I don’t think many will disagree with me when I say I’m really looking forward to having a better Christmas than we did last year. Between being in lock down for the majority of the festive season and then being promised 5 days of freedom only to have them ripped away from us (sorry if I’m triggering anyone’s 2020 PTSD) last Christmas was not the holly jolly time it usually is. However this year with more freedom than we were able to enjoy last year, we have the opportunity to make up for it by throwing a yule log or two on the fire of desire.
So stay tuned for some fun and festive suggestions you can do if you’re sharing the season of cheer with your boo, this Christmas-time.
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1
Although they can be quite cringe there’s nothing that gives me the festive feels more than piling up my cushions, microwaving popcorn and cuddling on the sofa to a Netflix Christmas Flick. Even though at this point I can practically write the scripts myself, it still warms my heart, when the lovers come together at the end despite the many obstacles and misunderstandings. The Christmas trailers look as good as ever this year with Aml Ameen’s Boxing Day, Single All the Way and The Princess Switch 3 being the ones I’m looking forward to the most!
2
If you’re looking to add a bit of sweetness to your love fest, why don’t you try a hot chocolate tasting with an adult twist. Once you’ve stowed the laptops, tucked the kids in (if you have them) and locked up for the night, warm up the milk, scoop in your chocolate mix of choice and a Santa sized glug of your favourite spirit. My go to hot chocolate addition is Salted Caramel Baileys, although you can never go wrong with a healthy dose of Rum or Whiskey. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous why not make up your own Christmas cocktails – a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg make anything taste like Christmas!
3
Last year everyone seemed to throw their decorations up super early but as we’re not confined to our homes this year I’m guessing you haven’t dusted off your baubles just yet. So why not flex your arts and crafts muscles and paint baubles with your S.O. Not only is this a super cute bonding exercise but when you’re done painting baubles you can strip down and paint each other instead. Just make sure you use a water based paint so you can wash it off afterwards.
4
While you’re in the DIY spirit you can also try making your own Christmas cards. For the super creative couples order yourself some card, pens, glue and glitter and get crazy, but make sure you have your hoover close by. If your artistic skills are more Porky Pig than Picasso then you can opt for a Christmas card couples photo shoot instead, and send personalised Christmas cards to your family and friends. And if you still have loads of glue and glitter left you could also make your own Christmas Stockings. Or if you’re feeling the spirit of giving (which is kind of the point of Christmas) you can make stockings for each other. The best part is, you then have the fun job of filling them with tokens to demonstrate your affection.
5
OK there’s a bit of a theme occurring but as we’re being creative anyway, you could also try your hand at baking Christmas shaped biscuits. I don’t know if it’s the heat from the oven making temperatures run high, the potential to re-create that scene from Ghost as you knead dough together, or feeding each other before starting a cutesy food fight, but whatever it is there’s nothing quite as romantic as cooking together, if the many Rom-Coms featuring food scenes are anything to go by.
6
To me nothing spells Christmas quite like the Nutcracker. Each year numerous ballet companies perform this beautifully festive ballet and it never fails to delight and astonish. The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies has got to be one of the most iconic musical numbers in history. Speaking of musical numbers if ballet isn’t your thing why not take in a Christmas concert together. Choirs up and down the country are itching to flex their choral muscles and wow you with their harmonies.
7
The weather outside may be frightful but that means you can make inside really delightful with a picnic in your living room. Buy a Christmas themed blanket, turn on your twinkly lights, light some Christmas scented candles, and treat yourself to your favourite Christmas snacks. And when the food is devoured you’ll be conveniently located for some Christmas ‘fun’ on the floor, but try not to knock over any candles.
8
If you’re like me and love nothing more than to sing, in the shower, in the car and pretty much anywhere you are. Then you;’ll want to sing along with Mariah or John Legends recreations of Christmas Classics. Or if you prefer the sound of your own voice why not head out for a night of Christmas Karaoke. You and bae can have a sing off or if you’re not that competitive there are plenty of Christmas duets you can sing along to while sharing loving looks.
9
Now that things are back to ‘normal’ we’re allowed to throw parties, why not make the most of it by having a Christmas jumper party. We all know gas prices are going up so it’s the perfect excuse to try and keep the bills low by filling your living room with plenty of your jumper clad friends. And if you crank up the Christmas tunes, all the dancing will mean you’ll be begging for the cool winter air. If dancing isn’t your thing there’s almost nothing more fun than playing board games at Christmas-time.
10
Personally my favourite thing about the run up to Christmas is the many Christmas Markets that take place all over the Country. I’m beyond glad they’re back this year and I plan to visit as many times as possible to eat more than my fair share of bratwurst and fried potatoes. And once the food is done I’ll be overindulging in the best thing to come out of bavaria ‘Gluhwein’ aka mulled wine, and it tastes even more delicious when spiked with Rum, Brandy or Whiskey. Before you get too unsteady on your feet why not book an ice-rink so you can skate hand in hand under the stars.
11
If you’re in a more committed relationship and want to turn the heat up this Christmas why not make a naughty and nice list. Both of you can create a list of naughty/nice things each of you have done throughout the year. Once you have your lists you can then assign punishments for naughty things and treats for the nice acts. The punishments and treats may end up being the same thing so it’s a win win.
12
Baby it may be cold outside but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep things steamy inside. Order yourself a sexy Mrs Claus outfit, or if belts and boots aren’t your thing you could always adorn yourself with some red lingerie and complete it with a Santa hat. And have yourself a Ho Ho Ho Christmas!
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Wishing you a very merry Christmas!!
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