Christmas Traditions

"Being happy is a very personal thing and it really has nothing to do with anyone else."

- Unknown

I thought I would share some of my Christmas traditions that I try and get through every single year to get myself into the Christmas spirit.

1. Putting up the tree

Every year I take to putting up the tree, and decorating my house, pretty much in my own. I mean, being short does mean some assistance is required, but a few years ago I appointed myself Head of Decorating for Christmas. A title I take very seriously. So, as early as I can get my parents to agree to, I put up our Christmas decorations.

2. Christmas movies

Christmas movie channels seem to come about earlier and earlier every year, but my favourite has always been Christmas 24. And in December that is all I seem to watch, I constantly have it on in the background and I embrace watching every movie that I possibly can, especially the obscure random TV movies that can sometimes be true gems. On top of that, every year without fail I watch The Santa Clause, Nativity 2, Black Nativity, The Grinch and Arthur Christmas. From this year I plan on adding Last Christmas to that lineup.

3. Baking

Over the last few years I have taken to Christmas baking. I make mince pies and sausage rolls, and any festive treats that take my fancy. This year will be the first year that I attempt to make some vegan Christmas goodies for my sister, so I’m looking forward to expanding my baking repertoire.

4. Light spotting

Without fail, once people start putting ip their outdoor decorations and lights, whenever my family drives past a house with them up, we always must point out that they’re there. It gets to the point where we start comparing what we’ve seen.

5. Adverts

Speaking of comparing. The greatest competition of all at Christmas is, what is the best Christmas advert. With the all time best being the John Lewis ‘Somewhere Only we Know’ advert from 2013, every year there is a lot of tough competition. Most of all, I’m always most intrigued to see whether John Lewis can top their 2013 advert. This year is the closest they’ve got so far. It’s incredibly sweet, and if you haven’t checked out this years John Lewis advert I urge you to do so.

6. London

Primarily, the tradition is to go and see a show in London at Christmas, but it is London itself that feels truly like Christmas to me. With the lights, Winter Wonderland, the Natural History Museum Ice Rink, and the fantastic window displays, I don’t know what there is to not love about London at Christmas. If nothing else, London at Christmas feels to me like it holds a piece of unique magic, like it is a piece of home for anyone who wishes to find it there. So when I do end up seeing a show, this year I saw Waitress, it only adds to the atmosphere for me. I love performance, combining that with the welcoming euphoria I feel everything I'm in London is a feeling that cannot be compared.

7. Music

I start listening to Christmas music very early. As soon as it turns November 1st and my family and friends can’t use Halloween as an excuse to deter my festivities, I start listening to Christmas music. And, I must admit, I do have a soft spot for all things Glee Christmas.

8. Season 5, Episode 13

This is the Pretty Little Liars Christmas episode that I always watch in preparation for Christmas. Not only does it remind me that I love PLL, but it also reminds me that Christmas isn’t about where you are or what you have, it’s about who you spent your time with. After all, that is what Christmas is all about.

9. Wrapping

This may sound like a strange thing to say, but I love Christmas wrapping. If I’m honest, I love gift giving in general. The idea of getting to spread joy to others make my heart full with warmth. Wrapping, however, is something that I take extremely seriously. From the wrapping paper down to the string, ribbon and bows that I use to tie it all together (literally and figuratively).

10. Boxing Day

Whilst Christmas Day itself is a day where we do very little, and thankfully we no longer wake up at 6am thanks to my arguing of my need to sleep, Boxing Day is when we go and visit my Grandad. Now, something to know about my Grandad is that he makes amazing chips, which he always makes for us on Boxing Day. It’s a nice opportunity to get to go round and spend time with my Grandad, something I dint get a lot of opportunity to do anymore between working and my education, which makes them moments that I treasure even more.

I hope you are all enjoying your own Christmas traditions.

Your stage is waiting.

Hollie x

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