Are you a late “Christmas” bloomer? Not feeling the holiday spirit yet?
With all the tragedies that are happening around the world, it’s not easy to feel happy knowing so many people are suffering. Whether it’s work stress, world problems, family dramas or stressing about what to wear on the last day of simbang gabi (try putting on an outfit when you’re half awake), we should be thankful for all our blessings. Let us focus on this joyous season when Christ was born.
The essence of Christmas is love and celebrating life!
Here are some of the Epperson’s Christmas traditions that can easily lift anyone’s holiday spirits without breaking the bank:
Bake cookies
Nothing triggers one’s memory of Christmas than the smell of freshly baked cookies or your family’s favorite goodies.
Store bought or gifted cookies when heated in the oven is just as fragrant and yummy! Shh… Don’t tell anyone.
My husband Tom and I grew up with parents who cooked, baked and encouraged us kids to help out in the kitchen. Christmas growing up also meant cooking family recipes and baking goodies. The scent of certain food brings back happy memories from our childhood and cookies are one of them. We try to continue that tradition with our kids.
Prepare a simple yet savoury family feast
Tom and I never stress out on our Christmas menu. We stick to tried and tested recipes that are easy to make and delicious. For as much as we love cooking and baking, the less time we spend in the kitchen, the more time we can hangout as a family.
Making meals and memories with the family spells Christmas spirit.
Singles’ spread
Being alone on Christmas Day doesn’t mean you have to be lonely.
If you happen to be spending Christmas by yourself this year, don’t fall into a self pity mode. Get dressed for Christmas dinner and make something special. Prepare all your favorites meals or order takeout.
Even if you are spending Christmas by yourself, create your own holiday feast! Buy a small honey ham and bake some scalloped potatoes, it’s the perfect holiday combo!
Go ahead and indulge. You can wear your skinny jeans next year.
Christmas Cocoa
Hot cocoa with marshmallows or whipped cream is Christmas in a cup!
Garnish a candy cane to make hot peppermint cocoa!
Make a delicious cup and enjoy it while watching your favorite Christmas movie.
Chocolate tablea or powdered cocoa should do the trick!
Deck the Halls
When it comes to decorating, Christmas is the time of year when when you can go all out with fun, festive and inexpensive decorations!
Don’t want to splurge on Christmas decors? Stack red books and create a holiday vignette at home!
If you live in a shoebox like we do, buy home accessories that you can use year-round. This patchwork taxidermy print on tapestry throw pillow can go from Christmas to casual style!
Making Spirits Bright
Cheers to the holidays with your favorite cocktails!
Pop some bubbly or create your own signature drink and toast to the most wonderful time of the year!
Don we now our gay apparel
If you are in a what-to-wear panic mode, remember to keep calm and wear something colorful or sparkly.
I’m not a dress kind of person so it’s party pants for me this Christmas. Try on some pointy flats too! I got my gold ones from Payless Shoes.
If you’re in your “black” phase (I can totally relate to this, I’ve worn black everyday for years) you can “brighten up” your face instead! Wear a red hot lipstick or a glittery eyeshadow but never do both. Keep it fun and pretty!
Dine in holiday style
Dress your dining table with a touch of Christmas. Simple Noche Buena dishes become more special when served holiday style.
Keep it simple, keep it festive and have fun with your table setting!
Naughty or nice?
Hmm… Parang may masamang balak… LOL
Christmas games
Oh, what fun it is to play board games with friends and family!
The Epperson’s favorite game! We have so much fun playing Taboo!
Playlist
Let the Christmas crooners serenade you with all-time favorites and classic holiday songs. Save the karaoke night for another time. Trust me, your neighbors will appreciate it.
Rock around the Christmas tree while listening to holiday crooners!
Movie list
‘Tis the season to be jolly! Do a Christmas movie marathon with the whole family!
Our favorite Christmas movies
Give love
The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of giving and forgiving.
There are a lot of charities that need support especially during the holiday season. Make a child happy or an elderly feel loved and remembered—give them your time, skill, supplies, toys, clothes or money.
Donate now! Visit www.redcross.org.ph/
Christmas is also regarded as one of those times where you can settle old family feuds or friendship dramas.
Say a little prayer
With all the tragedies that are happening around the world, it can feel overwhelming and sometimes depressing especially when you don’t know how to help. I find that praying for those in need is one of the most powerful things you could do.
Dear Loving and Compassionate God, Giver of all gifts, we pray especially today for the mercy and love You give us. Open our hearts and minds to You. Give us the grace to accept your mercy. As we live each day, we pray for those less fortunate, especially those who are hurting, and whose wounds need to be healed. Help us become involved in ways that show them how deeply we care. Give us the personal courage to listen to their concerns and help them find the solutions to which they are entitled. as Your children and our brothers and sisters. Amen.
Let’s all take a moment and say a prayer for those who lost their lives during Typhoon Pablo and the senseless death of the children in Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.
Last minute gift idea:
Here’s one of the BEST Christmas presents that you can give your friends and loved ones! Haha!
Good news: My book is part of National Book Store and Powerbooks Holiday Sale! Yay! Get a copy now!
Shoppingero/shoppingera, have a happy and meaningful Christmas!
Comments 2
hi miss jenni! I’ve been reading your blog since multiply days. You never fail to lighten things up or cheer the blues away. btw, I love that pair of shoes on top of the books 🙂 And I’m definitely saving up for your book 🙂 Thank You for being an inspiration. Happy Holidays! 🙂
Author
Thanks Karen!
Happy holidays!
Jenni Epp.