this is how it's done

it has become apparent to me that there are people who need a little lesson in how to have some christmas spirit. i am a champion of christmas spirit, so i am quite qualified in not only judging who does and does not need this lesson, but also in being the one to provide said lesson. so, before you get all "who does she think she is telling me about christmas spirit", let me say this: i am the queen of christmas spirit and this is how it's done.

rule #1: christmas decorations go up before december 1. no excuses.

rule #2: every common room in your house gets some sort of christmas decor. in some
circles, it is extremely acceptable to put up more than one christmas tree.

rule #3: you should have a collection of christmas music. if you don't, get cable
and at least listen to the christmas music channel.

rule #4: if you are invited to a party, meeting, get-together, shindig, etc. where
tacky christmas attire is suggested, you absolutely MUST wear appropriate
awful christmas clothing! this includes, but is not limited to, ugly
christmas sweaters or sweatshirts, reindeer antler headbands, jingle bell
earrings, santa or snowman jewelry, striped christmas socks, hideous
christmas ties, etc.

rule #5: you must drink hot beverages regularly throughout the month of december.
this includes hot cocoa (with marshmallows, of course), hot cider, coffee
and lattes, wassle (it's delicious...google it), and any number of hot
toddies. if your drink comes with a peppermint stick or something festive
with which you are intended to stir, use it joyfully.

rule #6: if it snows, play in it. make a snowman, slip and slide on icy sidewalks,
throw a snowball, make a snow angel. it doesn't matter. just get up off the
couch, put on your hat, coat, and gloves, and go play in the snow!

rule #7: wrap at least one present per day. not only does this help cut down on last
minute things-to-do, but it also helps keep that christmas spirit going
every day.

rule #8: be an elf. find someone who needs help at christmas and help them! sponsor
a child, contribute to a toy drive, give to a family in need, serve dinner
at the homeless shelter...it doesn't matter what you do, but the true
christmas spirit is a spirit of giving. so get out there and give! you'll
be bursting with christmas spirit, i promise!

rule #9: buy christmas sheets. i know you don't need them. i know they don't match
your comforter and pillows. but they are cute, they are fun, and if you get
the flannel ones, they are just downright cozy! you'll feel christmasy
when you go to bed and christmasy when you wake up!

rule #10:make a christmas list early. i typically send my requests out to my family
in september and october. it gives them plenty of time to decide what to get
and it gives me time to change my mind! starting early means i have months
of christmas to look forward to!

rule #11:wear slippers. quite frankly, this should be done year-round, but if you are
not a slipper-wearer, at least do it in december. not only will your feet
stay warm and toasty, but you will feel cute, cuddly, and christmasy any
time you have snuggly little puppies, bears, or moccasins on your feet!

that, my friends, is how you have christmas spirit. it's how you enjoy the holiday season. it's how you find time to make cookies, mail christmas cards, shop for gifts, and sneak around creating surprises for the ones you love. so embrace it! grab a quilt and a cup of cocoa, put on some christmas music, and just sit and watch the lights on your tree (the one you put up before dec. 1). just get all christmasy inside. you won't regret it!