I love the holiday season. There is something so special about seeing streets lit up in colorful lights as the snow falls down amidst smiling faces. Although I enjoy these scenes all season long, there is extra beauty in watching the transformation from fall to the holidays. And, since we’ve had our first snow, I believe it’s time to start getting in the holiday mood.
To help you get in the mood, here’s ten ways to get cozy and enjoy the beginning of the season.
1. Stock up on hot drinks.
There is nothing better than curling up on the couch with a book or movie and a hot mug in hand. To make sure everyone is happy, stock up on all the goods; hot cocoa, tea, coffee, and cider. Maybe even experiment with making some homemade hot cocoa. (try this recipe – you won’t regret it).
2. Keep a list of gift ideas.
The start of the season can often spark our imagination for cute dates, projects, or activities that can make for really great gifts (or just fun times with loved ones). Plus, if you start a gift brainstorming list now, you will save yourself panic and stress later in the season.
3. Make a personalized Christmas playlist with a friend.
Yes, Spotify’s playlists are pretty darn great, but a playlist becomes so much more meaningful when it’s filled with songs you love, and even more meaningful when it’s made with someone else. I know, I know, Thanksgiving hasn’t happened yet, so many people have reservations about listening to Christmas music. You don’t have to listen to the playlist yet, but making one with a college friend that you won’t see over Christmas break seems like a pretty good idea.
4. Find a cute Christmas mug.
This one goes along with number one. It’s great to have a warm mug in hand, but it’s so much cozier when the mug is festive.
5. Decorate your dorm room with holiday cheer.
When I lived in the dorms, my roommates and I would make those paper snowflakes from colored construction paper and hang them around our room (here is a quick tutorial in case you forgot). You can also put out a holiday welcome mat, cover your door in wrapping paper, and hang colorful lights around your room. Whatever you choose to do, it will make the room 1000% more cozy.
6. Go to the Hot Cocoa Crawl in Midland.
Free hot cocoa? BINGO? A holiday parade? Seriously, you can’t go wrong here. For more information, check out the event on Facebook.
7. Find all of your Christmas favorites and get ready to binge.
There are so many good Christmas movies out there. A couple of my personal favorites are How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Jim Carrey version) and the Polar Express. If you’re like me, you can’t help but feel happy and festive after watching them. If you’re looking for real quality feel-good movies, make sure to check out Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas movie calendar.
8. Bundle up and spend some time meandering through the snow.
Whether you like snow or not, I’m sure everyone can appreciate its beauty, at least during the first couple of snowfalls. The world turns from gray and bleak to sparkling white in an instant, and it is worth taking the time to enjoy the beauty as it falls to the ground – just make sure to pack a hat and gloves.
9. Check in on your friends.
Not everyone loves the holidays. In fact, some people really struggle during this time. Take time to make sure your friends are okay, and let them know you are there for them now and will be throughout the season. Above all, don’t make them feel bad for being upset around the holidays. Their feelings are valid, and they deserve to be cozy too.
Now go out and get cozy!