Today officially marks the countdown to Christmas. With it being the first of December I've popped togeather a small(ish) list of the things that I'm most looking forward to this month.
01 | Chocolate. Advent calendars, chocolate coins, hot chocolate, yule log, there's just chocolate everywhere.
02 | Chrismas Shopping. Although the shops are jammed packed with people and it's far too busy for my liking I actually secretly like it. I'm quite proud that I managed to get over half of my shopping done in one go yesterday!
03 | Christmas meals/parties. There's at least one occasion, if not more in December where you can get glammed up and eat lots of scrummy festive food.
04 | Festive films. Because there's no two greater films than Mickey's Once Upon A Christmas and Nativity!
05 | Putting up the decorations. There's nothing that I enjoy more than sitting and watching my brother struggle with a string of fairy lights that have managed to get knotted up over the past twelve months. I just like to stick the ball-balls on the tree whilst listening to Slade.
06 | (Hopefully) going ice skating. Despite not having taken to the ice since last year I'm dertermined to get back into it as I actually became quite good at it. cue another dodgy knee and a few bumps and bruises. I've also promised to take my little cousin so I need to get reaquainted with my figure skates for that to happen.
07 | Snow! Fingers crossed that it snows, there's just something so magical about it all. However trying to de-snow Jasper isn't so fun!
08 | Going to the cinema to see The Hobbit. It's become a tradition in our family. Even Mum seems to enjoy it although you do have to explain what's happening quite a bit. No Mum Elijah Wood isn't in this one!!!
09 | Big duffle coats. Time to bring out the 'Paddington Bear' jacket from the wardrobe, it's lovely and cosy.
10 | Enjoying the Christmas sprit. Everyone just seems happier around this time of year, it's all quite jolly don't you think?
11 | Harry Potter marathon. ITV always seem to have a 1-2 month long Harry Potter marathon every Christmas (I think they showed Philsopher's Stone this Satuatday just gone) and as I'm sure you all know I have a deep, deep love of all things Potter so I'm claiming the television every Satuatday afternoon form now until the new year.
12 | 'So tacky they're amazing' Christmas jumpers. Nothing says 'Christmas festivities' like a giant xmas pudding with sequins on your jumper. I think Primark even have one that lights up!
13 | Sending and receiving xmas cards. In this day and age of social media & email it's quite lovely to revive a hand written card. My favourites are the ones from my cousins in New Zealand who always do Star Wars meets Christmas themed ones!
14 | Nostalgic books. Since I was little I've had this Spot the Dog Christmas book; Spot's Magical Christmas, that I always bring out at this time of year. Despite being in my twenties there's still something so 'christmassy' about reading it (preferably on Christmas Eve) although I have been getting it out to read to the dog for the past couple of years. I'm sad, I know.15 | Christmas specials on TV. Doctor Who, Strictly Come Dancing, Eastenders, ect. Even if I don't usually watch the shows for the rest of the year I really enjoy the Christmas specials. However nobody dares to speak whilst Grandma is watching Strictly, I did once and I've never heard the end of it... Although it's okay for her to talk during Doctor Who! *grumble*
