One of my favorite Christmas memories from growing up, is of my dad taking our family into Boston. He wanted to introduce my sisters and I to one of his favorite memories as a kid: seeing The Enchanted Village at the now former department store, Jordan Marsh.  

A small mechanical village with over 250 animated figurines, The Enchanted Village, takes you back to a Norman Rockwell version of Christmas. Created originally in 1958, it can still be visited each holiday season at a large furniture store in Massachusetts. Only, at fourteen, I probably didn’t appreciate it as much as I should have.  

The Enchanted Village isn’t my favorite part of that memory.

That day, we also ate pizza at this tiny, hole-in-the-wall restaurant. We walked the streets of Boston as the city lit up with its Christmas lights. And we warmed up with coffee on my first ever trip to Starbucks. 

As a family, we were together. We were on an adventure. And it involved coffee.

Christmas doesn’t need to be over the top to be special. In contrast to what Hallmark movies tell us, it doesn’t have to involve the perfect Christmas festival or pageant, an overly friendly Santa Claus, or even falling in love. It simply asks that we be present to what is good—to what this season represents, to our loved ones, and to simple joys that many of us haven’t fully enjoyed since we were kids.

Christmas doesn’t need to be over the top to be special… It simply asks that we be present to what is good.

Last week, I shared a very real life annoyance that has been one of a few things this year that has made it difficult to enjoy this Christmas season. But for me this isn’t the first year it hasn’t felt like Christmas. I am sure you can relate. All of us want to recapture the joy we’ve felt as kids. Only some years it feels especially elusive.

That’s why today I want to share some things we’ve done over the years to make our holidays bright, when they feel dull. Some are the usual simple pleasures of the season. Others are more unexpected. 

Make breakfast for dinner.

The night we decorated our tree this year, we made homemade waffles for dinner. It was easy, delicious, and as we looked at the tree while we ate, it kind of felt like Christmas morning. 

Do something nice for someone who doesn’t expect it.

Recently, I watched as a guy paid for the lunch of the woman behind him at a local cafe. The look on her face was one of incredible surprise and delight. Buy a coworker a latte. Bake your neighbor a batch of cookies. You’ll be surprised by how quickly the Christmas Spirit finds you.

Take something off your to-do list (as in, don’t do it).

Some years there are traditions that feel more heavy than light. They bring more stress than joy. It’s ok to skip them, to make room for something that may offer peace for you and your family.  

Meet a friend for a holiday latte.

People really are the most important part of the Holidays (and our lives). But if you’re not having or attending a big party this season in hopes of staying healthy, make time to meet up with a friend or two instead. Bundle up, grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate at your favorite cafe, then go for a walk together and catch up.

Take a break from Christmas.

Some of us don’t have the greatest childhood Christmas memories. Or, we’re going through a hard life season and it’s difficult to celebrate. Go for a drive and stream anything but Christmas music. Take a walk in nature. Do something creative (write, paint, build, etc.) that has nothing to do with the season. It’s ok if this month isn’t 24/7 Christmas.

Walk or drive to see Christmas lights.

I know, this is an expected one. But sometimes we get so busy with what we have to do this season, that we don’t slow down enough to enjoy it. Taking a walk or driving through neighborhoods with Christmas lights, will help you unplug from all the stress and remember how you used to feel as a kid when you’d see your neighbors’ houses all lit up.

Get the most comfortable PJ’s (hint: They don’t have to be Christmas PJ’s).

When is getting comfortable pajamas ever not a good idea? Christmas is a perfect excuse to buy them, but feel free to get them in a color or pattern that doesn’t scream Christmas. This way, you’ll not only be comfortable Christmas morning, but all winter long.

Experiment with a new tradition.

Over the years, some of our most favorite traditions fall by the wayside. Friends, Family, or we move away, and it becomes too difficult. BUT—that doesn’t mean new traditions can’t be made. What sounds fun to you and your people? A pajama party? Cooking decorating? Try to plan something new this season—even if it’s after Christmas.

What traditions or activities help you get in the Christmas Spirit?

What stresses do you need to let go of, in order to enjoy this time? 

Mind feeling cluttered with all the holiday chaos? Sign up for my email list and receive a free copy of my Five Steps to Declutter Your Mind PDF. 

Photo by Jonathan Meyer from Pexels