Now, I don’t want to be a Scrooge but sometimes I feel like Christmas just isn’t the same. I’m no longer a kid racing to open Santa’s presents, and I have no kids of my own to spoil just yet…
One of my favourite parts of the holiday season is finding gifts I think the other person wouldn’t think to ask for, but would use often and hopefully even love. Unfortunately, it feels like Christmas gets more and more expensive each year, and I swear the gift exchange is over in a few seconds!
After a crappy Christmas last year, I was determined to make this year better for myself. Here are some simple ways I’ve tried to get into the festive spirit this year — because even the most obvious ways really help!
1. Deck the halls with boughs of holly!
No, seriously: decorate your home!
Whether it’s putting up the Christmas tree , hanging Christmas lights outside or simply putting a wreath on your door — decorations help make Christmas feel more alive.
My personal recommendation is to put them up right on December 1st, so you have a month of Christmas festivities. If you’re the type of person to do this before December please know you’re a monster! (Just kidding.)
2. Get the popcorn ready for a movie marathon
If life isn’t feeling very festive, why not pretend it is for like 90 minutes with your favourite holiday movie! It’s up to you whether it’ll be a cheesy Hallmark movie or if you’re one of those people that watch Die Hard at Christmas time.
Also: There’s a reason why so many gifs exist of How the Grinch Stole Christmas — it’s hilarious and so worth a watch as an adult!
3. Make some Christmas treats!
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Feeling up for a bit more effort? Why not treat yourself or those around you with some Christmas food ideas.
My family’s favourite is making a White Christmas slice but there are hundreds of more recipes to follow ranging from easy 5 minute snacks of more complicated baking.
4. …Or, skip the baking and enjoy decorating with a gingerbread house kit!
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Did you know some places actually sell house kits where you can assemble a premade gingerbread house? I hadn’t realised I could pick one up so close to home… Yes, fellow Aussies: you can buy one at your local Woolworths or Coles.
You can either complete this solo, buy a few for friends and family to sit down and do together, or make a date of it with your partner!
The kits come usually come with the base of the house to assemble (made of gingerbread, of course), icing to glue the pieces together and decorate with, and a bunch of extras such as lollies, chocolates and more.
Don’t like gingerbread? There are chocolate versions made from KitKat or Cadbury you can purchase instead!
5. DIY your ornaments
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Remember when you were a kid and you came home from school with Christmas crafts that maybe were cute but also maybe a little ugly?
Experience that all over again by DIYing your own Christmas decorations this year!
There are so many easy crafts to make the place look more Christmas-fied that won’t break the budget, and it’s something fun to do solo, with friends or with a partner!
6. Stop procrastinating, and wrap those gifts!
I am so guilty of leaving presents unwrapped until last minute, and then it’s a scramble because everyone in my house is doing the same…
This year I’ve started early and not only did it make me feel better that I felt on top of things, the presents looked great under the tree! I mean, a tree without presents is like an angel without its wings… They’re basically extra decorations until Christmas day!
7. Attend a local market
Join your local community (or travel for this!) to shop for homemade gifts, grab some yummy Christmas themed food or admire the displays at a Christmas market.
It gives you an opportunity to find a really unique gift for someone, plus the ones I’ve been to usually have a huge Christmas tree lit up to add to the festivities. I would absolutely recommend to take someone along with you to add to the fun, where you can share your treats together!
I hope some of these tips help you feel a bit more festive this year, because everyone deserves a jolly Christmas!
Now, before I sign off for the year: Everyone at What’s Yappening would love to wish you a merry Christmas and very happy New Year! 🎄🎉
To those that don’t celebrate Christmas, we also wish you all the best for 2025.
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