Tis’ the season to be jolly! The holidays are fast approaching. It is the best time to celebrate and spend time with your family, however many people are finding it hard to get in the jolly spirit this year. This is what I do to get ready for Winter Break!

1) Watch some classic movies

Watching movies is a great way to spend Winter Break. Cuddle up and spend some quality time with your family. I am so excited that ABC Family is now showing movies everyday in December! Other movies that get me in the holiday spirit: The Christmas Story, The Polar Bear Express, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, The Night Before Christmas, White Christmas, Disney’s A Christmas Carol, and Happy New Year, Charlie Brown.

2) Decorate

Once we get a Christmas tree and hang all types of ornaments and even popcorn string, our mood is lighter. Mistletoe, stockings, lights outside of the house, or even a wreath on the front door will help you feel jolly and ready to celebrate this time off.

3) Get in touch with family and friends

The time away is not complete without friends and family. Reach out to those you haven’t seen in a while. You will feel better in no time.

 4) Send out cards

Get crafty and decorate card filled with love to family and friends. This can be really fun!

5) Make a Holiday Giving List

We all know this can be the best part of the holiday break… giving presents!! Thinking about opening presents always gets me excited, too. So, don’t forget that list.

6) Make a countdown: WINTER BREAK COUNTDOWN

Seeing this everyday will make you feel more jovial in no time!

7) Listen to music

Listening to traditional music while you get ready for school, on the bus, or in the car will change your mood. Listen to anything which lifts your spirits! To me, nothing is better than a good Christmas song! Here are some which we listen to each year: Frosty the Snowman, This Christmas – Chris Brown, All I Want For Christmas – Mariah Carey, Jingle Bells – Bing Crosby, Mistletoe – Justin Bieber (Yes, Justin Bieber), Last Christmas – Wham! (Yes, Wham!), Santa Baby – Madonna.

8) Be generous and give

Donate your time and money to those in need. Try to give your time to help people who don’t have enough this holiday season. If you can’t make it to an organization to help, little acts of human kindness will do at any time of year to make you happy. Something as simple as holding the door open for someone will help if you don’t have time to volunteer.

These 8 steps will help you get excited for the holidays! This is a time to love and appreciate your friends and family and all that surrounds you!

 Share your family holiday traditions in the comment section!