Whether getting into the Christmas spirit comes easily to you or takes a little more effort, I've gathered 7 ways that will have you dancing with the sugar plum fairies. It's the most wonderful time of the year, and I hope you enjoy every bit of it!

My Magnolia Wreath Christmas Home Tour // "O Come Let Us Adore Him" from Gracelaced (no longer available)
I love this time of year, but I don't love the rush of trying to squeeze it all into a few short weeks. So, don't be mad, but I like to start getting ready for Christmas and Thanksgiving just before Halloween.
I'm happy to skip past the ghouls and goblins to get into the mindset of gratitude and giving. I basically treat Thanksgiving and Christmas as one big season of festive fun.

Here's the honest truth, though. I like getting as much gift-buying, wrapping, decorating and planning done in November as possible, so that when December 1 arrives, I'm free to spend time with my family and make memories.

Christmas Nights Candlelight Tour
Plus both of my daughters have birthdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas, so it's a joyful stretch all around. Whether you wait until the fork is down after Thanksgiving or start celebrating right now, I hope you find a few delightful ways to get in the mood for Christmas.

7 Ways to Get in the Christmas Spirit
1. Listen to Christmas Music
I've been playing my tunes since before Halloween. Don't throw tinsel at me, OK? It's just so fun, and since we only get to listen for a few months a year, I try to squeeze in as many days as I can.
Get in the mood with my Christmas playlist on Spotify. My girls and I listen to it every morning on the way to school!

2. Hang Christmas Art
This is where my favorite free printables come in! I love a free printable for decorating every season, and Christmas is no exception. I hope you love these, which I made just for you! I got a bit carried away and made several versions for you to choose from! Enjoy!



Tap here to get all of the free Christmas printables
3. Bring out the Plaid Decor and Cozy Textiles
Blankets, baskets and greenery all add texture and coziness to our decor. Plaid and buffalo check patterns bring a festive, wintry feel.

Swipe through and tap the images below to shop:
4. Make a Gift List and Check It Off
I promise that thinking about others will get you into the Christmas spirit faster than almost anything. I'm a total nerd and keep a spreadsheet of all the gifts still to buy. My goal is to have them all bought and wrapped by Thanksgiving. #giftgoals

Our Gift Guides will help you check off those hard-to-buy-for people in no time!
5. Plan your DIY projects, crafts and baking sessions
My girls and I love making gingerbread houses, gifts for their teachers, Christmas cookies and more. Grab the calendar (or your Holiday Planner), schedule those special times, and buy any supplies you'll need. Not only will this get you into the Christmas spirit, but you'll also feel less stressed when it's time to carry out your plans!
We're using my new Holiday Planner {tap here} this year to list everything we want to do and more! It has spots to plan baking days, gift shopping, holiday events, decorating days and more!

6. String Your Christmas Lights
This one is obvious, but nothing says Christmas like the glow of twinkly lights. We put up the Christmas tree and leave it bare for a few days. The warm glow at night, a cup of hot cocoa and snuggling on the couch give me all the feels.

How to String Lights on a Christmas Tree so that it Glows
7. Plan Your Christmas Decor and Theme
I like to keep the same basic pieces, like my trees and large decor items, and then switch things up by adding a few new ones.
This year I'm changing my tree collar and adding new touches to the tree with twigs, stems and berries, while keeping all of the ornaments the same. I have one tree that's colorful and kid-friendly, and another that's neutral and fancier. You don't have to change everything, but a couple of swaps make everything feel fresh and new! (psssstttt … I have Decorating Planner pages included in my Holiday Planner {click here}!

As I find new, fun Christmas decor I love, I add it to my Christmas Decor Shop. You'll enjoy browsing all the new items that arrived this year. Take a look here!
So to recap … To get in the holiday mood:
- crank up the tunes
- decorate with seasonal art (like free printables)
- bring out the plaids and textiles to play
- make a gift list and plan those crafting and baking times
- string some twinkle lights, and …
- plan your holiday decor and themes!
Happy Holidays: Dreaming, Planning and Preparing! I'd love to hear your plans and ideas!
More Posts You Will Love:
- 21 Fun Holiday Ideas for Your Family's Christmas Bucket List
- DIY Christmas Decorations on a Budget
- The Best Artificial Christmas Trees
- How to Organize Christmas Decorations
- 50 Festive Free Christmas Printables for Your Home
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