As we get deeper into the winter months, a familiar enchantment fills the air: the long-awaited arrival of Christmas! The season is a beacon of magic – the sparkling lights, carols and timeless joy. Yet, it can often be difficult to find the Christmas spirit with the hustle and bustle of daily life, especially in the bleak month of November. Fear not, I have crafted the flawless, step-by-step guide to unlocking the full festive excitement:
First, watch an unbelievably predictable, cheesy Christmas film (preferably one you have watched before- even better if you watch it every year). This will fill you with a sense of nostalgia and warmth as you get immersed in a beautiful Christmas paradise where the same issues always occur at the same points in the movie and get resolved at the end with a beautiful happy ending accompanied by a beautiful Christmas melody. This will take you out of the hustle and bustle of life for a few hours. Whether it be the olden but golden ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ or a Netflix original Christmas film, it is the perfect way to start your journey into entering the Christmas Spirit.
Next, take a day and go to a Christmas Market, or a city known for being magical in the winter months. I went to Edinburgh and played Christmas music around the beautiful, old streets and it did the trick. There is no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than being surrounded by other people also doing the same. There is such a deep nostalgia and joy that comes with being in a place that has been decked out for the yuletide fun. The Edinburgh Christmas markets are absolutely beautiful, where you can go shopping, ice-skating, feel the adrenaline on the rides, enjoy a peaceful view of the city on the wheel and then finish it off with a delicious treat from the food stalls. They start on November 17th so there is no excuse not to go as it is sure to be a perfect festive day out. This will definitely put you in the Christmas Spirit and put a smile on your face.
Thirdly, transform your space into the perfect Christmas grotto! Set the festive tone by adorning your living space with Christmas decorations. The perfect place to start is a Christmas tree. Not only does this mark the official start of Christmas in a home, but it’s the perfect way to bring your household together when decorating it with all the ornaments and fairy lights you can gather! But don’t stop there, extend the festive touch throughout your home with wreaths, stockings, and seasonal figurines. Stockings on the fireplace, perfect for the arrival of Santa and his reindeer on Christmas night. Ivy and twinkling lights covering the frames of doors and mirrors will add a soft and beautiful glow and festive feeling all around your home, filling your home with the evergreen scent of the ivy. Decking your halls is not just a tradition, but an essential step in summoning the festive spirit, setting the stages for the joyous weeks again.
Fourthly, as you deck your halls with the magical festivities of the holiday, it is time to put the soul-stirring melodies of Christmas hits on full volume to get into the rhythms of the season. Begin by revisiting the classics, my favourite is ‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas’ by Michael Bublé, as I think it perfectly captures the Christmas spirit growing in the air. Christmas music can easily get overplayed, so it is important to have a variety of genres on your playlist for the coming month. Have a listen to jazz renditions of Christmas classics to bring a sophisticated charm to a well-loved song, perfect for background noise to create the festive ambience. The beauty of Christmas music is not just the songs themselves, but the memories they provoke. As the festive notes fill your home, they will create a wonderful backdrop to your favourite holiday moments, from unwrapping presents to cooking Christmas dinner. So, let Christmas music become the invisible threat that strings together the joy, nostalgia and magic that creates your holiday experience.
Finally, connect with the people that you love. The magic of Christmas extends far beyond the twinkling lights and the catchy tunes, it is embedded in the love that you share with others, with friends and family. Community is what makes the festive season truly special. Engage in activities that foster connection, such as baking or board games in the evening. There is nothing more special than a moment unplugged from technology where laughter and chatting can be heard from every corner of the house. If you cannot be with your loved ones in person, organise a video call where you can gather around the same figurative fireplace, no matter how far apart you all are and feel the collective embrace of love that transcends physical boarders. Let the spirit of togetherness bring you festive joy and cheer into December.
If you are still looking for a way to bring Christmas early to St Andrews or just for the perfect way to start your holiday festivities, then Mermaids Christmas Ball is the best way to start. On the 26th of November why not attend the glamorous pre-event beginning at 7 (with a free drink for the first few people so get there quick) and then head to Kinkell Byre for the rest of your glamorous night. Dress up, take pictures, and dance the night away and feel the magic of the holiday.
How ever you enjoy the festive season I hope it is merry and bright and that these tips make your November blues a little cheerier!
