Are you feeling festive yet?
I have to admit, I’m one of those annoying people who starts looking forward to Christmas around October-time.
And now we’re in full-on countdown to the big day, I couldn’t be more thrilled.
There’s just so much magic around at this time of year. And blogland is no different.
Which is why I jumped at the chance to host this week’s Britmums carnival of festive posts.
Whether you’re a festive fairy or a grumpy little elf, there’s bound to be something in this little bag of tricks to thrill you.
Fiona over at Coombe Mill asks if you’ll be faking it or going for the real thing when it comes to your festive tree. It seems opinion is very much divided among her guests.
Chantelle takes us through all the things she loves doing at Christmas time. And I have to say I agree with most of them (especially eating mince pies daily!)
If you’ve been good, how do you let Santa know it? Leyla reveals how her good girls sent the man in the big red suit a message.
Kate cuts through some common misconceptions about Christmas, reminding us that we may all sometimes put a little too much pressure on this season to be perfect.
If you’re still struggling for ideas for the festive shopping, Christmas gift guides galore can be found around the blogosphere.
Emma offers this one, packed with ideas. The lovely Tami provides some inspiration for what to buy little ones, and you couldn’t get much cuter than Sanna’s post on Christmas jumpers for babies and toddlers.
“But what about the tweens?” I hear you cry (well, a couple of you at least!). Sam has a few suggestions here for tween girls.
Sian serves up a festive double whammy with a gift guide for teen boys, and one for teen girls as well. And Nickie goes even more specific with some ideas on gifts for music lovers.
In this beautiful post over on The Little Lilypad, the lovely Mary shares what Christmas means to her, and how one special item in particular helps her to remember someone she misses incredibly, especially at this time of year.
Creating the magic of Christmas isn’t easy – as we’ve seen this year when a certain festive attraction created with the help of a certain TV designer had to close for a short while following complaints. But Kara tells us how the Kingdom of the Elves certainly didn’t disappoint when her family went to Bluestone, while Jenny says the Nutcracker Trail at Mottisfont is also well worth a look.
One of the traditions of Christmas which I’ve never tried – but heard so much about – is the Christmas Eve box. Sian explains a little about it in her post. I think I might just give it a go this year. I know my boys would love one.
Another really good idea, which I may make my own festive tradition is Esther’s 24 ways to do good this Advent. A fabulous way to spread a bit of Christmas cheer and get away from the commercial side of the season.
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without snuggling up in front of a festive movie, enjoying a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Joy reveals how to make hot chocolate Santas – which are also great gifts for teachers. And Liz recommends candy cane hot chocolate *wipes drool from chin*.
Fiona’s Christmas fudge recipe is another great idea for a present for teacher (or bugger it, you could just make it for yourself!)
Mari suggests trying chocolate salami. Not something I’d think of putting together in a dish, but don’t worry – it’s not what it seems. I’ll be giving the recipe a go.
When the cold weather hits and the kids are bored and stuck indoors, it’s good to have a list of fun activities to keep them occupied.
Laura shows how you can build your own Polar Express. This is one I know my boys will love.
Rebecca shows how easy it is to paint a colourful set of Christmas light bulbs, with just some paint and cardboard tubes. Cass reveals 10 simple homemade tree ornaments, and Ali shows how to make a stunning traditional paper star. If homemade decorations sound fun, Jayne has a roundup of some of the best ones she’s tried.
And if, like me, you might be finding a few *ahem* corks around the house over the festive season, Maggy has some suggestions for 12 Christmas cork crafts.
Anna tested out the board game Santa’s Rooftop Scramble, which may be worth investing in for when the family are sitting around, letting the turkey digest.
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