LIFE

The holidays are *just* around the corner, and you know what that means—sugar cookies, fuzzy slippers and holiday activities galore. While the holiday season is *undoubtedly* the most wonderful time of the year, you may be struggling to get into the holiday spirit this year, especially after another year of loss and turmoil for so many. 

ISO some inspo? Keep reading, because we've rounded up nine of the best ways to boost your holiday happiness this season and beyond. 

Schedule a movie marathon

If you heart keeping up with all of the best holiday flicks, round up your besties and plan a watch party to binge all of your fave seasonal movies. Pop some popcorn, put on your jammies and settle in for a night that you'll never forget.

Customize your drink order

Whether you are a die-hard lover of PSLs or you *totally* heart a peppermint mocha, take the liberty of crafting your own holiday drink this season. By coming up with the *ultimate* holiday-inspired coffee, you'll start your day feeling "merry and bright" all season long.

Curate a playlist

If you're anything like us, you like to start bumping holiday tunes as soon as it is socially acceptable (although we could listen all year long, TBH). If you need help getting into the holiday spirit, making a playlist with *all* of your fave holiday songs is one sure-fire way to get you ready for the season.

Change your lighting

Buy colorful LED lights to spruce up your space this holiday season. Hang these light strips behind furniture, in door frames and under your bed to create the ultimate celebratory environment. Not only will this help boost your mood around the holidays, but it will also keep you cheerful all year long.

Bake *all* the goodies

If your fave part of the holiday season is all of the amaze food available, this simple hack will *totally* change the way you approach baking this year. At the beginning of the month, write down all of the delicious holiday goodies that you've been *dying* to try this season. Place your answers in a jar and select a new recipe that you'll try each time you have the longing to bake this holiday season.

Take a trip to the theater

Regardless of whether you're more of a fan The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol, there are *so* many amazing productions that run in local theaters each holiday season. Now that live theater is back, treat yourself with a ticket to see your fave holiday-themed show sometime this season. Bonus points if you dress for the theme, too.

Volunteer with a local cause

You’ve probably heard some iteration of ”the true meaning of the holiday season is giving back.” Right? While it might sound hokey, giving back is one of the best ways to help your community (and yourself) this holiday season. 

Decorate your living space

Let's be real. Who *doesn't* love decorating for the holidays? Regardless of whether you're a fan of colorful string lights or glamorous tinsel, there are so many ways to use decorating as a way to get in the holiday spirit this year. Turn on your fave holiday tunes, put on your fave PJs and start sprucing up your space for the season.

Reach out to loved ones

One of the most special things about the holiday season is the interactions you have with loved ones all season long. If you're in need of a quick and easy way to boost your happiness this year, reach out to a friend or family member you haven't chatted with in a while. Regardless of whether you just schedule a quick call to catch up or you make plans to meet up over the holidays, prioritizing your loved ones is an excellent way to start the season off right.

What is your fave holiday tradition? Let us know by tagging us on social media @girlslifemag.

Gifs via Giphy | Images via Pexels 

by Claire Hutto | 11/23/2021