Not feeling the spirit of Christmas just yet? Before you turn into the old Scrooge who stole Christmas, here are some ways to help make this season merry and bright from the tutors of AHEAD Tutorial & Review Center:
Accomplish all your school requirements. It’s difficult to get into the holiday groove when your mind is wrapped up with thoughts of all the papers you need to write and the projects you have to finish. Focus on these tasks first, and accomplish them with gusto, so that you can truly have a merry Christmas!
Listen to Christmas songs. Songs have a way of speaking to our souls and our hearts. Go to YouTube for inspiration and search for Christmas songs, from Andy Williams’ “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You!” Better yet, watch Christmas carols live at public venues. The University of Santo Tomas holds its annual Paskuhan on December 20, 2013 showcasing the UST chorale, complete with fireworks display. On December 23, attend the Ateneo Chamber Singers’ annual Christmas for a cause concert at Church of the Gesù.
Attend Simbang Gabi, which officially starts on December 15. Celebrating mass with the whole community instantly gets you into the Christmas spirit. It is invigorating to hear mass with family and friends.
Watch a movie or read a book. Turn to the classics like Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Have a hearty laugh with Macaulay Culkin’s “Home Alone.” Get snug on your sofa with hot coco and watch “Love Actually,” a British Christmas-themed romantic comedy.
Make D.I.Y. Presents. Your friends and family will appreciate your gifts more, knowing that they were made with love. Show off what you learned in school. Give them art you made or crafts that you took time to do. Gifts that come from the heart are the best and will forever be remembered.
Commit to a charity. Share your blessings with others. Goodwill helps and instantly restores your faith and hope in mankind. Join your school’s efforts at helping the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan.
Reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Write down your thoughts on paper and include your Christmas prayer for yourself, family, classmates, and the country. Keep it somewhere accessible. This can be your guide for the whole year.
Do random acts of kindness. This is how to “let your heart be light.” You’ll find that the world around you will be nicer and kinder. This includes greeting everyone a cheerful “Merry Christmas!”