Celebrate Mini Holidays from December 15 to December 21, From Decorating with Holly to Singing Christmas Carols

If the holiday hustle and bustle has you a bit worn out, add a little extra joy to your week with some smaller yet uplifting holidays. From a delicious maple syrup recipe to a holly centerpiece how-to, these fun ideas are sure to spark smiles. 

Looking to get out and about while still celebrating the season? You’re sure to feel great! Learn how singing your favorite Christmas tunes with friends and enjoying a walk in the snow has perks for both your physical and mental health. Check out these “mini holiday” ideas to make your week a memorable one! 

Sunday, December 15: Gingerbread Latte day

Celebrate this delicious holiday with a gingerbread-­inspired hot drink. This easy recipe for a spiced tea latte comes together fast.

To make a gingerbread tea latte: Bring 6 oz. of water to gentle boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat, then add 2 chai tea bags, 1⁄2  tsp. of vanilla and honey to taste. Steep 3 to 5 minutes; discard tea bags. Gently steam 4 oz. of vanilla almond milk in a small saucepan, then froth with a milk frother and add to tea. Garnish with whipped cream, cinnamon and caramel sauce if desired.

Tuesday, December 17: National Maple Syrup Day 

Give your pancakes a flavorful upgrade today! The pros in the Woman’s World test kitchen suggest adding a spoonful of maple syrup or 1 Tbs. of maple extract to pancake batter (boxed or homemade) before cooking. Then, for even more maple flavor, top your stack with warmed pecan-infused syrup. 

To make Pecan Maple Syrup: In a small pot, bring 3⁄4 cup of maple syrup to a boil over medium heat. Cook until slightly reduced and thickened, about 3 minutes; remove from heat. Stir in 1⁄4 cup of pecan pieces, pour over pancakes and enjoy!

Wednesday, December 18: Flake Appreciation Day  

Today is the day to take a moment to admire the beauty of snow. And if you can head outside and take a walk in the white stuff, you’ll enjoy a surprising health boost: a speedier metabolism! 

In a study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 20 minutes of exercise in cold weather increased levels of beneficial brown fat and decreased harmful white fat. Other research has shown that exposure to cold causes brown fat to burn extra calories as it works to maintain body temperature. Plus, time in the snow has been linked to positive emotional well-being! 

Thursday, December 19: Holly Day 

This day was created to embrace holly, the official birth flower of December. The evergreen symbolizes resilience, hope and goodwill during the holidays. To incorporate the cheery plant into your holidays, add a holly-kissed napkin ring to your place settings. 

The easy how-to: Wrap a length of floral wire around a rolled napkin to form a ring and attach a holly sprig to the wire ring using another piece of wire, then set a rolled napkin atop each plate at your holiday table. So easy and so pretty! 

Friday, December 20: Go Caroling Day  

Going caroling with friends or neighbors this holiday season can do more than spread a bit of Christmas cheer—it can also improve your brain health! That’s the word from researchers reporting in the journal Human Brain Mapping.

In their study of healthy adults ranging in age from 21 to 88, they discovered that regularly participating in choir singing enhanced the structure of the brain’s white matter—an effect that’s been linked to enhanced memory, focus and communication—especially among the older study subjects. What’s more, previous research has found that the mental stimulation of learning lyrics, melody and rhythm can help speed thinking, and the social aspect is great for your brain too! 

Help a Hero

Keep troops smiling!

If you have toothpaste, floss or sample-size mouthwash to spare, consider donating it to For the Troops. The nonprofit organization will include the items in the care package boxes they ship to deployed troops. Mail donations to 2960 Cochran Street, Simi Valley, CA 93065.