How to Improve Your Attitude and Kill Your Inner Grinch

By Sara Butler

Some people look forward to the holidays all year and put their Christmas tree up long before it seems socially appropriate (you know who you are). But others have yet to learn the lessons of Ebenezer Scrooge when the holidays roll around -- and they play the part of the Grinch very well. Without all that green fur, of course.

There’s no denying that for some, the holidays are just a hassle. But when it feels like your heart is two sizes too small, then after you go to the emergency room to have it checked out (don’t ignore chest pain) there are some things you can do to resuscitate your holiday spirit ,,, because it’s never too late!

Here are some things you can do that might just convince you that this is the most wonderful time of the year!

Step Away From Your Computer

This is an ironic one, we know. You are, after all, reading this on a digital device. But stepping away from the computer (and phone and tablet) and shutting off social media for a couple of days is a good first step to un-Grinching yourself.

Why? Because the internet is filled with those who want you to know how perfect their life is or people who want to argue. Yes, that’s a wild categorization but it’s the holidays, so it’s time to go big. Remember that in the real world, no one has a perfect life and keyboard warriors are probably far less confrontational too. Take a break from the interwebs and spend time with real people. That’s sure to lift your holiday spirits.

Volunteer

Is there a cause you care about? A social issue you wish you could be more involved with? Use your feelings about the holidays as a springboard to shake off the ba-humbugs and make a difference. You may be surprised how directing your focus to a big cause that means a lot to you can cheer you up!

Get Festive

Do you know the saying “Fake it until you make it”? Well, there’s no time like the present to give it the old college try. If you’re having a hard time feeling festive this year, or every year, then go do something that can only be done during the holidays. Go ice skating or visit Santa Claus. Find out where some crazy Christmas lights have been hung and go check them out as you sip on some hot cocoa. Go see The Nutcracker. You may enjoy these things more than you think.

Speak to the Manager

A great way to lift your spirits is to lift the spirits of someone else who could use some serious spirit-lifting this time of the year? Retail workers.

It may surprise you to learn that a lot of people channel their inner Grinch during the holidays, which is why doing something small for those who are working on the front lines of the Grinch war can make you feel pretty good.

If you’re someplace and you get great service, then make sure to let the manager know. Passing along a compliment is a nice thing to do and is something that will seriously brighten a person’s day.

The holidays aren’t for everyone and honestly, they don’t have to be. What is for everyone is taking the spirit of this time of the year and using it as a way to push yourself to be better and do more. You are a part of a community that would be happy to have you as a force for good and you’ll be a lot happier if you’re not emulating the Grinch each year. Why don’t you sneak on down to Whoville and see what’s going on? You may be surprised by the joy you find there! This can be the best Solstice-Kwanzaa-Christmas-Hanukkah-Festivus yet!

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