Grace Massoud wrote this article on MTV Website:

It’s no big secret that Christmas is my favorite holiday. The winter days are made brighter by the festivities, lights, and colors splashed all over the place.

I’m not alone on this one. So many people relish this time of year. The meaning behind the season, the birth of Christ and the blessings he has bestowed upon the earth. They need to have faith in something greater than themselves, someone watching over them, a spirit protecting them and guiding them along their journey. This faith is what brings out the best in them, incites them towards morality, kindness, empathy and many other admirable qualities.

Alas, it is not uncommon to suffer from the Holiday Blues or just feel a sort of indifference, Blah if you will, throughout the season, due to the many responsibilities of adulthood and because of the future of Lebanon looking all kinds of bleak.

This is where I come in. I’ve got the 10 perfect tips to get you into that elusive Holiday Spirit and trigger your senses with pleasurable delights.

1. Put up that Christmas tree with your family or friends while blasting some Christmas tunes. Bake cookies, the “Bûche de Noël” and other holiday treats. Nothing like some lovin’ from the oven to get the blood pumping in your veins

2. Head on over to the many Christmas themed markets all over the country. Bask in the ambiance of the decorations in Jbeil, Downtown, Achrafieh, Batroun, and plenty of other towns. Admire the huge Christmas trees, grab some hot wine and delectable grub, purchase from and support local businesses

3. Gather in your living room with your loved ones, play a Christmas movie while drinking hot chocolate with those tiny marshmallows. Cozy up under a furry blanket and just relish in the comfort and warmth spreading through your body

4. Liven up the workplace with Secret Santa Shenanigans and by decorating the tree with your co-workers. Set up an office Christmas party to shake things up and knock down some barriers most people are more than willing to put up in that space

5. Get on a plane pronto and visit one of those jaw-dropping Christmas destinations like Strasbourg, Colmar, Paris, London, Prague, and New York. Traveling any day of the year shoots us up with a new lease on life. At Christmas time, it’s a whole different ball game

6. Don a Superman cape and go out of your way to help people in dire need. Every month of the year we should be contributing and giving back to our community. There is no nobler nor higher purpose than leading a life of service to others

7. Organize parties and gatherings with friends and family where you play Christmas games. Eggnog Pong could become a thing, or more in keeping with our traditions, Irish Cream Pong. Never have I Ever with Irish Cream shots or any holiday drinks. You’re welcome!

8. Book a weekend getaway in the snow. Nothing like getting stuck in a snowstorm while you’re indoors, with a breathtaking view and a roaring fire, to get you into the holiday spirit. Strap on some skates and hit an ice-skating rink, if you’re lucky enough to come across one. If not, rent a skidoo, skis or snowboard and hit the slopes

9. Drive to the mall, an oldie but a goodie. Marvel at the decorations, watch the shows, grab a bite to eat, catch a movie and catch up on your holiday shopping while listening to some delightful Christmas music

10. Are you ready for this one? Cause it’s a doozy. Many Lebanese have had to be torn away from their families to pursue better careers and a decent life abroad. To you I say buy yourself a ticket home. Make it a surprise if you can manage it. You will be the best and most valuable gift this holiday season and you will be overcome with happiness in reuniting with your nearest and dearest.