33. Hello December...

I can't quite believe that December is here!

It is usually one of my favourite months of the year, but it has just seemed a bit too early to start getting Festive (although I'm sure that it is nothing that a marathon session of Christmas films can't sort out!) so I thought I'd try and kick start the Festive buzz by writing about what I'm looking forward to this Yuletide season.

1. Seeing Christmas decorations and lights on my way into work - I get up for work very early, and have to catch a 6:46am train, so it is dark when I leave the flat, and dark when I'm coming home (what does sunlight look like again?) but what makes it bearable is the plethora of Christmas lights and decorations adorning the houses and streets. It doesn't matter how old I get, it will always feel completely magical!
2. Spending time with loved ones - For the first time ever in my working life I have from Christmas eve until 4th January off work! This excites me a ridiculous amount, and I can't wait to spend my time just enjoying the festivities. Whether it is friends or family, I intend to do a lot of catching up and present swapping over mulled wine this December.
3. Waiting for the first frost of Winter - I love frosty weather, specifically when I'm going for an early morning walk, or and looking out at it from the safety of my home. It's been unseasonably mild for December, and I'd like to know when Jack Frost is going to come and deliver the goods! 
4. Picking our tree, and decorating our home - We'll be going to select our Christmas tree this Saturday, and I really can't wait. I think having the tree will definitely make me feel more festive.  

5. Binge watching Christmas films - Once we've decorated the flat, we'll start watching Christmas films. It doesn't feel right to watch them unless you're surrounded by all of the paraphernalia of the season. My favourites include Home Alone, White Christmas, Love Actually, Miracle on 34th Street and Father Christmas based on the books by Raymond Briggs, which I watched every year growing up, and is still my all time favourite!  
6. Consuming copious amounts of Hot Chocolate - I don't need to elaborate on this one, just do it because YAAAAAASSSSS!
7. Christmas Eve - In many ways, Christmas Eve is my favourite day/night of the entire Christmas period. Christmas day always feels as though there is an undercurrent of stress. Has the turkey been over cooked? The cat's pulled down the tree again, and Great Aunt Mildred is one glass of sherry away from falling arse over tit into the fireplace again kind of situations. Boxing day is always the calm after the storm where you're tidying up whatever you couldn't manage on Christmas night, and returning to normality. But Christmas Eve is just so magical, and filled with excitement and joy, it is the best feeling, and I cannot wait to spend it with Fella and Louis, all snuggled up as we settle in to watch The Grinch in our Pajamas.
8. And most importantly, taking time to be in the moment, and allow myself to enjoy it - because that is what it is all about, isn't it?

x

What are you looking forward to this Christmas?