Looking back over the festive period...
I think every year it does some-what, but this year my Instagram grid went into full on festive mode and I lived for it. I think December has to be my favourite month of 2018 photography wise, but what upsets me is half of my content never makes its way to my blog. So, this post is essentially a round up of some of my favourite photos from the past few weeks, including some cute ones of Ru on Christmas day, that I can look back on. A bit of a photographic diary if you like?! I didn't actually take that many photos on Christmas day itself, a few of Ru opening his presents in the morning and then some portraits of me and him as a yearly tradition/memory but that's it. I guess it's a good thing in a way, as it shows I was far too busy enjoying myself than taking a million snaps of things that would probably just sit in a folder. You only really need a handful of photos to keep as a memory of the day and that's exactly what I got. The ones of both of us are the precious ones, we've had a photo together every Christmas he's had so far (there's only been 3 but still) and I plan on keeping it that way for the next 20 years at least! So without further ado, here's some of my favourite photos from December 2018...
Hitting the Christmas markets...
Our month started with an obligatory trip to a Christmas market and we ended up going to the York one as it's the closest to us. It was slightly disappointing as it was very same-y as last year but it was still lovely nonetheless! We spent more time walking round the festive back streets than round the actual market in the end but I got some gorgeous snaps of Ru at this table that he insisted he sat at haha. I do love the cobbled streets in York and all of its quirks - everything always looks even more gorgeous in December with all the festive decor and lights so it wasn't a wasted trip, we had a lovely little mooch around. I actually picked up Ru another Christmas present whilst I was there too as there was a stall selling tracks with cars and it had a cute little dinosaur bridge, as soon as the guy said it was only £15 I thought what the heck! Even though I definitely didn't need to buy any more toys for him...
All the hot chocolates...
If you follow me on Instagram you probably noticed how I've drank so much hot chocolate over the past few weeks that I have basically become a hot chocolate. Not only are they a must have everyday in December but I really enjoyed adding different bits and bobs to them to make cute for photos, there's nothing more cosy than getting in your furry slippers and pouring yourself a big mug of hot cocoa!
A magical Christmas...
Kids make everything so magical at Christmas, they really bring back that magic from your childhood. Ru certainly loved December as much as I did, especially with the amount of sweet treats he consumed alongside me. We took lots of cute photos together including possibly my favourite flat lay ever - the one above! I was just taking a quick snap for Insta and he decided to reach over and help himself to a mini gingerbread man, how cute?!
Some festive snaps...
I received so many lovely Christmas presents from brands in December, including this absolutely beautiful rose quartz roller from Cult Beauty. It's stunning and feels so luxe to use, not to mention that it makes the prettiest photography prop! I also treated myself to some new Diptyque candles in the black friday sales, so it's safe to say my room is looking and feeling super cosy.
New room decor...
I also bought myself some new prints and a marble bedside table in the black friday sale which are a new addition to my room. Another Christmas gift I received was the most beautiful Christmas Diptyque candle that World Duty Free kindly gifted to me - it smells like marzipan! I'm a little bit obsessed with this corner of my room. Since moving back to my parents I haven't really had a place that feels all that homely until I injected a bit of my love for interiors into my new bedroom and it now feels so cosy and lovely for me and Ru. We're nicely settled in for the time being, although I can't wait until we have a house of our own again.
Presents under the tree...
Last year I spent ages doing a more traditional gift wrapping with brown paper, string and bits of tree and candy canes, the lot. This year I relaxed my wrapping a bit and just chose some adorable wrapping paper with lots of different coloured ribbons. Whilst spending more time on gift wrapping looks cute, it's wasted on a toddler! I did however get Ru this personalised sack from my 1st years and I think it's absolutely gorge, I can't wait to use it again next year.
The annual Christmas photo...
We took quite a few snaps for our annual Christmas portrait (you have to with a little one or you'll end up with a crap blurry one) and surprisingly we have about ten gorgeous photos in total! Ru must have been in a good mood as he's smiley and giggly in them all. I think the bribery of milky chocolate buttons helped... I narrowed my favourites down to these three as his little giggle is the cutest ever.
Christmas morning...
If you follow me on insta, you might have seen that I posted a video of Ru's reaction on Christmas morning. I whipped my phone out and filmed him coming into the living room after Santa had been, having no idea what he'd do, and his reaction wasΒ priceless.Β He came into the room really nervously and he had his hand in his mouth shuffling towards the presents, then he ran and hugged me and slowly went over to see his new kitchen that I'd set up ready for him. He couldn't love it more, I did good. He's played with it non-stop since Christmas morning, and barely touched his other toys. I can't wait to add more wooden food and some pots and pans for him!
Wintery walks...
We had a lot of lovely wintery walks this month but this one a couple of days before Christmas Eve was one of my faves. We just ventured out of the house on our own all wrapped up and had a drive and then a cute little walk to see the ducks. I got loads of gorgeous snaps of him, just look at that little squidgey face!
So that's a wrap for December. I know we still have three days left but I'm taking a bit of time out to chill, planning content for 2019 and spending quality time with my bub before he starts nursery!
What did you get up to this month? Have you set any new family traditions with your little ones?