Burkholder Explores Ways to Get into the Holiday Spirit

Playing holiday-themed songs is a great way to make your home feel more festive and warm during the chilly winter. From modern pop to traditional choirs, Christmas music helps enhance the winter atmosphere. In addition, music is a must if you invite friends and family for a holiday gathering. If you or your family have personal favorite Christmas songs, go onto a music app like Spotify or Apple Music and make your own playlist. Or you can choose from hundreds of other playlists that include various holiday songs based on specific themes like carols, genres, and periods.

Food is always a favorite way to get into the holiday spirit, especially sweet treats. The holidays are an excellent time for you and your family to try some new recipes in addition to tried-and-true favorites. Look up cookie recipes online, and if you find one that catches your attention (or looks delicious), jot the recipe down and try making it. You might also consider putting a new twist on traditional family recipes and pair your treats with hot chocolate or other festive drinks. Baking with your family and sharing cookies with your friends or neighbors helps everyone enjoy the holidays.

Another activity is to visit local tree-lighting displays or shows. This could be at a local park or neighborhood, with many trees decorated or lighted structures of Santa and his reindeer, snowflakes, and other iconic holiday imagery. “Lightseeing” can be a fun way to spend time with family, help you get into the holiday spirit, and get everyone excited for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

With the cold, snowy weather of Christmas time, relaxing and watching Christmas and other classic holiday movies with family is one of many ways to get into the holiday spirit. Here are just a few of our favorite holiday movies that make for a fun, memorable time during the Christmas season:

• A Christmas Carol
• A Christmas Story
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• It’s a Wonderful Life
• Miracle on 34th Street

Other suggestions, such as the Rankin/Bass animated specials (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman) and the Charlie Brown Christmas special, are fun for children (of all ages!) These films help reinforce that the holidays are about giving and caring for others, making them excellent choices for getting into the holiday spirit.

The winter holidays are excellent times for shopping, and many families use shopping and decorating to help get into the festive spirit. Shopping for gifts enables you to embrace the holiday spirit: giving to others and showing how much you care for them. So when you go out shopping, buy gifts that your friends and loved ones will cherish and appreciate for years to come, and help spread holiday cheer.

One of the most memorable parts of any holiday is picking out the perfect Christmas tree and decorating the tree with family. The tree acts as a festive seasonal centerpiece for your home, and usually, everyone joins in on the fun. Hang your favorite ornaments and tree lights, and decorate your home with other items, such as wreaths and lights, to create a more festive atmosphere in and around your home. Having your home decorated outdoors and indoors is an excellent idea if you intend to have guests over.