December 2015: The Monthly Round Up

So in less than 24 hours it will be 2016, how crazy is that. And to put into perspective how fast this month has gone, Christmas Eve was a week ago today. 7 days has passed. I'll just let that sink in a little. What have you done in that time you're probably asking yourself. If you're like me then eaten too many chocolates, spent days opening the fridge to cold meats and party food which didn't seem to be disappearing, and woke up each morning wondering what day it was or even what date it was. I have loved this month, even the bad parts, but I have to say I'm looking forward to a fresh year with hopefully some new beginnings and a little more luck. 

The Good
I always find that December is the month that no matter what you make time for your family and friends and I have spent the majority of my month doing so. December is such a special month and makes you appreciate those you have surrounding you. 

The Bad
Coming down with a horrendous cold four days before Christmas what not what I had envisioned. But that huge supply of Christmas tissues I received  from Jason's mum (an annual tradition) has been put to good use. Just call me Beth the green-bogeyed-snot-monster. TMI?

The Ugly
Waking up on one of those in-between-Christmas-and-New-Year-days to see that York has been flooded. Luckily we're on the top floor so if the water reached us then we'd have a bit of a problem on our hands, but it still left us worrying that we had no electricity and my chocolate ice-cream would have melted, priorities. {In case you were wondering we have electricity and the chocolate ice-cream is safe!}

The Weird
Daffodils in December. You heard me. Morrison's are selling bunches of daffodils, and tulips for that matter, in December! Madness! I very nearly bought some until I reminded myself that spring isn't for another three months yet. 

The Wonderful
You can probably guess this one, and it only really needs a one word answer, Christmas. I will say no more. 

Another month, another year. December is definitely my favourite of them all but it's time to dust away the cobwebs and prepare for January. In other words, get moving Beth as you have guests arriving very soon to celebrate New Years and you're still in your pjs. Until 2016 sailors!

  

Throwback Thursday: Christmas as a kid

So this past week I have been helping out in the lower school my mumma works at, primary school to all you two-tier-systemmers, and it has been glorious. I can tell you now, if you struggle to get into the Christmas spirit then go and volunteer in a school for their last week of term, that'll change your mood. From Christmas caroling to festive films to taking a coach full of kids and staff for an afternoon at the pantomime #hesbehindyou. Being a part of all this took me back to when the biggest decision of the day would be choosing what Christmas picture to colour in or crossing everything in hope that your name would be pulled out of the hat to open the advent calendar. It was a pretty magical time back then, so I've compiled a list that will bring those memories flooding back and leave you wishing you were seven once more. Editors note: This is written by a 90s kid so may be more appropriate for any fellow 90s babies. 

1. November. Mum has picked up the latest Argos catalogue. You spend, what feels like, hours on a Saturday afternoon circling the things you would like for Christmas. 

2. The boxes of Christmas cards have arrived in shops and you spend ages trying to decide which one's your favourite, studying all of the pictures of the cards on the back thoroughly. {I always chose Disney ones, normally Winnie the Pooh, without fail. Woolworths was a godsend.}

3. Once your Christmas cards were bought, your evenings were spent deciding who you were writing them to and what one they would receive. Not forgetting to draw festive pictures around their name and class before posting them in the Christmas letter box. 

4. Feeling like the postman when you and your friends were asked to sort through the cards and deliver them to the right classes. Then feeling super popular when your teacher gave you the biggest pile you'd ever seen. {Yes, I'm fully aware there are three points about Christmas cards, but they were one of the main parts to Christmas}

5. Forever wishing that you got the fake finger in your cracker at the school Christmas dinner rather than the plastic mustache that pinched your nose. 

6. Religiously learning your lines for the school play every night for a week then freezing when it's your time to announce that "the dance is about to begin". Yes my skirt may have fallen down that night too, thank god for a petticoat. 

7. Singing super loudly to Away in a Manger, whilst dressed as a star in the Nativity, secretly hating on your best friend who got to play Mary. 

8. Watching the clock hit 2 o'clock as that's when school stopped for the day and Christmas activities begun.

9. The Christmas school disco meant you were dressed head to toe in glitter. Glittery nails, glittery dress, glittery tights, glittery shoes.

10. Watching your mums face light up when you hand her piles of homemade crafts. That was the grandparent's presents sorted. 

11. Wearing your Santa hat to school and making everyone jealous as they forgot their's, or vise-versa.

12. When someone gave you a present that you didn't buy for resulted in you having a mini-meltdown and awkwardly mumbling that you left their's at home- Mum's always saved the day, usually with bath bits and chocolates. 

13. Getting a present from your teacher was the best feeling ever even if it was just a pen or pack of bubbles.

14. Getting to leave school early on the last Friday of the term and feeling fabulous as you walk out with arms full of presents from your BFFs.

15. The annual trip to the panto was a firm favourite. True fact: I once bit into the plastic spoon instead of the ice-cream and nearly choked, scarred for life by interval ice-cream. 

16. Having to take it in turn each year as to who gets to put the angel on the top of the tree #sisterprobs

17. Going with Mum to do the Christmas food shop was a game of how many times could you ask if you could have something in a super-sweet voice before she finally snapped. 

18. Not being able to sleep on Christmas Eve and worrying yourself silly that you might see Santa and he wouldn't give you your presents.

19. Characteristically running into your parents room too early, hanging onto your stockings and shouting "HE'S BEEN" to be told to go back to bed for another half an hour.

20. Christmas day means one thing- that new Christmas outfit you haven't been allowed to wear yet but yo can finally strut your stuff in. 

21. Going to bed super happy on Christmas Day as all your new presents are piled in the living room and you know exactly what you're going to play with first thing in the morning. Plus the Boxing Day buffet was/is delicious.

Just writing this is making me feel tingly! Hope this post makes you feel nostalgic, kids, appreciate it while you can, it doesn't last forever- she says whilst she is getting ready to go to a Christmas pre-school party that includes a visit from Santa. 

What's on my Christmas tree?

I always feel that everyone's Christmas tree tells a story. Whether it's full of home-made decorations made by the grandchildren or decorations passed down the family tree, each one is unique which is why I wanted to show you what I've got hanging on my tree. Just remember, we're not here to pick out how skinny my tree is. You can read about why we haven't got a real one this year here. 

Gold & Copper Baubles
These beauties came from one of our new found garden centers about half an hour away. If Jason had his way, our theme would be multi-coloured everything but fortunately he eventually agreed that a gold and copper would look nice after circling round the different sections multiple times. The packs we chose gave us a nice mixture of glittery, shiny and matte and are a perfect size- not too big or not too small. 

White Gold Hearts
I must admit, my mum has bought many of my Christmas decorations this year, including this set from Next. For only £5 you get 12 heart baubles, 4 glittery, 4 matte and 4 with an individual letter spelling 'l-o-v-e'. They're not quite as gold as my round baubles but they compliment them wonderfully. 

Copper Stars
I absolutely love these. There was only two in a pack, and quite honestly I wish I bought more, but never fear, they come from the garden center my sister works at at home, so I'm sure I can put a few more through the checkout. They're a deep copper colour but just look gorgeous on the tree. 

Glass Baubles & Angel
As part of my Christmas present last year, Jason bought me this beautiful glass bauble from notonthehighstreet.com. This year we have decided to start the tradition of buying a new glass one every year, so our second one for the collection was from the garden center I previously mentioned. It adds a little story to the tree and words can't describe how nice they look when you hang them in front of a fairy light. Our angel was a present from Jay's family after attending the York Minster Carol Concert and she's so delicate but reflects the light gorgeously.

Wooden Decorations
Currently my wooden decorations stand at a pair of ice skates and a reindeer. The skates we, again, bought last year in the sale and suit us perfectly as we like to make it an annual tradition to visit an outdoor rink. The reindeer on the other hand is beautifully hand-crafted by my good friend Cam and his girlfriend Demi. When he first posted that he was selling them I didn't even hesitate in buying one and I'm so proud to hang it on my tree- it received many a compliment from the in-laws too when they paid us a visit. If you want one, you know you do, then head over to their Etsy page!

Copper Decorations
I then have a few odd copper decorations that my mum picked out which add a bit of individuality to the tree. They hang so nicely among the rest of the decorations and I always feel it's nice to have the one offs dotted around the branches. 

Disney Princess Chocolate Decorations
How could I not feature Disney on my tree? I have to say, I didn't buy these myself, they were another gift from my mumma bear but I love them. Each one has two different princesses on and they fill the gaps between my branches. Not to mention they taste super yummy! (I think these were a Primark purchase)

I'm now back at my home in Bedfordshire enjoying spending some quality time with the family! Not long to go now folks until the big man comes down the chimney!

December goals

On the third day of December Christmas sent to me, a promise of the Christmas tree. It will be travelling up tomorrow with Jason's parents and as soon as they arrive it's going up! Unfortunately we're having to stick to the skinny, artificial tree my Mum dug out of the loft but as we're heading off home for Christmas next weekend it seemed like a waste of money to buy a real one to then neglect. So we're saving a Christmas tree's life and making do for this year. It doesn't mean my tree will be any less pretty though! Anywho, we're already three days into December which means we should probably get going on my goals for this month, which I warn you will be very festive. But, first things first, lets reflect (again)

1. Write my Christmas list
2. Read 2 (or more books)
3. Keep upright when walking across the stage at Graduation
4. Make the flat as Christmassy as Santa's Grotto
5. Start Christmas shopping
6. Have plans for Bonfire night
7. Cook lots of casseroles and stews

I did it, almost. Once again I haven't stuck to my book goal, which is very unlike me, but I'm really struggling to get into the book I'm currently reading as once I start I won't give up. However, I did manage to not fall over at Graduation, Christmas has already begun in our abode and my Christmas shopping has been started. So, I didn't do too badly last month. Now the pressure is on for December, although I don't think I'll have any trouble with these ones:

1. Bake some mince pies
2. Go to a carol concert
3. Finish my Christmas shopping
4. Drink lots of mulled wine
5. Have a Bratwurst hotdog from the Christmas market
6. Stuff myself full of good food
7. Spend lots of time with family and friends
8. Host an unforgettable NYE party
9. Finish my book! 

I don't think any of those goals are unrealistic really, and will probably be achieved without realising it, but it's good to have it in writing! Right now I'm off to head into town and continue with my Christmas shopping, check back soon for some more festive fun!

Why Christmas is my favourite of the year...

Now it is officially December I feel I can finally begin to start spreading some Christmas cheer (not like I have been buying presents and watching festive films since the start of November)! Yes, I'm one of those people who gets overly excited at Christmas adverts, store decorations and that first radio play of I wish it could be Christmas everyday. There are so many things that make it the most magical time of the year. 'Like what' you Scrooges may be asking, well look no further...

1. Fairy lights. Fairy lights are acceptable all year round, but not everyone believes that. However, come Christmas time and almost every house has something twinkling in their window.
2. Christmas Trees. We have always had a real Christmas tree, so one of the best parts of the lead up to Christmas is the hour long choosing of the Christmas tree and then of course the decorating (Me and my sister have to alternate who's turn it is to put the angel on top of the tree).
3. Woolly Jumpers. There's nothing nicer then wrapping up in a snug jumper ready to brace the cold winter air.
4. Advent Calenders. Who doesn't want a piece of chocolate every morning for 24/25 mornings?
5. Snow. Now I know it's something that seems will never happen, but there's no harm in wishing for a white Christmas.
6. Family time. There's nothing more precious than spending time with your family.
7. Open Fires. "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire" Need I say anymore?
8. Food. Christmas seems to be the one time of year that it's acceptable to eat as much food as you want, because hey, it's Christmas.
9. TV. When the Christmas Radio Times comes out in my house you'll flick through it and all you will see is circles, stars, underlining of all the  Christmas specials that want to be watched or recorded (Normally evokes a  small disagreement when programs clash)
10. Christmas Songs. There's nothing more traditional then having some carol singers knock on your door, or wrapping up presents singing along to The Best Christmas Album Ever.
11. Disney. Disney at Christmas time is just WOW.
12. Presents. I love watching the ones I love open their presents.
13. Mulled Wine and Mince Pies. Why aren't these an all year thing?
14. Ice Skating. You can go ice-skating any time of the year, but outside rinks with Christmas trees in the middle make it that little bit more fun.
15. Santa. The magic of Santa makes everything more enjoyable, especially when you're in the company of younger children.

Now, for all you who still say Bah Humbug after reading that list, go and watch Miracle on 34th Street and get yourself a glass of wine (mulled of course)! For everyone else, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas.