50 Things I Want To Do This Christmas

How is it already December? I'd swear it was Christmas 2024 two minutes ago! Considering I've done nothing noteworthy and have only left the house a handful of times all year, I can't make sense of how it's flown. Where has the year gone?! I think I blinked and missed eleven months.

Anyway, the fact is, it is December again already, and the countdown to Christmas is officially on. There are so many things I need or want to do between now and the 25th to prepare for Christmas, and enjoy the festivities, so I thought I'd kick off the month with my Christmas to-do list to motivate myself into getting started.

Here's 50 things I want to do this Christmas:

1. Buy a little Christmas tree for my bedroom.

2. Put up decorations in my bedroom. (This is something I like to do so I can still enjoy a piece of the festivities when I'm in too much pain to get out of bed).

3. Decorate the tree, and my home for Christmas with my family.

4. Finish my Christmas shopping. (I'm actually almost done- just a few things left to get)!

5. Wrap Christmas presents. (I started in November, so I have a good chunk of it done already)!

6. Write this year's Christmas cards.

7. Post any cards and presents that need sending- and don't leave them until the last minute.

8. Take a drive to spot Christmas lights.

9. Go on a walk to spot Christmas lights.

10. Go to my town's Christmas lights switch-on.

11. Go to Bourton-on-the-Water's Christmas light switch-on. (They have their tree in the middle of the river running through the town centre, so the fairy lights shimmer on the water, and it always looks magical).

12. Check out Broadway decorated for Christmas. (The one near Worcester, not New York. I haven't passed through it in years, but my Auntie was telling us how lovely it is at Christmas time, and now I want to see what the fuss is about).

13. Soak up the festive atmosphere in Burford. (It always looks gorgeous decorated for Christmas, but I haven't wandered around the town centre in years).

14. Visit The Appleton Christmas Barn. (It's a little Christmas tree farm with a couple of barns converted into a Christmas shop near Abingdon in Oxfordshire, and I love browsing their pretty decorations).

15. Go to a Christmas market. (I still have never made it to one)!

16. Check out the Christmas food hall at my local garden centre. (It's always full of interesting goodies).

17. Browse the Christmas decorations in a garden centre or department store.

18. Go out for a Christmas meal.

19. Stop off for (or order in) a good hot chocolate.  

20. Go Christmas book shopping for some new festive reads.

21. Read lots of Christmas/wintry-themed books. My December potentials TBR include but aren't limited to:

♥ Holly by Adalyn Grace.

♥ I Saw Christmas Lights Slithering Up My Street by Ben Farthing.

♥ The Gingerbread Café by Laurie Gilmore.

♥ A Heart for Christmas by Sophie Jomain.

♥ Good Spirits by B. K. Borison.

♥ The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories by Jessica Harrison.

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

♥ Upon a Frosted Star. (Reread).

♥ A Crown So Silver by Lyra Selene.

♥ A Treachery of Swans by A. B. Poranek.

♥ The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden.

22. Take part in a festive reading challenge.

23. Watch at least one new-to-me Christmas film. Any recommendations?

24. Watch lots of festive TV specials.

25. Go see a Christmas movie at the cinema.

26. Get started on these Muppet Christmas Carol cross stitches. (I recently started Gonzo, but I'm unlikely to make much progress this December).

27. Finish my Satsuma Street Christmas Baubles cross stitches. (I started them a few years ago. It's about time I completed them all)!

28. Paint embroidery hoops to frame said cross stitches with.

29. Finish up the back of last year's Christmas cross stitch hoop, so that I can hang it this year.

30. Make paw print ornaments of my dog's toe beans. (I got kits from T K Maxx).

31. Customise this year's Christmas crackers.

32. Put together some Christmas table favours for Christmas dinner.

33. Paint or colour in a Christmas colouring book to destress.

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

35. Enjoy the Christmas content on Hello Kitty Island Adventure, and Animal Crossing New Horizons.

36. Bake Christmas cookies.

37. Make my apple and blackberry Christmas trifle.

38. Make a pecan pie.

39. Make the Breakfast Club's passionfruit cheesecake cream to have with waffles on Christmas morning.

40. Make festive chocolate-covered popcorn. 

41. Find a new Christmas tree skirt to replace the one my mother threw away. (I just found the same one on eBay, so I'm happy)!

42. Buy a Christmas tree topper for the tree in my bedroom. 

43. Dress my dog up in her new Christmas collars and bandannas, as well as a jumper and antlers. (Yes, she's going to hate me! Haha)!

44. Wear all of my Christmas brooches and earrings at least once each, and post them on Insta.

45. Buy a new Christmas dress.

46. Count down the days with an Advent calendar. (I've got the OPI House of OPI'cing Mini Advent calendar this year, which I'll be reviewing later this week).

47. Celebrate Christmas with my family.

48. Open presents with my dog.

49. Donate food and / or presents to a food bank.

50. Put together a Christmas parcel for a homeless person or other person in need.

And that's 50 things I want to do this Christmas.

I'm unlikely to cross-off everything on this list, and most of the ones that involve leaving the house are probably far too ambitious since I'm not so well right now, but, hey, I'm staying optimistic. I'll try my best to do as many as possible. Wish me luck!

What's at the top of your Christmas to-do list this year?

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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?

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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?

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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!

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101 Christmas Instagram Story Ideas

Over the last year or so, Instagram Stories has become one of the most popular social media platforms for content creators and social media lovers alike, and it's not hard to see why. It's great for sharing little snippets from your daily life, promoting your work, and connecting with your followers on a more personal level. It's definitely my favourite channel for sharing little moments of my life with you guys.

It can be difficult to know what to share on Insta Stories, but with the festive season upon us, the possibilities are almost endless. You can post photos of your Christmas decorations, show off your present wrapping skills, make everyone hungry with your beautifully decorated Christmas cookies, share photos from your Christmas outings, and so much more. 

If you're hoping to utilise Stories more this Christmas, but are in need of some inspiration to get you started, never fear; I've compiled a list of over 101 Christmas Instagram Story ideas to give you all the ideas you need!  Y'know, 'cause I'm good like that.

Here's my 101 Christmas Instagram Story ideas:

1. Your goals for the festive season or your festive to-do-list for the day.

2. A peek at your Christmas organiser, planner, or bullet journal pages.

3. Shopping for your Christmas tree.

4. Decorating your Christmas tree / home for Christmas.

5. Your beautifully decorated Christmas tree.

6. A peek at rooms in your home decorated for Christmas.

7. The wreath on your front door.

8. Twinkling Christmas lights.

9. Your favourite Christmas decoration(s) and what they mean to you.

10. Share the scene while you're shopping for Christmas decorations.

11. Your Christmas decorations / homeware haul.

12. Local Christmas lights you love / hate.

13. Visiting a Christmas market.

14. Share a daily reveal of what's in your Advent calendar.

15. Share what Christmas movies you're watching.

16. A list of your favourite Christmas movies.

17. What festive books you're reading or festive books you love.

18. Write a mini festive book review.

19. Share a Christmas playlist or what festive songs you're enjoying.

20. List your favourite Christmas songs.

21. Take that cliche shot of your seasonal coffee or hot chocolate. (Bonus points if it's in a Christmas takeaway cup!)

22. Christmas cocktails you're enjoying.

23. Photos taken while you're baking and decorating Christmas treats.

24. Christmas food you've made or a festive recipe.

25. Festive food you're eating and enjoying.

26. A Christmas meal you're about to tuck in to.

27. Foodie gifts / hampers you've made for loved ones.

28. Shopping for Christmas craft supplies.

29. Progress photos of a Christmas craft you're working on.

30. Show off a Christmas craft you've completed.

31. Relaxing with a Christmas colouring book? Show off your colouring skills!

32. Share some festive art journaling you've done.

33. Photos of festive art you've created.

34. Links to Christmas blog posts / vlogs you've published.

35. Tired arms full of shopping bags.

36. Share Christmas bargains you've found and where from. (Gifts, decorations, food etc.)

37. Compile some Christmas gift ideas.

38. Post photos taken while you're wrapping presents.

39. Show your followers what gift wrapping supplies you're using.

40. Photos of your Christmas gift wrapping skills.

41. Presents under the tree.

42. Share a snap while you're writing your Christmas cards.

43. Reveal what festive mail you've been receiving.

44. Share what's on your Christmas list this year.

45. Post a festive make up look. (Bonus points if you add a tutorial).

46. Share some Christmas nail art or a festive manicure.

47. Your favourite festive make up or nail polish products.

48. Festive beauty products you're enjoying like Lush bath bombs or The Body Shop shower gels.

49. Christmas outfits you're wearing.

50. A photo of yourself looking glam in your party-wear.

51. A photo of yourself in a Christmas jumper.

52. A photo of yourself in your Christmas PJs.

53. A photo of yourself in a Santa hat.

54. Share a peek at your Christmas novelty bags.

55. Show off your Christmas jewellery collection.

56. Feature your favourite Christmas accessories.

57. A cosy shot of yourself relaxing in your Christmas slippers.

58. Take a snap of your Christmas bedding.

59. Enjoying a festive night in? Share the scene.

60. Having a festive pamper night? Show us how it's done.

61. Take your kids to see Santa, and share a cute photo.

62. Visit some reindeer, and post a photo of Rudolph and his friends.

63. Share snippets from any Christmas outings you take.

64. Photos from the Christmas party.

65. Document your journey as you're travelling home for Christmas- but don't take photos or videos while you're driving.

66. Wish your followers a merry Christmas.

67. Show everyone what's in your Christmas Eve box.

68. Your home ready for Christmas on Christmas Eve night.

69. Share that Christmas morning magic.

70. Unwrapping presents with your family.

71. A photo of your Christmas day outfit.

72. Cute shots of your pet dressed up for Christmas.

73. What you've bought your pet for Christmas.

74. Post a photo of your Christmas dinner.

75. Take that obligatory photo of the Christmas turkey.

76. What your Christmas dinner table looks like once it's been set for dinner on Christmas Day.

77. Show off you Christmas table favours.

78. Share your pretty Christmas place setting.

79. Take a photo of your Christmas crackers as they're being pulled over the dinner table.

80. Photos taken while playing board games with the family.

81. Be brutally honest and share any Christmas disasters (past or present).

82. Reveal what you got for Christmas.

83. Talk about the best and worst presents you received.

84. Write a chatty post about a cause you feel passionate about and where your followers can donate / help out.

85. Share info on how to help people in need, and where people can turn to if they need help this Christmas.

86. Focus on what Christmas means to you.

87. Share memories of Christmases past.

88. Know any good Christmas hacks? Share them with your followers!

89. Share your money saving tips for the festive season.

90. Post a few Christmas shopping tips.

91. Take photos or videos while you're ice skating (or enjoying hot chocolate from the sidelines)!

92. If it snows, post lots of images of the gorgeous snow draped scenery.

93. Have a snowball fight and share a video of the fray.

94. Photos of you / your family making snow angels.

95. Building a snowman? Show him off to the world!

96. Take a walk in the snow, and share photos or videos from your walk.

97. Go sledding, and share the memories.

98. Mistletoe hung from the eaves.

99. Holly and ivy.

100. Fir branches decorating the mantle or banister.

101. Festive poinsettias.

102. Buy a bag of hot chestnuts from a street vendor or roast some at home, and take a photo.

103. Your Christmas pudding / cake.

104. Make a chocolate yule log, decorate it, and show it off.

105. A plate of warm mince pies dusted with icing sugar.

106. Mulled wine.

107. Glittery tinsel strung on the tree.
108. Build a gingerbread house and share your creation.

And those are my Christmas Instagram Story Ideas.

You can interpret the prompts any way you like, post photos or videos, and even use most of the ideas for your Instagram feed and other social media accounts, too. How you use them is completely up to you!

I hope you've found this post helpful, and that it's given you a few ideas for how to make your Insta Stories extra festive this Christmas. I'll definitely be posting about many of these topics on my own Stories this December, and if you'd like to follow along. you can find me on Instagram here.

What do you enjoy posting about on your Instagram Stories?

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101 Inexpensive Things To Do This Christmas

With just over a week to go until December, and less than five weeks 'til Christmas Day, there's no denying that the festive season is on its way. It's almost time to deck those halls, trim the tree, eat your body weight in mince pies, rewatch Home Alone for the millionth time, and get well and truly hammered at the Christmas party. Who's excited? I know I am! I'm fully intending to fill the next four and a half weeks with as much festive cheer as possible!

Like most people, I never have much money to spare at this time of year for Christmas activities and entertainment- not with all of those Christmas presents to pay for and festive food to buy- but you don't need to spend a fortune to be able to fill your time with fun and memorable moments this Christmas. In fact, most of my favourite Christmas activities are the ones that cost very little or nothing at all, like decorating the tree with my family, baking yummy treats on Christmas Eve, going to see the Christmas lights being switched on, and settling down for a festive movie marathon or two. The best festive things in life really are free!

I know I'm not the only one who has to watch the pennies in December, and if you're looking for some fun and inexpensive ways to enjoy the festivities with your family and friends this December, never fear; I've compiled a list of 101 ideas to give you guys a little inspiration. Many are completely free, and the rest are budget-friendly, but all 101 will help get you in to the Christmas spirit without breaking the bank, and make this Christmas memorable for years to come. 

Here are my 101 inexpensive things to do this Christmas:

1. Spend a day / evening decorating your tree and home for Christmas with festive tunes playing, and a few tasty treats and drinks.

2. Have a Christmas movie marathon with plenty of snacks and cosy blankets to snuggle under.

3. Go to your local turning-on-of-the-Christmas-lights street fair. They're usually free to visit.

4. Spend an afternoon baking and decorating delicious Christmas treats in the kitchen.

5. Host a Christmas cookie decorating party. (Have everyone bring supplies, and a few nibbles).

6. Have a board game night.

7. Go to the cinema to watch a festive film. (Sneak in your own snacks to keep the cost down, if necessary).

8. Go for a long drive to spot Christmas lights.

9. Go for a walk to spot Christmas lights in your neighbourhood.

10. Go out for hot chocolate- or make your own at home. (Don't forget the whipped cream and marshmallows!)

11. Spend a cosy day reading a festive book like Little Women or A Christmas Carol. (Borrow books from the library or from friends to read for free).

12. Visit your local garden centre or department store to browse the Christmas department and soak up the festive atmosphere. It costs nothing to look.

13. Go to a local Christmas market. The ones in the UK are usually free to access.

14. Wrap your Christmas presents as beautifully and creatively as you can while listening to some Christmas tunes.

15. Sit and write your Christmas cards, and a personal Christmas letter to go in them, if you like to write one.

16. Make and decorate a gingerbread house- and then enjoy eating it!

17. Listen to a brass band playing carols.

18. Go to your kid's nativity. Or watch a public nativity in your community.

19. If you have a good stock of craft supplies, have a Christmas craft afternoon / evening at home with your craft-loving friends.

20. Make paper snowflakes and paper chains, and hang them all over your house.

21. Go scavenging for natural decorations for your home, like holly and pinecones.

22. Make your own wreath using natural decorations, pom poms, or even old decorations.

23. Set up your own festive photo booth at home with a fun backdrop and festive props, and take silly photos for Instagram / Facebook / your family photo albums.

24. Dress up your pets in silly Christmas outfits.

25. Volunteer your time for a worthy cause- such as helping out at a soup kitchen for the homeless, a food bank for those in need, or an animal rescue centre for injured and abandoned animals. You'll have fun doing something worthwhile for others, and the atmosphere will likely be super festive, too.

26. Learn a piece of Christmas music on an instrument.

27. Have a go at creating a festive make up look.

28. Attempt some festive nail art. You'll find heaps of inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram.

29. Go out for a turkey roast dinner (or veggie equivalent) at your local carvery.

30. Do some Christmas journaling to record all your favourite festive fun times.

31. Spend a day watching cheesy Christmas TV movies.

32. Put your feet up and enjoy some festive TV. Don't forget to rewatch festive classics like The Vicar of Dibley's Christmas Lunch Incident, and The Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special!

33. Relax and destress with an adult Christmas colouring book. Trust me; it's extremely therapeutic.

34. Make old-fashioned popcorn and cranberry garlands to sting up on the tree.

35. Have a Christmas carpet picnic by the tree with lots of delicious festive nibbles and drinks.

36. Go ice skating.

37. Make a Christmas cake.

38. Blog about all the fun things you get up to over Christmas.

39. Have fun taking lots of creative festive blog photos for your festive blog posts, whether at home,  or going out and about to shoot some festive scenes.

40. Make your own Christmas cards.

41. Take your kids / grandkids / nieces / nephews to see Santa.

42. Visit some reindeer. (Try to find out if the animals are well cared for first, if you can).

43. Recreate an old family photo taken at Christmas time.

44. Make a Christmas cross stitch or embroidery.

45. Throw a festive girls' / guys' night in.

46. Visit a Christmas craft fair.

47. Go to a Christingle service.

48. Make your own Christmas crackers for your family Christmas meal.

49. Make your own sloe gin, egg nog, mulled wine, or cocktails.

50. Go to a Christmas church service, learn the true story of Christmas, and enjoy the carols.

51. Go late night Christmas shopping (or window shopping).

52. Go Christmas shopping somewhere local you've never been to before.

53. If you have kids, create daily escapades with Elf on a Shelf.

54. Organise a Secret Santa.

55. Visit family and friends locally.

56. Make a Christmas pudding.

57. Have a festive pamper day / evening at home. Put on a face mask, give yourself a mani pedi... the works!

58. Try a festive meal, dessert, or snack from another country or culture.

59. Try a festive tradition from another country.

60. Light an Advent candle every night to count down the days 'til Christmas.

61. Make your gifts this year.

62. Do a random act of kindness for a stranger, or a good deed for someone you love.

63. Help an ill, injured, disabled, or elderly friend, relative or neighbour with any Christmas preparations they may need help with, like decorating their home for Christmas, picking up some Christmas shopping, or wrapping presents. (Please ask if they actually want help first, though- everyone values their independence!)

64. Go to a Christmas craft class, and learn something new.

65. Make a yule log.

66. Write some festive creative writing.

67. Make a festive centre-piece for your Christmas dinner table.

68. If it snows, have a snowball fight, build a snowman, make snow angels, go sledding, and walk in the snow.

69. If you're in a book club, have everyone read and discuss a festive book.

70. Knit or crochet something festive.

71. Take photos in front of the Christmas tree with your family and friends.

72. If you're talented with a paint brush or a pencil, make some festive art.

73. Have a sleepover underneath the Christmas tree, and sleep in the glow of fairy lights.

74. Buy hot roast chestnuts and mulled wine from a street vendor.

75. Visit a local museum or gallery and see what festive exhibits and events they have to offer.

76. Watch a Christmas film you've never seen before.

77. Go the Christmas party. If you're lucky enough to work for a good company, food and drinks may even be on them.

78. Make your own mince pies.

79. Sing along to your favourite Christmas tunes.

80. Go carol singing or listen to some carol singers singing.

81. Try making your own Christmas decorations.

82. Fill your Instagram feed with festive photos.

83. If you have little ones, leave cookies and milk out for Santa, some carrots for the reindeer, and don't forget to leave some reindeer food on the lawn for when they stop by.

84. Customise an old jumper in to a new Christmas jumper.

85. Have a Brussels sprouts eating content á la The Vicar of Dibley. (Contestant Vixen; you will go on my second whistle).

86. Go out for a couple of drinks down your local with friends.

87. Make Christmas cookies and have fun decorating them as creatively as you can.

88. Organise a White Elephant gift exchange with your family.

89. Look through old photos and home videos taken at Christmas time.

90. Go for a Christmas / Boxing Day walk in the countryside with the family.

91. Donate a few cans of food to a food bank while you're doing your food shop.

92. Invite your friends over for a festive meal.

93. Make a batch of gingerbread men.

94. Watch The Queen's Speech.

95. Make a pom pom garland using red and green wool- or whatever festive colours you like.

96. Check out what festive events are happening in your local area.

97. Put together a Christmas Eve box to enjoy on Christmas Eve. You don't even need to buy all brand-new stuff; make the perfect night-in kit using things you already own!

98. Make foodie gifts for your family and friends.

99. Have everyone unplug from technology for a day, and spend quality time enjoying the festivities with your family and friends.

100. Have a clear out to raise some extra funds to do something special like see a play at the theatre, or visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for Christmas in the Snow.

101. Perfect the world's best Christmas dinner.

What are your favourite things to do at Christmas time that don't cost the Earth?

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