10 ways to feel festive if you’re working over the holidays

Christmas is arguably the biggest holiday of the year. Festive Christmas trees, presents and pantos – it’s the most wonderful time of the year. 

The Victorian era are to credit for the commercialisation of Christmas. It was an opportunity to spend time with your family and have a break from work, not forgetting its religious origins and that it was also a religious holiday that gave people the chance to go to church and celebrate the birth of their God. 

But in the 21st century, Christmas is less of a religious celebration and rather an opportunity to have a bit of time off work, mirroring the Victorian idea of spending time with the family. 

However, with this comes high demand for services as we have evolved throughout the years. Many people now find themselves at work during this period and Christmas holidays getting shorter. 

So with that in mind, if you are working over Christmas, here are 10 ways for you to feel festive while you’re working; 

 

1. Play Christmas music.

Playing Christmas music has been scientifically proven to boost your mood and make you feel happier. With timeless classics by Mariah Carey, The Pogues and Wham, there’s enough Christmas music to go around. The radio stations are a goldmine this time of year. So whether you’re working in a kitchen or driving around with deliveries, online playlists and radio stations can be your best friend, reminding you that it’s not just an ordinary day. 

 

2. Wear Christmas clothes.

Christmas jumpers have been popularised in recent years, from tacky to stylish – online retailers and high street shops will be stocked full of them. So if Christmas music isn’t quite enough to get you feeling festive, then maybe wearing something might! And it doesn’t have to be Christmas jumpers, shops are selling hats, jewellery and other accessories inspired by the holiday. 

 

3. Watch some Christmas movies (if you can).

If you find yourself in an office with no work to do, then maybe watching a Christmas movie might help pass the time. Sometimes all you need to do is watch Home Alone or The Grinch to remind yourself to appreciate what you have. Movies also allow you to feel as though you are a part of something, which can be particularly comforting if you are trying to escape your work reality.

This year, the long anticipated Gavin and Stacey Christmas special will be shown on BBC1.

 

4. Watch some Christmas TV specials.

When it comes to Christmas, popular TV shows will usually release a ‘Christmas special’ episode. This year, the long anticipated Gavin and Stacey Christmas special will be shown on BBC1. So, if there is a bit too much Christmas overkill, maybe go back to the norm but with a slight Christmas twist by watching Christmas one-offs of your favourite shows.

 

5. Eat Christmas foods.

There’s nothing better than Christmas food, there’s just something about it that’s different from your regular fridge fillers. So, if you’re working, why not bring in some Christmas chocolates or pre cooked Christmas food (like pigs in blankets) and enjoy your feast at work. 

 

6. Decorations

Spice up your office/workplace with some Christmas decorations! Doesn’t have to be a tree, it can be tinsel or ornaments. You could even place some candles safely around your work space. Burn some incense and surround yourself with the smell of Christmas.  

 

7. Drinks

Why not bring a bit of  bubbly to work? Or get yourself some mulled wine or even mulled cider? Maybe a Christmas ale? It depends on your preference! A cheeky little sip to celebrate the day won’t hurt, just don’t go overboard as your boss might not like that.

 

8. Christmas lights

Christmas lights are a classic! If you’ve missed your local lights switch-on or you were away with work to light your own tree, turn on your own lights to create some atmosphere. 

Sometimes the best thing that can make you feel most Christmassy is calling up your loved ones.

9. Call your family and friends.

Sometimes the best thing that can make you feel most Christmassy is calling up your loved ones. The ones you’re unable to spend Christmas day with. Just hearing their voice and wishing them a Merry Christmas can still make you feel like you are with them, even if you’re not.

Maybe the most christmassy thing for you is to act as if Christmas day is like every other day.

 

10. Do what you do traditionally!

Stick to your traditions! What do you usually do on your Christmas day? What is something you have always done? Some families create their own Christmas traditions. Bring that with you as much as you can and just do what you normally do! Maybe you want to disregard this list because maybe the most christmassy thing for you is to act as if Christmas day is like every other day.