We all have years where we are in denial or have a hard time getting into the holiday spirit. When that has happened to me I have always regretted it later, so, I make sure to nurture the Christmas spirit in my heart. Here are some of my favorite ways to do so.

1. Snuggle under blankets and watch holiday movies – Netflix has quite a few.
2. Turn on the holiday tunes and don’t be afraid to sing along. Loudly. Dancing is also highly recommended.
3. Bring special holiday treats in to work to share with your co-workers.
4. Save some of those treats, or make more for the staff and residents at a local nursing facility.
5. Send handwritten letters from the heart to people in your life. Or, strangers who need to know someone cares.
6. Go Christmas caroling
7. Donate presents for children in need.
8. Be extra nice to the next cashier who helps you.
9. Eat or drink traditional holiday treats.
10. Give the gift of time.
11. Decorate your home.
12. Call an old friend or someone you haven’t connected with in awhile.
13. Become a Secret Santa and give a special gift to someone worse off than you.
14. Buy coffee for a stranger.
15. Go to a church holiday service or children’s program.
16. Leave a nice tip.
17. Offer to babysit so overwhelmed parents can have a night out.
18. Bake cookies or holiday favorites and share them with others.
19. Throw a holiday party.
20. Do something nice for your neighbors like shovel snow or put their trash cans away.
21. Buy grocery store gift certificates and give them to people experiencing tough times.
22. Practice random acts of kindness where ever you go.
23. Carry gift cards, money, or small gifts you can hand out when something inspires you.
24. Participate in food drives or set one up yourself.
25. Volunteer – there are many opportunities and needs at this time of year.
26. Watch children open presents.
27. Listen deeply to someone who needs to talk.
28. Watch “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”, “It’s a Wonderful Life” or other classic holiday favorite.
29. Ask people, especially seniors, to share the story of their favorite Christmas with you.
30. Leave Christmas trees on the doorsteps of people who can’t afford them. Ring the bell and run.

I hope something here has inspired you to nurture the Christmas spirit in your heart. I bet you have some great ideas too. Please share them in the comments section below. They might inspire someone reading this post to let the holiday spirit in.

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