Christmas is just around the corner, and everyone thinks about the million things they need to do before the big day arrives. In this hustle and bustle of preparations, most people forget what the holidays are really about: it’s about having actual fun, enjoying the magical atmosphere, spending lots of quality time with your friends and family. It’s not really about serving the perfect meal or finding the ideal present.

So, instead of stressing out and not enjoying yet another Christmas, you can actually make this week about getting into the holiday spirit. Believe me, if you’re in the right mood, you won’t even notice if there’s something missing from the table or that you haven’t done one thing from the never ending list. Here are some fun things you can do to feel festive before Christmas.

1. Have a snowy nighttime walk

Honestly, Christmas looks at its best around the nighttime, with all those twinkle lights on that create the atmosphere of magic. Especially if you get lucky enough to have some snow, don’t miss the chance and make sure to go out when it’s dark. Even if you don’t go somewhere far and just walk around your neighborhood, you’ll feel in either a fairy-tale or a romantic film, where you’re the main character. Something actually changes in your life and mood when you have the perfect snowy walk.

2. Make some hot chocolate

I’m not talking about the hot chocolate mixes that you just add to some boiling water or milk. Make one from scratch. It’s a very easy recipe that everyone can handle, and it tastes so much better than the ones in packets. Plus, the smell of chocolate will fill your house with its sweet aroma and make you feel extra cozy and festive. It’s such a simple thing to do, but it will definitely brighten your day. Don’t forget to listen to some music while you’re doing it.

3. Paint on the windows

Do you always get a little jealous of all that beautiful art on the windows of different shops and cafés? Why don’t you make some lovely illustrations yourself? There are special canned snows or fluid chalks that you can use on the glass (they’re coming off really easily as well). Draw some cute houses, a snowman, a snowy forest – anything you fancy. You can even write some Christmas wishes or lyrics from songs. This activity has 3 “benefits”: one – it’s simply fun. Two – it’s a unique way of decorating. And three – someone passing your house will see the pretty drawings and feel a little more festive on their way. So it can be considered as a good deed as well.

4. Make handwritten letters

This is such a great gesture for you close people who’ll know how much you love and appreciate them. Just write about anything you want to, it can be a “thank you for everything” kind of letter or be full of your inside jokes that will make the reader crack up. If you have some extra time and decide to get a little more creative, you can make your own cards, by adding some illustrations or photos. Christmas is about gratitude after all, and after spending an evening writing a heartwarming letter you’ll definitely feel good inside.

5. Participate in any Christmas activities

You can join the local choir, take part in a master class for building a gingerbread house or making your own wreath. There are so many cool activities that you can do. It will be something extraordinary, and you’ll definitely remember such a fun day out. If everything is already booked, you can come up with your own activity and invite some friends over to make ugly Christmas sweaters, bake some cookies or do a karaoke night. Speaking of which…

6. Sing Christmas songs

Buddy the Elf once said: “The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear”. And I absolutely agree with him. You can’t possibly feel blue when you’re singing these jolly songs aloud. If you’re shy and don’t want to show off your voice to strangers you can simply sing along your favorite carols in your house. If you don’t have problems with singing around other people you can invite some friends over. Or do a carpool-karaoke kind of thing. It’ll become the best ride ever.

7. Make some DIY ornaments

Even if they don’t come out perfect, they’ll still be so much more meaningful for you. Especially if you do it not alone and will add some warm conversations and laughter to the process. You can make some Christmas tree ornaments from air-dry clay, a gingerbread house from a cardboard box, a garland from different colored paper or even your own candle. There are so many amazing ideas that you can make one decor a day up until Christmas.

These are some very simple things that everyone can do no matter what. There are lots of other fun ideas as well that you can find online. The most important thing here are your priorities: do you want to have an unforgettable Christmas season, or a stressful rushing for presents and meals and everything else? Anyway, I don’t think I’ll write another post until 25th of December, so Merry Christmas to all those who celebrate! Have a great time!