Last week I signed off after a busy Update with, 'Next week I'm hibernating'.
Once the third week in December hits, that feeling will be drowned out by stress and jobs. There's no point delaying seasonal thrills for the specific Christmas week, when that specific Christmas week involves multiple supermarket visits, the blowing up of airbeds, and trying to remember how I fashioned seventeen dining chairs from the eight that my house contains. Yep, Christmas week is too late for feeling nice. It's now or never.
So, in the spirit of sharing is caring, here's what I've been doing in the past week to feel 'nice.' Also, 'cosy,' 'warm,' 'glowing,' and 'filled with inner joy.' If I can do it, so can you.
Regular readers, or fans of my Insta will know my standard daily uniform involves black nail varnish. It's my thing. I don't suit pastels and pale colours, so black - with it's gothic undertones and 'goes with everything' vibe - is just right. But wait! Last week, at my scheduled mani, I suddenly embraced my inner Santa. I'm now sporting bright red nails! I also booked my Christmas appointment to be long enough to contain nail art. I know! Who am I? I'm a ball of Christmas cosiness, that's what!
Music
I have several Christmas playlists. As someone who's never worked in retail during December, I'm in the lucky position not to be triggered by Noddy Holder screaming, 'IT'S CHRISTMAS.' But I understand that many people are. I do, however, feel happy to leave the big guns to nearer the time. Instead, my current playlist of choice is full of instrumental stuff. The film score for Love Actually (the film may have aged badly but the music is beautiful) or the instrumental stuff from The Holiday. The Home Alone theme is also gorgeous and adds to the joy of the season without wanting to punch the speaker that's blasting it out. Subtle music, with a festive twist. Try it.
I have several Christmas playlists. As someone who's never worked in retail during December, I'm in the lucky position not to be triggered by Noddy Holder screaming, 'IT'S CHRISTMAS.' But I understand that many people are. I do, however, feel happy to leave the big guns to nearer the time. Instead, my current playlist of choice is full of instrumental stuff. The film score for Love Actually (the film may have aged badly but the music is beautiful) or the instrumental stuff from The Holiday. The Home Alone theme is also gorgeous and adds to the joy of the season without wanting to punch the speaker that's blasting it out. Subtle music, with a festive twist. Try it.
It's still too early, IMHO, to faff about with decs and a tree. However, I've reached the point in November when I'm comfortable with fairy lights. Because of inherent laziness, I refuse to box up the strings of bulbs that cover my house. They're up all year, they just don't get switched on. Now we're mid-November, that's all changed. As of last week, when I get up, I turn on the lights in the hallway, on the landing, in the kitchen, in the living room, and in the dining room. As my house is (kinda) open plan, you can see almost all of them from the sofa. This one small change has enlivened my days, no end.
Party Food
There's absolutely no reason why you need to wait for Christmas Eve before you crack open a tray of tempura prawns or chilli cheese bites. And Strictly Saturdays are the perfect accompaniment for a picky bits tea. Not attending an actual cocktail party in lieu of slobbing on the sofa, watching Layton Williams, topping up the prosecco, and reaching for a no-duck spring roll, is far more preferable. Get involved!
Asda have a candle called Spruce and Snow. They've also got Winter Forest and Winter Spice. I know because I've bought them all. It's a scientific fact that a flickering flame is the loveliest thing. And the hint of pine and woodland aromas are spot on.
There's some food smells that are quintessentially seasonal. I made my Christmas cake on Saturday, and the whole process filled my heart with joy. Oranges, port, chocolate, mixed spice, cinnamon, cherries, almonds... the aroma that comes from the pan as it simmers, is divine. Alternatively, some people get their kicks from slow-cooked ham. Or mulled wine. Whatever smells tick your boxes, seek them out!
So there you have it. The basic things that have sent my inner glow into a full-on fiery furnace. Like I said, I've not technically hibernated. It's been another fairly busy week. But when I've been at home, the time for changing into my Pjs has got earlier. The candles have been lit. The fairy lights have twinkled. Cooking the tea has been soundtracked by John Williams. It's as close to hibernation as an awake person can be. If you want to feel some inner glow, there are worse things you could do.
Have a lovely week, folks.
No comments:
Post a Comment