While I do most of my Christmas shopping starting in September, Christmas doesn't begin for me until after December. Well, it's December now! Here are some things I like to do to invoke the feelings of Christmas and bring the spirit of the season.
1. Listen to Christmas music. Time to set up those holiday playlists!
Favorite Christmas albums are those by the King's Singers, Chieftains, David Arkenstone, Steve McDonald, Loreena McKennitt, and Cusco. To save money, first check your local library for Christmas music and place holds early. Also consider buying the CDs used (Amazon or eBay).
2. Sing carols at the piano!
One year my mother made photo copies of the lyrics for a bunch of favorite Christmas songs, so the pianist (or mandolinist or guitarist) can play from the music but everyone isn't trying to read from the same spot. A necessity for large gatherings!
My sister plays the mandolin, and I've created some accompaniment on the piano to play along. So have your family members bring out their instruments—it's time for a jam session!
3. Decorate.
Since we go to our parents' house for Christmas, my sister and I don't buy a tree. That's kind of sad. So sometimes we buy a little Rosemary tree (from Sprouts or Whole Foods). It smells wonderful, gives us that festivity, and adds a little bit of nature to the house. In the past we have decorated it with light ornaments made of foam-like material. (Plus, homemade Rosemary bread is delicious.)
One year I glued old CDs to a craft wheel to make a shiny wreath. It was fun while it lasted.
4. Eat special food.
I'm rooting for Baked Bree. Buy a wheel of Bree at Costco, cook it in the oven, top it with apples and nuts, and eat with bread. Yum.
5. Say hello to friends you know, and everyone you meet.
Smiles are infectious! (So are yawns but you can hold on to those.)
Good luck and Happy Holidays everyone!
