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 complete strangers, the spirit of the season brings feelings of warmth, comfort, and joy. Come January, a return to a regular 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 spirit of the holiday season. Whether it’s working at an animal adoption agency or serving soup to the hungry, apps and websites like volunteermatch.org 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 decorations down right away—leave them up a little longer! The cheerful nature of holiday decor can help you feel happy throughout the winter months. Disclaimer: Those that live in an HOA might need to consider their association’s rules and regulations before taking action (or inaction).
3. Make a holiday recipe you wanted to try
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 if the holidays are already over.
4. Create joy for other people
Your family and friends may need a little extra holiday joy, just like you. 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 just get together with your closest crew to 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 in a holiday card is a delightful surprise that comes but once a year. Send 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 they least expect it.
6. Keep cozy comfort as part of your routine
You know that warm and cozy feeling you get when you sit by the fireplace with a hot drink while it’s snowy and festive outside? The Danish actually 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 benefits to your well-being. The concept of hygge is about gratitude and savoring the simple pleasures in life—so by just eating your favorite meal more mindfully or being more present in your day, you can find peace and joy from the things that surround you.
It’s what we cherish most about the holidays—connecting with people we love, lending a helping hand, and taking a moment to ourselves—that brings true value to any season. Incorporating these ideas into your everyday life can ensure the spirit of the holidays is never far away.