If you’re like me, you can’t quite believe it’s December … even when it’s almost Christmas. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or another holiday, December can be a magical month … or it can be a stressful month.
“Christmas … is not a date. It is a state of mind.” Mary Ellen Chase
I’ve found that I can enjoy my family and the holiday season best by slowing down, keeping obligations to a minimum, and focusing on my family and the magic of the season.
Family activities like Advent wreaths and calendars can be special and fun – if you feel ready to enjoy them. I have a post at Living Montessori Now with hundreds of December holiday activities.
I also wrote a post called “10 Tips for Avoiding Holiday Burnout.” When Will and Christina were growing up, we were able to have wonderful Christmases by just choosing a few favorite activities that we all found fun and relaxing – ones that created special memories but not a lot of stress.
One of our chosen ways to get into the Christmas spirit was to drive through specially decorated parts of the city. Now, we can find some amazing Christmas inspiration on YouTube.
Here you can find some of the best Christmas light shows on YouTube.
Here’s another video that helps me feel excited about the Christmas season:
“Hallelujah Chorus -Kuinerrarmiut Elitnaurviat 5th Grade – Quinhagak, Alaska”
Here’s a post with two of my favorite early-season Christmas inspirational videos: Project Smile – Flash Mob Smiles.
And you’ll find both inspiration and laughter for the Christmas season in this post: YouTube Inspiration for Christmas Day (doesn’t need to wait until Christmas Day).
Wishing you true happiness this holiday season!
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Photo Credit: “All I want for Christmas is … joie de vivre” by Let Go at Flickr Creative Commons.
I absolutely LOVE, love, LOVE this JOYful post – thanks for all of the wonderful ideas, links, and resources.
Tomorrow at the Corner on Character, we’ve having a Great JOY Giveaway so stop by for a few more JOY ideas and a chance to win a copy of Kate DiCamillo’s Christmas treasure Great Joy!
Barbara
The Corner On Character
Thanks so much for your very kind comment, Barbara! I’ll be sure to stop by! Have a wonderful weekend – and Christmas season! 🙂
Deb recently posted..ThanksGiving is Good but ThanksLiving is Better
What a lovely first post to read as I come across your blog! I absolutely love Christmas and am so stoked that it is drawing so near!
I loved the videos you shared and am definitely going to check the tips on avoiding holiday burn out! Also, I had never heard of Project Smile before so can’t wait to find out more about that.
Mindy Koch recently posted..Social Media Blogger Pain in the Neck Warnings
Thanks so much for your kind words, Mindy! I have Project Smile posts from last year at https://bitsofpositivity.com/category/project-smile/. Unfortunately, the official Project Smile was stopped this year. I miss it, but I’ll continue to publish happiness posts once a month or so!
Deb recently posted..ThanksGiving is Good but ThanksLiving is Better
Christmas is really days to go! Cool video on synchronizing lights with music. You can really feel the Christmas Breeze. The chorus video is entertaining; not that usual its awesome!
Lyka Ricks recently posted..Benefits of Telehealth
Thanks, Lyka! I always find myself moving to the dancing lights in the first video! 🙂
Deb recently posted..ThanksGiving is Good but ThanksLiving is Better
Come to think of it why is it when December come our state of mind change to being so grateful and more of a giver. Specially during Christmas day. As if on that day we forget all the problem we have and focus on the happy side of humanity.
Thanks for your comment, Ruth! Good point … wouldn’t it be great if we could do that throughout the year?! Of course, that’s definitely easier said than done…
Deb recently posted..ThanksGiving is Good but ThanksLiving is Better
Great inspirational videos to start out the Christmas season! Thanks Deb!
Betsy at Zen Mama recently posted..Make This A Really Good Day
Twitter: thezenmama
Thanks so much, Betsy! I hope you’re having a wonderful Christmas season! 🙂
Deb recently posted..Best Joy Quotes
I love Christmas time. I love the lights and decorations. Most of all, I like the spirit that all seems to share at this time of year.
This was such a wonderful post. I love the Hallelujah Chorus and the light show. They were both pretty cool. Thanks for sharing!
Grady Pruitt recently posted..I’ve Reached My Goal… Now What?
Twitter: SuccessBB
Thanks for your kind comment, Grady! I totally agree with you about lights, decorations, and the spirit shared at Christmas! Have a blessed Christmas season! 🙂
Deb recently posted..Best Joy Quotes
I love dancing lights!
Thanks, A.E.! I love dancing lights, too … they make me feel “Christmas-y” every time! Have a happy Christmas season! 🙂
Deb recently posted..Best Joy Quotes
Wonderful post, Deb! I love the quote you used:
“Christmas … is not a date. It is a state of mind.” Mary Ellen Chase
That is so true! We become so fixated on the “date” we forget the event!
Thank you, again, for blessing us…
Stefanie Brown recently posted..My Purpose Is Clear…
Thanks so much for your kind comment, Stefanie! I love that quote, too – and I love it when we can remember what Christmas is really about! Christmas blessings to you! 🙂
Deb recently posted..Best Joy Quotes