I’m obsessed with Christmas. As soon as the months’ start ending with ber, I’m already thinking ahead to the festive season. Of course this premature Christmas spirit leads to the worst month of the year: November. November drags and drags, awkwardly placed between October’s creepy, costume-themed season of Halloween and December’s merry, family-get-together-filled festive holiday! While I hold some traditions of what qualifies as ‘officially the start of Christmas’, (seeing the Coca-Cola ad for the first time), there are still plenty of ways to get yourself in the Christmas spirit! Here’s some suggestions to start celebrating without feeling too eager:
1. Get yourself to a coffeehouse
It’s usually November when the takeaway cups and seasonal menus become available, a sure sign that Christmas is on its way- especially from Costa and (controversially this year) Starbucks. It’s not uncommon for people to decide to pop in for a drink, simply because the coffeehouse becomes festive. Last week I went into Costa almost every day, grabbing myself a Christmas drink and treat, although beware that this can lead to some disappointment. Twice last week, I went into Costa fully expecting my festive cup to be given a regular one… Erm what?! I’ve come here to receive some of your festive greetings to be given a non-seasonal cup? It legit feels like the Grinch is trying to steal Christmas from you.
2. Watch some films that aren’t too Christmassy
Personally, I like to save actual Christmas films until the 1st, when I start to feel truly Christmassy. The exception to this of course, is The Nightmare Before Christmas. The beauty of this film is that you can watch it anytime between Halloween and Christmas, placing yourself firmly between the two ‘towns’. You can also opt for films that may remind you of Christmas or have some Christmas elements to it. My go to film for this is Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. I tend to read the Potts books around this time anyway, but the first film instalment is a sure way to feel Christmassy- especially when Harry gets to experience Christmas properly for the first time!
3. Watch some Christmas TV episodes
One way to cope with those early Christmas cravings is to watch your favourite shows’ Christmas episodes. Every year I grab the Friends boxset and watch the seasonal episodes. TV shows, particularly sitcoms, have Christmas-themed episodes, but they aren’t always the focus of the storyline, so you can still have some laughs while not being fully submerged into watching a Christmas Miracle and it’s subsequent soundtrack.
4. Start a Secret Santa
Most unis tend to break up around the second week of December, so while you’ve still got time to prepare, start a secret Santa with your flatmates! It can be a lot of fun, with conspiracy theories running around as to who’s got who, plus you get a gift at the end of it. It’s the gift that keeps on giving…
5. Grab some subtle Christmas decorations
It’s not too early to surround yourself with some sneaky Christmas decorations that you can get away with. A fan favourite among my friends and flatmates is to get some extra fairy lights in your room for some seasonal atmosphere and some Christmas scented candles. If you’re feeling a little more high end, Yankee Candles always have some amazing scents to choose from, or if you’re living on more of a traditional student budget, the likes of Sainsbury’s and Wilkos do some ace festive candles too!