Contrary to what the TV ads would have you believe, we don’t all turn into tinselled elves on 1st December, decking the halls and fa-la-la-la-la-ing with gusto. Christmasiness is not obligatory at all. But, if you feel as though you would like to embrace the season a little more but just aren’t feeling it yet, we’ve come up with a few ideas to help you feel more Christmassy instantly (or Christmantly, we suppose). Some take only a few seconds, others will require a couple of hours, but all will help you up the festive feeling if that’s your heart’s desire.
As always, no pressure at all. Here at The Simple Things we believe in ‘could-do lists’ rather than ‘to-do lists’ so pick and choose as many as you fancy, make up your own, or simply read, smile inwardly and continue to Bah, Humbug to your heart’s content. We’re not here to judge.
Shake a snow globe and imagine living inside it.
Go to a Christmas tree farm, and enjoy the scent of Blue Spruce, even if you’re not buying a tree yet.
Sit down with a glass of Sherry and write a Proper Letter in a Christmas card to a friend you’ve not seen this year.
Dig out the ubiquitous Christmassy candle someone will have given you last year and sit quietly with it burning in the dark.
Buy some pretty paper chains and string them together.
Listen to the opening bars of Once in Royal David’s City and well up a bit at the lovely choir boy’s singing.
Open the jar of cinnamon sticks in your spice cupboard and inhale deeply (not recommended with cinnamon powder!)
Visit a church in Advent, even if it’s just for a contemplative look round rather than a service.
Seek out some carols in the open air (National Trust properties usually have some).
Make gingerbread biscuits.
Watch a black and white Christmas film (or Terminator if you’re not a purist).
Open the Quality Street tin early.
Have Christmas canapes for dinner one Friday night. Pass the brie and cranberry vol-au-vents and pigs in blankets, please!
Read a Christmassy book at bedtimes. A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas and The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater are just two of our favourites.
Put up some fairy lights. If it feels too early to go the whole hog dec-wise, just drape some plain white fairy lights along a shelf or mantelpiece.
Bake some proper mince pies. So much nicer than shop bought even if they are a bit fally-aparty.
Roast chestnuts. Or, if that feels like too much effort, buy a tub of pistachios and retreat to the sofa for the evening with a film.
Visit a deer park and wonder about which deer are the magic ones…
Do some ‘Nice’ Christmas Shopping. Not a mad dash around town. Just one or two trusted and lovely shops for a couple of thoughtful gifts for favourite people, a walk back past some Christmas lights with a silly Christmassy coffee (the only time when egg nog flavouring is acceptable) and then home to wrap your gifts carefully. Yes, of course with proper ribbon and handwritten gift tags.
Have a roaring fire with one of your mince pies and more of that sherry. If you don’t have a fire in your home, find a pub with one and have one of their mince pies and sherry.
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