One of the downfalls with this time of the year is sometimes it takes certain people longer to feel the Christmas spirit, on the other hand you have people that have their Christmas tree up on November 12! They have their shopping done by December 1st, cards done by the 2nd.   Grrrrrr!  I take it this is not how you are feeling this year. Well don't let their spirit damper your spirit!  If you are having a hard time finding your Fa la la la laaaa you should read this, by the time you are done reading  you'll be looking for that ugly Christmas sweater, making a list and checking it twice.

Here are some helpful hints to find the Christmas in you!  First off bake some Christmas goodies, share them.  Take some to a lonely neighbour, or a co worker that is all by themselves.  Invite friends over, share buying ingredients, do a big bake then split it up.  The more the merrier.  Blast the tunes, maybe have a glass of wine.  A cookie exchange is also a great way to get a selection of different treats.

Listen to Christmas music (365 radio is a great start)  You can download all sorts of Christmas music from itunes.  Songs by your favorite artists!

Some of my favorites are "Do they know it's Christmas" by Band Aid (wow 1984..  yikes that's showing my age) "Last Christmas" By Wham.

Watch some Christmas movies, our family favorite is Elf.  Watch some old Christmas specials with your kids.  No kids?  Borrow some, make some popcorn and hunker down for a Christmas special-a-thon.

Buy a gift for a needy child.  The Children's Aid is always looking for gifts.  They are constantly in need of gifts for teens.  Gift Certificates usually  a hit.  Let your kids buy a gift for a child in need.  Kids love to do this.

Plan a skating party.  There is free skates at your local indoor rinks.  Skate, then have friends over to enjoy hot cider and cookies.

Send out Christmas cards, better yet make your cards.  Everyone always loves handmade cards.  If you are not feeling crafty you can buy kits which makes it really easy. Visit your local dollar store.

Stir your coffee with a candy cane, yum! For non coffee drinkers hot chocolate and candy cane is also a great pick.

Walk around downtown, enjoy the lights! In Owen Sound we are very lucky as we have the Fesitival of Northern Lights.  Bring some hot chocolate in your coffee mugs, wander around, enjoy!  If you know of someone who can't walk them drive them around.  Don't forget to donate some change to go towards all the wonderful displays.

Plan an office gift exchange. Try to really figure out the person you are buying for and buy them something thoughtful.  It always amazes people when you nail that perfect gift.  You may hear, how the heck did you know I love polar bears?  Bingo, you did it!

Plan an office potluck. Nothing brings people together better than food around the holidays.

Go on a festive date!! 

Decorate your house, pull those decorations out, make  hot chocolate, light scented candles (tons of Christmas scents out there, ginger bread, ever green) and GO FOR IT!

Try to get outside, fresh air can clear the mind, better yet pull on your coat and boots and go for a brisk walk.

Plan a wrapping party!  Music, paper, tape, ribbon and wrap your heart out, make it fun not a chore.

Above all just enjoy your family and friends, try not to rush through it all.  Getting there is half the fun.

Merry Christmas

Happy Holidays

Seasons Greetings

PS Stay tuned for easy the recipe for Easy Oreo Truffles.  So good and you can impress your family.