To say that this year has been challenging is an understatement. The pandemic is affecting the holidays, as well, with no or small family gatherings recommended.

What can we do to add and spread some holiday cheer? 

Someone once said, nothing ever seems too bad, too hard, or too sad when you have the holiday spirit. There’s so much good to be done and kindness to share that will reward you with a feeling of joy that comes with the holidays! With this in mind, let the focus be on those less fortunate. During this time of year, there are many projects and organizations to help those in need.  From donating an unwrapped toy, feeding the hungry, to giving of your time through volunteering with the young, the old, and four-legged friends; we can do our part of spreading the holiday spirit.

With spreading the spirit of the holiday, also comes the joy of this season. What better way is there to share the joy than decorating.   Many are decorating for the holidays early this year. I used to be a firm believer in no Christmas until after Thanksgiving, but not this year. This year, however, decorating can be an incredibly positive mood booster. Our tree strung with lights was already up the weekend before Thanksgiving. Even if this time of the year is especially difficult there is something uplifting about rearranging your furniture, adding a bouquet of flowers, and sprucing up your home.

Finally, let us add some bling to our holiday attire to feel more cheerful, put together, and festive during the month of December. Here are some awesome accessories to liven up your normal wardrobe with some that sparkle and shine.

1.  A pair of gold Toms shoes combine, comfort, durability, and style.  Also, for every pair of Toms sold, the company gives a pair of shoes to a needy child.
2. Glitzy purses are usually found on the Red Carpet; however, red is the holiday color, so jazz up your look this holiday season with a flashy purse, clutch, or wallet.
3. A metallic belt packs a big punch when it comes to elevating your style while also slimming your silhouette into a flattering hourglass. Plus, it is literally a cinch to instantly up the chic factor by adding this waist-defining extra to a number of looks.
4. Sparkly, holiday earrings are a fun way to deck your lobes and set you apart from the rest on web calls!  The choices are endless, in all your favorite stores.
5. A holiday broach or pin is the ultimate magical touch that can make you stand out from the crowd. A brooch is an accessory usually written off as outdated or irrelevant, yet it is one of the most fun and versatile accessories. Brooches can be strategically placed anywhere on our outfits to give them a little bit more personality. Whether they are worn singularly, in pairs, or in a cluster, brooches can be really cool way to sparkle!
6. Nothing transforms the ordinary into a head-turning outfit like a holiday statement necklace. The statement necklace can differentiate you from the masses.  Once again, there are many different styles and I personally enjoy my large, showy costume jewelry more than my real pieces because I like being bold.
7. Let your legs light up the runway, with a fun pair of tights to add some glamour and warmth to any look.
8. A shimmery sequin scarf in silver or gold is a sure way to make the holidays brighter! Nothing transforms an outfit instantly like a scarf draped around your neck; just ask Dr. Birx.
9. Refreshing your hair accessories is a low-key update that just takes a little time. There is a wide range of luxurious looks from braided and padded headbands, hair clips, and slides to the scrunchie resurgence. This is another way to stand out head and shoulder above the rest, especially during Zoom calls.
10. The newest accessory to express your holiday style is a bejeweled face mask. A mask is not just a necessity but has become a fashion statement.  Get your holiday groove on with a mask, that will help spread the cheer and not the germs.

Like many others, my holiday season plans have changed, and traditions have altered.  This year for most, including myself, there will be no big family dinners or traveling far from home. Zoom, Google meets, and other platforms have added a whole new dynamic to celebrating the season.  So, whatever your holiday celebration looks like, whether in person or online, let’s remember that spending time with loved ones is the greatest gift of all.

Let me know what are you doing to spread the cheer this year? And how will you be celebrating the season?