The Christmas tree has been decorated! I settled in last Sunday afternoon with a cup of tea, put on my new sweater, and started with the champagne baubles and the few special ornaments we have collected. Then I wrapped the gold beaded garland around the tree. It has a simple, neutral look, and for our first real decorated tree, I am happy with the result. I have been enjoying all of my decorations so much. The living room feels welcoming and cozy, and it’s wonderful to curl up here each evening for my nightly peppermint tea (plus Advent calendar chocolate) and a movie.
My evening routine helps me settle in and relax, and it’s made lovelier by this festive time of year. It’s just the beginning of it, and I want these moments to last. This holiday season, I am setting an intention. December always goes too fast and can be filled to the brim with shopping, parties, and obligations. I would like to do one thing each day this month that grounds me and roots me in the present moment, that makes me stop and feel the quiet magic of the holidays. Here are some ideas for doing just that:
- Embrace your childhood spirit, and cut out some paper snowflakes. Hang them from the ceiling or windows. You might listen to the Elf soundtrack as you work!
- Make a special cup of hot cocoa by adding marshmallows or a peppermint herbal tea bag. Sip by the fire or tree.
- Color or draw a holiday picture – like a decorated front door – or try some lettering with vibrant pencils.
- Grab your favorite festive hot beverage and stroll a Christmas tree lot.
- Set the mood for a cozy movie night with lots of string lights and blankets. Have a seasonal snack on hand.
- Light a candle with a comforting scent nightly before bed.
- Spend a little time feeling inspired for the season by looking through Pinterest gifts, decor, and recipes, or the December issue of Real Simple.
- Drive around looking at all the lights at night in your pajamas.
- Make a list of 10 or more things for which you feel grateful, specific to the month of December.
- Display a snow scene on your TV or computer, and curl up to read a festive novel. I’m currently reading this – It is very British and very comforting!
- Host your friends for a fun night in. Try your hand at a Christmas tree snack board with fresh cocktails.
- Play your favorite music and sing along while you do chores, drive in the car, whenever you can.
- I love a good Harry Potter marathon this time of year. Have this playing while you prepare dinner, then settle in to watch.
- Hang string lights around your home. I love the softness and coziness that they bring, so we have them in nearly every room and forgo most other lighting.
- Enjoy an invigorating walk, donning your favorite hat and scarf, around a charming area of your city or town. See what you notice this time of year.
- Take a workshop or class to learn a new skill this season. My mom and I are doing a wreath-making workshop. See what is offered locally in your area.
- Choose to do only what you really want to. If you are feeling iffy about an invitation to an event or party, it’s okay to say no. And if you do say no, don’t look back – Enjoy your evening exactly as you’d like.
- This is a wonderful time of year to give back to your community. Pick a local organization, and see if there is an event at which you could volunteer or make a donation. There’s a great calendar for Nashville opportunities here.
- Watch a favorite nostalgic Christmas movie with your family. Seeing new holiday films can be fun, but there’s nothing like the warm, cozy feeling of the classics.
- Liven up your home with fresh greenery. Many of my decorations are artificial, but I love mixing in the fresh for a natural look and lovely scent. You might find some on your next grocery shopping trip.
- Wrap gifts with recycled materials. This year, with some of my gifts (I do still have wrapping paper from last year that I’ll use as well), I am going to try using brown paper bags from the grocery (flipped inside out) and tying them with string I already have at home. It can be fun to experiment with wrapping!
- Bake your favorite cookies – I love sugar and gingerbread. Add glaze with some easy icing by mixing confectioner’s sugar and milk (I use almond), and decorate with sprinkles.
- Visit a local shop you love this year, and buy a gift from them. You’ll be supporting a smaller business and giving a gift that is unique. It’s also just fun to get out and do a little shopping in person, see the decorations in the store windows and feel a sense of community.
- See a holiday lights display. Try to go on an off-day or at off-hours to limit the crowds so that you can enjoy it all the more.
- Write and send handwritten letters to friends or family that live away from you, just to tell them happy holidays and that you love them.
What on this list might you do or try this year? I hope you have a wonderful December!
P.S. My holiday decorations this year and my favorite Christmas movies.
