Buddy the Elf once said, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” Clearly, he hadn’t read our posts on the subject. Whether it’s the stress of finals or a packed schedule at work, some years it can be a little harder to tap into the Christmas spirit. Thankfully, we’re here to take you out of your holiday slump! Here are the best of Amendo’s holiday articles that are sure to have you singing “Santa Claus is coming to town” while chowing down on candy canes in an ugly Christmas sweater in no time.
Getting to the Heart of the Holidays: 5 Ways to Have a Minimalist Christmas
“Christmas as a child was about spending time with loved ones, not stressing over all of the things, things, and more things. With my life and headspace tangled in tinsel, I thought, “That’s it.” I took my Starbucks napkin, grabbed my favorite pen, and began writing out my new minimalist Christmas rules.” Read more.
5 Holiday Activities That Won’t Break the Bank
There’s a lot to spend money on during the holiday season: Plane tickets, gifts, decorations, and more. It’s enough to make you rethink buying that $5 peppermint mocha. Fortunately, some good (Christmas-y) things in life are free. Here are fun holiday activities that will make you and your bank account happy. Read more.
Homesick for the Holidays: Celebrating My First Christmas Away from Home
“Even with the air conditioner running and the carols cranking, there was no hiding that Christmas in subtropical Brisbane, Australia, would be very different from my usual holiday in New Hampshire. Yet somehow I figured if I tried hard enough, I could bring my New England Christmas experience Down Under. This was my first Christmas away from home, and I still couldn’t accept that this holiday would be different.” Read more.
This Christmas, Be Where You Are
The holiday movies, commercials, carols, and general nostalgia of the season can make it hard to live in the moment. But being so focused on how Christmas is “supposed” to be doesn’t allow you to appreciate how it actually is. This year, honor the here and now by taking a moment to be mindful of your surroundings and your blessings. Read more.
Holiday Movies That Will Stick with You All Year Round
“The holidays are my favorite time of year, and to me, it’s not officially Christmas until I’ve screened my favorite holiday movies. I love the little lessons hidden in all of them. Not only do they put me in the spirit of the season, they also offer gentle reminders I can take with me throughout the new year, from remembering to call my family, to spreading kindness, and everything in between.” Read more.
3 Ways to Remind Yourself of Daily Blessings
Does it feeling like blessings keep falling in your lap? If not, it’s important to take some time this season to remember all you have to be grateful for. The stress of the holidays can be a bit overwhelming, but to truly get in the Christmas spirit, it’s crucial to practice some gratitude. Here are three simple ways to remind yourself of the simple blessings, like food and shelter, to be thankful for every day. Read more.
Keep it Merry: A Guide to Managing Holiday Stress
“The constant loop of ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘Winter Wonderland’ playing on your radio may make it seem as though the holidays are exclusively a time of cheer and joy, but we all know that the holiday season can also be the most stressful time of the year. Between decorating, travel, cooking, spending time with family, and spending money on gifts, the stress of the holiday season adds up quickly. Here are a few simple ways to keep holiday stress to a minimum this year.” Read more.