Make Your Christmas Merry and Bright

Anne and her Christmas tree.
If you want to have a merry and bright Christmas, here are a few ideas that could help. I hope you have a healthy, safe and blessed holiday.

Christmas is here, which is so wild to me. The holiday really snuck up on me this year. Usually, I watch a lot of Hallmark movies leading up to Christmas, but I’ve hardly watched any this year, mainly because I’ve been working, doing music or watching football. But, each year is different, and perhaps this just wasn’t the year for me to watch a lot of Hallmark movies. I do know that for the next week or so, I’ll be trying to catch up, though, and watch as many Christmas shows as I can.

If you want to have a merry and bright Christmas, here are a few ideas that could help. I hope you have a wonderful, healthy, safe and blessed Christmas and New Year.

Christmas Cheer Tips

Have Some ‘Me’ Time

Christmas is often about seeing family and friends, but if it gets to be a little much, don’t feel guilty for having some “me” time. Take a bubble bath and listen to your favorite music or watch sports or movies alone while eating some popcorn. Having some alone time over the holidays can be a beautiful thing.

Make Your Favorite Treats

Christmas is a time for delicious food. Make your favorite holiday treats this year and savor every bite. I love making pumpkin bread this time of year, but my favorite holiday treats are sugar cookies with lots of frosting. All Recipes has a great sugar cookie recipe.

Wear Your Ugly Christmas Sweater

Ugly Christmas sweaters have become so trendy the past few years, but I remember when there was no such thing as an ugly Christmas sweater. They were just Christmas sweaters, without the ugly. So, wear your favorite Christmas sweater proudly. You can even have a party and encourage everyone to wear their most festive attire. You might be surprised what your friends end of wearing to your shindig.

Watch Lots of Holiday Movies

Have a holiday movie marathon, where you watch a ton of your favorite Christmas movies, one after the other. Utah State University points out some of the best classics, such as “Home Alone” movies or “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Those are definitely some of the greatest Christmas movies of all time, but feel free to watch any festive films and get your holiday on.

Play Christmas Games

If you’re spending the holidays with friends and family, why not have a holiday game night? Put a spin on some of your favorite games and give them some Christmas cheer. “Host some Christmas trivia, quizzing your friends on interesting Christmas facts,” Good Housekeeping suggests. “Buy some fancy hot chocolate and mini candy canes to give to the winner as a prize.”

Give Back

Getting Christmas gifts is always fun, don’t get me wrong. I love a good Christmas gift, especially if it’s something that has to do with Hello Kitty or Care Bears. But, giving is also a wonderful feeling. So, do something for your favorite local charity this holiday season, whether it’s making a donation, donating your time or giving some goods they need. There are many great charities out there. St. Jude and the Salvation Army are a few of my favorites.

Oh, and please listen to my holiday song, “Christmas with You,” and add it to your playlists.