How to Feel Festive in 5 Inexpensive Steps

There’s just 2 weeks until Christmas, so it really is time to be feeling those festive vibes. If a hectic work schedule and last minute shopping has left you feeling less than magical, here are 5 ways to get the feels without spending lots of money on Christmas activities.

1. Create a Cosy Space to Watch Christmas Movies

It’s all about hygge here. Think warm blankets, comfy cushions and plenty of fairy lights and cinnamon-scented candles. Maybe even get some Christmas bedding on if the bedroom is your favourite place to curl up and watch films. Then pick out your favourite festive movies – this year I’m most excited about The Grinch and Muppet Christmas Carol, but I’m also partial to the cheesy Netflix ones on a Sunday morning, such as The Princess Switch.

2. Get Baking

I’ve really enjoyed making this warm Christmas Cobbler this year, but actually gingerbread biscuits are the perfect December treats to bake. Your home will instantly be filled with delicious festive smells, and then if you’re feeling creative you can decorate them with icing.

3. Perfect a Festive Hot Drink

Winter is a time for hot drinks, so whether you prefer something mulled filled with Christmas spice, a DIY “eggnog latte” or an epic hot chocolate covered in marshmallows and cream, these treats are what make December that bit more special. (No need to worry about the calories – they don’t count!)

4. Create a Christmas Playlist

I get so nostalgic listening to Christmas music, whether it’s beautiful carols, songs from my favourite Christmas films, or just songs I’ve loved every Christmas since childhood. What would be on your playlist? My top 10 for achieving festive vibes are:

O Holy Night
Somewhere in my Memory (from Home Alone)
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
All I Want for Christmas (Mariah Carey)
Fairytale of New York (The Pogues)
Merry Christmas Everyone (Shakin’ Stevens)
Driving Home for Christmas (Chris Rea)
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree (Brenda Lee)
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
The Christmas Song (Nat King Cole)

5. Find a Festive Read

Curling up with a wintry book is honestly my favourite thing to do in the countdown to Christmas. I get the same feelings as with a Christmas movie, but just get so much more engrossed in it. The only thing is, there are very few “Christmas” books that tick all my boxes and get me feeling properly festive. My annual favourite is still Christmas in the Snow by Karen Swan, which I reviewed here. It’s just a really good cheesy romance in the snow, with everything from glitzy Christmas parties to snowy mountaintops. I’d love to hear your recommendations though – there must be other good Christmas reads out there!