10 Uplifting Ways to Embrace the Christmas Spirit

The Christmas Spirit is a feeling of joy, generosity, kindness, and goodwill toward others often evoked by holiday traditions like decorating, gift-giving, music and spending time with loved ones. It’s also associated with fostering a festive, charitable, and warm atmosphere, often seen in acts of service and connecting with family, friends and even strangers during the winter season. (wikiHow)

Depending on how your year has been, you may have come into contact with individuals who complain of not experiencing that Christmas feeling. It is that spirit associated with past customs. Many force themselves into that feeling or pretend to get into the Christmas spirit. Some don’t bother and succumb to being depressed after suffering the loss of a loved one, familiar surroundings, or even a job.

Here are some uplifting, practical, and non-financial ways to help you or a colleague, get into the Christmas spirit. The season may feel heavy, disappointing, or overwhelming. So let’s see what we can do to overcome that feeling.

Ways to Get into the Christmas Spirit (Even When Life Feels Heavy)

1. Create a Simple “Good Moments” Ritual

Even during a difficult season, one meaningful moment a day can shift your emotions. These cost nothing yet helps your mind anchor in peace.

• Light a candle at sunset
• Make a cup of peppermint tea
• Play one Christmas song you love
• Sit quietly for 3 minutes and breathe

2. Revisit a Favorite Memory

Nostalgia is scientifically calming. Take 5 minutes to try these simple tips which will reconnect you to joy without requiring money or big plans.

• Write down your favorite Christmas memory
• Look at an old holiday photo
• Re-watch a childhood Christmas movie clip
• Make a dish that reminds you of home

3. Serve or Encourage Someone

When life feels disappointing, purpose restores hope. Here are some non-financial ways to give back. Remember, helping someone else elevates your own spirit.

• Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while
• Write a handwritten encouragement note
• Volunteer for 1 hour at a community event
• Help a neighbor carry groceries or decorate
• Read a Christmas story to a child or senior

4. Declutter One Small Space

A clearer environment creates emotional room for joy. Try any of these which will give you a sense of renewal going into the new year.

• Cleaning one drawer
• Tidying your desk
• Freshening your bedroom with a sheet change
• Hanging a single string of lights or placing one ornament in a meaningful spot

5. Start a Personal Christmas Gratitude List

Write down 12 things you are grateful for this year, even if they are small. Focus areas could be:

• Growth
• Lessons Learned
• People who supported you
• Unexpected blessings

6. Create a New Tradition (Simple or Free)

Traditions don’t need to be expensive. New traditions can help you reclaim the season in a way that fits your life now. For example, my own tradition started with hosting Christmas morning breakfast with family and close friends. That way, family members were available for evening dinner with the in-laws. We exchange gifts and more. As the kids grew, budget became an issue (hint – teenagers). We then adopted a young adult gift exchange as is done in corporate jobs.

• Eat by candlelight for the month of December
• Go for a night walk or drive to look at neighborhood lights
• Read one uplifting quote or scripture each morning
• Bake something simple like Christmas cake or banana bread
• Host a zoom or phone call “Christmas check-in” with a friend group

7. Limit the Noise and Protect Your Peace

Sometimes, the best way into the Christmas spirit is finding quiet. Give yourself permission to slow down without guilt.

• Turn off the news for a day
• Unfollow accounts that drain your emotions
• Say “no” to events that overwhelm you

8. Play Christmas Music or Ambient Sounds

Music is emotionally powerful. Let sound create the atmosphere.

• Free playlists on YouTube
• Gospel Christmas songs
• Instrumental Christmas Jazz
• Nativity meditation music
• Fireplace or snowy cabin ambience videos

9. Journal Your Feelings But End With Hope

Disappointment is real. Letting it out helps you move forward. Take a look at these prompts, then end with one hopeful expectation for 2026.

• What has been hard for you this season?
• What do you need emotionally right now?
• Where have you seen God’s hand even in small ways?
• What’s one hopeful expectation for 2026?

10. Connect Spiritually

The holidays are the perfect time to reconnect with faith. Spiritual grounding brings meaning beyond the festivities.

• Read a daily advent devotional
• Join a free online Christmas service
• Mediate on peace, hope, joy and renewal
• Take a quiet prayer walk

These 10 tips were non-financial ways. With the commercialization of the season, Christmas can attract expenses. Here are a few that comes with financial input.

• Buy one symbolic ornament that represents growth
• Support a small business with a small purchase
• Treat yourself to a cozy candle
• Gift a coaching session or buy a session for someone in transition
• Attend a low-cost community concert or holiday market

Essentially, getting into the Christmas spirit is not about perfection, money, or big celebrations. It’s about small, intentional choices that bring warmth, connection and hope back into your day.

Here’s hoping these tips will help boost your spirit this holiday. Now it’s your turn. Are there annual customs that you would like to add? Is any missing that you plan to implement as a new tradition? Please share. We would love to hear!

Cheers and Happy Holidays!