I don’t want to come across all scrooge-like, but as much as I love this time of year – I can tire of Christmas really fast.

Grumpy and boring? Maybe. I like to think of it as being ‘decidedly not-so-festive’. You won’t catch me in a tacky Christmas jumper and I don’t jump for glee when people tell me ‘how many sleeps until Christmas?!’

However, I have realised in recent years that being ‘anti-Christmas’ can be a bit of a bummer, not just for those around you, but for yourself too. As a result I’ve started finding the not-so-festive festivities that I can enjoy.

  1. Embracing the sparkle:
    I love glitter, and somehow this time of year it seems more acceptable. It is everywhere. I tend to stock up on sparkly clothes to cheer things up in the winter months and wear as much glitter-based nail varnish as humanly possible.
  2. Catching up is fun to do:
    If Christmas brings anything with it, its a reason to get together. You can really take advantage of the ‘glass of mulled wine’ reasoning for meeting up this time of year.
  3. Not a Christmas film:
    While I enjoy a good Christmas film as much as the next person, I get sick of them pretty quickly. But nobody said that your Christmas break had to be filled with re-runs of Home Alone… Take some time to catch up with a classic film you haven’t seen before or one of your all-time-favourites with those close to you.
  4. Neutral decorations:
    When it comes to decorating, you don’t have to follow the crowd of tinsel and santa figurines. Decorations can be neutral and understated. Some of my favourites include a plain wreath of holly or just some basic white fairy lights to brighten up a room.
  5. TV Specials:
    If there is one thing that everyone can appreciate about Christmas, it has to be the telly. There is something magical about being able to curl up in the warm and flick on the Christmas special of your favourite show – while it may feel a little more festive than usual, Doctor Who is always good.

Whatever Christmas brings it is important to be grateful for the little blessings that come with it. Hanging out with people you love and enjoying the little things are well worth it.

That or you could settle in and sympathise with re-runs of The Grinch – I love that guy.

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