How To Get Into The Christmas Spirit

Christmas is supposed to be a time of peace, love and goodwill to all. But with all the stress and commotion of the season, many of us end up feeling more like Mr. Scrooge than Santa Claus. Maybe your working overtime this month and Christmas is at the back of your mind and you have no christmas spirit at all or maybe you forget this in 12 days it is christmas time! Here are some ideas of how to get into that cheery holiday spirit!

STEP 1: Shop early. Nothing takes away the Christmas spirit like fighting for parking and struggling through crowds.

STEP 2: Wish people that you meet in stores and other casual environments a happy holiday. Say it with a smile.

STEP 3: Place money into the Salvation Army kettles

STEP 4: Do something nice for someone. Offer to baby-sit so a friend can do her Christmas shopping, take cookies to your neighbors, or shovel an elderly neighbor's walk.

STEP 5: Volunteer your time to a worthy holiday cause. Even if you are busy, you can spare an hour or two to help people less fortunate than yourself.

STEP 6: Organize a drive at work or in your neighborhood. Collect food and personal items and donate them to a local shelter for the homeless or for battered women.

STEP 7: Play Christmas music.

STEP 8: Watch Christmas movies. "Elf" , "Santa Clause" is a good one for reviving a flagging Christmas spirit, as is "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

STEP 9: Read "A Christmas Carol"

STEP 10: Decorate your house for the holidays.

STEP 11: Don't spend more money than you have. Anxiety over after-Christmas bills can ruin your holiday.