Taking Archie To See Santa at Wyevale Garden Centre

I've always loved Christmas, its easily my favourite time of year and has been since I can remember. I have wonderful memories of Christmas as a child and it gives me those warm fuzzy feelings in my tummy when I reminisce and think about all those magical moments. Christmas as an adult has always been wonderful too, but I think it's children that bring that extra magic to Christmas. Now we have Archie, Christmas has become magical again and this year will be his second Christmas. For me it means getting into the Christmas spirit early, putting on those Christmas films and I kid you not, Archie and I spent a good portion of last week dancing around to Christmas music - All we need to do now is put our tree up, which is happening sometime this week! I just want to cherish all these magical Christmas moments, which is why we plan on doing as many festive things as possible over the next month. This weekend we really got all those festive feels and took Archie to our local Wyevale Garden Centre to see Santa in his grotto.  It was so special and so magical, so I thought I'd share our day with you and it might help you decide where you want to take your little on this festive season.

The Magic of Christmas - Lots of Festive Lights

First of all massive apology! I can't believe I dedicated 18 days to Blogmas and have failed right at the very last hurdle. The last three days have just been awful and I feel so disappointed in myself that I never managed to post on these three days. But I promise to finish off Blogmas just as strong as I started, even though there are just 3 days left now. I can't believe it's almost Christmas, its crazy.

I thought I'd make things up to you guys with something really fun and festive. If you've been reading my Blogmas posts you will know that one of the things that makes me feel really festive is going on winter walks and looking at all the Christmas lights in peoples gardens and homes. I love how much effort some people put into their decorations, especially when it comes to lighting. I just think how nice is it that you're creating something so special, not just for you but for every passer by, its lovely.

One of my favourite places to go and watch the lights is actually at caravan park near my town. The park is built around a huge lake and right by the lakeside are wooden cabins which people live in. These people really go all out and their cabins beautifully lit with decorations make me feel as though I'm right in the middle of a winter wonder land; It's just beautiful. 

I just love how pretty everything looks all lit up, my favourite have to be the penguins and baby reindeer, they're just lovely. It's amazing how lights can make you feel so festive. I hope these have help you feel a little more festive.

Lots of Love

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Blogmas Day 2 - Getting Into The Festive Spirit | My Top Tips

Happy Blogmas Day 2!! I know it's still very early on in December, but like I said in yesterdays post I'm already feeling so festive - Probably because I started watching Christmas films and listening to Christmas music mid November! Obsessed maybe so, but I just love the feeling of Christmas. I know some of you may not be feeling as festive as me just yet, so I thought today I would share secrets on how I get into the Christmas spirit. I really hope they bring you some festive cheer!

1. Wrap up warm and take a walk trough your town or neighbourhood just as it starts to get dark

By now the Christmas lights should be up and twinkling away in your town, and the neighbours will have started to pop up their Christmas lights too. I just love taking walks around this time of year, especially when I've wrapped up warm and am feeling super cosy. Christmas lights really make me feel all festive, so it's a great way to get in the Christmas mood.

2. Visit a Christmas Market

I just love Christmas markets, not only are they really festive but are also a lot of fun. The German Christmas Market was set up in our town at the end of November and it's been making me feel festive everyday! (I work in town for those of you who don't know, I'm not spending all my time at the market). What I really love about the Christmas Markets is that all the stalls are super cute with their festive themed stock and the best thing has to be the FOOD! Theres something so festive and satisfying walking around the market smelling and eating delicious food, I mean who can say no to a German Hot Dog?!

3. Dec the Halls

I'm a very early Christmas decorator. It's always been a tradition that the Christmas decorations are up before my birthday on the 8th. Nothing makes me feel more festive than bringing all the Christmas decorations down and turning my home into a little grotto; It's the best. When I pop up the decorations I like to make a day of it. I'll pop on some Christmas music (Michael Buble is my fave) get out the mince pies and other goodies, wear my best Christmas jumper and have a really festive day. Nothing feels more festive than an evening sat watching the tv surrounded by your Christmas themed home, I love it.

4. Take a Trip to the Garden Centre

Garden Centres are great for this time of year as they always have so much Christmas stock and most of them really go all out at Christmas time. It's really lovely taking a walk through them this time of year. I can never resist buying a new special decoration for my tree. Not only do the garden centres feel really christmasy, most of them have a cafe where you can grab a bite to eat - Mince pies and gingerbread men are essential!

5. Start Christmas Shopping

It's an obvious one, but there is something so festive and special about Christmas shopping, thats assuming you don't leave it till the last minute. I know Christmas is not about the presents, but it's so nice buying something really nice for someone special in your life. I love seeing people open presents, it's the best feeling ever and the buying process is all part of it. I love it.

6. Lights, Candles and Scents

I definitely think you can get festive on atmosphere alone and having your hone smelling and looking Christmasy can really help. As much as I love the big decorations like the tree and the garland, I think it's the small things that really add those finishing touches. Candles are a must, scented ones are better and fairy lights can make a cold room glow and feel warm.

7. Get Creative

One thing that can take a little more time and effort, but is well worth it if your wanting to get into the Christmas spirit full swing is getting a little bit creative. I love crafting and thinking outside the box a little bit when it comes to decorating. Last year my friend held a Christmas Crafternoon where we all made Christmas decorations. The year before that my mum and I went out on one of those winter walks and collected holly leaves and other Christmasy greenery from the outdoors which we then spray painted gold and used for our garland. Doing creative things like this are great as it really helps me get into the festive mood; Not only am I making something lovely for my home but am spending tine with the people I love which is what Christmas is all about.

I really hope these tips have help you feel a bit more festive, or taken your festivity to another level. I would love to know what you do to get in the festive spirit. Let me know in the comments below and spread some festive cheer.

Lots of Love

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