"That's What Christmas Means To Me"

🎶All these things and more, darling

(All these things and more)

Oh, that's what Christmas means to me my love

(That's what Christmas means to me, my love)🎶

If you didn't sing the song, I need you to brush up on your Christmas music selections. Pronto. Time is ticking!

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Growing up, Christmas meant family gatherings filled with laughter, game nights, concerts, and countless traditional rituals. Christmas, to me, represents a season of reflection on the birth of Christ, appreciation for the presence and presents of and from others, and an opportunity to make memories with families and friends.

It's about the little things: decorating the tree while sipping hot cocoa, the excitement of children opening their gifts, and the comforting taste of seasonal treats while watching Hallmark movies. Now that we are the official "Aunts and Uncles of the cookout", I take my role seriously in making sure my nieces, nephews, and the little ones around me make memories out of doing the seasonal "little things".

So what happens if you simply aren't feeling the holiday season?

Tip One: Stop Saying "Christmas is just another day."

The sooner you accept that December 25th is a special day - regardless of whether or not you celebrate the holiday - the sooner you can stop being so annoyed that people treat it as such. You don't have to "do the most," but you don't have to be Ebenezer Scrooge about it either.

Photo by RDNE Stock project from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/food-holiday-red-festive-6518964/

Tip Two: Add a bit of Christmas to your home or workspace!

Start small, head on over to your local Dollar and a Quarter tree and grab a stocking or two, or stop by Wally World and grab a reasonably priced tree. I'm a natural decorator and decorate for just about all major holidays, but I do my big one when it comes to Christmas. Coming into a decorated space has the potential to boost your mood and elevate your spirits. Decorating can also serve as a positive distraction, drawing focus away from everyday stresses and tensions, and promoting mindfulness. Don't knock it til you try it!

Tip Three: Vist Your Family

My family is everything to me - even more now than ever. The atmosphere created by family gatherings is unmatched. The laughter and joy experienced in engaging in watching holiday movies, playing games, or exchanging gifts can reinforce a sense of unity making it easier to appreciate the festive spirit.

I challenge you all to try one or all of the tips suggested to get you into the holiday spirit this season and report back to me on how it helped - or didn't help - you out!

Until Next Time...

...Creatively Dream!