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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Autumn Goals

I can't believe that we're already a week in to September! Where have the last eight months of the year gone?! I feel like I blinked and missed them- but that's probably because I've only left the house a handful of times all year, and haven't been out living life to the full. I honestly feel like I've missed the whole summer, and it makes me a little sad to think of all the things I've not done this year. 

But, hey; it's September and we're heading in to autumn, so it's time for fresh starts and second chances. I'm so excited for the last third of the year, and hopeful that I'm able to enjoy the next few months a little more, and make up for lost time. I'm already thinking about all the fun autumn things I want to do over the next couple of months, as well as some other less-seasonal tasks, and I thought I'd talk about some of them today to try to encourage myself to start doing them, and make myself accountable. Maybe it'll work this year.

These are some of my autumn goals:

Take a Holiday to Cornwall

Okay, it's not autumnal, but my first goal for the month is to make it through a week's holiday to Cornwall. We're going away soon, and I can't wait to be back by the sea in one of my favourite places, taking in all the familiar sights, sounds, and smells, doing some sight-seeing, and eating lots of yummy food. Some of the things I hope to do while I'm there include:

♥ Visit Perranporth Beach

♥ Explore Portreath.

♥ Go to Padstow.

♥ Spend a day at St. Ives

♥ Get Rick Stein Fish 'n' Chips

♥ Take a walk on the beach.

♥ Paddle in the sea.

♥ Sight see by tour bus.

♥ Go on a boat trip to try to spot some sea life.

♥ Dine at some cool restaurants,

♥ Find some good independent book shops to bankrupt myself in.

Take a Walk in the Woods When the Leaves Fall

I'd really like to take a walk in the woods when the leaves fall to take in all of the beautiful colours, enjoy the fresh air, and hear the leaves crunch beneath my boots. 

Crunch Through Fallen Leaves

Maybe I'm just a big child, but there's something so satisfying about the sound of dead leaves crunching underfoot, and getting buried in leaves up to your shins. I want lots of that this year, please. It reminds me of being little.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

I've still never visited a pumpkin patch, and would love to go to one to pick out a pumpkin or two, and take a few photos for the 'gram.

Carve a Pumpkin

I wasn't well enough to carve a pumpkin last Halloween, so fingers crossed I'll be able to carve one this fright night. It's tradition.

Bake an Apple Pie

I haven't baked in ages because it hurts my back too much these days, but I miss baking something tasty from scratch, and want to try to make an apple pie this autumn. I mean, seriously- is there anything better than warming up with a freshly-baked slice of apple pie and custard straight from the oven on a chilly autumn evening? It's the best autumn comfort food ever.

Read Lots

Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year for reading. I don't know why, but there's something extra cosy about curling up under a blanket in bed and burying your nose in a good book when there's a crisp chill in the air, and an explosion of autumn colour to inspire the imagination. I want to find plenty of time to read this autumn, and work on completing my Goodreads reading goal before the busy Christmas season slows me down. I'm currently on book 32 of the year, and only have another 8 to go to hit my goal, so it should be doable if I keep up my current pace.

Go to a Fireworks Display

I'd really like to make it to a fireworks display on Bonfire Night. I haven't gone to one in over a decade now, and I miss it. I used to go every year since childhood to the one on my local RAF base, and I hear this year could be the last year they have one, as they're set to build on the playing field where it's always been held. It'll be the end of an era, so I have to go one last time.

Make my Animal Crossing Island Look All Autumnal

In case you were wondering (of course you weren't), I'm still addicted to Animal Crossing New Horizons, and I can't wait to start enjoying the autumn season in game. I've just started a new island, and I'm looking forward to making it look super autumnal with pumpkins and spooky stuff everywhere. I'm currently working on building a farm area so I can make a cute little pumpkin patch.

Make a Halloween Cross Stitch

I've never made a Halloween cross stitch before, and I think 2022 is the year to change that. I just need to find a cool pattern I like.

Watch Lots of Autumn Movies

I love a good movie marathon during the autumn months, and I'm already itching to watch all the cosy autumn movies and creepy classics. Actually, screw horror movies, I'm most looking forward to rewatching Practical Magic, You've Got Mail, Hocus Pocus, and War of the Worlds.

Visit The Cotswold Wildlife Park

I haven't paid a visit to my local zoo yet this year, which is just wrong, so I'm hoping to find time to go in the next month or so. It would be weird to go a year without making the pilgrimage, and they've just had some Pallas cat kittens that I'd love to go see. 

Take an Autumn Drive Through The Cotswolds

I live on the edge of The Cotswolds, and it's particularly beautiful during the fall, when there's a backdrop of fiery colours everywhere you turn. Sometimes we go on autumn drives through the countryside and pretty little villages just to take it all in, and it's something I'd like to do again this year. You never know what you're going to find. 

Revamp My Bookshelves

There's one thing I must do this season, and that's finally finding the spoons to reorganise my bookshelves. I've been needing to  declutter and revamp them for a couple of years, and with piles of books getting closer and closer to the ceiling, I really can't leave it much longer. I began moving my DVDs out of their cases in to a couple of folders in August, so I just need to get some boxes so I can store the empty cases, and then I'll have more rooms for books, and be able to start organising them. I need to be ruthless and get rid of anything I no longer love or can't see myself rereading, and by the time I'm done, I should have lovely, tidy bookshelves with room left over for lots of new ones.

Have a Clear Out

I also want to try to start decluttering the rest of my bedroom. I'm so over all the mess. I've got too many things that I no longer use and a lot that I've just out grown over the years, as my tastes have changed, and I've got older. I want to go through everything and sell or donate anything I no longer want or need- even if I know realistically I'll probably not get enough 'good' pain days to do it all before the New Year. What would take me an afternoon pre-chronic-pain now takes me years. I at least hope to make a start on having a clear out, even if I only manage to get through one area, like my wardrobe or under my bed.

Buy a New Pair of Ankle Boots

I desperately need a new pair of black wear-with-everything ankle boots as I wore out my last pair, so I need to buy a pair this season. Hopefully I'll actually find some I like this year, as last year's selection of wide-fit boots was crap.

Start My Christmas Shopping

I can't believe I'm saying this because I'd swear it was Christmas two minutes ago, but it's the time of year when I like to actively start Christmas shopping. It might seem early, but starting early is the only way I can afford to get my family and friends gifts, and it's the best way to spread the cost and find the best presents before all the good things sell out. Time to get on it. I want to be organised early this year.

There are more goals on my autumn bucket list, but I've waffled on enough already, so I'll stop here. Plus, this is more than enough to keep me busy for a while. I don't know if I'll be able to achieve them all, but I hope I can, and I'm going to give them all my best shot. Wish me luck!

What's on your to-do-list this autumn?

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My Goals For 2021

With everything that's going on in the world right now, I wasn't sure whether I should set myself any goals for the year ahead. It almost seemed pointless; we're on lockdown; we can't go anywhere; we can't do anything exciting, and everything is so uncertain right now. I wondered if maybe I should just be concentrating on surviving this awful pandemic, and not on achieving silly little goals.

Some time during the last few weeks, between the boredom and lack of motivation, painful flares and anxiously worrying about the world, I've realised, I need goals. I need to have some things to work towards to keep myself busy and give my life a sense of purpose. They help keep me focused and motivated, and give me something to do with my time while housebound. It's how I've gotten through the last nine and a half years. I need things to do to stop myself getting bored and depressed.

So, I decided to set myself some goals after all. I haven't set myself anything big or unattainable to work towards, because I'd just be setting myself up for failure. I'm not aiming to travel around the world, buy a house, or become rich and famous. I just plan to work towards lots of little achievements, like reading lots of books, trying some new crafts, and perhaps even taking a holiday in England, if things improve enough by the summer. I'm not going to put any pressure on myself, though; if I achieve them, great; if I don't, that's okay, too. This year's going to be hard enough as it is without pointlessly adding unnecessary pressure, or beating myself up for being a failure. I'm going to do my best, but at the end of the day, they're not important life goals I need to achieve, just small ones meant for a challenge and a bit of fun.

So, here are some of my goals for 2021:

Read 40 Books

My main goal for 2021 is to read as much as possible. I've set myself the goal of reading forty books this year but I hope to read even more. I'm already on my sixth book of the year so far, so I'm well on my way to achieving my reading goal ahead of time. It feels good to be making progress on something right now, and letting myself escape from reality for a while every day. Reading has really helped me get through this miserable first month of lockdown. If you want to keep up with what I'm reading, you can find me on Goodreads here.

Cross Stitch More

I also want to get back in to cross stitching regularly again this year, and try to finish at least a few projects- especially as I stitched so little last year. I've already finished a little gingerbread man hoop, and have added a good chunk to the Christmas wall hanging I've been working on this month, so I feel like I'm off to a good start.

Improve My Embroidery Skills

When it comes to needlework, I could cross stitch in my sleep, but I don't have a lot of experience with embroidery. I'd like to try more of it, and improve my skills, so I'm aiming to attempt more embroidery projects this year. I've just bought myself this embroidery kit from Cotton Clara (in pink) to start off with, and make myself a memento from the pandemic. Not that it's a time I'm ever going to forget, but I thought it looked cute. I'm going to give it my own spin and use different coloured threads, and fill in some of the picture with different stitches to keep things interesting.

Learn to Crochet

I know this has been added to my New Year's goals every year for years now, but I still haven't learned to crochet. I was given some crochet hooks for Christmas, so I really don't have an excuse not to try now, so I hope 2021 will be the year I finally learn how to crochet. I want to start with a cute, pastel-coloured granny square blanket. 

Paint More

I want to find time to paint more often in 2021 because it's something I enjoy and find relaxing, but haven't done in ages. I'm not sure I even painted once in 2020. I won't pretend to be any good at it, but painting helps me destress and unwind, and anything that aids my mental health during Covid times deserves more dedication.

Shop For Presents Throughout the Year

My aim is to shop for presents for birthdays and Christmas etc. throughout the year again, to help spread the cost, and be organised ahead of time. I've already bought three presents since Christmas, so I'm off to a good start!

Participate in More Surveys

I want to get back in to participating in more online surveys again to make some extra pennies. I started off strong last year, but then Animal Crossing came out, and stole my attention span for the rest of the year. I've only been participating in short surveys on Prolific Academic since last April, but I'd like to make the effort to take part in a lot more on the other sites I used to frequent. The extra money would come in handy.

Get Out of the House More Often

I need to do my best to get out and about more regularly in 2021. Last year, I left the house less than ten times, and went seven months without stepping outside once. (Not even in to the garden). It's the longest I've ever spent at home in my nine and a half years with chronic illness, and I'd rather not repeat it. I need to escape captivity more often, get more fresh air, and more exercise, for my physical health, as well as my mental health. I just need to find a way to push through my pain more because it's really kicking my ass these days.

Blog More

Apart from in December, when I managed to unpack my blogging mojo with the Christmas decorations, I blogged very little in 2020. In fact, I blogged less than any year since I began blogging here in 2012. It wasn't for lack of trying, but I couldn't find the words or the energy very often. I'm hoping I can improve on that in the next eleven months, and blog more regularly again. I'm not off to a great start, with this being only my second post of the year so far, but I hope I can find my groove again soon.

Instagram more often

I also want to do my best to fill my Instagram grid with more photos. I barely shared any photos to it in 2020- mostly because I spent most of the year in bed ill, and didn't have anything interesting to post- but I enjoyed filling it with festive photos in December. I want to try to share more snippets from my life, so I have more memories to look back on, and more to share with you guys.

Grow Sunflowers From Seed

It's been years since I last grew some sunflowers from seed, but I really want to grow some this year so that the garden will be filled with happy yellow flowers by late summer. They're one of my favourite flowers.

There are also a few things I'd like to do which will be dependent on lockdown restrictions, and whether the virus improves or not. They might not be possible, but I'm going to be optimistic, and aim for them anyway because it's always nice to have hope.

Take a Holiday to Cornwall

One thing I'm desperate to do this summer is take a holiday to Cornwall. We chose to cancel our holiday there last year to keep ourselves safe, which was the right thing to do, but I was so disappointed as I'd been looking forward to returning to one of my favourite places for ages. Cornwall's like my second home. If restrictions ease (at the moment it feels like they never will), allowing us to travel longer distances again, and Covid infections and deaths reduce, my sister and I are hoping to get away for a week in June or September, either side of high-season when it should be quieter (and cheaper). (I'm not convinced it'll be possible in June, but maybe by September life will be a little better). We'd go self-catering, and stay in a static caravan, which makes it easy to stay away from other people, and we'd be able to disinfect everything, and use our own bedding and kitchenware for extra peace of mind. We might have to adapt some of our usual outings and avoid busier locations like St. Ives and Padstow to have a safe and socially distanced holiday, but I think it would be worth it for a week away. It could also give us a great opportunity to explore more of the quieter south coast, which we haven't visited as much as North Cornwall. To be honest, I'd just be happy to relax around the caravan with a book and some good food, listening to the sound of the sea in the background and seagulls crying overhead. I'd have to spend most of the time resting in the caravan anyway, as my pain quickly becomes overwhelming, so we wouldn't be spending all day out and about around people, putting ourselves at risk. Of course, if the virus doesn't improve or gets worse, we won't risk taking a holiday at all, but we're hoping to go if things get better.

Visit The Cotswold Wildlife Park

I want to pay my local zoo, The Cotswold Wildlife Park, more visits this year. It's only a few miles down the road from me, and we figure it would be the perfect place to visit regularly during Covid times to exercise and get some fresh air, while having cute animals and pretty plants to see along the way. The scenery is gorgeous in all seasons, and social-distancing is easy there, so we should take advantage of it and support a local business, when it reopens after lockdown. The visits always push my chronic pain to the limit, so it would challenge me to push through my pain threshold more, too. 

Visit Whipsnade Wild Animal Park

Another zoo I'm hoping to visit this year is Whipsnade Wild Animal Park. (I love a good zoo). It's one of my favourites in the country, but it's been over a decade since my last visit. It's a huge zoo with an amazing collection of animals, including elephants, hippos, rare Indian rhinos, and various big cats, and they have loads of open space which would make social distancing a breeze. You can take your car in, too, which we would do, as it's the only way I'd be able to cover the vast terrain now. We're hoping to be able to go once the weather gets warmer, so hopefully zoos will have reopened and restrictions will have eased by the summer so we can go.

Visit Longleat Safari Park

We were hoping to go to Longleat to see the Christmas lights trail in December, but then Covid restrictions were tightened in my area, so it went out the window. I've always wanted to go to the safari park, and after learning they now have koalas, wombats, and aardvarks- three animals I've never seen in real life but have always wanted to- I want to go even more. Hopefully we'll be able to fit in a trip this year if restrictions ease again later in the year. Who knows, maybe we'll even be able to visit the Christmas lights trail there in December, too.

Visit Badbury Clump woods when the bluebells flower

There's a woods local to where I live that gets carpeted with bluebells in late spring. I'd really like to go see them at least once this year, because it's such a pretty sight, and I never made it last year. It would be great to get outside, explore nature, and take a few photos of a sea of violet flowers.

Visit a Lavender Farm

I'd also really like to visit a lavender farm this summer, mostly for the pretty photo opportunities. I've never seen lavender fields before. There's one within driving distance called Cotswold Lavender located near Broadway in Worcestershire that my sister and I have wanted to visit for years, and we're hopeful we'll be able to fit in a visit this summer. (They don't reopen until June). I'd also love to find some sunflower fields to visit, but I haven't managed to locate any in The Cotswolds yet. Does anyone know of any?

So, those are some of my goals for the year ahead. 

What are your goals for 2021?

50 Things I Want To Do This Christmas

December has arrived and the Christmas count down has officially begun. Trees are being trimmed, presents are being wrapped, the cupboards are being stocked with delicious food, and we're busy preparing for our first Christmas during a worldwide pandemic.

Christmas is going to be a little different for many people this year, but I don't think the pandemic will bring many changes to my own Christmas that chronic pain hasn't already done over the last nine years. It's been a while since I've attended Christmas parties, gone to a Christmas lights switch-on, seen my extended family over the holidays, or taken fun festive outings because of my health, so Covid restrictions can't ruin it for me. I already set the bar really low so not to disappoint myself when my health won't let me do something, and as long as I get to spend Christmas Day with my family, I'll be happy. I'm not about to let Covid ruin my Christmas!

I'm naturally already busy preparing for Christmas, and there are so many things I need and want to do before the 25th. I've come up with a long list of things I hope to do, and while I know I probably won't be able to do everything on my list, because of pain, Covid, or lack of time, I'm going to do my best to cross off as many of them as possible. There are fifty goals on my list, and I'm going to kick off the festive season by sharing them with you today.

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

1. Buy a Christmas tree for my bedroom.

2. Decorate my room for Christmas.

3. Decorate the tree and downstairs rooms with my family.

4. Have lots of Christmas movie marathons. (Who am I kidding? I've had a few of them already)!

5. Go for a walk to spot Christmas lights.

6. Go for at least one drive to spot Christmas lights in my local area.

7. Finish my Christmas shopping. (I started early, so I only have a few things left to buy now).

8. Wrap presents as beautifully as possible.

9. Write my Christmas cards early and send them out with plenty of time.

10. Post lots of festive photos on Instagram and make my grid look super festive.

11. Finish my Christmas cross stitch picture, and do lots of Christmas cross stitching.

12. Try some Christmas embroidery.

13. Make a pom pom star wreath. (I bought the materials last Christmas, so I must get it done this year).

14. Reread A Christmas Carol.

15. Reread Little Women.

16. Read Noel Streatfield's Christmas Stories.

17. Put together a Christmas Eve Box. (Almost finished!)

18. Make this year's Christmas crackers.

19. Make table favours for our Christmas meal.

20. Bake Christmas goodies with my sister and brother-in-law.

21. Make and decorate Christmas cookies.

22. Make Christmas cupcakes.

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

24. Make a yule log.

25. Enjoy Christmas Day with my family.

26. Enjoy the festive events on Animal Crossing New Horizons and make my island look super festive.

27. Play board games on Christmas Day.

28. Make some new Christmas playlists and listen to lots of Christmas tunes.

29. Wear the shit out of my Christmas Erstwilder brooches and earrings.

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

31. Buy a new pair of Christmas pyjamas.

32. Dress my dog up in Christmas outfits and take photos of her looking cute in them.

33. Go out for hot chocolate... even if it's just grabbing a takeaway from Costa.

34. Blog festive posts as much as possible. (I already have a few posts scheduled).

35. Do some Christmas colouring / painting in a Christmas colouring book.

36. Donate to a foodbank and / or Christmas toy drive.

37. Put together a Christmas box for a homeless person.

38. Watch The Nutcracker and the Four Realms for the first time.

39. Watch It's a Wonderful Life for the first time.

40. Watch a new-to-me Christmas movie.

41. Take lots of photos.

42. Make the Christmas snowglobe kit I've been meaning to make for years.

43. Share what I find inside my Advent calendar on Instagram.

44. Watch lots of festive TV specials.

And a few things I want to do that might be tricky because of Covid restrictions and lockdowns, so may or may not be possible...

45. Go to a Christmas lights switch on- if any go ahead with distancing measures in my area.

46. Go to a Christmas market- if I can find a good one nearby with social distancing measures.

47. Browse the Christmas decorations at a department store / garden centre.

48. Go to the Christmas Land of Light event at Longleat Safari Park.

49. Visit the Illuminated Light Trail at Blenheim Palace.

50. Go to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for Hogwarts in the Snow.

Well, that's what I would like to do this Christmas... what's about you? What's on your Christmas to-do list?

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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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25 Things I Want To Do This Autumn

The nights are drawing in, there's a crisp chill in the air, and my arthritic bones are complaining in a way they weren't a month ago. It can only mean one thing: autumn is on the way! I couldn't be happier. I love autumn, and I can't wait to enjoy all the awesome things the season has to offer.

I know it's not officially autumn until the end of the month, but September 1st has always felt like the start of autumn for me- I guess because the new school term has always signified the start of a new season. It's been seventeen years since I left college (that's a scary realisation!), but even now, September still feels like a change in seasons, and a time for new beginnings; a time to work on my goals, and get stuff done before the year comes to an end.

When September arrives, I like to make a list of all the things I want or need to do before the end of the year, and do my best to achieve as many of those goals as possible. This year has been no different, and I've come up with twenty-five things I'd like to do this autumn, which I/m going to share with you today to make myself accountable and hopefully encourage myself to start ticking off some goals.

So, here are twenty-five things I want to do this autumn:

1. Visit the Cotswold Wildlife Park

Taking a visit to my local zoo is definitely at the top of my list of fun things I want to do this autumn. I like to fit in at least one visit a year, and haven't been since last summer so a visit is definitely over due. It should be easy to social distance there on a weekday now kids are back at school and  measures are in place, so hopefully I'll be able to fit in a visit this side of Halloween.

2. Take a Walk in the Woods

I love to take walks during the autumn. I love feeling the crisp air on my face, walking through paths of fallen leaves, and taking in all the pretty foliage. I'm hoping to find the strength to take some gentle walks in the countryside this autumn, and maybe even visit the woods with my camera when the leaves start to fall. I've spent so long indoors this year that I'm in need of a nature fix.

3. Take a Drive in the Countryside

I live on the edge of The Cotswolds, surrounded by miles of countryside, and pretty Cotswold villages. It really is as beautiful as people say, but particularly in autumn when all the leaves start to change, and there's a backdrop of oranges, yellows, and browns wherever you look. I'm itching to go out for a drive and take it all in once the leaves change. I miss the countryside.

4. Go to the Bonfire and Watch the Fireworks

The RAF base near my hometown has always hosted the best fireworks display around on Bonfire Night. I went religiously every year until I developed chronic pain, but I haven't been well enough to go these last few years. I really want to go this year if it goes ahead (in all likelihood it won't because of Covid), so I'm hoping to find a way to make it there if it does so I can watch the fireworks.

5. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

I've never visited a pumpkin patch in my life, but I'd love to visit one to pick out a pumpkin or two and take a few autumn photos.

6. Buy Some Little Pumpkins

I would also like to buy some little munchkin pumpkins to decorate my home with, and to use as photo props this autumn. They're just so cute!

7. Paint Pumpkins

I've seen so many awesome painted pumpkins on blogs, Pinterest, and Instagram over the last few years, and I really want to have a go at painting some myself this year. I love the idea of painting a bunch of them in pastel colours instead of traditional autumn / Halloween colours.

8. Carve a Pumpkin

I never do much for Halloween, but I try to at least carve a Jack o' lantern every year, and I hope to keep up the tradition this year. Is it even Halloween if you don't carve a pumpkin??

9. Repair My Erstwilder Halloween Brooch

I accidentally dropped one of my Halloween brooches on the floor last year and broke the brooch back, and completely forgot about it until I was organising my brooch collection the other day. I still love the brooch and want to wear it over Halloween, so I need to get in contact with the brand for some advice, and see if I can fix it.

10. Go Fruit Picking

It's been years since I last went fruit-picking. It was something we did most years when I was growing up, and I actually miss it. If pick-your-own farms are open this autumn, I'd really like to go apple or blackberry picking, and then bake them in to delicious pies.

11. Make an Apple Pie

I'm not sure if I've ever made an apple pie, but I'd love to attempt my Mum's recipe this autumn. Her apple pie (with lashings of custard, naturally) is the ultimate autumn / winter comfort food, and you just can't beat it.

12. Make French Onion Soup

I make a mean bowl of French onion soup, or I should say, I used to. It's been ages since I last made a batch, so I think it's about time I made some to enjoy this autumn. It's soooo good with a slice of baguette topped with melted cheese.

13. Make My Animal Crossing Island Look Autumnal
I'm still addicted to Animal Crossing New Horizons, and have played it every day since it came out. The seasons and weather change in the game just like in real life, and the leaves are already beginning to turn. I  want to make my island look as autumnal as possible, by adding in lots of seasonal furniture, paths, and foliage, and wearing lots of autumnal outfits. I can't wait to get all the mushroom and Halloween furniture and add toadstools and creepy furniture everywhere!

14. Watch Lots of Autumn Movies
Is there anything better than curling up under a blanket on a chilly autumn day / evening, and having a movie marathon? Maybe there is, maybe there isn't, but either way, I want to do more of that this autumn. I want to watch all the seasonal films and pretend Covid doesn't exist.

15. Read More

I haven't read as many books this year as I would have liked because Animal Crossing keeps distracting me (it's seriously addictive), so I want to do my best to read more from now until the end of the year. I originally hoped to read 52 books this year but there's no chance of that happening since I've only read 20 so far, so I'm aiming to read at least 30 books by New Year's Eve.

16. Reorganise My Book Shelves
I've been meaning to reorganise my book shelves all year, but I just haven't found the strength to dive in and tackle the mess. The tops of the cubes are overflowing with stacks of books, and the mess is stressing me out, so I want to prioritise sorting it out this autumn. I need to take everything off the shelves, and play a game of real life Tetris and hopefully I'll be able to fit everything back on in a tidier fashion. Hopefully I can do it without having to let some of my books go.

17. Cross Stitch Regularly

I started a Christmas cross stitch last year that I still haven't finished, so I want to try to cross stitch regularly this autumn to get it finished in time for Christmas. I haven't got loads left to stitch, so it should be easy to finish in time as long as I put in the effort.

18. Paint More
I really enjoy water colour painting, but I haven't done any so far this year, so I want to try to break out the paint supplies more this fall. I'll just have to do this soon before my arthritis flares up for the winter and makes it too painful to paint 'til spring.



19. Blog More Often
2020 hasn't been the most productive year for me in terms of blogging. I've blogged less this year than any year since I started blogging in 2012. It's not for lack of trying, but between Covid and chronic illness, I've been finding it difficult to concentrate, get words out, and stand long enough to take photos, so I just haven't been able to blog as much as I'd like. I want to try to blog more often this season, so I'm going to do my best to post more content as the year winds down.

20. Schedule Christmas Blog Posts
I also want to start preparing some Christmas blog posts ahead of time, so that I'm better organised during the festive season, and can have more time to enjoy the festivities with my family.

21. Take Blog Photos
Any blogger can tell you the winter daylight is terrible in England, and since I don't have studio lights, I want to try to take some blog photos in bulk, ahead of time, before we lose the good summer light for another year. It would be a big help to have some generic photos saved for those weeks when the weather is so crap we don't see sunshine for a fortnight, and it's too bleak to take decent photos indoors.

22. Concentrate on Christmas Shopping

I've actually already started shopping for Christmas presents, as I like to spread the cost, but I want to actively concentrate on picking up presents from now on to try to get my shopping done early. It would be great not to be super stressed or skint come December.

23. Up My Survey-Answering Game to Pay for Christmas Presents

Over the last few months, I've only participated in online surveys now and then, but I want to try to get back in to them this autumn to earn some extra pennies for Christmas. You don't earn a fortune, but it's a helpful way to earn a little extra here and there to pay for presents or food for over the holidays. I was able to buy a Nintendo Switch Lite, Animal Crossing, and accessories with the earnings I made between January and March! If you'd like to know more about earning money from online surveys, I wrote a post about it here.

24. Have a Clear Out On eBay 

I also want to have a good clear out to get rid of stuff I no longer need, and make some extra cash for Christmas. It's been a while since I last had a sort out and listed some stuff on eBay, so it's long over due.

25. Buy a New Pair of Ankle Boots

I really need to buy a new pair of flat black ankle boots to wear this autumn / winter. My last pair fell apart over a year ago, and left a big gap in my wardrobe. I wore them with everything. I haven't seen a pair I like yet, but hopefully the perfect pair will appear before too long.

And those are some of my goals for the upcoming months. I don't know if I'll be able to achieve them all, but I'm going to do my best to get through as many of them as possible.

Wish me luck!

What do you hope to achieve this autumn?

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15 Things I Want To Do After Covid-19

Ever since lockdown first began, everyone has been talking about all the things that they can't wait to do the moment the virus is over and it's safe to live our lives again. I've even found myself daydreaming about all the things I'm going to do when it's safe again... and then I remember I have chronic illnesses and I'll still be housebound once the pandemic is over. I won't be able to just resume my old active life where I left off like a half-watched movie on Netflix, and do all the things I long to do like everyone else. I'll have to continue the mostly house-bound life of a spoonie I left off in March 2020 instead, which wasn't much different to lockdown life apart from I got to leave the house for medical appointments, and the occasional trip to the supermarket. Maybe a concert once or twice a year, if I was lucky.

The funny thing is, as boring as that life was, I still miss it. At least pre-Covid, I got out of the house from time to time, and there was no distancing, face masks, or anti-bacterial hand gel required to do simple every day things that we all took for granted. I could go get the medical care I needed, and enjoy an occasional reprieve from confinement. I could cope with being housebound because I knew I would eventually get a couple of hours out of the house, whether a week, a month or a few months later, and I had that to aim for and look forward to. A freedom I haven't had since the virus arrived.

I realised the other day that I haven't left the house in six and a half months. The last time I went out was in early February (pre-Covid), and that was only briefly... to buy a mattress topper from the supermarket. I haven't even been downstairs or in to the garden in my own home since Easter. I've been struggling a lot with worsening chronic pain this year, and was already enjoying my own personal isolation because of it before the Corona Virus arrived, and the government placed us on lockdown in March. I've ventured out a grand total of three times since Christmas. Then lockdown happened, everyone was suddenly forced to stay home to stay safe, and I both couldn't and didn't want to leave the house for fear of catching the virus and passing it on to my family. (Which makes me laugh as I thought everyone was overreacting in early March). As much as I miss the outdoors and life in the outside world, the thought of going out during a pandemic, even with distancing measures, does not appeal to me at all. It makes me feel anxious. I'd rather stay home and stay safe. I don't want to risk anyone's life to get my hair cut, have a few drinks at the pub, or spend a day at the beach. It's not worth it. It can all wait until it's safe again.

That's not to say that I don't miss pre-Covid life, and all those little things that we all used to take for granted. I'm looking forward to the day when we've beaten this terrible virus and life has returned to normal. (Or some resemblance of our old normal. Can life really be the same again after Covid)? There are so many things I can't wait to do once it's safe again, and we don't have to worry about safety measures to be able to do them. (Even if it'll be at my own pace, which could take a while). I know we can technically do most of them now lockdown restrictions have eased, but I don't personally feel safe yet. and would rather wait until the virus has dissipated or we have a vaccine before I do most of them again.

The good thing about living housebound for almost nine years is that it's taught me patience with staying home a lot and weeks or months passing between outings, whether they're essential or for fun. I've waited this long, and I know I can wait as long as it takes us to beat the virus to do all the things I want or need to do. It doesn't stop me dreaming about all the things I'm missing out on, though, and I'm looking forward to the day when normal life can resume.

So, here are fifteen things I miss and can't wait to do when Covid-19 is over.

Go to the hairdresser's and get a hair cut
I haven't had a hair cut in over three years, and what was a long bob is now about a month away from being long enough for me to sit on. I'm in danger or turning in to Cousin It, and since I don't want to resort to cutting my hair at home, a hair cut is definitely a priority when life is safe again. I can't wait to get it chopped off.

Go to the opticians and buy myself a gorgeous new pair of glasses
I'm in desperate need of new glasses since Specsavers dented my Cath Kidston frames during a glasses adjustment, and one of the lenses keeps falling out multiple times a day. I'm dying to get myself a new pair so I can stop feeling like that dorky kid at school with taped-up glasses.

Go to all the concerts 
As a concert addict, I'm missing gigs so much, and am most looking forward to that first live show after lockdown. A couple of gigs I was supposed to see this summer have been rescheduled to January, but something tells me I'm going to be waiting a lot longer to see them.  All I know is, once it's safe again, I'll be going to all the shows to make up for lost time.

Take a holiday to Cornwall
I was supposed to be going on holiday to Cornwall with my sister in September, but we've both agreed it's not safe, and have postponed our trip 'til next summer (or whenever the virus is under control, if it's still with us a year from now). I'm so disappointed as I've not had a holiday in years, but I'm looking forward to going back, feeling the sand between my toes, having a paddle in the sea, eating pasties and cream teas, and revisiting some of my favourite places.

See my sister and brother-in-law without distancing
I live with my parents and younger sister because of my health, and didn't see my relatives often before lockdown because we don't live close by, so I've mostly missed seeing my older sister and brother-in-law. They've just moved back to England from Germany, and it'd be great to be able to spend some time with them without social distancing and wearing face masks. Sure, socially distanced visits are better than nothing, but they're not quite the same, are they?

Resume my health care, and refer myself to pain management
As someone who is chronically ill, one of the weirdest things about this pandemic is not having stepped foot in a doctor's surgery or a hospital in six months because non-emergency health care is on hold. I would normally have at least a couple of appointments a month. I guess it's been nice to have a break from it all, but it's frustrating, too. I was just being referred to pain management when the pandemic arrived in March, but obviously, that got put on hold because of the virus, and with my chronic pain and arthritis worsening, I'm eager to explore this route again once life is back to normal.  I had a bad experience with a panic clinic 8 years ago, but I want to find out if pain management from a different hospital could be beneficial, and particularly wonder if hydrotherapy could help with the arthritis in my knees, and other leg joints, and get me mobilising a bit more.

Take a cinema trip
I haven't been to the cinema since Mockingjay Part 2 as sitting in a chair for two hours was causing more back pain than I could handle. I used to go at least once a month, and I really miss seeing new films on the big screen, so I want to try going again post-Covid. Maybe if I find a cinema with luxury leather seats, I'll be able to get through an entire film without writhing in pain, and spending two weeks recovering. I think Oxford has one now, so I'll have to look in to it.

Go out for a leisurely lunch / dinner
One thing I miss doing is going out for lunch or dinner and having a chatty catch up with some good food and cocktails. I need to do more of that when life is good again.

Go book shopping
I can't wait to be able to have a good trawl through a book shop again. Online sellers are great, but I miss browsing for new books in person, discovering new reads organically, taking in the smell of paper, and admiring all the pretty clothbound and leatherbound books. You just don't get the same experience from ordering books online.

Spend a day or two in London
I miss the hustle and bustle of the city streets, sight-seeing, going to shows, shopping, being able to order food at any hour of the day or night, and even being crammed in like sardines on the Tube. I can't wait to enjoy all the city has to offer again.  I'll probably end up booking my next concert there just so I have an excuse to stay over a night or two and spend some time enjoying myself there.

Get my eyebrows done
It probably sounds weird, but I miss getting my eyebrows done. They look so much better when they've been threaded, and it's a treat not to have to do them myself.

Take walks in nature
Being confined indoors makes me miss the outdoors and nature much more than frivolous things like shopping, meals out, and beauty treatments. I'm looking forward to the day when I can take walks in the woods, or by the river without worrying about avoiding the other 9853819017 people who are doing the same. I miss being outside, and enjoying the pretty Cotswolds countryside. Maybe I'll have to find some quieter spots I can visit this autumn.

See a musical at the theatre
Seeing musicals at the theatre has long been one of my favourite things to do, and boy, do I miss it.  I'm gutted I never got to go see Whoopi Goldberg in Sister Act this summer. When performances resume, and we're allowed to be in the audience again, I'm definitely going to book tickets for a show in Oxford or the West End.

Stock up on craft supplies at Hobbycraft
It's a silly one, but I miss visits to Hobbycraft to stock up on craft supplies. It was often the only thing I got out of the house for. I'm looking forward to returning to my local store, and stocking up on all the craft supplies I never knew I needed.

Take a trip to the zoo
As a huge animal lover, I love a good trip to the zoo, and I'm eager to pay one a visit soon to see all the animals and plants. I think it's one of the few outings I'd feel comfortable doing during the pandemic as my local zoo has so much open space it would be easy to social distance from other visitors. I'd like to attempt a visit once the school holidays are over and most kids are back at school, so it's a bit quieter. My sister and I have also talked about taking a day trip to Whipsnade Wild Animal Park before the summer is over, which I can't wait to do. It also has loads of open space for distancing safely, and we'd take the car in to make getting around a bit easier on me as the zoo is huge, so at least that would give us somewhere to retreat to if it got too busy.

And those are some of the things I'm looking forward to doing once the Corona Virus is over. Whenever that might be.

What are you most looking forward to doing again?