Can you believe it’s less than 2 weeks until Christmas? What with looming deadlines and a packed social calendar at this manic time of year it isn’t always easy to get into the festive spirit. If you’re feeling more Scrooge than Elf then try some of these tips and you’ll be full of the joy of Christmas in no time! (Hopefully)
Listen to Christmas songs
Nothing sparks nostalgia and happiness in my heart like the Christmas songs from my childhood. Favourites include Last Christmas by Wham, Do They Know it’s Christmas by Bandaid and All I want for Christmas by Mariah Carey. I like to liven up boring activities such as ironing by listening to them quite loudly and singing along. (very badly) Even better, watch or join in with a carols service if you can. It’s worth getting in touch with your local choir or the Salvation Army often hold them in town centres and churches around this time of year. On Sunday they actually sang carols really close to where I live which was lovely.
Eat, drink and be merry
I don’t need an excuse to enjoy food but Christmas is definitely a good one! I especially like festive themed treats such as mince pies, gingerbread, candy canes, Twiglets (not particularly festive but we always have the mini ones at Christmas) advocat, mulled wine and anything with cinnamon in. Don’t even get me started on chocolate florentines. If all else fails a glass of Bailey’s (or three) should raise your spirits.
Burn a Christmassy candle
I’m obsessed with candles, especially those of the festive variety and theres nothing like the sniff of pine, cinnamon or orange to get you feeling festive and usually also feeling hungry! I’m currently burning Yankee Candle’s Bundle Up which I love.
Deck the halls
We’re guilty of putting the tree up about a week before Christmas as we don’t usually find the time before then but I always make sure that the lights in my bedroom go up in early December. We also have a wreath this year which is a lovely festive welcome every time you arrive home. There’s something quite magical about fairy lights
Watch Festive films
Home Alone is my all time favourite Christmas film but I also love Elf, Love Actually, The Holiday and The Muppets Christmas Carol! I usually watch one of them on Christmas Eve whilst wrapping presents, which is another way to get Christmassy. (If wrapping doesn’t stress you out that is)
Other ideas including crafts such as making Christmas cards or baking, reading a festive book, visiting Winter Wonderland and nabbing an invite to a child relative’s nativity. How do you embrace the spirit of Christmas?
Chelsey Prentice 