are for the things you have, after all Christmas is the time of giving. You may also want to include a small list of items that you believe that you deserve, only if you’ve been Nice. To start you letter, you can write “Dear Santa Claus” or even “What’s up Saint Nick!” Have fun with writing you letter, because you only write him once a year.

I hope this short How-to has provided you with the initial steps required to embracing the Christmas spirit. Have a wonderful holiday season, celebrate with your friends and family! And to end, in the essence of the season: “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.”