Ever since I found out about Santa, Christmas has dimmed its sparkle a little bit. Once I knew about it, my parents were pretty good at pretending as if nothing had changed and since my siblings were still young enough to believe in him I pretended too. One of the perks of being the oldest child, I got to live through their excitement! However now my youngest sister is 12, I think its time to face the facts that he’s gone and enjoy it in a whole new way. Therefore, If like me you want a bit of extra sparkle in your Christmas, have a wee read below and follow my 12 step guide to feeling extra Christmassy. Make a list of the Christmas presents you are going to buy for others … and yourself. Make mulled wine with your Mum and have a dram of whiskey with your dad. Grab your favourite blanket, comfy jumper and slipper socks. Light a spicy candle, put some fairy lights on, snuggle up by the fire and roast some chestnuts. Hint: this is also great for a cute evening of writing Christmas cards, wrapping presents or raking through your Christmas radio times and watching Christmas classics. Try every Christmas drink on Starbucks’ and Costa’s menu. Go through your Christmas day routine with your friends. Go to your local garden centre, purely to get a whiff of the Christmas tree smell. Do a secret Santa, you get to buy a little something for your friends and it’s a great excuse to have another Christmas night out. BAKE! Make gingerbread men and decorate them icing pens and silver balls. Next, mince meat pies! Have a Hugh Grant marathon – Bridget Jones’ Diary, Love Actually and About a Boy obligatory . Home alone and It’s a wonderful life are also Christmas time musts. Is it frosty? Step on the grass! Make a Christmas playlist on your iPod and dance around as you decorate your tree. Visit family you don’t see very often and catch up on their year. Photography: Christopher MacKay
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