It's the most wonderful time of the year... or at least, it should be. For some people, it's difficult to hop right into that jolly holiday spirit. It may be that the holidays snuck up on you too soon, you're stressed out at work, or you just went through a crummy breakup. Or maybe, you feel like Christmas music has been playing since the beginning of fall and you're already over it. Whatever the reason may be, there are definitely some important things to consider when thinking about how to not be a Grinch when you feel yourself getting a bit down this holiday. You can get yourself out of your funk and right back to being your jolly self again in no time.
We totally get it. The holiday season can be expensive and overwhelming — from the bright lights, to the music, to the ho ho ho's. It's a lot to take in, and there's the pressure to be just as joyful all of the time as everyone else. It also can be rough to deal with everyone being happy when you're going through something tough. When you're feeling yourself turning into a Grinch, here are seven steps you can take to make your heart grow three sizes and avoid turning green. If the Grinch can get himself in the holiday spirit, you can as well. So, cheers Grinches to a happy holiday season coming to you very soon.
01Head Outside And Soak Up A Little Sunshine
Combat those holiday blues by stepping out and getting some vitamin D. You'll feel the benefits of the sunshine in a matter of seconds.
I know it's cold outside, but you can round up your girls and go on a little walk down a scenic trail, or open up your curtains to let some natural light shine in. Even the Grinch had to step outside of his cave every once in awhile.
02Watch Your Favorite Holiday Movie
A good movie always helps us escape reality for a bit, so if you're feeling down, pick yourself up by watching a holiday movie you know you love. It's that perfect time of year to stream Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It's currently on Netflix, so there's really no excuse why you aren't streaming it with a mug of hot cocoa in hand as we speak.
03Decorate Your Home For The Holidays
Sometimes, it just takes a little bit of "you time" at home to give yourself the break you need to get in the right mood. That's why scheduling a time to just relax while decorating for the holidays is a zen-like activity that could get you feeling better. Also, it's hard not to smile when you're looking at your finished masterpiece of a Christmas tree.
04Hang Out With Your Friends And Family
The holidays are a time to get together with the people you love most. Even when you're feeling down, the people closest to you should know how to bring you right back up. Plan a little holiday brunch with some friends or have a night in with your family playing games like holiday-themed charades.
05Get Thrifty With Your Holiday Gifts
The holidays can definitely be expensive. You want to do every single holiday activity, buy everything in your fave stores, and get crazy with the decorations. After awhile, that can really put a drain on your wallet.
If money is tight, get thrifty with your holiday essentials. DIY your decorations, and host a gift exchange with all of your friends so you only have to commit to one gift.
06Volunteer To Help Someone In Need
The holiday season is a great time to volunteer your time to help someone else. You could buy a gift for a child in need, or help out at a soup kitchen in your town or city. No matter what you do, there's no denying that seeing the joy you bring to someone else is going to put a smile on your face.
07Host A Holiday Feast
Getting hangry is a real thing, and it can seriously mess with your mood. Food not only brings joy to our stomachs, but it can make our whole day. Think of all the hot chocolate, gingerbread cookies, and candy canes you could be eating with your main squad, and go for it by hosting a holiday get-together. Ugly Christmas sweaters are definitely encouraged.
