On the 6th of November, that’s SIX WEEKS before Christmas, I got home from work and a card had arrived in the post for me, it was from my mum and dad…
The worst thing about it though (or best thing, depending on whether your a scrooge or a buddy-the-elf type) is that the card just wafted the flames of my excited for Christmas! I am a realist though, I do know how early it is to get excited. HOWEVER, I’m more than happy to get excited. Once you’re an adult (not sure I feel like one though), there aren’t many ‘magical’ or exciting things that happen that you can make a fuss over like you did as a kid. So now that you can drink, buy gifts for people, and experience Christmas in full-swing, why not let it last for two months?
I’m so excited for Christmas this year, my first Christmas in 8 years where I haven’t had to revise, do coursework or go to work on important Christmas days in a greasy kitchen! I’ll have a whole week off to get into full Ms Christmas mode. Plus, I work in marketing now, and since the beginning of November, I have been getting daily updates straight to my inbox of the Christmas marketing campaigns and adverts being released by all the big name brands. Current ad faves so far are Asda and Tesco, however John Lewis is yet to be released – that’s always a game-changer.
As if I didn’t need more of a reason to be excited, the world’s first Cheese Advent Calendar goes on sale this week, and I for one can’t wait to get my mitts on it! Not for me, of course, for my Dad, it is the season of giving after all, blah blah blah… On the other hand, there’s nothing stopping me buying myself one as well… its good to treat yourself sometimes (reality – all of the time).
Food, glorious food. Yep that’s probably my overriding reason why I enjoy Christmas so bloody much, the copious amounts of food and how its essential to divulge in all things fattening. I’m not one for mince pies though, I just can’t get into it, sorry. I’m so eager for Christmas dinner, mainly pigs in blankets and stuffing, and then the chocolates and cheese after, then the prosseco mmm, I could go on… It’s great because no one can judge you really, because we’re all in the same boat. Nothing wrong with putting a bit of “holiday weight” (as Ross Geller would say) on over the winter months for, you know, hibernation purposes…
*Wakes up from food related daydream*
Aside from all the food, I actually can’t wait to buy presents for everyone, last year I absolutely nailed the presents, if I do say so myself. I was so excited to see their faces come Christmas day, and I wasn’t disappointed, they all loved their gifts. It’s lovely being that bit older now with a full-time job and being able to afford actual decent presents for once, rather than the same old sweets, chocs, socks and PJ’s etc. I’ve got a rough idea of what i’m getting everyone, but apart from the five key people that need Christmas presents, it’s also my boyfriend’s, my brother’s and my dad’s birthdays between 17th December and the 5th of Jan(!!) It’s definitely a heavy time on the ol’ purse, but they can’t help it (obviously) and it means they get loads of gifts all in one go. The main issue that I find is coming up with a good amount of present ideas for them all, and then figuring out what they’d appreciate more on Christmas or on their birthdays?! I know I know, first world problems…
Christmas movies, songs and TV shows are another absolute staple of the ‘How To’ guide in completing Christmas. Each family has their traditions, and we’re no different, my mum always likes to watch Elf and Its a Wonderful Life. It did used to be tradition to watch it on Christmas Eve, however that’s gone out the window as the last few years we’ve gone out with family friends on Christmas Eve, and ended up quite merry singing songs in unwanted places e.g. nice family restaurant (was so hungover on Christmas day I vowed never again… didn’t last).
It doesn’t bother me if people want to make the same complaints every year about how “its too early for Mariah Carey” or “its so commercial now” or “Fairy tale of New York isn’t even a good song” (sacrilege). Let the scrooges scrooge, and let the buddy the elf’s, well, do elf things, it doesn’t matter really, make of the season what you will!
Peace and love and all that jazz.
Rachel
Rachel Abraham 