Christmas 2017: How To Get Into the Festive Spirit
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
Can
you hear Michael Buble's voice now? Because his songs have been stuck
in my head for the past two weeks. As soon as November arrived,
everything turned into a Christmas wonderland - the shops, the lights
in town, the festive drinks, the presents and the warm jumpers... All
this have made me so excited for December and the Christmas
festivities. I have thus decided to share with you a post about one
of the things that makes me really happy at the moment - how to get
into the Christmas spirit!
Going for a festive coffee in your favourite chain
Now
I am aware that we should always support independent cafés, but I
can't help it - festive drinks in chains like Costa or Caffe Nero are
my jam. I'm always excited to discover the new flavours that brands
come up with each year. So far I have only tried the roasted hazelnut
latte from Caffe Nero, and it's yummy!
These
drinks are more expensive than the regular ones (and to be fair,
they're often too expensive no matter how good they taste!) but once
or twice up 'til December, going for a festive coffee or hot
chocolate with a friend is the perfect way to enjoy a cosy winter
afternoon after an intense Christmas shopping session.
Giving
cards is still a great tradition in the UK, and I'm so glad because I
think getting cards to your friends and family, but even co-workers,
is a lovely attention at this time of year. There are many stores
where you can find pretty cards, Clintons being one of my favourite. You can leave a personal note as well, and sometimes thoughtful words are more worthy than the biggest presents!
You could spend ages in the shops looking at all the different card designs - minimalist, sparkly, cute, sassy, traditional, with Santas, reindeer and Christmas trees... This year I bought a pack of cards from WH Smith, but I am also going
to make my own cards for the most special people in my life. I'll
share the DIY on the blog so stay tuned for that!
Decorating your home
Some
might say November is still too early for decorations, but I strongly
disagree (as you might have guessed!) To keep feeling festive even
when you don't see the lights in the streets and the displays in the
shops, you only have to make your home a little Christmassy to start
with!
I'm
not suggesting getting a tree just yet, but putting up little fairly
lights, a couple baubles or ornaments, and lighting a warm scented
candle will make you feel like it's December already. I
always recommend TK Maxx for great candles at a really good price,
mine this year is a Spicy Cinnamon candle from the brand DW Home and it smells
divine!
On your screens: Christmas music & films
One
could say that it's totally acceptable to watch Love, Actually in
June, but to me watching this film in the weeks leading up to
Christmas has become a tradition I would never break! Everybody has
their favourite film: The Holiday, Elf, The Grinch... It's the best
opportunity to invite a couple friends or your significant other over
for a Christmas film with biscuits and a good hot chocolate.
Alternatively, you could organise a festive dinner to show off your
best winter cooking skills, singing along to classics such as Last
Christmas or All I Want For Christmas Is You. Yes, this is pretty
much the only acceptable time for you to make your friends listen to
Mariah Carey.
What are your favourite Christmas-related things to do as soon as the season arrives?
Lots of love,
Julia x
Lots of love,
Julia x
