My Anti-Scrooge List

So I woke up this morning feeling blah.

I'm talking really blah.

If Scrooge was here (before his big transformation), the two of us would make a great pair.

I don't particularly want to feel this way, what with there only being 5 sleeps left until Christmas. So, I have decided that I need to find a way to get back that 'loving feeling' and get into the Christmas spirit. For me, it can be as simple as wrapping gifts. Strange, I know. But there is something about wrapping stuff up in pretty paper that I find calming and peaceful. I also like to imagine everyone's reaction when they open their gifts. Of course, I realize that wrapping gifts isn't everyone's idea of fun (my hubby uses the charity wrappers at the mall every year), so I thought I would come up with a list of ways to help all you scrooges out there get back into the Christmas spirit! Here is my Top 10 Anti-Scrooge list:

#1. Peppermint kisses - Wow are these little chocolates tasty and they kinda resemble little candy canes just in chocolate kiss form. Yum!

#2. Animated Christmas specials - might I suggest either Rudolph or Prep & Landing (my personal favourites)

#3. Wish everyone you meet a "Merry Christmas" and mean it! Sometimes the best way to get back your joy is to try and make others happy.

#4. Mistletoe - Hang it somewhere, carry it around with you, just be sure to choose your 'victims' wisely. Because really, who wants a kiss from their great uncle Harry? Ew.

#5. Bake some cookies (Christmasy shapes are always nice) and then eat them right out of the oven with a nice cup of hot chocolate (don't forget the marshmallows!). This can also be used for beating the winter blues as well.

#6. Drive north until you reach snow. I know I, personally am a huge fan of white Christmases and it can sometimes be hard to get into the season without some of that white stuff covering the ground. For those of you who are really far south you may want to consider flying instead of driving. And once you reach the snow? Go for a horse and sleigh ride - just make sure the horse is outfitted with jingle bells.

#7.  PNP - a.k.a. The Portable North Pole (http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/prepare-a-message) - A cool website where you can go create and send Santa videos to all your friends and family. They even have options between child and adult and naughty and nice. Hey, if you want to, you can even send yourself one!  Because really, who doesn't like a message from Santa?!?

#8. Spiked eggnog - Make homemade or buy it from the store. The percentage of rum to eggnog should be directly proportional to the amount of blah that you are feeling (more blah = more rum).

#9. Christmas lights - It is the only time of year that you can drive around and see your city lit up in a multitude of colours (unless you live in Vegas) so take advantage. I love seeing how people decorate their houses. There is a little cul-de-sac in my city where most of the houses would give the Griswold's a run for their money. There is even one house that has several signs out front warning of high voltage! (now that is some serious Christmas spirit!)

#10. Give to those less fortunate - if I can get serious for a minute, I think there is no greater way to truly feel the essence of Christmas than by helping others in need. Be it a gift for the angel tree, helping out in a soup kitchen, donating canned goods, adopting a family for Christmas or giving to some amazing project like The Stocking Project, there is nothing that warms the heart faster than giving.

Of course, none of these suggestions will truly work unless you WANT to get back in the Christmas spirit. I'm not looking to convert anyone who truly dislikes the holiday, just trying to spread some of my own Christmas cheer! And you know, after making that list, I do feel better :)