ISO: Christmas Spirit
Christmas is literally right around the corner and it is usually around this time in December that I start to feel a bit defeated in terms of holiday cheer and Christmas spirit. However, I am working on this attitude adjustment by way of all things merry and good. See below for some quick fixes to get even the grumpiest of Scrooges into the good graces of Jolly Old Saint Nicholas.
Holiday Books
Reading Christmas themed literature is the best way to become cloaked in the festive season. I just read the The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand. It was a fun young adult book that I plan to pass on to my 5th grader. It reminded me of the movie Scrooge with Bill Murray sans the “R” Rating. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson is another fantastic holiday read. It is funny and unique. My ten-year-old’s copy is worn and creased from all of the re-reading it endures during December. Fans of Hogwarts will hopefully agree with me that the Harry Potter series has a nice Christmas tone since each book has a few chapters dedicated to Harry’s time over winter break and Christmas. The wizarding world created by JK Rowling is fantastic all year round. My family is reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire right now as a bedtime story.
Holiday Movies
Of course, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, and Home Alone are holiday classics. However, there are a few new flicks that are just as fun and full of cheer. The Christmas Chronicles on Netflix is awesome. Kurt Russell as a Santa Claus who exercises and wears a fashion friendly red leather coat is epic. The story is cute and the plot can hold the attention of young children and adults. Speaking of grown-ups, the Saturday Night Light holiday specials are hilarious. I love seeing the hodgepodge of episodes featuring old and new cast members. The most recent episode with Matt Damon, called “Best Christmas Ever“, is funny enough to make a person belly laugh. Ryan Gosling’s “Santa Baby” sketch is also a past fave for me. It makes me equal parts cringe and giggle. Adults need a reason to laugh, just as much as the kiddos.
Holiday Music
If a person is too busy wrapping presents and attending holiday parties to read or watch Christmas shows, then at least take the time to download the soundtrack from “A Charlie Brown Christmas“. Schroeder pounding out some notes on his animated tiny piano will help anyone feel jolly. My second grader also cannot get enough of Mariah Carey’s tune called “All I Want for Christmas is You.”
The holidays are hectic, but they should also be fun. So feel free to wrap the presents in front of the Hallmark Channel or cozy up with a book at night by the decorated Christmas tree. Also be sure to stand under the mistletoe if you have the chance and enjoy the season!