As yet another COVID-induced year-end rolls right around the corner, the festive season is something we can all celebrate. Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, the happiness in the air is contagious, along with the cheerful music and bright decorations all around. There are so many little additions to your day that you can do to boost your festive season. Or even so, someone else’s the festive season. In a way, this festive season also marks the end of this year, and hopefully, next year will be the first year in 2 years that we are not in lockdown!
1. Bake Some Cookies
Who doesn’t enjoy filling their kitchen with the pleasing scent of freshly baked cookies? This festive season is the perfect time to dust up on those baking skills and practice your hand at some fancy icing techniques. It is also a great way to bond with your neighbors, by spreading the holiday spirit and delivering them some handmade cookies. Your creations can also serve as tree decorations, and even a treat for Santa Claus and his reindeers for those of you who have young children. They can also serve as table decor (edible of course!) to really spice up your meal times!
2. Play Upbeat Tunes
We all know what November means… both Michael Bublé and Mariah Carey are defrosting by the fireplace. So why not take advantage of this? Put on your favourite tunes and blast them through a speaker and get that inner singer in you out! Now, of all times you should be embracing the joy and cheer throughout this season and playing your favourite tunes on repeat.
Karaoke is one of the best ways to bond with the family, as everyone is often laughing and no one is really listening to anyone else. So, take this as your sign to pop on some tunes, sing to your heart’s content and boost your festive season.
3. Catch-up with Family Members
During this festive season, the family connection is a huge part of everything. Whether it is over social media, or making a surprise visit to their home, it is always exciting to catch up on how everyone has been. If you do celebrate Christmas, you can always bring a little something to add to the stockings, or even cute decorations to hang around the house. Especially if you are a busy person who has your day packed, this festive season is your opportunity to take some time for yourself, to visit the people you love.
When catching up with family members, there are so many games to play, to possibly make it feel like the old times. Games like Uno, Scrabble, and connect 4 can bring back your nostalgic roots and even the inner competitor inside you.
4. Put Up Some Decorations
Just like how shops and even busses have some decorations, you can lighten the mood at your family home by having your own! Tinsel, baubles, and even LED lights around the house can seriously transform your home into your very own festive atmosphere. For those who are feeling extra adventurous, why not go pick out your own Christmas tree? This is a great activity to do with family and friends, and you don’t have to settle on anything that you don’t see as a true fit for your house.
But really, it isn’t about the end product of how your house looks, but also equally the process. Putting up the decorations should be fun and joyous, with your favourite music in the background. For those who lived in apartments even, don’t be discouraged! You can always try your luck and ask the concierge if you can decorate the Christmas tree in the lobby. Take it from me- they do appreciate it.
5. Retail Therapy
If you need more convincing why retail therapy can do wonders, check out this article here! But really, who are we kidding? Everyone loves online shopping, or even going in store once in a while to satisfy our desires. In saying that, there is no better time to go shopping than this festive season. Shelves are marked and celebrated with big red special stickers, and all the workers are there to help you get exactly what you need. However, this doesn’t just stop at Christmas gifts. Boxing day sales are truly amazing, as well as the black Friday sales that are currently happening.
What Are You Waiting For?
Boost your festive season and get the joyous spirit and celebrations underway! Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, the end of a year should always be the time where you kick back, relax and enjoy your environment and the company of others. Now is the time to reflect on all you have achieved this year and prepare yourself for the next year!