Lauren Trainor
It feels like November just started, yet somehow we’re already halfway through the month! Although it’s not Thanksgiving yet, many have already entered “Christmas mode,” including me! I always used to believe Christmas celebrations and decorating should wait until Thanksgiving is over; however, recently I started to think: why wait to celebrate?
Every year, it feels like we blink and it’s Christmas, yet the season seems to end just as soon as it starts! Being in college, Christmas always feels so rushed with traveling back and forth from home. Why not get into the spirit early and make the most out of the season? If you don’t know where to start, that’s where I come in! Here are five things I’m doing this Christmas season to spread cheer and let holiday festivities begin.
No. One Christmas Drinks
Starting off with a classic, as I’m sure you’ve noticed, most coffee chains and cafes have released their holiday menus. So, this Christmas I’m making it a point to try as many as I can! So far, I’ve tried the Iced Sugar Cookie Latte from Starbucks and the Cookie Butter Cold Brew from Dunkin, and both were 10/10! If you’re not a coffee person, I’ve heard great things about the Gingerbread Chai, which is next on my list. Also, Christmas specials at Moe Joe’s, such as the Holiday in Hawaii Matcha and the Chestnut Chai, look delicious as well! As the weather gets cooler, don’t hesitate to get yourself a little pick-me-up that puts you in the Christmas spirit at the same time!
No. Two Make a Christmas Craft
Another fun way to get yourself excited for the season is to make a fun craft! Michaels, Target, Dollar Tree, or pretty much anywhere you go is stocked with Christmas decor and fun items, so why not get creative? One super cute craft I saw was a bow garland made of a bunch of Christmas ribbons! Someone cut up different patterned ribbons, tied them into bows and hot-glued the ends together to make a little garland. It looked so adorable! Another craft I saw was Christmas pottery. Two girls went to a pottery painting studio and painted mugs to look like little Christmas homes. TikTok and Pinterest have a ton more craft ideas. If you’re feeling stuck, there are plenty of fun options!
No. Three Craft the Perfect Wishlist
How could we forget most people’s favorite part of Christmas: the gifts! Although there’s obviously a much bigger reason for the season, it’s always fun to throw together a list of the items you are hoping to receive this year. Rather than just jotting things down in your notes app, have some fun with it! Throw on some music, open up a Google Doc, use some fun fonts, pictures, and colors, and make a perfectly curated list of what you’d love to see under the tree this year!
No. Four Bake a New Recipe
Another beloved aspect of Christmas that we all know and love is the food, particularly the desserts! One of my favorite Christmas traditions has always been baking Christmas cookies with my mom, as each year we pick a new cookie or two to make for our family! Our classic has always been Peanut Butter Blossoms, but last year we tried making Cheesecake Cookies, which may become our new staple! Even if you’re not a baker, you could always grab the Pillsbury Sugar Cookies with the Christmas symbols on them to keep the spirit going! Besides, who doesn’t love a sweet treat, especially one that’s holiday themed!
No. Five Movie Night!
My last suggestion is the best way for you to tie all of your fun Christmas events together: plan the ultimate Christmas movie night. Shop at Target for matching Christmas PJS with your friends, buy a bunch of Christmas snacks, bake a new treat, get a Christmas drink or even make a craft! And of course, make sure to put on all of your favorite Christmas classics in the background. I always feel like I never make time to truly sit down and watch my favorite Christmas movies, which is why this year I know I’m making sure to plan the perfect Christmas movie night, and you should too!
Overall, the opportunities to celebrate Christmas are endless, so why wait? While you have some free time before finals and before you’ve traveled back and forth from home for Thanksgiving, don’t be afraid to get in the Christmas spirit! Even if it is a little early.