FEELING FESTIVE

How is it only five more sleeps until Christmas? I'm ridiculously excited for the big day this year, as always. I'm such a big kid when it comes to Christmas (waking up numerous times before 6am is a yearly occurrence much to Dan's dismay) and love feeling festive at this time of year.  I thought I'd show you what I got up to today on a lazy Christmassy Sunday and what I wore, and let you in on some of my favourites traditions in my family over the festive season! 

For me, Christmas starts on the 1st December (don't judge) when I always put the tree up! This year Dan and I got our first real tree seeing as we have just moved in to a new place, and I love it so much! I'll be posting about how we have decorated the house for Christmas and showing some of my favourite decorations in the next couple of days, so keep your eyes peeled for that! We topped up the tree today with a few new decorations to add the finishing touches. For me, too much is never enough when it comes to Christmas decs! 

When the tree goes up, the Christmas films go on the TV to really get the festive spirit going! Earlier this month was the turn of Love Actually, but today for a lazy Sunday we went for my all time favourite, Elf! 

Tunic - White Stuff*

Skinny Jeans - H&M

Boots - Forever 21

Curled up on the sofa in my cosy knitted White Stuff tunic with one of my all time favourites films made for the perfect Winter's afternoon. Other films I love to watch at this time of year are The Holiday and the original Santa Claus The Movie (oh the memories!). I'm also partial to watching The Snowman, as it's something I watched every year on Christmas Eve as a child, and still do!

If I'm not watching a Christmas film, you may also find me glued to the box watching Christmas cooking shows! When I lived at home with my parents I used to spend December evenings watching all of the Christmas specials, from Nigella and James Martin to Delia (absolute classic) and my absolute favourite, Jamie Oliver. I still do this now and spent most nights this week watching the same shows over and over again! I like to try a couple of recipes that I see on the shows, and my favourite to rustle up on Boxing Day is Jamie's leftover Turkey and Leek pie. Delicious! 

When the big day is looming and Christmas Eve comes around (finally!), we all gather at my parent's house for a supper of home cooked gammon, homemade coleslaw and crusty bread, and we crack open the Christmas drinks! We'll put something festive on the TV, light the candles and start the celebration early. I think Christmas Eve can sometimes be just as good as Christmas Day itself, as it's such a nice day spent with family and excited little children! 

It will only be our second Christmas away from my parent's house, but Dan and I have already started with our own little traditions. We fill each other a stocking full of little gifts which we open in bed first thing in the morning, then we head to the Christmas tree with a cup of tea and open our presents together. We then head over to see my mum and dad for bacon butties and exchange presents there, before heading back home to get all dressed up for Christmas dinner, before heading out to spend the day with whoever is hosting the big feast!! 

Now I'm off to bed to tick another sleep off the calendar! How will you be celebrating Christmas this year? What are your favourite traditions at this time of year?