It's my absolute favourite time of the year and I can quite honestly say that I've been excited for Christmas since my birthday (which was the 1st Oct). However, come December, although I'm trying to get into the Christmas spirit, I have to remember that I'm in my 3rd year of university and have deadlines galore. So then, how do you get a flat (of two) and yourself into the Christmas mood when the education system wants to keep you down with essays and readings? Here is how I got ready for the Christmas season (I have not been sponsored for any of this but this is just where I bought all my stuff):
1. Christmas Tree (£4 from B&Q)
What is the first thing you think about when someone mentions Christmas? For me it's the Christmas Tree and buying the perfect one for your place. Everything is ready for me at home but as a student, with a small flat and limited budget, it's sometimes so hard to find a tree that's perfectly Christmassy but in my budget. I was lucky enough to stumble on that perfect tree on a trip to B&Q in October (I told you I started early). We found a tree that was just under 4ft that was white and sparkly (with hints of pink in certain lighting). They had so many different colours but I knew that this flat would be perfect for our little flat.
What is the first thing you think about when someone mentions Christmas? For me it's the Christmas Tree and buying the perfect one for your place. Everything is ready for me at home but as a student, with a small flat and limited budget, it's sometimes so hard to find a tree that's perfectly Christmassy but in my budget. I was lucky enough to stumble on that perfect tree on a trip to B&Q in October (I told you I started early). We found a tree that was just under 4ft that was white and sparkly (with hints of pink in certain lighting). They had so many different colours but I knew that this flat would be perfect for our little flat.
2. Christmas Tree Decorations (Assorted from Primark and Poundland)
What's a Christmas tree without decorations? I luckily had some tinsel that I got from Poundland in first year (£1 obvs) that was gold and looked perfect on the white tree and I also bought some beautiful white fairy lights with a string of silver stars (£1 from Poundland) which really contrasted against the stark white of the tree! I also had to put in my little touch of Disney magic so I dragged myself to Primark and got some really adorable Mickey Mouse baubles (£4 for a pack of 6) which are gold, black and white and the shape of Mickey Mouse and his gloves. It reflects both me and my flatmate with a bit of bright magic but also a nice sense of minimalism and sophistication! When the fairy lights are on and my main light off, I feel like I'm being transported into another magical world of Christmas sparkle! It's also always fun putting them all up with my friends and family to the sound of music.
3. Advent Calendar (2 for £3 at Co-Op or £1.90 each)
I know I'm 21 and advent calendars are normally for children but I find nothing more fun than opening up a little door everyday to be met with a piece of chocolate and a good Christmas joke. This year, I've gone for the Malteaser's one which has 23 doors of small, adorable, Christmas-themed chocolate and a massive Malteaser reindeer for the 24th December. Of course there are cheaper options from Poundland and places but I feel like the best thing about these calendars are the big chocolates on the last day. I mean I have been sad about the recent omissions of the 25th December, but I shan't complain. 24 bits of chocolate in December is exactly what Christmas is about - eating too much food!
4. Christmas Songs
This is free unlike everything else because nowadays you can listen to music everywhere: TV, YouTube, Spotify etc! This means that literally the BEST way to get into the Christmas mood is to listen to some beautiful songs including the out of hibernation Michael Buble and those songs that you always hate to say that you love *Fairytale of New York*. I always feel like, no matter how shit you're feeling, listening to anything with a festive spirit really does lift your mood - take it from someone with a lot of experience. My recommendations are: Michael Buble, Wham!, Boney M and the list goes on (here's my Spotify Playlist for it:
5. Christmas Films
I was never a massive fan of Christmas films as a child and, even now, it's not necessary for me to get into the mood. I just think its a nice thing to do with your family to have some Christmas bonding to get you all in the mood. However, I watched Arthur Christmas this weekend with James McAvoy and I felt like a child with so much joy and innocence because it was so naive and full of loads of laughs and heart-warming moments. There's a lot on Netflix but definitely watch out on the normal TV guide because there are literally films on everyday with a Christmas theme and it won't cost you any more than your normal TV cost!
I was never a massive fan of Christmas films as a child and, even now, it's not necessary for me to get into the mood. I just think its a nice thing to do with your family to have some Christmas bonding to get you all in the mood. However, I watched Arthur Christmas this weekend with James McAvoy and I felt like a child with so much joy and innocence because it was so naive and full of loads of laughs and heart-warming moments. There's a lot on Netflix but definitely watch out on the normal TV guide because there are literally films on everyday with a Christmas theme and it won't cost you any more than your normal TV cost!
So, even in the month of pure university stress, I've managed to retain my Christmas Bliss and hopefully this will give you some tips and also help you buy some things for a great price!
Who knows whether I'll be back before January but I hope everyone has a great Christmas!
xx
Who knows whether I'll be back before January but I hope everyone has a great Christmas!
That's all for now my dears,
xx
Comments
Post a Comment