Life

5 Ways To Make This The Merriest Holiday Season Yet

Spread some cheer to those far and near.

by Kate Brierley

Something weird happened recently when a coworker asked about my favorite holiday traditions. It’s a simple question, but I immediately became tongue-tied. I thought of the obvious, like decorating the house, picking out the perfect tree, and gathering together on Christmas Eve in anticipation of the big day. I do enjoy these things, but when I stop to consider it, they’re not the heart of the season to me.

The real magic, I eventually told her, is in the little moments that may seem insignificant from the outside. Laughing with my family as we try (and fail) to get our tree perfectly straight in its stand, and pulling coats on over PJs before an impromptu joyride to scope out local light displays. The giggles my youngest lets escape whenever he hears “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” on the radio. The sight of the tiny, star-shaped knife cuts my mom makes in her French meat pies each year.

They say life is what you make of it, and I believe the same rings true for the holidays. It’s those not-so-little traditions that make the season for me. In the spirit of celebrating moments big and small this year, Bustle teamed up with Hallmark to round up our favorite ways to share more merry this season. Whether you’re looking to mix up your family’s traditions or just want to send a little kindness to someone who needs it, try one of these festive activities and let the joy roll in.

1. Thank An Unsung Hero

Adding someone unexpected to your holiday gift list who makes a real difference in your world is a simple way to brighten sprits all around. Think of your letter carriers and package delivery folks, the library worker who keeps those on-point recommendations coming, or the neighbor who shovels your walkway without fail. Make it a point to recognize these members of your community in any sort of way — whether it’s with a coffee gift card or a plate of homemade cookies complete with a handwritten note — and you’ll be guaranteed to make their day (and maybe even their season).

2. Remind Far-Away Loved Ones That Distance Has Nothin’ On You

The holiday season is the perfect time to connect with the people you care about, particularly those that you don’t get to see often. And in those moments when a traditional card just won’t cut it, a Hallmark Video Greeting lets you — and anyone else you want to collab with — send video messages (accessible by simply scanning a code) within a real-life greeting card for an extra special take on “thinking of you.”

No card? No prob. You can also opt for a heartfelt, video-only message via text, email, or social.

3. Spread Some Love Where It’s Needed Most

Whether you ask loved ones to make a donation in lieu of buying you traditional gifts this year, or decide to give your own time or resources, the causes that are closest to your heart will benefit in spades. Maybe it’s the animal rescue where you adopted your furry bestie, or the community kitchen that feeds your neighbors in need. No matter what you choose, if it’s from the heart, it’s literally impossible to go wrong.

4. Lighten Up Your To-Do List

The less time you spend bogged down in holiday tasks, the more you have to soak up the magic of the season. If crossing action items off of your ever-growing list sounds pretty sweet, cut down on the time you spend writing and mailing a stack of holiday cards with the help of Hallmark Sign & Send. Pick a card, snap a pic of your own handwritten message to virtually add to it, and let Hallmark handle printing and the real-life mailing — whether it’s one card or 100.

Bye bye, hand cramps and last-minute trips to the post office! Hello to more peace, joy, and happiness — for senders and recipients alike.

5. Make Time For Reindeer Games

OK, if I’m being honest, I’m not exactly sure what reindeer games entail, but the sentiment stands strong: This is the perfect time of year to break free from the hustle and bustle and do something downright fun together as a family. Get out the board games or host a holiday karaoke sesh. Go sledding after dark! Have a lazy, cheesy holiday movie marathon. Whatever will bring on the most belly laughs in the midst of this busy season, add it to your calendar and don’t look back.