It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!! In case you didn’t know, Christmas is my absolute favourite holiday. As soon as the clock strikes 12 on November 1st, the Christmas festivities begin! Especially since this is my fifth semester of online school spent at home, I look forward to any bit of joy in my life and preparing for Christmas is the best thing I can do for myself. I also feel that December 1st is too late to start the festivities of Christmas. By preparing for Christmas in November, I can embrace every bit of the holiday season. I also wouldn’t like to spend the days leading up to Christmas stressed out, trying to check everything off my holiday to-do list. So, if you’re anything like me or you’re wanting to dive right into the festivities, but don’t know where to begin, I’ve made a list below!
- decorate and listen to Christmas music
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I think this is the most essential step. I often associate decorating my house with feelings of nostalgia and excitement from my childhood, hence why I love to get to this right away. I just think it’s smart to get this out of the way, especially while it’s warmer outside (if you put decorations outside). I don’t want to be outside for hours, freezing my butt off. Have you ever watched a Christmas movie where the characters only start decorating a few days before Christmas? I know it’s just a movie, but it doesn’t make sense to me. Lugging all the decorations and boxes out of the basement/attic can be a hassle already, so how can you possibly enjoy the decorations if you’re probably going to put them away in storage just two weeks later? Besides, decorating early also gives me more time for other holiday traditions.
- purchase Christmas gifts in advance
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You may think I’m crazy, but Christmas shopping can even start in September for me. Here’s the thing: when you have a lot of people you care for in your life, you want to give so much to them for the holidays. However, if you’re a student, you know that sticking to a budget is VITAL. This can be difficult for me, but I’ve learned to be a smart shopper. Take advantage of early sales! As much as I love to go shopping in a mall, with the recent events of COVID, I am not interested in being in large crowds. Online shopping has become my best friend, the only problem is shipping delays. I haven’t had any issues with this now since I completed most of my shopping already, but I strongly urge you to order what you want now because there’s been news about shipping prices increasing, delays and backorders.
- wrapping presents
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On that note, with my Christmas tree already up and my gift shopping almost done, I’ve begun wrapping my presents. Listening to a holiday radio station while wrapping presents is essential to enjoying the season. If you can, I’d recommend getting your boxes and wrapping paper at TJX. They have some unique patterns for decent prices. I still like to buy a few rolls from the dollar store, but I think that spending an extra two dollars at HomeSense is worth it for the long yards of wrapping paper you get in one roll.
- enjoy a festive drink
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While I’m decorating my house with my family, it’s tradition for us to pour a glass of eggnog while also listening to Christmas music. If you don’t like eggnog, there are so many other festive drinks to enjoy. Whether you want to make it yourself or visit a local coffee shop, this is necessary to help savour and appreciate the holiday season. I know that Tim Hortons and Starbucks never fail to deliver their Canadians a hearty, warm and toasty drink.
- learn a new holiday recipe
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If you’re anything like me, cooking/baking is not your strong suit. But what better time to start learning how to make something new? I usually bake my famous Skor cookies around this time, but I would love to try to cook a meal. You can easily search up some recipes online, watch a YouTube video or purchase a cookbook at your local bookstore.
- visit a bookstore
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Speaking of bookstores, I’m not sure what it is but bookstores are my happy place, especially during the holiday season. I can spend what feels like hours inside Indigo, either flipping through a new book or browsing through the many knick-knacks and accessories displayed throughout the store. Treat yourself to a new book, whether it be a cookbook you’ve always wanted or a Christmas novel that will have you feeling cozy next to a fireplace. Indigo currently has some fun romantic comedy novels that I would love to read!
- have a Christmas movie marathon
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If you’re not much of a reader, that’s no problem! A few days ago, my family and I made a list of our all-time favourite Christmas movies to watch. We were able to come up with about 30 that we would like to binge throughout November, leading up to Christmas. Sometimes I can’t make up my mind about what Christmas movie to watch either, so I’ll turn on the cable and watch a movie that’s already scheduled or one of the Hallmark movies playing. And there are A TON to watch. TeleParty is also convenient for watching with your friends or those in long-distance relationships!
- Treat yourself to some new body care products
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Living in Canada means that the weather is becoming colder, the days become shorter and afternoons get darker each day. This may throw you into a funk, especially after dealing with a long, hard day. The best way I wind down is by taking a bath/shower and then lathering myself up with lotion before I go to sleep. You can buy these body care products pretty much anywhere, but I find that The Body Shop, Bath and Body Works and Lush are the most accessible and affordable for most people. These companies currently have holiday scents for you to choose from that’ll help you indulge the holiday spirit, while also pampering yourself.
- go on a walk
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Sometimes I go days without leaving the house, which isn’t good for my physical and mental health. I often need to force myself to go on a walk around the neighbourhood, which can be a lot of fun too. I love to walk my dog with my mom and sister. There’s this one house on the street over that always decorates their house for each holiday in the year – you name it. I’m the most excited to see their Christmas decorations, as well as other decorations in the neighbourhood.
- listen to atmospheric sounds
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Even as I write this article I’m listening to Fireplace and Blizzard Sounds with Candle Ambience and a cute Cat – for Sleep and Relaxation, a video I found on YouTube that helps keep me calm while I complete my work. With exam season approaching, these times can get very stressful, and sometimes I don’t want to be listening to any music. I just want to picture myself in a beautiful living room with a cozy ambience. It’s calm, I can hear a heavy snowstorm outside, the wind and the crackling of the wood fireplace burning. You don’t have to listen to this one though, there are many other sounds to choose from.
I hope this convinced you to start your celebrations earlier or gave you some new ideas of how to enjoy the season. Unfortunately, it’s not time to go skating or watch a Christmas parade yet, but if you’re eager like me, this is a great way to start your holiday festivities! (P.S. My small business is slowly launching Christmas designs for purchase – it may give you an idea for gifts! Check out my Instagram: @strawberrymilkandco).