Up until about a week ago, we thought we would be moving into a new house before Christmas. We cancelled any holiday plans, left the faux tree up in the loft and decided against any true holiday spirit.
Not that we’re killjoys, we love Christmas more than the next person, but the thought of unpacking and decorating, only to pull it all down again before the big day had even happened, was a little disheartening to say the least. But luck hasn’t been on our side and it looks like we’ll be staying in our lovely flat for another festive season. But how to keep up the festivities when you’re not quite in the frame of mind?
- 1. Invest in a wreath
We’ve gone for a wreath over a tree this year. No unravelling hundreds of ornaments, with glitter all over your carpet. Hang it up and you’re done, and it’s there to add cheer to neighbours, passers-by and, more importantly, you every time you come home from a long day. I always have a faux wreath (I know, it looks real, right?) – as it will last for years to come and you don’t have to add to your ever-growing to-do list at this time of year. Plus it’s more eco friendly.
- 2. Get Cosy
My husband jokes that it takes me approximately 30 seconds to change from my ‘outside clothes’ into my ‘comfy pants’. And he’s probably right. There is nothing I love more than feeling cosy at home, because at this time of year let’s face it, we spend far more time saving money and staying in than a night out. I find myself asking for cashmere socks, pyjamas and Japanese ceramics at Christmas rather than skyscraper heels, LBDs and handbags.
- 3. Just add twinkly lights.
Who said they have to be on the tree? I love decorating my fireplace just as much as the tree. It’s my focal point, and with fairy lights and candles it’s the ultimate ambience for Christmas movies (Home Alone and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation) and Prosecco.
And speaking of Christmas films…I had my name down for this banner after seeing it on Instagram last year – it had sold out so I ordered it early.
- 4. Wrapping is part of the fun
Christmas is definitely about giving, but I possibly love wrapping the gifts more. I put the Nutcracker soundtrack on, roll out my wrapping theme (this year is silver, black and white) and spend a day being all festive and Christmassy. It’s as much a day for me as decorating the tree for others.
We’re trying to stick to a rule of one present per person this year (although we *might* have gone over with Rocco – how can you not?!). It has set us some limits and we’ve managed to save a little for those dreaded house-buying Solicitor fees…
I typically buy items I would like to receive: candles, slippers, cashmere and interiors items.
- 5. Embrace the hygge
It’s the Danish word that is officially in the English vocabulary, now. The idea of cosiness, and taking pleasure from ‘Fika’ (Swedish for basically having coffee and pastries). From roughly some point in mid November, I pretty much go into hibernation: the fairy lights are on, the candles are pretty much constantly lit and our Netflix account is maxed. But I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Here’s to a wonderfully hygge, festive Christmas, even if the tree isn’t up this year. This post was in collaboration with a brand that’s always on my Christmas list: The White Company.
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