It's beginning to feel a lot like....
"Tis the season", "deck the halls", "jingle jingle", "Merry what-nots"...Yes we all know it's round the corner and everyone seems to be in one of two camps;
In the first camp we have the 'Bah Humbugs'; brimming with frosty "I cannot be bothereds", going on about Christmas being too expensive; a clever con brought about by retailers and department stores desperate to get the unwilling victims to part with their hard earned buck.
And in camp number two we have the Pine tree loving, mulled wine brewing, present wrapping, turkey basting, chestnut roasting, cash blowing believers. Those who never tire of leaving a carrot out for Rudolph and maybe even a mince pie out for the big guy.
Now if you are unfortunate enough to be nearer to camp one then you have to endure the sickly sweet attitudes of the rest of us but, trust me, this is the one time where "if you can't beat em, join em" really does pay off!
Who doesn't love a roaring fire on a cold winters night, someone to snuggle up to (in my case it's the smelly dog rather than a handsome someone but he's fluffy at least!), hanging the stockings and making an old auntie's day by sending a card? If you're not the biggest fan of this time of year there are plenty of things you can do to try and get with the festive spirit, who knows by the end of it you may just forget you were ever in camp "bah humbug".
- Cheesy movies. That's right, "It's a Wonderful Life", "Love Actually", "The Holiday", "The Santa Clause", "Elf" and "All I Want For Christmas" are just a few examples of some of the good 'uns. There is no better way to get yourself submerged in the cheer.
- It's all about the kids! Even if you don't love Christmas with every fibre of your being those little ones do and it really is fun jumping on the band wagon. Write letter's to Santa with them, read 'T'was The Night Before Christmas', make mince pies and whenever they start acting up the simple phrase "sack of coal" seems to work like a charm!
- He's making a list. And so should you! There's nothing worse than the guilty feeling in the pit of your stomach when you forget a special someone from your Christmas gift list so start nice and early! Maybe even get a couple of extra generic gifts (i.e. The Bodyshop Giftsets or a foodie hamper) just incase you get an unexpected gift from an over-generous someone you weren't expecting anything from. This way you won't get caught out and gift-giving makes you feel good - stuff the expense!
- Get crafty! Ok, so you're not into sewing and maybe you're a little old for paper chains but maybe cooking's your thing so get a few mates over for mulled wine, mince pies, beers and a cocktail or two. Impress your neighbours with a beautiful handmade wreath - there are loads of how-tos online and you'll get so much more satisfaction than if you bought one. Simply stick some holly branches in vases or perhaps go for a real tree this year and make some decorations - they don't need to look like you made them yourself (again some excellent how-tos online) and if you've got kids this could be something they really get some pride from. There's something so satisfying about seeing your house decked out and glittering. Once you've made all that effort, finished, put the kettle on and taken a minute to admire your handiwork you'll (probably) agree. And for Pete's sake, Ok, yes, big deal, the tree drops needles (you own a hoover don't you!?) but the awesome smell that engulfs your home is priceless, bite the bullet, nothing beats a real tree!
- The joy of helping others. Yeah, yeah so it's corny and we're all busy and have our own lives and blah blah blah but would it really kill us, all of us, to do just one nice little thing? Good will to all men and all that? It doesn't have to be big or involve a long-term commitment, help out at a shelter or soup-kitchen one evening, visit your neighbour in hospital, bring a hot dinner to the wee old lady down the road, take a couple of mince pies to the guy at your local club who lost his wife this year, raise some money within the workplace for a good cause or, if you really are so short on time that none of the above could be squeezed in, donate some money to a charity. After all, isn't this what Christmas is really all about?
- Happy Families. Now I know that people say that family arguments are common at Christmas, kids hyped up on sugar, in-laws outstaying their welcome, certain someone's not pulling their weight and come the big day everyone's exhausted! So yeah emotions are running high and you could just think of somewhere else you'd love to shove that turkey baster but...(and it's a big but)...this is your family, they're the only family you've got. You didn't choose them and you can't change them so wouldn't it be nice if, for one day, and one day only, you simply all got along? In my house Christmas is the one day of the year where everyone is nice to each other and we all get along, no exceptions; everyone's more helpful, more polite and remembers that crucial point that is when to shut up and say nothing at all rather than that snide remark. It's simply nice to remember just once a year how lucky we are to have each other, lets face it, we could do worse, right?!
- What a Feast! If you love only one thing about this time of year it has to be the food. You can't help it, your body simply craves comfort at this chilly season and what better way to tell yourself "I love you" than with a glass of Mulled Wine...no? Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings; Roast Potatoes and Stuffing? Christmas Pudding? Roast Duck? Cinnamon Latte? Mince Pie? Tin of Quality Street? Chestnuts?...oh lets face it, there's something for everyone and it's no wonder we all end up a little...errr jollier, than we were in the summer. Don't worry, you'll soon work off those extra pounds with your shiny new gym membership in January but for now sit back, relax, and enjoy, YUM!!
- Dancing Queen. How many parties have you been invited to this year? Or maybe you're throwing one yourself? Who doesn't love an excuse to surround themselves with friends and loved ones and dress up? Yes ok there might be the obligatory work's night out but oh come on, what the heck, it's only once a year, and who knows, that nice guy from the department downstairs might be at the office party...don't forget your mistletoe.
- Forgiveness. So maybe the reason why you're not feeling so festive is that you've not had the greatest of years. It's coming to the end of another 365 days and you're beginning to reflect; perhaps you've lost touch with someone you miss, had a falling out with a friend or separated from family or spouse. Whether you want to try and fix the horrible (possibly painful) mess or you would simply like to smooth things over so they're not so uncomfortable in the future you happen to be approaching the one time of year where you can make amends for most things. If you can't make peace at Christmas then when can you?
- If, after all my ramblings, you still are left feeling high and dry, I have one last suggestion to get you in the mood. Christmas Fairs are thee most fantastic buzz for Christmas lovers. Whether you're looking for some Christmas decorations for your home, gift ideas or some foodie inspiration to make your Christmas dinner table truly sparkle then these Fairs are your gold dust! Ticket prices vary depending on the size and scale of the fair so if you're looking for something small and local then maybe something in your town hall or church will suffice but if something bigger is your cup of tea then possibly one of the fairs below? Samantha Holmes will be attending both of these Christmas Fairs and I can safely say I cannot wait to start my Christmas buzz - incase you hadn't noticed - I'm a believer!
15th - 17th November
Country Living, SECC, Glasgow, Scotland
21st - 24th November
No comments:
Post a Comment