Getting in the holiday spirit

The Halloween candy and costumes still linger in one aisle of the store while they are already putting out the holiday lights, trees, stockings and candles in another. They have skipped the whole Thanksgiving season and jumped right from ghosts and goblins to Santa and elves.

The holiday season is arriving earlier each year and soon we will be starting the holidays in July. The commercialization that goes into the season from the retailers is overwhelming. It is about time we refused to get into the spirit until after we have had our fill of turkey and stuffing. Black Friday is early enough for us to begin this most wonderful time of the year.

Turn on the tunes

Thanksgiving weekend, dig out the CD’s, tapes and even the vinyl if that is what you have. Put them on your player of preference and let the songs of the season bring back the feelings of peace and goodwill that are what the holidays are really all about. Carry some in your car, download them into your iPod and let your computer sing away all day if your workplace allows it. Nothing says the holidays more than your favorite renditions of the old classics.

Put in the DVDs

There are a plethora of Christmas movies.  Who has not enjoyed “It’s a Wonderful Life “with James Stewart and Donna Reed? Of all the holiday classics this one really has the true spirit of the holidays as it makes all of us realize what really is important in life.

“Miracle on 34th Street” is another classic that makes even the most hardened unbeliever question whether or not there really is a Santa Claus. In the original 1947 version, a very young Natalie Woods performs alongside screen greats Maureen O’Hara, John Payne and Edmund Gwynn. A new version was made in 1994 but pales in comparison to the original. Charles Dickens Classic “A Christmas Carol” has been made and remade. 

No version is a bad version of this classic. If you are like me, you may want to own two or three and watch them for comparison sake.

Make cookies

If you are a veritable Betty Crocker in the kitchen then whip up batches of your own homemade favorites. If however, you are pressed for time you can purchase the dough already made and just slice them up and decorate. This is a wonderful opportunity to have some together time with other members of the family. The holidays are all about spending time with the ones we love. Rose's Christmas Cookies will give you plenty of recipes to choose from.

Pack the family in the car

Take a ride around your neighborhood, your town or even your state. Enjoy the seasonal displays of lights and house decorations. This doesn’t cost anything and it certainly is a great way to enjoy the season. Check your local newspaper for organized light displays, there may be a charge for these but the awe and wonder on your children’s faces is worth every penny.

Grab a tag off a giving tree

Instead of letting the holidays be all about me, me, me let it be about those in need. You can start even with small children teaching them that part of the spirit of the season is to share with those who have less than they do. It is amazing to see a child get so excited trying to pick a gift for another child.

These are just a few of the ways that you can get into the holiday spirit. Your family has traditions that make your holidays more spirit-filled, take advantage of them. If you’re lucky, the spirit of the holidays will stay with you all year long.