by Isadora Pandora

Created on: November 23, 2008   Last Updated: February 03, 2009

I want a holly jolly Christmas, it's supposed to be the best time of the year. But I'm broke and busted and my meany neighbors like to jeer; but hey, who cares, look there; its that silly red nosed reindeer!

If you feel like that this Christmas; you could probably use some ideas for cheer. With the economy like it is, it can truly become a burden to find a real smile, especially when all you want to do is curl up and sleep until this seemingly "horror day" is over. Well, I can't help the economy; but I can surely help you "chipper, chipper, cheer up"!

This may sound an awful thing, but one way to appreciate what you have is to see what others' do not. For every average Joe trying to pay the bills, there is at least one Jane living on the streets just wishing for bills to struggle with. If you can lay down tonight in a warm secondhand bed after eating a hot meal of hamburger casserole, then you have more to be cheerful of than so many people.

You're not struggling to pay your bills you say? Still have no holiday spirit, dreary head? Setting aside even twenty minutes to talk to your children, spouse, or other loved ones one on one can really help you take stock in what matters; this alone should bring you some cheer. In one of many twenty minute conversations;,I got to know all about my husband and his dreams. He wanted a kennel to raise his hounds, wanted to open our lives to needy children, teaching them how to hunt, helping them to stay away from drugs or a not so great home life. It only took twenty minutes to give my husband cheer; in turn giving me more than my fair share of it.

A simple thing that can help bring a person cheer is to pamper themselves. Take an hour a week these coming Christmas weeks to give yourself a manicure and pedicure. Maybe have your husband/wife do yours, then you massage his/her hands and feet. Nothing feels better and leaves you open to holiday spirit than a body that is relaxed and well loved.

Help someone in need. Do more than hand out your spare change; why not try spending quality time with a lonely widow (or someone of the sort)? Invite them to Christmas, or at the least, bring them a real holiday feast and a handwritten card! I bet it would make their holidays so much brighter!

Try singing; sing in the shower, sing at work, let loose with a silly holiday song and make your family laugh. The words don't have to make sense, you don't even have to rhyme! My son giggles and sings along with anything falling out of my mouth. Silly

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