Getting Festive: Top Tips

As the Christmas frenzy is well and truly underway, I often find myself wishing I was small again; is it just me, or is Christmas way more exciting when you're a youngster? I have put together my top tips for getting in the festive spirit, no matter what your age- after all, it's the most wonderful time of the year!

1. Let the countdown begin. Unless you've been under a Christmas-less rock, you will have seen the hundreds of advent calendars lining the shelves; from chocolate to nail varnish, what have you gone for this year? I am still lusting over the No7 calendar from Boots, retailing at only £38, filled with a whole number of beauty and skincare goodies! Although December is well under way, you will find that you can still get your hands on these, meaning that you will have a few extra doors to open as soon as you get it- result!

2. Get cosy! There's nothing I love more than snuggling up on the sofa under a blanket, in my winter woolies. There's something about dimmed lighting, candles and fairy lights that screams 'CHRISTMAS!', it definitely gets me excited for the big day.

3. Did I hear someone say Christmas films? Home Alone, The Santa Clause, and my all time favourite, Miracle on 34th Street, you can't beat the film channels at Christmas time!

4. Food, food and more food! Whether you're writing your list for the big Christmas dinner, or picking out which celebration box to dive into, December is all about stuffing yourself silly! Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating binge-eating, but if you can't indulge at Christmas, when can you? 

5. Shop til you drop. If you have read any of my posts, tweets, or had a glimpse at my Instagram feed (or bank balance for that matter!) you will know that I am a mad shopper. From clothes to beauty bits and bobs, I find shopping both therapeutic and super enjoyable! Although I have done a lot of my shopping online this year, taking a trip to a large shopping centre and hand picking gifts is one of the best parts of the run up to Christmas; although I love getting pressies, I much prefer giving my friends and family something special- and don't forget the fancy wrapping!

6. Play your music loud, and often. This is a tip that not necessarily everybody will be a fan of (Dad, I'm talking to you!), but there's nothing that will get you feeling more festive than a selection of Christmas classics- White Christmas, Mistletoe and Wine, and who doesn't love a bit of the Pogue's!?

7. Have a pamper evening; I can guarantee you won't regret it. Run yourself a bath (don't forget the festive bath bomb!), give your skin a pamper from top to toe, light some candles, and enjoy! If you're looking for some ideas, take a look at this.

If you're not feeling Christmassy after doing all of these.. Well, then you're mad! I can't wait for next Friday to come around- prezzies, fun, food and time with the fam', does it get any better!? How are you getting in the festive spirit? I'd love to hear your top tips in the comments below.

-M xxx