I think the key is *not* forcing it. The pressure to be/act MORE joyful or MORE happy than you normally are is likely what is sabotaging the season for you.
I just love the Christmas tree... it makes me happy, the glowing lights and just the sight of it in my living room. I also happen to LOVE gifting... both giving and getting, so the suspense of the 25th is always there for me. I love that. Another thing that is huge now (as I mature) more than ever is my belief. It's at the core of my joy. I'm reading and trying to focus more on the reason for Jesus' birth, and what all that means. More than religious pious stuff but good & ugly let's-geteal-here stuff... about the bad news about me and the good news about Him. Gotta be truthful, it's more than the lights and the gifts for me that keeps me happy around Christmas. Because even that stuff can get annoying and stressful.
