How To Romanticise the Festive Season If You're Not Feeling It

This is a big cliché - but Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year. There's a pocket of happiness and positivity that you don't generally feel at any other time of the year. When it comes to my personal relationship with Christmas, it's a bit up and down like a rollercoaster (sorry for the second, overused cliché). Some years, I have felt as festive as Santa himself and enjoy every single moment of December, embracing the joy it brings. Other years, I've been like Scrooge and want Christmas to bypass me without being haunted by ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. This year, I am thankfully enjoying every minute of December and embracing the excitement of the festive season. 

For those who are struggling to get into the festive spirit and want to, there are ways to help you get even just a little more enthusiastic for the upcoming festivities. I know that Christmas can be a sad time of year for some, especially those who have lost loved ones during the year. It'll be their first Christmas without that person. I'm going through that this year, and I know it will be hard. There are other extenuating circumstances for others, from loneliness to financial difficulties, so it's important to remember those who struggle for those reasons.

If you're not feeling it in terms of Christmas this year, hopefully these tips will help you get into the Christmas spirit.

Here are ways to romanticise the festive season:

1) Enjoy slow mornings

I mean, enjoying slow mornings when you're not working. It's not easy to enjoy a slow morning whilst running around trying to get ready to go to work. But on those days off, embrace the slowness with a hot chocolate, coffee or tea while watching a Christmas film or listening to Christmas music.

2) Embrace the littlest joys of Christmas

Christmas brings so many little moments that we adore. They only come around once a year, so appreciate and savour those moments. Whether it be baking, decorating the tree or wrapping presents to Christmas music, treasure those littlest of joys. 

3) Spend quality time with loved ones

I adore spending quality time with family and friends all year round, but it does feel extra special at Christmas. Spending time with the right people can be an instant mood booster, especially at Christmas. 

4) Pinterest scroll for Christmas photos

This is a method that's worked for me in previous years when I haven't felt festive-y. Just scrolling through Christmas pins on Pinterest does make me feel festive when I'm not feeling it.

5) Make your space cosy

Candles, cushions, fairy lights, Christmas scents and cute Christmas decks can not only make your space cosy, but it's a great chance to give it that Christmassy feel. 

6) Reflect and practice gratitude

It's important not to be so hard on yourself at this time of year. Take this opportunity to reflect and practice gratitude if you're not feeling festive. 

7) Buy all the festive treats

Supermarkets always nail their Christmas treats and goodies - buy all the Christmas food and drink you want and be merry.

8) Drive around looking at the Christmas lights

This is one tradition I like to do each year. I take my Mam around the different areas of where we live and pretty much rate and critique people's Christmas lights. We do get brutal when it comes to our ratings.

9) Watch your favourite Christmas films

From Elf to Muppet Christmas Carol to Miracle on 34th Street, there's a Christmas film which you will love. Find out where it's streaming and curl up with a hot chocolate and relax.

10) Visit Christmas markets

Most towns and cities have a Christmas market in any shape or form. Plus, it's a fantastic way to support small businesses and discover some hidden talent. 

I hope these ideas help you to romanticise the festive season if you're not feeling it!

I know it may be hard for some not to feel festive, but I hope that even one of these ideas you find some small joy in doing.

Let me know which of these ideas you practice to get into the festive spirit!