Every year when the merry and holiday season comes around, we busy ourselves with gift shopping, stringing up decorations, spending time with loved ones who you may not see regularly and finishing up any last minute to-dos before the new year. There are Christmas movies, playlists and TV show episodes to watch. So many things and places and people to see! Ever feel like you can blink and the whole season is done and over with? 

But the festive season doesn’t depend on the number of gifts you give or receive nor how busy your schedule is. Although, those things are fun! With all the busyness that comes with this particular season, the thing that truly matters may slip your mind. We should celebrate with loved ones, shop for gifts (and make our own wish lists), and prioritize everything that needs to get done. Don’t neglect your schoolwork and other responsibilities, but don’t let the busy schedule distract you from checking in with yourself. Posture your heart towards what matters most: spending time with loved ones (and those you may not see often!) and checking in on others who may need extra attention this time of year. 

So, how can you make the most of this Christmas season, and make it one of your happiest holiday seasons yet? 

1. Plan Ahead

Not to morph into Monica Geller, but creating a detailed, organized schedule carries benefits for both the present you and future you. A schedule helps keep track of when you need to shop for and order gifts. In your schedule, you can also write any holiday parties, dinner dates with friends, volunteer opportunities, church commitments and casual time with family and other loved ones. 

Additionally, create a gift guide to plan your gifts. Divide a sheet of paper into two columns. In one column, write down everyone to shop for. In the other column, scribble down gift ideas for each person. Think big. The sky is the limit! What does each person want? What have they been wanting all year? What is something that they have been hinting at? Write all of these ideas down and narrow down the ideas according to your budget. Then, go shopping—it helps to do this a month (or even two!) in advance, so you can get better quality items and at a lower price. 

Plan the gifts, holiday parties and other events to attend, but plan self-care, too. Do not ignore yourself and what you need. Schedule quiet time and time to care for yourself. Don’t overbook yourself! When I get home from a long day, my favorite thing to do is relax on the couch with a favorite hobby. For you, during this festive season, that might look like playing video games, watching a fun Christmas movie, or baking delicious treats. Whatever it is, do something that relaxes you and brings you joy.  

2. Consider Handmade and Thrifted Gifts

Gift shopping can be heaps of fun, but have you thought about handmade gifts? Handmade gifts show thoughtfulness and care. Some examples of handmade gifts are sweaters and scarves, letters, candles, personalized artwork, and jewelry. 

Check out your local thrift store for gifts! You never know what you can find at the thrift store. Clothes, shoes, books, artwork, kitchenware, movies—the options are endless! 

But wait. What about wrapping your gifts? Get creative with your wrapping paper—wrap your gifts with recycled brown paper bags and then use markers to decorate them. This customizes the gift and emphasizes the thoughtfulness that the receiver may appreciate. Plus, it’s also sustainable and eco-friendly. 

3. Start New Traditions

There are many fun things to do during the holiday season! While scheduling quiet time for yourself is important, the holiday season is a great time to get outside and get involved in local community and church events, and gatherings with loved ones. 

Does your family carry any holiday traditions from generation to generation? Maybe it’s singing Christmas carols in the neighborhood, volunteering at your corps (church), or ringing the bell at the red kettle in front of the grocery store. It could be as simple as watching a holiday movie together. 

Create your own traditions! Whether with family or your friend group at college, this can be a great time to begin new traditions. Here are some ideas to get you started. 

• Ring the bell at the red kettle. Do you want to volunteer this season? Ring the bell at the red kettle with friends or family! You can register as an individual or with a group at registertoring.com. 
• Shop for the Angel Tree. The Salvation Army Angel Tree program provides new clothing and toys to children and their families every year. Donors can visit Walmart and pick a tag off the Angel Tree, and shop for the gifts on the tag. Once the gifts are received, The Salvation Army will distribute them to families in need for Christmas morning. This is a wonderful tradition to begin with your family and it can spark joy for other families who are in need. 
• Host a potluck. Host a potluck at your house and invite everyone to bring their favorite dish. Put a wacky twist on it—like every dish has to be a certain color—or pick a theme for the event.  
• Drive around and see holiday lights! Homeowners can be incredibly creative during the holiday season. Drive around to certain neighborhoods that have the best Christmas decorations. Bonus points if you bring hot chocolate to go!  
• Wear matching tacky sweaters. Whether with your family or roommates, shop for matching tacky holiday sweaters. Then, you can sit on the couch and watch a holiday movie together. 
• Go ice skating or visit a Christmas tree farm. Dust off those old ice skates and go ice skating (and hold onto the outside railing if you’re a beginner)! Or, if ice skating isn’t your thing, visit the Christmas tree farm—you can pick out a Christmas tree together! 

4. Connect with Loved Ones

Connecting with loved ones is essential, no matter what time of year it is,  but it is an important part of this merry season and helps posture our heart towards what matters. Continue family traditions and start new ones with friends. Engage in meaningful conversations with family and friends and try to avoid any unnecessary arguments with those you disagree with. Try games and activities at mealtimes to get to know one another. Talk to your grandparents—they want to hear from you. 

Far away from loved ones? Take advantage of technology as much as you can. FaceTime and Skype are two of the best technological advancements in the twenty-first century. If you’re away from your family and friends, find volunteer opportunities to serve those in need. 

5. Prioritize Quiet Time and Self-Care

Like I mentioned earlier in the article, take care of yourself this holiday season! While this season can be filled with fun activities and lots of time with family and other loved ones, don’t neglect yourself. Carve out quiet time for self-reflection, journaling and gratitude. Use this time to set intentions for the next month and year ahead while also reflecting on the past year. Keep a gratitude journal to remind you what you’re thankful for. Schedule quiet time to rest, relax and recharge. 

The holiday season is so much more than busying ourselves with gift shopping, decorating and filling our social calendar. While shopping for your mother’s Christmas gift and decorating your family Christmas tree are fun, there is a deeper, more meaningful part of this season that often gets pushed to the side. Remember to spend time with loved ones, engage in meaningful activities with friends and family, and reflect on the past year and prepare for the year to come. Most of all, remember the gift that we have in Jesus. 

This article was originally titled “Happiest Season” in the December 2024 issue of Peer.