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It's that time of the year again – snow falling everywhere, carols playing over the radio, and office Secret Santa parties. However, Christmas is not always full of joy. Christmas can be very stressful; spending excessive money on gifts, decorating the house, and preparing delicious meals can cause anxiety. Then there's the time you have to spend with your extended family you're not particularly fond of, gah!  

The Christmas holiday is a lot of fun for some people, but it's more stressful than fun for others. Whatever your reason for not enjoying Christmas as much as you'd like, there are ways to make it a bit more joyous. So, let's take a look at those today!

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Here’s How To Make Christmas More Enjoyable

01) Get into the Christmas spirit early

First, get into the Christmas spirit early. Start listening to Christmas music in October, decorate your home with Christmas decorations, and start thinking about what gifts you want to buy for the people you love. This is one of those top tips for getting into the Christmas spirit this winter!

02) Have a theme

If you don't want to listen to Christmas music all year round, then have a theme for December. For example, if you're going away for Christmas, perhaps listen to some holiday music from that region or country during that month. If that's not something you want to do either, then just pick a genre of music and stick with it throughout December: Christmas songs, R&B songs or even classical music will all work well with this tip!

03) Play Christmas Games

Christmas games are a great way to take the focus off awkward conversations with family members you're not so fond of and have a bit of a laugh and some bonding. A few great Christmas games are suitable for the kids too. There are obviously the old faithful like charades, Trivial Pursuit, and pass the parcel. But how about going a little left field? There is a surprisingly wide range of board games out there for any occasion, not just things like Pictionary, which work quite well at events. It may be worth a little investigation into the board gaming world and picking up a few of the best. Bear in mind that rule-heavy ones may become boring for a lot of people, so think simple for everyone involved. 

04) Novelty Items

A few Christmas novelty items could bring a little more joy. What about getting some Christmas pants, an ugly sweater or some joke presents to put in the stockings? There are plenty of novelty items out there. See if there are any winners to help you add a little fun to your Christmas.

05) Christmas Treats

It may be quite fun to start baking some Christmas treats. Cookies are great, or what about making your own Christmas pudding? There is nothing like the smell of baking to add a little delight to your life. Remember, you can use as much alcohol as you like too, either in the food or in a glass while you're baking, as long as it's for you and your partner, no kids, no harm done. Also, creativity in the kitchen can make it seem more fun when it comes to that big Christmas dinner. 

06) The Traditional

One of the easiest ways to embrace the Christmas spirit is to experience something a little more traditional. Maybe you could go to the Christmas service at the church, watch a choir sing Christmas carols, or see a nativity play. You could get a real Christmas tree this year and make eggnog. 

07) Glam Up

One great thing about Christmas is that it is a chance to put on your finery and look great. Maybe it's that little black dress you've been dying to find an occasion to wear, or perhaps you love experimenting with hairstyles and never get the opportunity to show them off. Christmas is a great way to dress up and look your best! Even if you are the one hosting, there is no reason not to look your best.

08) Dispel all the negative emotions

It can be a hectic and expensive period, so focus on the positive things instead of the negative ones. You can spend time with family members, get festive foods (I'm sure there will be chocolate too) and have a lot of peace away from work. The Christmas markets are fun if you like mulled wine, and you could always knit some socks for a loved one too! Whatever you do to bring yourself into the December spirit, do it.

Some love Christmas, and some loathe it – whatever your feelings are towards it right now, I hope these tips can help make this memorable holiday a little more joyful.