How To Make Christmas 2020 Special

thebohemelifev
Nov 23, 2020
4 min read

We all know 2020 has been a very strange year (to put it mildly). With restrictions on who we're allowed to see, where we're allowed to go and what we're allowed to do, it has been a year of adjustment, heavy sighs of despair and unflattering face masks. But now it's November and the most magical time of the year is fast approaching: CHRISTMAS!

Our politicians have already said, that this Christmas season is not going to be like normal. But, for a Christmas geek like me, that's not going to stop me from making it as special as ever! Because, God knows we all deserve a little Christmas sparkle & cheer this year!

So, with that in mind, I've compiled a little list of things to do this festive season, to really get in the mood for Christmas and to keep the spirit going for as long as possible.

Go Out for Seasonal Drinks

Kill two birds with one stone by going out for seasonal drinks. Support your local cafes who've had one hell of a year, and treat yourself to one of their seasonal hot drinks -whether that be a peppermint mocha or a steaming cup of gluhwein, to get into the festive spirit. Most places offer take-away now, so even if they are closed for sit-in, you can still warm those cold hands by grabbing a seasonal drink to go.

Handwritten Cards

Bring back some of the old-school magic of Christmas and write handwritten cards to all the loved ones you're missing this Christmas Season. I always love a handwritten letter, there's something so magical and romantic about receiving something in someone's own recognisable handwriting, something they've put thought, effort and love into. I have a friend in the USA and ever since we met each other 8 years ago, we have sent each other long Christmas letters & cards. To this day they are some of the things I cherish most. Ask me what I would save from my burning house, and I would tell you it's those letters. It truly is so much better than sending an e-card!

Gorgeous handmade Christmas Cards on Not On The Highstreet

Christmas Bucketlist

To really get into the Holiday Cheer, my friends and I decided this year, to compile a Christmas Bucketlist. It's like any other Bucketlist but this one is solely about doing everything Christmas related. Think; decorating gingerbread houses, making gluhwein, doing a cheesy Hallmark Christmas movie marathon (for movie tips be sure to check out my Ultimate Christmas Watchlist), Christmassy crafting (you could even make the Christmas cards that you want to send to people yourself....for that added bit of love) and even making your own Christmas stockings. All easy to do and you don't need a lot of equipment or money, but it's fun, it's festive, and it gives you quality time with those in your social bubble.

Buy Local and Support Small Businesses

Start buying your Christmas gifts early. I think this one is particularly important this year. We want to keep to the social distancing guidelines but if everyone waits until Christmas Eve for their Christmas shopping, that definitely isn't going to work. But, it's not just that. Think of all the small businesses that have been struggling this year. Support them and order your gifts early so they get some much needed financial support to get through the next few months.

Visit A Christmas Tree Farm

I always love seeing American movies where the whole family goes out to a Christmas tree farm to chop down their own tree. It's something me and my family used to do when I was young, and for some reason that tradition got lost amongst the stress of getting ready for our big Christmas gathering. This year though, I would love to bring that tradition back by visiting a Christmas Tree farm to chop down our own.

Gorgeous Christmas Tree Farm by Fifth & Rose

Start Your Christmas Decorating Early

This is easily the best way to get some of that Holiday Cheer. Who doesn't love decorating for Christmas? This year we've all got a free pass to start that decorating way early. Turn up the Christmas jams, make yourself a hot drink or pour yourself a nice glass of red, and get decorating my friends! I'm getting started on my holiday decorating this week, because I genuinely can't wait any longer, who's gonna join me?

Celebrate Friendsmas

The harsh reality this year is that we won't be able to celebrate with the same people we always celebrate with. So, why not arrange dinners in smaller groups and space them out over December? More quality time and more festive food, those sound to me like pretty good silver linings. For the past 5 years, a small group of friends and I have celebrated Friendsmas, just as a way to make sure we get to see each other during the most special time of the year. I feel like we often get so caught up in things, that we forget to make the effort to see our nearest and dearest in the time of year when it's most necessary (the short, dark & cold days of December) so put in the effort, lovelies. Make it special by cooking good food (we've done potlucks, table grilling, fancy roast dinner and this year we're going to attempt a 3-course dinner) decorating the table beautifully, making a signature cocktail, Secret Santa & games. Trust me, you'll look forward to celebrating Friendsmas every year!