Five Quick Tricks to Force That Christmas Spirit to Show Up

If you’re still waiting for the magic of the holiday season to hit you like a peppermint-scented snowball, you’re not alone.

According to The Guardian, plenty of their staff admitted they don’t naturally feel festive this early, so they listed their go-to tricks for forcing the Christmas spirit to kick in. Fake it ’til you feel it, basically.

And while we’re still a few weeks out, these might just help you jumpstart your seasonal joy early (or at least get you to stop side-eyeing the neighbors who put up their lights the day after Halloween).

Here are five little nudges that might push you into holiday mode:

1. Get your tree up already.
Putting up the Christmas tree, stringing some lights, and blasting festive tunes are classics for a reason. Even the grinchiest folks start to feel something once the twinkle lights come on and Mariah Carey defrosts.

2. Wrap a few gifts early.
You don’t need to have all your shopping done—just grab a couple of presents you have bought and do a little wrapping session. Add a mug of hot cocoa and boom, you’re living inside a holiday rom-com.

3. Eat or drink something festive.
This one’s personal. One Guardian staffer said fish pie does it for her (which, okay…). But for the rest of us, this is your excuse to spike the eggnog, bake cookies, or buy that absurdly flavored peppermint mocha.

4. Hit the ice.
Ice skating is the kind of activity most people only do this time of year, so it naturally comes with those frosty, nostalgic vibes. Fall down a few times and laugh about it—it’s good for the holiday soul.

5. Rewatch your favorite holiday-ish movie.
It doesn’t have to be a straight-up Christmas classic. If Die Hard or Harry Potter screams “holiday season” to you, go for it. It’s all about that personal connection.

Some of the more specific holiday kickstarters people shared included hearing a certain song or even going to a local outdoor sauna (very Nordic, very festive). The bottom line? Everyone’s got their own weird little ritual that unlocks the holiday joy.

So if you’re still not feeling it, no shame. Just trick yourself into it. Holiday cheer is a state of mind—and sometimes, a strategically timed sugar cookie.

What about you? Got a go-to move that instantly makes it feel like Christmas?