25 Ways To Get into The Christmas Spirit

As I get older I find it harder to get into the Christmas spirit especially after losing a close family member, so I've put together a list of things to get in the festive mood and enjoy the celebrations.

1. Spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate and tune into Channel 5, Netflix or The Christmas channel for a marathon of Hallmark Christmas movies. If Hallmark movies not your thing (they are quite cheesy) then re-watch your favourites- I recommend ELF or Arthur Christmas. Also check out black and white classic Christmas films on Dailymotion, Youtube or rent via Amazon or Apple. 
2. Make a Christmas wreath- There are loads of helpful tutorials to guide you on Youtube see here.               
3. D.I.Y some baubles using nail polish for a marbling effect (see here.) Or buy some refillable baubles and fill them with feathers, gold star confetti or beads. I also love watching D.I.Y Harry Potter baubles on Youtube. 
4. See a pantomime, musical or ballet show. I've always wanted to see The Nutcracker.
5. Visit winter roof top bars and terraces. 
6. D.I.Y Christmas cards  Look on pintrest for inspiration and how to guides.                           
7. Go ice skating-either the seasonal outdoor skating rinks or local ice rinks
8. Have a go baking gingerbread men, mince pies or Chocolate truffles-they make great gifts.
9. Drink Mulled wine and read a Christmas novel beside a proper fire.
10. Attempt to make a gingerbread house.
11. Create a playlist of festive songs whether it's traditional choir music or classic cheesy songs. Check out my favourite ones here. 
12. Go late night Christmas shopping when all the lights are on. Or check out the big window displays like the ones in Oxford and Regent Street.
13. Go Christmas decoration shopping, I recommend checking out The Range.
14. Buy some Christmas themed bedding try Asda George or Dunelem. 
15. Buy a festive jumper. pajamas, socks or a mug. 
16. Stuck for what to buy friends and family? Read gift guides in magazines, Youtube or blogs to for gift ideas. Write them inside this Christmas planner.
17. Write Christmas cards. I always do this to Christmas music while eating mince pies.
18. Treat Yourself to an advent calendar whether it be a chocolate one, an alcohol version, a candle or beauty calendar.
19. Have a bath with a festive bath bombs like the ones from Lush here.
20. Watch Youtube videos for ideas to buy or D.I.Y Christmas decor. They are also good for ideas on wrapping presents with a festive touch. I like Hermione Chantel's D.I.Y Christmas Tutorials.
21. Take a winter walk whether this be a tour of all the outdoor Christmas lights in your neighbourhood, the annual Christmas lights switch in town or a jaunty walk through fields and fir trees.
22. Paint your nails. Choose glitter, Christmas colours such as red, green and gold or Christmas themed nails such as snowflakes or father Christmas. 
23. Shop at a German or U.K. Christmas market. 
24. Go Carol Singing or attend a carol singing service.
25. Host a tree decorating /trimming party. This is an American tradition but like Black Friday it'll eventually be adopted here. This is a party for friends and family to decorate the tree together while drinking and eating baked cookies, cakes etc.

If you're based in London or are planning a day trip check out the Christmas activities 

Visit Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Attractions include a giant wheel, magical ice kingdom, Christmas markets, a circus and ice rink. For More info see here.

Southbank Winter Festival (Waterloo) You'll find Christmas markets, a Christmas tree maze, express train choir performances and a cider Lodge  see here.

Kew Gardens have a Night time trail.  There's a garden of fire, Santa's grotto and carols. for more info see here.

Go Ice skating in the historic surroundings of Hampton Court Palace (see here) or checkout the ice rink meets nightclub at Somerset House (see here) or at the  Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens there's an ice rink as well as ice carving, a Christmas tree maze, street entertainers and food and drink see here for details.

Go on the London eye at night to see the city in lights or book special tickets with Hotel Chocolate and prosecco. 

Hogwarts In The Snow  Leavesden (near Watford) It's not really London but not far to drive to. I couldn't miss including this Warner Bros Studio Tour where Hogwarts castle is in snow, the great hall is decorated for Christmas and the tour  includes a trip to the special effects department. Hogwarts in the snow tour goes on until 1st February 2015. For further info see here

Carol singing and concert music at  St Martins in the Field  for more information see here

Visit the Ice bar in central London for a winter experience for dinner or drinks see here for more info.