How to Keep the Holiday Spirit Going for Just One More Month
During the holidays, there's magic in the air. From fa-la-la singalongs with your favorite people to sharing heartfelt moments with strangers, the season's spirit brings warmth, comfort, and joy. Come January, returning to a routine seems ho-hum after experiencing so much holiday happiness. To keep the holiday momentum going, check out our six great ways to keep the festive spirit alive for just one more month.
1. Volunteer and give back to others.
Volunteering can be one of the best ways to preserve the holiday spirit. Whether working at an animal adoption agency or serving at a soup kitchen, apps and websites like Volunteer Match can help you find volunteer opportunities in your local community. However big or small, your acts of kindness will bring positivity to yourself and those around you.
2. Leave decorations up a little longer than usual.
Don’t take your tree and other holiday décor down right away—leave them up a little longer! The cheerful nature of holiday decorations can help you feel happy throughout the winter months.
Disclaimer: Those who live in an HOA might need to consider the HOA’s rules and regulations before taking action (or inaction).
3. Make a holiday recipe.
With so many festive foods and drinks to enjoy during the holiday season, it can be hard to get to all of them. If you had some you wanted to try, but you didn't get a chance to, now's the time. You can sip on a festive eggnog, create a fancy dinner, or bake Christmas cookies, even as you’re already welcoming the new year.
These recipes can also be shared. You can hold a recipe exchange after the holidays have passed to prep for the year ahead and get a head start on planning delicious desserts that can be served for upcoming occasions.
4. Create joy for other people.
Like you, your family and friends may need a little extra holiday joy. If you do something kind for them, you can continue spreading cheer to all. Help an elderly neighbor get to a doctor's appointment, send a friend some flowers, or get together with your closest crew to watch a holiday movie or make each other giftable goodies! Recreate that holiday joy for them and you.
5. Mail colorful cards for other occasions.
Seeing the smiling faces of loved ones near and far on a holiday card is a delightful surprise that comes but once a year...for now. Increase that correspondence by sending out thoughtful postcards beyond the festive season—for a special occasion or no occasion at all. Colorful cards with an uplifting message will brighten anyone’s day, especially when their delivery is least expected.
6. Keep cozy comfort as part of your routine.
You know that warm and cozy feeling when you sit by the fireplace with a hot drink while it’s snowy and festive outside? The Danish have a word for it: hygge. Practicing hygge, or finding comfort, pleasure, and warmth in simple, soothing things during your everyday life, can have lasting health benefits. The concept of hygge is about gratitude and savoring the simple pleasures of life—so by just eating your favorite meal more mindfully or taking a deep breath, you can find peace and joy from the things that surround you. This mindset is easier to fall into with the general positivity of the holidays, but remember to keep it in your mind and heart even as time marches on.
7. Keep getting together with family, friends, and neighbors.
The holidays are the perfect time to be around the people you love and make new, strong bonds, but they're not the only time you can or should be social. Keep get-togethers going even after the holidays have passed to maintain and create connections. One great way to do this is by hosting a neighborhood potluck. Invite your neighbors to sign up to bring a dish, dessert, or drink to a casual occasion that promotes staying in touch throughout the year.
Want to be the host with the most? Check out our guide to hosting at home with ease.
Cherish the Holiday Spirit
Even saying the word holiday spirit brings a warm sensation and flashbacks of the best memories during the last few months of the year. Cherish those memories and remember that this time is all about connecting with people we love, lending a helping hand, and taking a moment to ourselves—keeping that feeling alive will surely bring true value to any season. Incorporate these ideas above into your everyday life to ensure the spirit of the holidays is never far away.