My Christmas spirit has been alright this year, I think mostly because I have a little one to keep me busy and to do things with/for. However, I know for a lot of us it's been hard to get into the Christmas mood, especially with not being able to see our families and have all the shindigs that we'd usually have, thanks to the dreaded C word. With that in mind, I thought that I would put together a little list of some things you can do to help raise your Christmas spirit this year, mostly from the comfort of your own home - as let's face it that's where most of us will be isn't it?! I've tried to think of things that anyone can do, whether you have children or not. So if you're in need of a sprinkle of festive magic then keep reading for some ideas...
throw twinkly lights everywhere...
Fairy lights around your Christmas tree, thrown over your bed frame, hung over your mirror... you can put them anywhere and they always make your home feel so cosy and festive I feel. They're like a little source of magic in themselves and can be picked up pretty cheap from places like Home Bargains and B&M. You can opt for the plug in ones or you can get some rechargeable batteries which last a really good amount of time. I love throwing all my lights on as soon as the sun starts to set, it really does feel like Christmas!
watch all the christmas films...
Watch ALL of the Christmas films. Have a movie day with your duvet. From the classics to all of the modern ones, just watch all of them. I love watching them with Ru as his little excited face really gets me feeling all the feels for Christmas, but even if you don't have any little ones I'm sure you will still enjoy them just as much!
drink all the hot chocolates...
I love hot chocolates all winter but they definitely feel like a particularly festive drink and they make a great pairing for cosying up to a film with. Grab yourself some Christmassy marshmallows, whipped cream and maybe some candy canes and you have the perfect festive treat to sit down with. They always work a charm.
create your own wrapping paper...
This year I got myself some kraft paper and stamps and I've been making my own wrapping paper. It's time consuming but I think that's the great thing about it as it gives you an activity to sit down with and spend time on. If you pick up some cute ribbon, gift tags and festive bits like candy canes or foliage it can be so much fun and will be sure to get you in the mood for Christmas.
fill your house with festive scents...
You can pick up festive candles or room sprays from Home Bargains for as little as a couple of pounds, and I definitely feel Christmassy when my home is filled with the scent of gingerbread, cinnamon and apples. You'll get a fresh smelling house and it will help raise your spirits at the same time so win-win!
do a bit of baking...
Festive baking is always a winner isn't it? It's fun to do by yourself or with the kids and the best bit is you have loads of Christmas themed food to eat afterwards! We've made a few festive-themed biscuits now and next on the list is some cake...
shop for gifts...
One of my favourite parts when it comes to Christmas is gift giving, I absolutely love picking things out and buying for people. I always complain if someone is hard to buy for but that just makes it all the more fun doesn't it?! If you have some Christmas shopping still to do, stick a festive film on, grab your laptop and do a bit of online gift hunting.
stick on the festive tunes...
Christmas music always raises the spirit, there's loads of really good playlists on Spotify or Heart Xmas is a good radio station to tune into! The key is, to turn it up reallllly loud...
go on a light hunt...
Some families make it a tradition to go hunting for Christmas lights and not only does it get you out the house for a bit but it's lots of fun too. Driving around and seeing everyones houses lit up at night is definitely magical!
set the table...
I've decorated my dining table with a Christmas garland and lots of foliage and candles and it looks so pretty and festive. I see it every time I go in the kitchen so it definitely reminds me that Christmas is almost here and gets me in the mood on a morning. Try it.
Have you still got your Christmas spirit this year? What would your tip be?