Cotton Clara It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year Cross Stitch Kit Review

My cross stitching mojo had been missing for the longest time, but it's returned again lately, and I've already finished a couple of small projects this December.

My most recent finish was the Cotton Clara It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year cross stitch kit, which was such a fun and easy little make. 

I picked the kit up during the summer when it was on sale, but it's one I'd had my eye on for a couple of years. The design looked so fun and colourful, and I thought the finished hoop would fit in perfectly with my Christmas decorations, so I couldn't resist.

I started it in late November, and it only took about fifteen minutes per letter. I mostly stitched three or four of them at a time, whenever I could spare an hour to sew, but you could stitch this one out in a day, if you've got the stamina. The stitching took about eight hours altogether, and it was one of the simplest, most low-stress things I've ever made!

I still need to finish the back so that I can hang it- which I plan to tackle this weekend- but that shouldn't take long to do.

I'm really pleased with how it turned out, although, I'll admit, I'm not the biggest fan of the fluorescent or golden-brown threads mixed with the others, so I might make the pattern again in prettier colours in the future.

It's the perfect kit to make during December because of how low-commitment it is. It's ideal for those new to cross stitching, but equally great if you're more experienced, and just want something fun you can quickly knock out in a couple of evenings in front of the TV.

The kit comes with everything you need to make it, including threads, aida (fabric), an embroidery hoop, the pattern, a needle, ribbon, and felt and a wooden circle for finishing up the back. All you need is a pair of embroidery scissors, and something to cross off the chart with as you go along. 

All the materials are fantastic quality, and I think it's excellent value for money. You can find it at Cotton Clara, Etsy, and John Lewis, and Not on the High Street.

Have you crafted anything yet this Christmas?

P.S. I wanted to take photos to show you the materials and finished cross stitch in better detail, but I've not been well enough, so apologies for this single crappy iPhone photo. If I didn't post this now, we'd have had to of waited another year. I'll try to update them after Christmas.

You Might Also Like

Satsuma Street Deck the Halls Cross Stitch

The Make Arcade Gingerbread Man Cross Stitch

My Christmas Cross Stitch Makes

Mid Century Maude Retro Reindeer Cross Stitch

Merry Christmas Patchwork Cross Stitch Sampler

My Christmas Cross Stitch Makes 2016

My Christmas Cross Stitch Makes 2015

Noel Peace on Earth Christmas Cross Stitch Sampler 

50 Things I Want to Do This Christmas

The Christmas count down is officially on, so let's kick it off with a big list of goals for the festive season. 

This list is basically a to-do-list are all the things I want or need to do before Christmas is over, with everything from putting up Christmas decorations to going Christmas book shopping included on it. There are over 50 things on the list, so it's definitely a little over-ambitious and I'm unlikely to do them all, but I know I'm going to have fun trying to cross over as many as I can. I hope it gives you a little inspiration for things to do this Christmas, too!

So, here's 50 Things I Want to Do This Christmas:

1. Buy a Christmas tree for my bedroom.

2. Put up decorations in my bedroom. (I always decorate my bedroom for Christmas because I spend a lot of time resting because of my chronic pain, but still want to be able to enjoy some festive cheer).

3. Decorate the tree and rest of the house for Christmas with my family.

4. Buy or forage for some fir branches for the mantle.

5. Visit a Christmas market.

6. Have a browse around the Christmas department of a garden centre or department store.

7. Shop for treats in Millets' Christmas food haul.

8. Visit the Appleton Christmas Barn. (It's a little Christmas tree farm with a barn converted into a Christmas shop, and a few reindeer to see, near Abingdon in Oxfordshire. They always have the most gorgeous decorations to choose from).

9. Go to the Bourton-on-the-Water Christmas lights switch-on. Or at least visit the town to see the lights. (They have their Christmas tree sitting in the infamous river running through the town centre, so the lights twinkle on the water, making it super pretty)!

10. Go to my town's Christmas lights switch-on. (I've not been in years).

11. Take a drive to spot Christmas lights.

12. Go Christmas book shopping to pick out some new festive books to read over the holidays.

13. Go out for (or order in) hot chocolate.

14. Go out for a festive meal.

15. Get hot roasted chestnuts from a street vendor.

16. Finish my Christmas shopping. (I'm almost finished now- only a few things left to buy)!

17. Finish wrapping Christmas presents. (I've actually wrapped everything I've bought so far, as I started in November)!

18. Send Christmas parcels.

19. Write and send Christmas cards.

20. Make a new Christmas playlist.

21. Listen to lots of Christmas tunes.

22. Have at least one Christmas movie marathon. (But we all know there's gonna be lots of them)!

23. Watch a new-to-me Christmas film. (Any recommendations)?

24. See a festive film at the cinema. (Or failing that, stream a new release).

25. Read lots of Christmas books to help set the scene. I hope to read:

♥ Spectacular by Stephanie Garber.

♥ Letters to Father Christmas by Tolkien. (I've had it for about fifteen years, and have only ever read a few pages).

♥ The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories.

♥ A German Christmas. (I started it a year or two ago, but never finished it).

And I might reread:

♥ Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.

♥ A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas.

♥ Midnight in Everwood by M. A. Kuzniar.

26. Listen to a Christmas audiobook.

27. Finish my Satsuma Street retro bauble cross stitches. (I started them a couple of years ago. I think I've made three and a half out of seven patterns so far).

28. Make my Cotton Clara 'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year' cross stich. (I've finished the stitching, and just need to finish the back).

29. Make my Cotton Clara Let it Snow Tasselled Embroidery Board Kit Christmas wall hanging.

30. If there's time, start the Muppet Christmas Carol cross stitches I bought on Black Friday.

31. Ger a frame for the Muppets Christmas Carol Christmas cards I bought to display a couple of Christmases ago.

32. Make Christmas crackers for our family Christmas meal. Or maybe just buy a pack, and embellish.

33. Finally make the snowglobe kit that I was gifted years ago.

34. Put together a Christmas Eve box.

35. Buy at least one new decoration.

36. Try to find a tree topper and garland I like for my bedroom tree.

37. Make my blackberry and apple trifle for Christmas Day.

38. Bake a new dessert. (I don't know what, but it would be nice to add in something new this year).

39. Bake and decorate Christmas cookies.

40. Bake Christmas brownies or cupcakes.

41. Treat the family to a box of Christmas doughnuts or cookies.

42. Find something delicious to make for Christmas Day breakfast. (Waffles, perhaps)?

43. Enjoy a Christmas buffet with the family on Christmas Eve.

44. Put together a sweet festive charcuterie board for our Christmas Eve family buffet.

45. Have Christmas dinner with my family on Christmas Day.

46. Play board games on Christmas Day.

47. Make my Animal Crossing island super festive.

48. Open Christmas presents with my dog. (She loves tearing open presents more than most kids)!

49. Dress Rosie (my dog) up in a Christmas jumper. (She will hate me)!

50. Wear every one of my Erstwilder Christmas brooches, and document them on Instagram.

51. Buy at least one new Christmas brooch. (Check! Actually, I've bought four... Post coming really soon).

52. Buy a new dress to wear on Christmas Day.

53. Get new Christmas PJs for Christmas morning.

54. Count down to Christmas with an Advent calendar. (I have the OPI Advent calendar this year, and will be reviewing it soon).

55. Donate presents and / or food to those in need.

56. Make and donate a Christmas box for a homeless person or child in need.

57. Take lots of photos, and share the best bits of the festivities on Instagram for my memories.

And most importantly, make sure I pace myself, and know when to admit defeat and rest!

I always over-do it trying to keep up with how I did Christmas pre-severe-chronic-pain, and end up unable to move for the pain for days after a simple task. I need to remember it's okay not to do it all, and alright if I have a quieter Christmas than everyone else.

It's okay if we don't have perfectly wrapped presents, an Instagram-worthy decorated home, or fun-filled plans every day. 

Nobody's Christmas is as perfect as they look in the movies, and at the end of the day, none of it is more important than our wellbeing. So, let's not put unnecessary pressure on ourselves this year, and try to go with the flow and enjoy ourselves instead!

What are you most excited to do this Christmas?

You Might Also Like

200 Christmas Blog Post Ideas
101 Things To Do This Christmas

101 Inexpensive Things To Do This Christmas

101 Christmas Instagram Story Ideas
75 Of The Best Christmas Blog Photo Props
50 Money Saving Christmas Shopping Tips
50 Alternative Ways To Give Back This Christmas

50 Things I Want To Do This Christmas

 I can't believe it's already December!

Christmas is coming around so quickly. I think the big day will be here before we know it.

There are so many things I need or want to do between now and Christmas Day, so keeping with tradition, I've written a to-do-list and am sharing it here to keep myself motivated. I doubt I'll be able to achieve all of them before the 25th, but I'm determined to give it my best shot, and try to cross off as many festive goals as possible. 

There are 50 of them on this list, so I guess I'd best get started. Wish me luck!

1. Buy a small Christmas tree for my bedroom- I'm hoping to do this in the next day or two.

2. Decorate my bedroom for Christmas- I like to put up decorations in my room so I can enjoy them while I'm resting in bed.

3. Decorate the house for Christmas with the family.

4. Buy (or cut down) fir branches for the mantle.

5. Finish my Christmas shopping- I only have a few presents left to get and then I'm done!

6. Finish wrapping my Christmas presents- I started wrapping last month, so I don't have too many left to do now.

7. Send any parcels that need sending.

8. Write and send my Christmas cards- and not at the last minute!

9. Make a new Christmas playlist or two to soundtrack my festive activities.

10. Count down the days 'til Christmas with an Advent calendar- I'll be doing that with the Essie calendar, as well as a basic Cadbury one this year.

11. Go to the Appleton Christmas Barn to browse their Christmas decorations- It's a little Christmas tree farm with a barn converted in to a Christmas shop near Abingdon in Oxfordshire, and they always have the prettiest decorations. Also, there's reindeer to see.

12. Go to the Bourton-on-the-Water Christmas lights switch on.

13. Go to my town's turning-on-of-the-lights.

14. Visit a Christmas market.

15. Browse the Christmas department of a garden centre or department store.

16. Take a drive to spot Christmas lights- If I can't get out earlier, we usually do this after dinner on Christmas Eve night.

17. Go on a Christmas lights walk.

18. Go Christmas book shopping- Like I need an excuse to go book shopping!

19. Watch a Christmas film at the cinema.

20. Buy at least one new decoration.

21. Reread A Court of Frost and Starlight.

22. Read The Nutcracker- I've always wanted to but never have. I've just bought this beautiful Arcturus Ornate Classics edition with my Waterstones points, and I'm hoping it gets here before Christmas.

23. Read Upon a Frosted Star.

24. Read A German Christmas- I started reading it last year but never finished it.

25. Reread A Christmas Carol.

26. Reread Little Women- It's a classic, and one of my favourite books set at Christmas time.

27. Have at least one Christmas movie marathon- but I'm hoping for many.

28. Watch at least one new-to-me Christmas film- any recommendations?

29. Finish my Christmas bauble cross stitches- I began these Satsuma Street retro baubles last year (or was it the one before?) but never managed to finish all seven.

30. Dig out the paints and relax with a Christmas colouring book.

31. Make and decorate Christmas cookies.

32. Bake Christmas cupcakes.

33. Make my Blackberry and Apple trifle.

34. Try making a new dessert for over the holidays.

35. Put together a Christmas charcuterie dessert board.

36. Buy a box of Christmas doughnuts or cookies.

37. Go out for / order in a hot chocolate.

38. Go for a Christmas afternoon tea / festive cake and coffee.

39. Put a Christmas Eve box together.

40. Buy a new pair of Christmas PJs.

41. Get myself a Christmas dress for Christmas Day.

42. Wear the shit out of my Christmas brooches and earrings- and try to document them on Instagram.

43. Make my Animal Crossing island super festive- I'm already enjoying building Christmas rooms and adding lots of festive furniture outside.

44. Play board games with the family on Christmas Day.

45. Dress my dog, Rosie, up in a Christmas jumper and accessories- Yes, she will hate me!

46. Open presents with my dog- Rosie lives for opening presents and it's one of my favourites parts of Christmas Day.

47. Donate to a foodbank.

48. Fill a Christmas box for a homeless person- Little gifts like warm gloves and scarves, chocolate, shower gel, and toothpaste can make such a difference to someone with nothing and no family to spend Christmas with.

49. Enjoy a Christmas Eve buffet with my family- We relax in front of the TV and a Christmas film or two with lots of tasty treats and it's a lovely, chilled way to spend a Christmas Eve.

50. Celebrate Christmas Day with the family- Can't wait!

There are probably other things I want to do that I'm forgetting, but we'll stop at 50.

What's at you most looking forward to doing this Christmas / holiday season?

You Might Also Like

200 Christmas Blog Post Ideas
101 Things To Do This Christmas

101 Inexpensive Things To Do This Christmas

101 Christmas Instagram Story Ideas
75 Of The Best Christmas Blog Photo Props
50 Money Saving Christmas Shopping Tips
50 Alternative Ways To Give Back This Christmas

The Make Arcade Gingerbread Man Christmas Cross Stitch Kit

I stitched the cutest little gingerbread man cross stitch ornament last December, but never found the time to post a photo of the end result anywhere, so it's time for it's debut. Better late than never, right?

This little gingerbread man kit came from an English brand called The Make Arcade who are known for their fun, colourful little craft kits, which are suitable for beginners and advanced crafters alike. I've made a few of their Christmas cross stitch ornaments in the past, and enjoyed them so much, I couldn't resist going back for this one two Christmases ago. It's cutesier than my usual style and much smaller and simpler than what I usually stitch, but his little face won me over, and I knew it would be a fun, quick project to sew while watching Christmas movies with the family.

I stitched it over a couple of evenings in front of the TV, and think it took about seven or eight hours of sewing to complete. It may only be a three inch design, but they take longer than they look! Once the sewing was done, I finished the back by cinching in the aida with a running stitch, and gluing on a circle of hot pink felt, which was provided in the kit. I also glued a yellow pom pom trim to the outside of the hoop. This wasn't part of the set- unlike the other three Make Arcade ornaments I made which came with pom pom trims- but something I purchased from Paperchase so it would match the others. Oddly, it also didn't come with some ribbon to hang it with, which is annoying, and I still haven't got around to buying something suitable. I must get myself down to Hobbycraft before Christmas so I can hang it. I don't understand why The Make Arcade have stopped supplying ribbons in their kits. It's such an inconvenience.

The kit comes with everything else you need to make it, including the aida (fabric), a three inch wooden embroidery hoop, threads, a needle, felt, step-by-step instructions to help beginners get started, and of course, the pattern. You'll just need some sewing scissors and something to cross the chart off with as you sew, and you're good to go. (A glue gun and glue would be helpful for attaching the felt, but you can sew it on instead. I just glued it on as I was being lazy). It all comes presented in a little cardboard box with a hot pink sleeve, so it would make a lovely present for any crafter this Christmas.

The Make Arcade seem to have updated their gingerbread man cross stitch kit design for Christmas 2021 (and I personally don't think it's as cute), but this design is still available to purchase from John Lewis here. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a fun, quick cross stitch project to enjoy this Christmas.

Have you cross stitched anything lately?

You Might Also Like

My Christmas Cross Stitch Makes

Mid Century Maude Retro Reindeer Cross Stitch

Merry Christmas Patchwork Cross Stitch Sampler
My Christmas Cross Stitch Makes 2016
My Christmas Cross Stitch Makes 2015
Noel Peace on Earth Christmas Cross Stitch Sampler

101 Things To Do This Christmas During The Corona Virus

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but it'll likely be a little different for many of us this year thanks to the Corona Virus crisis and the restrictions in place to keep us all safe. 

It's unlikely many of us will be going to big Christmas parties, visiting Christmas markets, taking trips to the theatre, or spending Christmas with our entire extended families this December, and while it's disappointing and won't quite be the same, it doesn't mean Christmas has to be written off as a disaster before it's even begun. We just need to think about the little things that make Christmas special, and look closer to home for fun festive ways to enjoy the holidays this year. Christmas movie nights in pyjamas, baking delicious Christmas treats, festive carpet picnics under the light of the Christmas tree, cold dark evenings spent crafting Christmas decorations... there are so many different ways to make the festive season special without even having to leave the house. You just have to think outside the box.

If you're stuck for ideas for how to spend Christmas during this pandemic, never fear; I've already thought of 101 things to do this Christmas, and I've compiled them all in one handy list for you today.

1. Pick out a Christmas tree- even if it's buying an artificial one online.

2. Decorate your tree.

3. Decorate your home for Christmas.

4. Go foraging for natural decorations, like pine cones and mistletoe, to craft or decorate your home with.

5. Make a Christmas wreath to hang on the door.

6. Curate some new festive playlists to soundtrack all your Christmas activities.

7. Dance around the house to Christmas tunes.

8. Have lots of Christmas movie marathons.

9. Watch all those Christmas TV specials, new and old. You can't beat the Gavin and Stacey, and The Vicar of Dibley Christmas specials, in my opinion.

10. Watch all those dodgy Christmas TV movies.

11. Watch The Queen's Speech.

12. Read a Christmas themed novel like A Christmas Carol or Little Women.

13. Read some Christmas poetry.

14. Colour-in a Christmas colouring book.

15. Sew a Christmas cross stitch or embroidery.

16. Knit or crochet something festive like a tree decoration, stocking, garland, or cosy Christmas blanket to snuggle up under.

17. Make your own Christmas crackers.

18. Sit and write your Christmas cards. 

19. Make your own Christmas cards.

20. Catch up with friends and family by writing some Christmas snail mail.

21. Have a go at some festive creative writing.

22. Dig out your art supplies, and make some festive art.

23. Do some Christmas bullet / art journaling.

24. Make a Christmas face mask to accessorise your Christmas outfits, and keep you safe around others during the holidays.

25. Make your own Christmas jumper by customising an old piece of knitwear.

26. Make and fill an Advent calendar.

27. Hang paper chains.

28. Make paper snowflakes.

29. Make table favours for your Christmas meal.

30. Make popcorn and cranberry garlands to string up on the tree.

31. Make all your gifts this year.

32. Make foodie gifts for your loved ones.        

33. Wrap your Christmas presents as beautifully and creatively as you can.

34. Put together a Christmas Eve box for yourself or a loved one to enjoy on Christmas Eve.

35. Learn a Christmas song on an instrument.

36. Do a Christmas jigsaw puzzle.

37. Play board games with your family / housemates.

38. Play a computer game with festive events, such as Animal Crossing.

39. Bake and decorate Christmas cookies with your family. You could even have a contest to see who creates the best design.

40. Make a yule log.

41. Bake a Christmas cake.

42. Make a Christmas pudding.

43. Make mince pies.

44. Build a gingerbread house.

45. Roast hot chestnuts.

46. Perfect your Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

47. Go out for a turkey roast (or veggie / vegan equivalent) somewhere with good distancing measures.

48. Treat your family to a Christmas afternoon tea at home.

49. Have a go at making your own Christmas cocktails.

50. Make your own sloe gin or egg nog.

51. Make epic homemade hot chocolates complete with whipped cream and marshmallows.

52. Go out for hot chocolate somewhere with good distancing measures.

53. Have a Christmas carpet picnic under the light of the Christmas tree.

54. Pack a picnic full of fun festive foods, wrap up warm, and have a picnic outdoors somewhere pretty. Bonus points if you find somewhere safe draped in fairy lights.

55. Buy or make food in festive shapes, just because it's fun.

56. Order a box of festive cookies, cakes, or doughnuts for home delivery from your favourite brand or bakery as a treat for everyone.

57. Go for a drive to spot Christmas lights.

58. Go for a socially-distanced walk to spot Christmas lights in your neighbourhood.

59. Visit a socially-distanced Christmas lights trail at your local stately home or zoo.

60. Visit a Christmas market, if there's one with social-distancing measures in your area.

61. Take a Christmas Day family walk.

62. String up fairy lights in the garden and camp out under the stars.

63. Go ice skating, if you can find a rink that's open and safe to visit.

64. Have a Christmas crafternoon session.

65. Throw a Christmas afternoon tea for your household.

66. Have a Christmas duvet day spent in your PJs on the sofa, watching movies, and eating festive snacks.

67. Have a festive pamper day.

68. Start a new family Christmas tradition.

69. Try a Christmas tradition from another part of the world.

70. Learn about Christmas traditions in other parts of the world.

71. Host a Secret Santa or White Elephant present swap with your family or friends.

72. If it snows, build a snowman, have a snowball fight, go sledding, and make snow angels.

73. Host a Zoom Christmas party with your family and friends.

74. Have a Zoom Christmas quiz night with your family and friends.

75. Attend a Christmas church service online.

76. Make a Christmas photo booth in your home, with a festive backdrop, silly photo props, and a camera on a tripod, and take photos with your family.

77. Dress your pet in silly Christmas outfits and take lots of photos of them looking cute and humiliated.

78. Try to recreate an old family photo taken at Christmas time.

79. Take photos in front of the Christmas tree.

80. Take photos of all the fun things you get up to. You could even print them out and put them in a photo album.

81. Blog / Instagram all the fun things you get up to over Christmas.

82. Look through old photos and videos taken at Christmas time and reminisce. 

83. Light an Advent candle every night.

84. Treat yourself to an Advent calendar to enjoy every day.    

85. Add mini Santa hats to all of the framed photos and art on your walls.

86. Decorate all of your kitchen cabinets with ribbons, so that they look like they've been gift wrapped.  

87. Treat yourself to a new Christmas outfit- even if you will only be wearing it at home this year.

88. Buy new Christmas PJs to wear on Christmas Eve.

89. Try a Christmas make up look.

90. Have a go at some festive nail art.

91. Have fun creating Elf on a Shelf escapades for your kids every day.

92. Hang stockings over the fireplace.

93. Leave cookies and milk out for Santa, and some carrots or reindeer food for his reindeer.

94. Donate to a foodbank.

95. Donate presents for underprivileged kids.

96. Make a shoe-box parcel for a child in need.

97. Make a shoe-box parcel for a homeless person.

98. Donate food, toys, blankets, money, or your time to an animal shelter.

99. Bake Christmas treats and drop them on friends' doorsteps.

100. Buy or make little presents for your postman and delivery drivers to say 'thanks' for their hard work during the pandemic.

101. Do a random act of kindness for a stranger.

And those are 101 things you could do this Christmas.

I hope my list has given you a little inspiration, and helps you make some fun memories this Christmas despite the Corona Virus. If you can think of any activities I've missed, feel free to add them to the comments below.

How are you planning to spend Christmas this year?

You Might Also Like

101 Things To Do On Lockdown During The Corona Virus

101 Things To Do This Christmas

101 Inexpensive Things To Do This Christmas

101 Christmas Instagram Story Ideas

200 Christmas Blog Post Ideas For Bloggers

50 Things I Want To Do This Christmas

It's December 2nd and that can only mean one thing- the festive season is officially here! 

Christmas is on its way; decorations are being hung, presents are being wrapped, Christmas tunes are being blared out wherever you turn- whether you want to hear them or not- and the cupboards are being stocked with delicious goodies that can't be touched 'til Christmas Day. I couldn't be happier; Christmas has always been my favourite time of year. (It's also the most stressful, but let's not focus on that).

There are so many fun festive activities I want or need to do between now and the end of the year so I can enjoy as much festive cheer as possible and get organised for the big day. I've actually come up with fifty things I'd like to do this Christmas, and I've written a to do list to motivate myself to do as many of them as I can. I probably won't manage all of them, but I'm going to do my best to complete as many of my festive goals as possible. I thought you might like to see what my goals are for December, so I'm here to share a list of 50 things I want to do this Christmas.

Let's get started...

1. Buy a little Christmas tree for my bedroom.

2. Decorate my bedroom for Christmas.

3. Decorate the tree and the rest of the house for Christmas with my family.

4. Cut down foliage (holly and fir branches etc.) from the garden to dress the fireplace with.

5. Go see the Christmas lights being switched on in my town.

6. Go to Bourton-on-the-Water's Christmas lights switch-on. (They stand their Christmas tree in the river running through the town centre and it's so pretty, with the fairy lights twinkling on the water).

7. Drive around to spot the best Christmas lights in my area.

8. Try to finish my Christmas cross stitch wall hanging- or at least complete as much of it as I can.

9. Watch The Nutcracker movie for the first time. (I've already bought myself a copy on DVD).

10. Have lots of Christmas movie marathons.

11. Watch a Christmas movie at the cinema. (I haven't actually been to the cinema since Mockinjay Part 2 because I find it too uncomfortable, but I'd happily grin and bear the pain for something festive. I miss going to the cinema).

12. Watch the new Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special. (I've been looking forward to this for months!)

13. Write and send my Christmas cards- and not at the last minute.

14. Make homemade Christmas crackers.

15. Make table favours for Christmas dinner.

16. Make felt floral Christmas wreaths. (I've only been planning to do this for about three  years...)

17. Make some more festive hoop art to fill my wall.

18. Finally make the Christmas snow globe I've been meaning to make for years.

19. Make the needle felt Christmas decorations I bought last year.

20. Put together this year's Christmas Eve Box to enjoy on Christmas Eve night.

21. Fill a Christmas gift box for a homeless person.

22. Finish my Christmas shopping.

23. Finish wrapping Christmas presents. (I started in November to make it easier on my back).

24. Try to document as much of the festive season as possible on Instagram.

25. Read A Literary Christmas.

26. Reread A Christmas Carol and Little Women.

27. Read a new-to-me Christmas novel.

28. Bake and decorate some Christmas cookies or cupcakes.

29. Make my blackberry and apple trifle on Christmas Eve.

30. Make some new Christmas playlists. (I've just got a new laptop and lost all the ones I'd saved from last Christmas).

31. Listen to lots of festive tunes.

32. Visit a garden centre to browse the Christmas departments and food halls.

33. Get photos of Rosie in a Christmas jumper.

34. Make dog treats for Rosie and Mia as a Christmas treat.

35. Try to blog lots of festive content- and schedule as much in advance as I can. (I've got quite a few posts planned already!)

36. Go out for hot chocolate.

37. Try a mince pie. (I haven't had one since I was little and don't know if I might actually like them now, so I need to find out).

38. Make a yule log. (I haven't made one since childhood, and I'd love to give it a go again).

39. Spend some quality time with my family over Christmas.

40. Find time to do a little painting with one of my Christmas colouring books.

41. Buy a new Christmas dress. (Preferably a Christmas patterned one, but otherwise just a pretty dress to wear over the holidays).

42. Buy a new pair of Christmas PJs to wear on Christmas Eve night and Christmas morning.

43. Wear the shit out of my Erstwilder Christmas brooches.

44. Take lots of photos and videos of the festivities.

45. Play a board game or two over Christmas.

46. Count down the days 'til Christmas with my nail polish Advent calendars, and share daily updates on Instagram. (Follow me on Instagram for daily reveals on the contents of my Ciaté and Essie nail polish calendars).

47. Make my Animal Crossing New Leaf town look super festive. (Everything changes with the seasons in Animal Crossing, so you get snow, festive outfits, festive furniture, and lots of other fun stuff I've yet to discover).

48. Do my best to participate in more surveys to make some last minute Christmas cash.

49. Buy lots of Christmas presents for my dog. (Rosie loves opening presents, and deserves some new toys).

50. Find some time to relax and destress.

And those are fifty things I'd like to do this Christmas.

What about you? What are you most looking forward to doing this Christmas?

You Might Also Like

My Christmas Bucket List

200 Christmas Blog Post Ideas
101 Things To Do This Christmas

101 Inexpensive Things To Do This Christmas

101 Christmas Instagram Story Ideas
75 Of The Best Christmas Blog Photo Props
50 Money Saving Christmas Shopping Tips
50 Alternative Ways To Give Back This Christmas
35 Ways To Get Organised For Christmas Now
25 Ways To Enjoy Christmas On Bed Rest
My Chronic Pain and Chronic Illness Christmas Survival Guide
The Christmas Tag
My Favourite Things About Christmas Time

DIY Christmas Eve Box 2018

Christmas Eve Boxes have become increasingly popular with people of all ages over the last few years, with more and more people putting one together to enjoy with their families on Christmas Eve.

If you're unfamiliar with the Christmas Eve box (where have you been?), a Christmas Eve box is basically a hamper of goodies to enjoy as you wind down on Christmas Eve and get excited for Christmas morning. Think cosy new pyjamas, slippers, Christmas movies, hot chocolate, tasty snacks, scented candles, a festive-themed book, a face mask, glittery nail polish... and anything else you might need for the perfect festive night in. 

You could make one for the whole family, for your kids, to enjoy with your partner, or even just for yourself. There are no rules to conform to here; the beauty of the Christmas Eve box is you can personalise it for your needs, and use it however you like. Gift it, share it, or make one for yourself; it's completely up to you!

The Christmas Eve box is a wonderful tradition to add to your Christmas Eve rituals, particularly if you have young kids or have just got married, and are looking to implement some new family traditions you can look forward to every year. It's the perfect way to enjoy a quiet Christmas Eve evening at home, and having a box full of treats to discover should help distract children from that unbearable longing to open all the presents under the tree and the agonising Millenia-long wait for Christmas morning. 

As I can't travel to my family's Christmas Eve party anymore, and now spend Christmas Eve at home, I've been creating a box to enjoy each Christmas for three or four years now. I'm single and don't have kids, so I mostly just compile them for myself, but I also fill them with a few things to share with my family, like chocolates truffles and hot chocolate. I've been putting the finishing touches to this year's Christmas Eve box this week, so I thought it was about time I showed you what I've put in it this year.

So, what have I put in my Christmas Eve box this year?

♥ A new pair of Christmas pyjamas to cosy up in on Christmas Eve night.

♥ A couple of Christmas movies to watch. And yes, Santa Claus the Movie and The Muppet Christmas Carol are the best Christmas movies ever!

♥ A new festive book- A Literary Christmas- to read before I fall off to sleep. It's full of Christmas stories, passages, poems, and illustrations from the greats.

♥ Yankee Candle votives in Frosty Gingerbread and Snowflake Cookie to make the house cosy and smell delicious.

♥ A tub of peppermint hot chocolate for everyone to enjoy.

♥ A new Cath Kidston snowman print mug for my hot chocolate.

♥ Some chocolates, including Mint Lindor Truffles and Ferrero Rochers (my faves) to share with my family.

♥ Some peppermint candy canes to share around.

♥ A bag of salted popcorn for enjoying while we watch Christmas movies.

♥ A glittery gold Ciaté nail polish so I can make my nails look pretty for Christmas Day. I'm also intending on using one of the red polishes from my OPI Advent calendar.

♥ A L'Oreal Clay Mask so I can pamper myself ready for Christmas Day.

♥ A Peppermint Candy Cane shower gel and  body butter from The Body Shop to make myself smell like a candy cane.

♥ A Body Shop Peppermint Candy Cane soap to put out for the rest of the festive season.

I will likely also add a small Christmas cross stitch to work on while I relax at the end of the day, but I forgot to add one to the box for photos.

Here are a few more ideas for things you could include:

♥ Slippers.

♥ Novelty Christmas socks.

♥ A hot water bottle. (And heat patches may be handy if you have a chronic illness or injury!)

♥ Festive costume jewellery, such as novelty earrings or brooches.

♥ Little Christmas craft kits- such as a mini cross stitch kit or felt ornament kit.

♥ A Christmas colouring book and coloured pencils.

♥ Festive stationery.

♥ Christmas false nails or nail wraps.

♥ Seasonal-scented bubble bath.

♥ A Christmas bath bomb.

♥ Hand cream or body lotion.

♥ A cute soft toy.

♥ A Netflix / Amazon Prime gift card / subscription for Christmas movie watching.

♥ A Christmas scratch card.

♥ Something alcoholic.

♥ Marshmallows.

♥ Favourite edible treats.

♥ Mince pies, stollen, panettone, cake, biscuits, cheese boards, etc.

♥ A new Christmas dress / top / shirt etc.

♥ A new ornament to hang on the tree.

♥ A Christmas stocking so you can hang it up ready for Santa.

♥ A bag of reindeer food.

♥ A selection of Christmas books (for younger readers), a novel for adults.

♥ Little toys.

♥ A special plate for Santa's mince pie.

I'm on a tight budget this Christmas so I've presented everything in a festive gift box I already had lying around the house, but you could also use a wicker basket, gift bag, Christmas stocking, crate, festive tote bag, or any container you like. If you're giving it as a gift, I'd recommend wrapping everything up in festive wrapping paper or tissue to make it look pretty and add to the fun and excitement, but you can leave everything unwrapped if the thought of wrapping any more presents is making you shudder. 

There are so many ways you could then decorate your Christmas Eve box, from adding the recipient's name using stamps or individual letters, to embellishing it with pom poms, garlands, or little decorations. The possibilities are endless. I haven't decorated mine as the box I've used is actually my memory box and needs to be refilled after Christmas, but I admit I was tempted to go to town on it! 

I'm really looking forward to enjoying the contents of my Christmas Eve box in a few days time. I always find these boxes make my Christmas Eve evenings that little bit lovelier and are perfect for creating a relaxing night in, which is always welcome after such a hectic month. I'm looking forward to getting in to my festive PJs, watching a few Christmas movies with my family, indulging in a few treats, and reading a few chapters of my new book before I fall off to sleep in the early hours of Christmas morning. Bliss. Christmas Eve can't come soon enough! 

Will you be making a Christmas Eve box this year? What goodies would make up your perfect box?

P.S. Please excuse how atrocious today's photos are. I know they're beyond awful. The left half of my laptop screen keeps flickering and turning grey, so I'm finding the editing process even harder than usual. I'm awful at photo editing as it is, so they can't be good! Sorry, guys!

You Might Also Like
What's In My Christmas Eve Box? 2016
What's In My Christmas Eve Box? 2015
What's In My Christmas Eve Box? 2014

Christmas To Color By Mary Tanana Adult Christmas Colouring Book Review

Last Christmas, I treated myself to a stunning Christmas colouring book called Christmas To Color by Mary Tanana, and while I was eager to show it to you guys a year ago, I never did find the time to review it for you before Christmas was over. I wasn't going to miss the opportunity again, so I'm better prepared this Christmas, and here to review it for you today.

Christmas To Color is a beautifully illustrated Christmas colouring book for adults by American artist Mary Tanana, and it's without a doubt the most beautiful Christmas colouring book I've ever laid eyes on. 

It's filled with page after page of intricate, folky line-drawings of festive scenes and paraphernalia that are just waiting to be brought to life with colour. From wreaths and reindeer, to baubles and stockings, Nutcrackers and Christmas trees, to sledges and poinsettias. its 84 pages are filled with everything you'd associate with a traditional Christmas, and all the Christmas illustrations you could ever hope to colour-in. 

Tanana's stunning illustrations have, naturally, been inspired by the Christmas season, and are also heavily influenced by nature, Eastern European folk art, and delicate henna designs from India, which is clear to see on every page. All of the pictures have a wonderful folky festive feel to them with intricate detail, and you'll find flora or fauna added to almost every design. They're truly beautiful, and every picture is so festive, that they'll have you in the Christmas spirit in no time!



As the images feature so much detail, Christmas To Color is aimed at adults, but would also be suited to older children and teenagers with some artistic talent and a lot of patience. Each page will take hours or days to complete, so this is not the colouring book for quick results, but perfect if you're happy to take your time and see your work gradually come together. The great thing about that is this colouring book will provide you with weeks or even months of entertainment, so you really get your money's worth from it. It's going to keep you entertained throughout the festive season, and long after Christmas is over, so you'll be able to return to it again next Christmas, too!



The illustrations are printed back-to-back on thick, good-quality white paper, which, unfortunately, is not quite thick enough to prevent bleed-through with some inks. You may wish to stick to coloured pencils to avoid ruining the design on the other side. I've started using watercolour paints to colour in the designs, and I find the paper accepts watercolours well with very little damage to the paper- although, I always pop a sheet of watercolour paper behind the page while I'm painting to be on the safe side.



What I didn't realise until recently, is the pages are discreetly perforated, so you can easily pull out the pages for framing, pinning on the wall, scrapbooking, or for enjoying a colouring session with friends or family. You may have to flip a coin to decide which side to display, but it's ideal if you like to make use of your colourings once you've finished them.



I haven't actually added a lot of colour to this colouring book yet as the arthritis in my hands has become so bad I've had to give up colouring with pens and pencils altogether (it's become too painful and turns my hands in to claws), but I'm hoping to find some time to relax with it this Christmas, and paint my way through a few pages to destress.

Colouring-in is the perfect hobby for destressing at this time of year, as it's so relaxing and therapeutic, and can easily be fitted around other tasks on your to-do-list. You could steal ten minutes in between decorating the tree and waiting for your Christmas cookies to bake, relax with it in front of the TV, and even enjoy it while travelling to see family this Christmas. If you always get super stressed at Christmas time, I recommend you give colouring a try- trust me, it helps!



Christmas To Color is a fantastic adult Christmas colouring book. It's stunning, it's festive, it's great-quality, and guaranteed to get you in to the Christmas spirit and give you hours of entertainment. It's one of the best Christmas colouring books around at the moment, and I couldn't recommend it to you more!

Christmas To Color by Mary Tanana retails for $15.99, and should be available from all good book shops now. I bought my copy from Amazon here.

Will you be relaxing with an adult colouring book this Christmas?

Christmas Colouring Book Reviews You Might Also Like
Escape To Christmas Past
Johanna's Christmas by Johanna Basford
Zen Colouring Winter Wonderland