From the twinkling lights to the classic movies to the overall joyful feeling, the holiday season just warms our hearts. But too often this time goes so quickly–it can seriously feel like you blinked and it’s over. So in the interest of trying to capture–and hold onto–that festive feeling, we’ve put together a checklist of holiday activities to help you make the most of the yuletide season. Ahead, check out 18 ways to ensure this truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
Sip a holiday cocktail. Whether you whip up a classic eggnog or enjoy a hot mulled cider, there’s just something undeniably delightful about cozying up with a Christmas-y drink.
Hit up an ugly sweater party. What’s more fun than throwing on your tackiest and/or funniest festive knit and hanging with friends?
Call or facetime an old friend or relative. It’s impossible to make holiday plans with everyone you care about this season, especially those who live far away. So call your auntie or video chat your college roomie–it only takes a few minutes and will make you both feel warm and fuzzy.
Surprise someone with homemade treats. Whether you make cookies for your coworkers or bake brownies for your UPS person, this simple gesture goes a heck of a long way.
Wear red lipstick. This is a quick, easy way to feel instantly festive. (Here, tips on finding the right red shade for you.)
Make a holiday music playlist. Put it on while you’re prepping for get-togethers or wrapping presents to get in the yuletide mood.
Go look at Christmas lights. Take a walk or drive around your neighborhood and check out all the decked halls to get in the holiday spirit.
Watch a holiday classic movie. Speaking of holiday spirit, a favorite Christmas flick (or several) will for sure put you in a festive state of mind. (Click here for our faves!)
Donate to a toy drive. Play Santa and help make a child’s Christmas magical.
Donate warm clothes or accessories. Socks, warm clothing, and blankets are especially useful this time of year.
Send a card or a letter in the mail. Even a quick season’s greeting can let someone know you care–and who doesn’t love getting mail?
Get yourself something sparkly. A sequin dress or rhinestone earrings never hurt anybody. It is party season, after all–if not now, when?
Do a Secret Santa gift exchange with your girlfriends. The holidays can be hectic but girl time is essential. Plan a dinner or brunch to exchange presents and catch up.
Find a fun way to display holiday cards. Clipping them to a garland or arranging them on a vintage bulletin board will look pretty and make you feel happy.
Go ice skating. It doesn’t really get more wintry than an afternoon spent twirling around the rink (or just trying not to fall).
Make hot cocoa w/ marshmallows. If you don’t have at least one mug of cocoa, did the holidays even really happen?
Wear fuzzy slippers. Cozy Holiday 101.
Tie a velvet bow in your hair. The velvet hair ribbon is back in a big way. Dress up your ponytail with this super-easy holiday hair hack.
How many of these holiday activities have you done? Tell us in the comments!
xo
(Images via @_mercedesmarie, @kelsrfloyd, @missmikaylag, @brialarine, and @taylorkaelin)
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