I cannot get enough of the beautiful lights that decorate the streets and the comforting feeling that comes with spending time with my loved ones at Christmas. So naturally, I always plan to take full advantage of this season by doing as many festive activities as possible. So why not do the same? If you’re looking to make some new traditions this year (or just need an excuse to stop being a bah humbug) then read on to see my Christmas Holiday Bucket List in order to make this season the most wonderful time of the year!
1. Make Your Own Homemade Hot Chocolate
Of course, I couldn’t make this list without mentioning some form of chocolate, and making your own hot chocolate at Christmas won’t disappoint. There are so many amazing hot chocolate recipes out there, some of my favorites are gingerbread, salted caramel and white hot chocolate. Make them even more Christmassy by adding marshmallows, whipped cream and stick a candy cane or gingerbread on the side – the perfect drink to have watching a movie by the fire.
2. Walk Around and Admire the Christmas Lights
The beauty of the world is all around us and it definitely makes me appreciate it more at Christmas time when all the lights fill the streets. To really explore what the holidays have to offer, take a trip to your nearest city and wander around. I recently went to Regents Park in London and the lights were magical. Restaurants and shops also decorate their windows with stunning displays, a few of my favorites this year are Claridges, The Ivy Chelsea Garden and Harrods.
3. Add a Festive Touch to your Home
Decorating your home is the best bit about Christmas right?! Most shops these days are stocked up way back in November with mini trees, ornaments and candles, so if you haven’t already bought your decorations, why not treat yourself? Marks and Spencer and John Lewis have some great bargain deals this year, including festive pillows, baubles and scented candles that will add that extra bit of festive spirit into your home.
4. Plan a Gift Wrapping Date
I have always enjoyed wrapping gifts — but wrapping them with a relative or friend can make it so much more fun. Whack some Christmas tunes on or put on that Christmas movie you’ve been itching to watch, and get wrapping! I feel like the amount of gift wrapping options and cards just keep getting cuter every year? I am loving kikki.K’s gift wrapping items this year!
5. Attend a Christmas Play, Carol or Ballet
Whip out your favorite LBD and a pair of heels for a night out on the town to see a play or show. This year, my family and I are off to the Nutcracker – it will be the first time I have seen it and I cannot wait – I love a ballet (probably because of my dancing roots). There is something about watching a ballet at Christmas time that I think is so special and festive. There are some great last minute deals at the moment so be sure to check them out online.
6. Watch a Classic Christmas Movie
I’m thinking Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street, Elf – there are so many favorites! I don’t think I enjoy anything more than putting on my Christmas pyjamas’s, with my homemade hot chocolate, in front of the fire, and watching a Christmas movie! Plus, there’s something so magical about revisiting a true classic during the most magical time of the year. I could re watch Christmas films over and over, so sad I know, but so festive and relaxing!
7. Go Ice Skating with Friends
An ice skating trip with friends is a must! I have ice skated at both Winter Wonderland and Somerset House over the years, and both were so much fun and really put me in the Christmassy mood. Both places also have quaint little Christmas markets, as well as food stalls, rides and entertainment. Check out their websites and get a date in the diary for this December!
8. Send Christmas Cards
I know it can be a bit time consuming writing hundreds of Christmas cards, but the meaning behind them are so special.. so why not write cards to the people that mean the most to you? Christmas cards are something you can treasure for seasons to come and is a tradition that I intend to keep going in my family. I LOVE these cards I purchased from Grace London – elegant, festive and joyous.
Let me know what is on your Christmas Bucket List? And why not add a few of these activities onto yours too!
Olivia x