Build Up To Christmas
Its that time of year again! Rolled around quicker than anyone could expect. The pure smell of crisp air in the mornings- cinammon pouring out of every household. Just trying to nail that homemade christmas recipe they found online ready for family dinner. And the smell of wood burnt fires piping out of every chimney… Now this means winter.
Where all we want to do is cuddle up with a bulk load of cozy blankets. Being in a nest like manner and play a good ol’ christmas film in the background. All whilst curating your christmas list of course! (trying not to spill that piping hot hot chocolate you just made all over yourself).
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Nothing can beat that feeling of excitement and joy. Much like when you were a kid and santa was the complete focus of Christmas. The calender count down, the christmas carolling, having the biggest possible stocking lyeing at the end of your bed on christmas eve. Trying to listen out for santas footsteps yet always falling asleep not allowing you that chance. The first glimpse of your christmas presents on christmas day morning and not being able to control your excitement! Now that, that is christmas how i’ve always know it…
Christmas Traditions
Praying for a white christmas every winter has become a tradition at this point…All though we know deep down the odds are never with us. We can only hope for christmas day morning to become even more magical.
Beloved Panto
A Christmas tradition of ours every year without a doubt, since a littlen , has always been to see the yearly pantomine being performed on Christmas Eve. The joy it brings in winter time is truly unmatched. Playing dress up and getting all dolled up for the event in the morning. Ready for the show mid afternoon..
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We knew, we always knew when we got home there would only be a few more hours until bedtime. That santa would have been by the time we open our eyes in the morning. Thats if we are on the nice list of course 😉 The feeling of a heavy stocking at our feet, the rustling sound of the wrapping paper as we tossed and turned. Waking us up knowing its time.. santa has been. Never forgetting to check if he had eaten the mince pies and glass of milk we left out for him. Knowing damn well only crumbs will be left on the plate- since of course santa is a very busy man on christmas eve…
That, that is christmas to me as i have always known it.
Winter and christmas taboos
It is no secret that christmas is very different on christmas morning for every family. It hits harder to home when your younger when you would return back to school.
Your classmates would brag how much ‘santa’ had got them for christmas and how expensive these presents were. Yet what you might have asked for was the same but you didnt recieve them. When you had been better behaved or just as well behaved. Which is always hard to explain to a kid. I remember my mum telling me its because santa would see my personal traits and wanted to help me peruse those. Never was i mad, upset, or angry. I was forever grateful for what i had recieved and nothing would ever overide the joy i got just being able to unwrap presents that morning. More than anything i was just always confused why this was the case; in which i understood once i was older.
PPOV
Parents and families have a huge weight on there shoulders trying to make there childs christmas perfect. Let alone trying not to compare there childs christmas to another household. If only i could have a say (which of course is never an option). I would make it so every families story of christmas is the same. Santa brings 1 present per child. Just one so your child feels intouch with christmas and they know the rest are from friends and family. This will take so much pressure off families and i feel kids will be able to understand that more, because there used to seeing their families financial situation. With rising prices and financial struggle i feel this could be a great beneficial change this and for future winters.
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I must say christmas morning is always magical but the build up leading to christmas was my favourite part. The countdown, number of days reducing what felt like every second. The gifts you would go out and buy for your siblings. Wrapping them what seems very awfully now but proudly back then. And your mum bundling you up in millions of scarves and layers so you dont get a ‘cold’. Embarrasing for you then but what you know as love and care now. I just wish she new how to layer clothing. Rather then letting me run around at 10 years of age looking like a walking brussel sprout.
Winter layering
Unfortunately i had to live through the walking balloon stage in winter times, so you can know how to strut elegantly like Swan Lake.
The key is to layer on thin. Loads of thinner layers tucked in so not only are you concealing the heat but you are reducing the bulk and density of thicker materials. Tshirts will do, its tempting to look at that knitted jumper you’ve had stuck in your wardrobe this last year-as your go to underlayer, but i promise, Little is more.
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The thickest garment should be at the end to reduce that taught effect that thin clothing can get when put over thicker clothing. Not only does it look better overall but also your body adapts to the climate its in, so once sitting in doors in all these layers your body climatizes. Then when exposed to coldness again your body is back to square one and you are then tempted to throw anything over your body in despiration. Whereas with littler layers, once you come in doors it gives you the opportunity to take off a bulky layer, then put it back on when you go back into the cold reducing the need to excessively load up on clothing.
Personal Advice
A personal go to for me is a thin pair or either tights or leggings under your jeans, a thick double lined pair of cozy socks, two thin tshirts of your choice that pair nicely (for example a classic plain bodsuit and checked over lay shirt) and a staple jumper- of course a coat is an essential in winter time so i dont class it as a layer. It gives you the freedom to take off your coat which is article of clothing number 1, if desired the jumper-article of clothing number 2, and leaving you with still having a nice put together outfit underneath. This is my go to remedy for fighting the winter coldness. Hope this helps those struggling to combat the cold this christmas.
Winter Activities And Christmas Festivities
As a child my favourite thing to do around christmas was to bake and specifically peppermint creams was a go to (bake free and child safe) and when i say EVERYONE looked forward to these thats an understatment. As they were my ‘speciality’ i felt like the new Gordon Ramsey when i whipped these out at the dinner table. A personal show stopper- for a 7 year old atleast. I still think these are a great traditional treat around christmas time and allow your little ones to get there hands dirty and have a little contribution to the dinner party or even a token gift to hand out to loved ones as appreciation.
The recipe as follows;
Ingredients;
-225g icing sugar
-115g carnation condensed milk
-1-2 tsp of peppermint extract
Additional but not essential
-Edible glitter
-Melted dark/milk chocolate
-Cookie cutters
Step 1 of 3
Put the icing sugar into a bowl and gradually mix in the condensed milk to make a soft dough- Please add as needed as you may not require all the condensed milk needed . Add the peppermint extract and mix until you have a smooth, kneadable dough. Add a little more icing sugar if the mixture gets too sticky and hard to work with.
Step 2 of 3
Dust a clean surface with plenty of icing sugar and roll out the mixture to around 4/5mm thickness. Cut into shapes using your biscuit cutters or alternatively you can cut them however you like with a knife. Now let them chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours or leave in a cool place to dry for about 2-3 hours.
Then enjoy…..
Step 3 of 3- but not an esssential
Drizzle the peppermint creams with the melted chocolate of choice. Allow to set. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and use within 3 weeks.
You could also cut these into thin squares and when dry dunk them whole into melted dark chocolate. Then leave to completely set for home made version of After Eights!
If you love this christmas bake as much as i do, Click here for a loved classic
Hope Everyone is feeling more and more festive by the day.. im starting to hear the sleigh bells ring for sure…
Feel free to leave a comment on your favourite christmas traditions, films or just an update on your plans for this christmas!
Have a magical day <3
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-Erin