Everyday Joy: A Community Project

Do you love Christmas and find yourself wishing each holiday season that it could last all year long? What if there's a way to have the joy of Christmas all year long, even after the lights & the tree have been put away? Take a moment to imagine what it would be like to have a daily Christmas practice so you could have the magic of Christmas every day.

If you're here because you have read or heard of Everyday Joy, welcome! I'm so glad you're here.

I so enjoyed being a part of this project! My brief essay was about how to enjoy Christmas all year long, and I'd like to share an expanded version of it here.

We were only allowed 200 words for the book project, but as you might imagine, I have lots more to say about it.

Five Ways to Hold Christmas Close All Year Long

Christmas is not a time or season, but a state of mind. - Calvin Coolidge

(1) Light a holiday-scented tealight whenever you need a moment of Christmas. Once a week, once a month, or right at the moment you feel the longing for the holiday season to be here again. And when you blow it out, create a little Christmas magic, by making a wish for something you want in your life. Wishing is not just for birthdays, anymore!

(2) Drink a cup of gingerbread tea and warm yourself with the memory of Christmas. I promise I won't tell if you add a gingerbread cookie, too. As you sip your tea, in the spirit of Christmas, mentally send peace to the world, and to anyone you know, specifically, who needs it. Allow yourself to sink into peace each time you take another sip.

(3) Watch a heartwarming Christmas movie to get in the mood. Every year, from the end of October until the end of December, both of the Hallmark channels & many others besides, will give you old favorites and new movies to deepen your dive into Christmas. Then, there's a half-year Christmas in July on the Hallmark channels. But why not tape a few of your favorites to watch during the coldest months of winter, or whenever you need a happy Christmas ending?

(4) Bake some Christmas cookies and share them with your family. Those cookies won't know it's the middle of summer! Use your Christmas tree shaper and decorate them if you want. Wrap them up as if they are gifts and label them, adding a Christmas greeting, and place them where your loved ones will be sure to find your Christmas surprise.

(5) Go a little crazy, crank the AC and light a fire. Stockings optional.

Another idea might be to create a Christmas scrapbook, and open it from time to time while playing a Christmas CD.

Note: I'm not suggesting that you leave your decorations up all year long, or do any of your Christmas traditions every single day. But they will be there for you anytime you need a quick plunge into holiday happiness.

See you next time!

Love, Jeanine