50 Festive Manicure Ideas to Complement Your Party Season Outfit!
While Christmas nails bring to mind novelty nail art, glitter, sparkle and the opportunity to swap out your signature nude for something seasonal, there are plenty of subtle options that offer both wearability and wow factor.
Christmas isn’t Christmas without splurging your savings on a manicure, is it now. What a pity you can’t Klarna your way out of that one. Alas, the nail dream won’t fund itself.
While Christmas nails bring to mind novelty nail art, glitter, sparkle and the opportunity to swap out your signature nude for something seasonal, there are plenty of subtle options that offer both wearability and wow factor.
From French tips with a nod to good Saint Nicholas and bougie disco ball riffs, candy cane stripes and understated snowflakes, get bookmarking these bougie manicures for your December appointment and prepare to lean in hard to all the festivities. Feliz navidad, fellas!
From what she wears on the big day to her festive beverage of choice and the decorations she depends upon year after year, here’s how Christmas goes down at Fearne Cotton’s house!
As a best-selling Author, Mother and Broadcaster, Fearne Cotton is the very definition of the multi-hyphenate woman and someone who has no shortage of accolades to her name.
Undoubtedly, one of her biggest life achievements is her commitment to raising awareness for mental health and speaking about it in a way that feels safe, free from judgement and refreshingly normal, often drawing on her own experiences to help dismantle the stigma.
If you tune into her weekly podcast Happy Place, you’ll be familiar with these open, honest and often moving conversations. On each episode, Fearne chats to a plethora of brilliant guests from Russell Brand to Wim Hof and Miriam Margolyes (our personal favourite episode to date. Very sweary, very good, very Miriam) about the highs and lows of life and where they find that all-important sense of inner happiness and peace.
If there’s one thing we know about Fearne, it’s that her happy place just so happens to be her home, which is why we thought she’d be the perfect guest for our ‘Christmas At Home With’ series – a weekly gig in which we chat all things festive with some of our favourite famous faces!
At this time of year, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the festivities and the infectious pace of the holidays, so much so that you forget to claim space for yourself and embrace the true meaning of the Christmas spirit. Cue slobbing about in your PJs all day or getting outside for a family walk but most importantly, being kind to yourself and your mental health.
From what she wears on the big day to her festive beverage of choice and the decorations she depends upon year after year, here’s how Christmas goes down at Fearne Cotton’s house!
Favourite Family Tradition…
Watching the kids opening their stockings. They get in bed with us and then excitedly open up their stockings to see what Santa has delivered.
The most delicious thing to cook…
Little spicy Christmas cookies.
Christmas tipple of choice…
I love to make cocktails on Christmas day. I don’t follow a recipe, I just go with the flow but it usually ends up with pomegranate involved as that feels festive.
Something you’re hoping to receive…
I way prefer the giving bit but I could do with some new slippers.
Decoration you’ve had the longest…
I’ve still got some of those dough decorations that I made as a kid back in ye olden days. I’m not even sure how they’re still held together.
Where you’ll be spending Christmas this year…
I will be at our house with my mum and dad and brother and Mums dog Wilma and my brother in law Tyrone and his dog Papaya.
Favourite part of Christmas…
The fact that you can drink a cocktail before lunch, lay around watching TV, eat a meal like it’s a proper ceremony. I like that the day is more of a ritual rather than just a random day to race through.
The time you eat your Christmas Lunch…
Usually about 2 pm. I don’t do it too late otherwise the kids are ravenous!
Christmas Eve plans…
I love having a big family walk on Christmas eve. It feels like a really exciting day.
Christmas day attire…
I am very much in my PJs until 10/11 am and then I’ll pop on something with sequins. My mum comes down for breakfast in sequins. She would not be seen dead in her pj’s. She also has full Christmas make-up from the get-go!
Christmas TV special you’re most excited about…
I ALWAYS watch the holiday in the lead-up. I have seen it so many times and never ever get bored of it
Favourite Christmas Song…
Maria Carey All I want For Christmas or Coldplay Christmas Lights!
3 Different Gift Wrap Styles Love Actually’s Rowan Atkinson Would be Proud Of
If you’re stumped for inspiration ahead of wrapping the gifts for your nearest and dearest this season, look no further than our three favourite wrapping styles...
Hooray! The 1st of December has been and gone, and Christmas trees around the country are decked out in bay windows and entranceways awaiting a pile of deliciously wrapped gifts to grace their base (why does this sound dirtier than intended…) as the countdown to the big day itself officially begins. And although the trickier “What on earth can I buy for meat-and-two-veg Uncle Steve” might have been resolved post-Black Friday sales, the next age-old question of how to wrap said goodies may yet to be decided. Channelling Kirstie Allsopp à-la Handmade Christmas is the aim, but more often than not, nailing the perfect wrapping technique and theme without breaking the bank or contributing to more waste than necessary at Christmas is a trickier feat than expected.
Pinterest searches for gift-wrapping techniques rose by 2.4 times during the past year, meaning the stakes are higher than ever for a wrapping style that both wows and complements the festive decor of your home too. If you’re stumped for inspiration ahead of wrapping the gifts for your nearest and dearest this season, look no further than our three favourite wrapping styles good enough to give Love Actually’s Rowan Atkinson a run for his money…
Floral and Botanical
Whether you’re a die-hard Christmas lover who wants something a little different this year, or instead are looking ahead to the ever-gorgeous season of Spring, a floral wrapping theme is one sure to spark a reaction this Christmas Day. Beautifully feminine and bold in its colour scheme, this wrapping style is serving Kew Gardens, Japanese Cherry Blossom and a
Cottagecore greenhouse all blended up, sounds divine right?! One for the maximalists amongst us, the theme’s colour palette includes every shade of pink that’s right in the world, greens ranging from forest to sage, warmth from oranges and yellows and darker accents of navy to balance this feast for the eyes too. To really embody this theme to its fullest, head to your local florist or supermarket ahead of the big day and add real floral clippings (we love chrysanthemums for how affordable yet striking they are) which combined with paper and ribbon elements helps to elevate this theme to a whole new level.
Although bold and beautiful wrapping paper is doing a truly magnificent job of creating an under the tree scene mother nature herself would only be too proud to show off, maximalist wrapping means more is more when it comes to adding finishing touches including bows, stickers, sweet treats and gift tags too. Ribbons can be reused and recycled year upon year, making them the perfect way to add a sustainable but statement element to your gift wrap this season that doesn’t scrimp on the wow factor.
Whether your home is a nature haven during Christmas and beyond, or you’re simply looking to channel this botanical theme in your gift-giving this year, your gifts are guaranteed to stand out amongst the rest with this ultra-feminine and indulgent style.
Retro & Novelty
Sometimes it’s hard to top the classics, and the retro-themed wrapping style is no exception to the rule! Serving Christmas classic realness, this theme is all about bringing the conventional Christmas colours and prints to life with a novelty twist, adding a certain je ne sais quoi to traditional striped or holly printed paper that may be already in your collection, and adding a new lease of life for Christmas 2021. Once more this theme is all about maximising the wow factor additional accessories and details can bring to a gift, this time in the form of ribbons, pom-poms and bells, making it perfect for both the young and old of your family and truly offering something everyone will be eyeing up under the Christmas tree. Traditional Christmas colours look right at home here, with reds, greens, whites and golds making a strong case for the classic Christmas aesthetic that really never gets old. If it ain’t broke, why fix it!
When it comes to channelling the ultimate in novelty fun as part of this wrapping style, offering something new and unusual is the aim, which is why including vintage scarves or fabric wraps as part of your under the tree style is an addition not to miss this festive season. Not only is this method of wrapping one that makes awkward shapes suddenly a breeze to conceal, it’s also a must within the zero waste movement that aims to lessen your environmental footprint during the season of indulgence – something it’s important we’re all conscious of in the case of throw-away items such as wrapping paper. Known as Furoshiki, these traditional Japanese square cloths were designed both as a way to wrap and transport goods, and have been used for centuries as part of this culture before their resurgence as an environmentally positive way to wrap gifts in modern life. Now all of a sudden classic gift bags seem a little dull in comparison…
Finish your gifts with a traditional striped candy cane and voila- you’ve completed your take on novelty Christmas!
A Scandinavian Dream
Neutral and minimal lovers rejoice, we haven’t forgotten about you! If brown parcel paper and a ‘less is more’ approach to Christmas is more your bag then the Nordic simplicity we know and love in the world of interiors can be translated into your world of wrapping too. The beautiful natural landscapes, snowy climates and forest flora that is so synonymous with the gorgeous Scandinavian world is one of the simplest aesthetics to recreate within your home in 2021, starting with the classic parcel paper base that can be accessorised or left to shine in its simplest form underneath the tree. Nordic style is a true celebration of the simplicity of a beautifully soft colour palette that’s sure to add an element of calm amongst the Christmas frenzy in your home, as well as bringing the outdoors in with nods to nature that are still all too welcome after the cooped up Christmas that we saw in 2020.
For your own take on Scandinavian style, consider grabbing some white paint and detail brushes from your local art store and add your own leaf, holly or abstract design onto plain brown paper for an individual look guaranteed to set your gifts apart from the rest. Evergreen clippings, string, bells, dried fruits and eucalyptus are must-haves when it comes to accessorizing your gifts, and all an affordable means to create a wrapping aesthetic that looks effortlessly chic without breaking the bank. Finish with a handwritten tag and this year’s Christmas aesthetic of dreams is all wrapped up!
Wrapping 101- It’s all in the details
Now you’ve decided on your dream wrapping style for the season of giving, here are the need to know tips to ensure your gifts look truly seamless:
Sharp scissors for the win- not only is gliding through your paper of choice a sensory joy, it also makes for the cleanest looking lines, adding the perfect finish to your gifts.
For the items with tricky corners, or shapes that simply don’t want to play ball, crepe paper is the most forgiving of them all if you’re short on time, patience, or both.
Ran out of wrapping paper last min? We got you. Grab an old glossy magazine that’s likely collecting dust in the corner and select a patterned, colourful page to wrap small gifts or create homemade bows. Sustainable and unique- tick!
If you’re low on tape, or once more looking for planet-friendly brownie points, head to @beeandblooms TikTok account for this mesmerizing no tape wrapping hack. Mind. Blown.
Reviewing November Book Club: One New York Christmas by Mandy Baggot
The story follows broken-hearted Lara Weeks, who heads to NYC with best pal Susie for the trip of a lifetime. A festive break in the snowy Big Apple is the perfect way for Lara to get over her ex-boyfriend Dan.
Much like the rest of Instagram, we’ve gone early with Christmas. From talk of putting the tree up in November (so what if it’s flaccid by December 2nd) to queuing Mariah Carey on the team Spotify every day at 4pm sharp, it seems like we all want to make the most of the run-up to the most wonderful time of the year. And who can blame us? 2020 was the ultimate Grinch, robbing us of all those precious moments, so why shouldn’t we go ham on the holidays this year!
Such was the power of our premature Christmas spirit that we were primed and ready to read festive fiction a month early. Anything by Mandy Baggot is the bonafide trademark of winter reads and One New York Christmas is no exception. Like balm for the soul, Baggot has penned just the remedy for our sad girl autumn mood.
The story follows broken-hearted Lara Weeks, who heads to NYC with best pal Susie for the trip of a lifetime. A festive break in the snowy Big Apple visiting the tourist hotspots, not to mention the shopping, seems like the perfect way for Lara to get over her ex-boyfriend Dan. Or maybe make him so jealous he begs for a second chance…
Enlisting the help of gorgeous actor, Seth Hunt, doesn’t quite go to plan, but there’s something about him that has Lara wishing for a different kind of happy ever after…
Keep on reading to get to the team’s book reviews!
Lareese says…
All aboard the hype train. Mandy Baggot’s One New York Christmas is a heart-warming festive romance with a healthy dash of realness. It’s not your quintessential Christmas read in the sense that it deals with some poignant subject matter from adoption to homelessness, but I think that’s exactly what propels the story forward and made for a poignant and hearty read. The characters are endlessly entertaining, relatable and likeable – I loved getting to know Lara and Seth and the supporting cast, and Mandy Baggot’s natural ear for dialogue made it feel a lot like you were tagging along for the journey.
If you’re looking for something to curl up with during the countdown till Christmas, treat yourself to a vicarious trip to the Big Apple via Mandy Baggot’s brilliant brain.
Rating: 4/5 Would you recommend it? Yes! Round off your 2021 reading list with this Christmas corker.
Danielle Says
My partner and I are heading to NY just after Christmas so I was extremely excited to get stuck into a cheesy festive read set in the city and this did not disappoint! Don’t get me wrong, this book covers so much more than just a romantic comedy storyline, it covers harder-hitting topics like homelessness, adoption, and the intricacies of relationships of all different kinds. My favourite part of the book was of course the wonderful descriptions of New York at Christmas, especially the Central Park Zoo where the two main characters meet. I know it’s cool to have nuanced, floored characters but I just fell in love with Seth and Lara, Seth is such a dish in my head if I wasn’t engaged I’d be looking for real-life him, and Lara for her feistiness and courage. Super cute book, chuck it in your basket and enjoy it in the lead up to Christmas day!
Rating: 4.5/5 Would you recommend it?For my fellow Christmas lovers
Darcey says…
Oh it sure feels like Christmas now! I’ve heard before about Mandy Baggot’s festive reads and how feel-good they all are, so I was pretty excited to start reading this one especially as it’s based in New York which is basically the most festive place ever this time of year. I really enjoyed getting to know Lara and Seth throughout this book and watching their romance slowly blossom, the narrative of Lara coming from a little village to being in the hustle and bustle of New York is a storyline I could read over and over again, it just always feels really relatable!
This book truly gives you those warm and fuzzy feels that you want at this time of year, it’s a festive rom-com read which looks at some more hard pressing topics like adoption, heartbreak and homelessness, but it’s the perfect balance throughout. Would definitely recommend for anyone after a festive read for December!
20 God-Tier Winter Movies to Watch on a Lazy Snow Day
From Christmas classics to toasty animations that fill you with childlike wonderment and the movies that leave you glowing from the inside out, here are 20 excuses to set up camp on the sofa and enjoy a snug (also smug) winter through the lens of Richard Curtis, instead.
Going outside in the winter? Absolutely not. Not when it’s Kevin McCallister season.
Winter movies represent a superior genre of greatness and a jolly good excuse to trade in your dancing shoes for: shearling-lined crocs. Don’t come for us.
This flurry of delectable flicks is the benchmark of cosiness and the cinematic equivalent of tucking into a bowl of sticky toffee pudding and ice cream.
What qualifies as a winter movie, you ask? Well, to that we say: let your good heart decide. If it thaws your soul and it makes you feel mysteriously hyped to throw a blanket across your knees and light all the candles you own, it’s a winter movie.
From Christmas classics to toasty animations that fill you with childlike wonderment and the movies that leave you glowing from the inside out, here are 20 excuses to set up camp on the sofa and enjoy a snug (also smug) winter through the lens of Richard Curtis, instead.
The Holiday (2007)
A movie guaranteed to get you in the mood for the festivities. It’s got the romance, it’s got the snowy scenes, it’s got Jude Law, it’s got the Hans Zimmer score. Consider that a good all-rounder! Praise be for Nancy Meyers.
The Family Stone (2005)
Sarah Jessica Parker plays uptight girlfriend Meredith in this angsty Christmas classic. It follows the titular family as their eldest son Everett brings his fiancé-to-be home to meet his relatives for the first time. There’s just one tiny issue… they hate the woman. There’s nothing like a beautifully dysfunctional family to make you feel better about your own crazy clan eh!
Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them (2016)
If you’ve recently completed the obligatory Potterverse marathon and you’re looking for something equally cosy, the adventures of Newt Scamander and his array of magical beasts will soothe your Hogwarts hangover no end. We hope The Ministry of Magic realises how lucky they are to have Eddie Redmayne on their team.
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
There is no bad time to watch this movie but in winter, it really comes into its own. Woven together like a perfectly chunky, not-at-all itchy cable knit, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan make for one dynamic duo and watching their cyber romance unfold on-screen year after year is a top-tier Christmas tradition. *Adds bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils to the Christmas wish list* IYKYK.
Little Women (2019)
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the March sisters. Greta Gerwig’s stunning adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s coming-of-age classic is truly a sight to behold. Featuring a dazzling cast (we will never recover from Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet) and pitch-perfect storytelling, it will ruin you in the best possible way. Weird how you can be at home huddled up indoors and out of nowhere, a snowflake just casually lands in your eye.
Elf (2003)
What on earth did we do to deserve Will Ferrell? Buddy the elf discovers he is in fact a human and leaves the North Pole for New York (via the seven levels of candy cane forest) in search of his biological father. It’s a modern classic and the rewatch limit does not exist.
Love Actually (2003)
Does Joni Mitchell mean nothing to you? When December rolls around, Love Actually should be top of your list, however painful it is reliving Harry’s betrayal year after year and however painfully cringeworthy it is watching Mark shuffling through those giant effing cue cards. Hugh Grant’s awkward dancing, Dame Emma Thompson being the national treasure that she is and Rowan Atkinson’s gift wrapping *almost* make up for it.
Home Alone (1990)
No Christmas warm-up is complete without Kevin McCallister. The humour, the soundtrack, the snow-shovelling man, the Wet Bandits, the décor. It somehow keeps getting better with age.
Last Christmas (2019)
A hearty festive story set against the backdrop of London’s iconic Covent Garden market. Starring Emilia Clarke as Kate, a young woman struggling to find her purpose after a health scare, and Henry Golding as Tom, the cheery stranger always reminding Kate to ‘look up’. If you see the twist coming, you will laugh. If you don’t see the twist coming you will cry, then immediately laugh when they burst into song. Favourite line: “I will nail you to my dick”.
Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
Mary Poppins Return (2018)
L to R: Emily Mortimer, Ben Whishaw, TK, TK and Emily Nlunt
ANY ADDITIONAL USAGE SHOULD BE CLEARED WITH DISNEY
Emily Blunt takes on the mantle of the magical airborne nanny with a carpetbag in this reimagining of Disney’s 1964 Mary Poppins. And of course, it’s practically perfect in every way. We see no reason to move from sofa city until at least February.
Paddington (2014)
Like balm for the soul, the marmalade slurping bear is the pick-me-up we all need when it’s pitch black by 4pm. Who needs an S.A.D lamp when you’ve got Paddington – he’s the movie equivalent of twinkly lights and a silky hot choc.
Snow Day (2000)
As you can see, we take curating this snow day watch list both seriously and literally round here. If you’re English, you’ll know our country rarely sees the white stuff and when we do, we can nearly always make it into work or school. More’s the pity! Grey / yellow (ahem) sludge and pavement ice skating is as good as it gets in these parts, which is why movies with real crisp New York snow will always be like Christmas catnip for us lot. Hit play on Snow Day and live vicariously through director Chris Koch’s top-tier family comedy.
Last Holiday (2006)
Starring Queen Latifah as Georgia Byrd, Last Holiday is just plain loveable. When she discovers she has just three weeks to live, Georgia takes out her life savings and jets off to Europe on the trip of her dreams to live like a millionaire. A winter great, overlooked by too many IMO.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
It wouldn’t be a winter movie canon without everyone’s favourite green grump. Specifically, Jim Carrey’s iteration because it is god-tier. We said what we said.
The Nutcracker and the four realms (2018)
Based on Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker ballet, this live-action adaptation has big Tim Burton Alice in Wonderland energy. Starring Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman and Mackenzie Foy, it tells the story of a young grief-stricken girl transported to a parallel universe on a quest to find a key that will unlock a treasured box from her late mum. It’s the kind of film you shove on to entertain the kids while you clean the house… 99 minutes later you’re still there. Gloves off, feet up, no Zoflora to be seen or smelt, and salivating over the Land of Sweets.
Happiest Season (2020)
Like watching a scene from a snow globe, this loved-up rom com has all the ingredients of a seasonal cinematic masterpiece. All the praise for same-sex representation – we love to see it!
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Proof that a whole other land could be lurking at the back of your wardrobe if only you could clear enough clothes to see the back of it. But that’s a job for another year. Tune into this snow-filled classic with a hot brew and temporarily forget your closet is hanging on by a thread (or a pathetic IKEA screw).
About A Boy (2002)
When the weather outside is frightful there’s only one thing for it… self-care via the medium of Hugh-floppy-hair-one-dimensional-Grant.
Meet Me in St Louis (1944)
Judy Garland’s searing rendition of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas is the only version that matters for your Instagram reels, folks. Three-quarters of a century later, Meet Me in St Louis is still a classic musical romance that stands up against the cacophony of modern holiday greats.
Holidate (2020)
With a mutual disdain for the holidays, Sloane (Emma Roberts) and Jackson (Luke Bracey) agree to be one another’s platonic plus-ones. Until they catch feelings. Well, that’s cuffing season for you!
Whether you plan to cosplay a Christmas dec in full glitter or sequins or are opting for a more subtle take on Xmas chic, keep scrolling for the ultimate inspiration from Team Zoella a week ahead of our very own Christmas party!
In the words of Shakin’ Stevens, “time for parties and celebration, people dancing all night long” season is upon us, and that means businesses around the country are gearing up for the annual shindigs, blowouts and booze ups that fuel office folklore for years to come. Maintaining an air of professionalism is the aim, but as with most things, the chance to let your hair down plus a free bar is likely to end a little more messily than intended. Just the way we like it.
Whether you plan to cosplay a Christmas dec in full glitter or sequins or are opting for a more subtle take on Xmas chic, keep scrolling for the ultimate inspiration from Team Zoella a week ahead of our very own Christmas party! Featuring Azurina, Kitri Studio, H&M, Quiz and Zara, look no further for the ultimate in party wear picks:
Lareese
I’m sure everyone in the office is SICK of me harping on about these PJs by now, so I may as well do the honourable thing and wear them to the office party! I’ve wanted a set of party PJs complete with feathered trim for ages and the pink and red feels festive AF. Finished off with some equally bougie gold shoes and a headband et voila! I am a novelty Christmas decoration and I’m not mad about it.
Christmas party, let’s goooo. Although we had a bloody brill time at the A to Z Christmas party last year (a Home Alone drive-in cinema no less), being reunited IRL this year is bringing me 100 times more joy. I know pink isn’t a typical Christmas colour but for some reason, I was so drawn to all of these accessories and I think together they look super cute and festive- like a big shiny present! Warehouse have got some absolutely banging dresses on site right now and this blue one really caught my eye. I think I’ll be placing an order ASAP
Party season is here and I am excited! I’ve gone for a little zebra print number as I am really feeling this print at the moment, paired with some knee-high boots and a little shoulder bag to complete the look. Gold jewellery goes with absolutely everything, so some big chunky gold hoops will accompany this look too!
I am actually surprisingly excited for party season, I think it’s a sign I’ve been cooped up and stuck under a baby wearing the least sexy underwear known to mankind for TOO LONG. It’s time to dust off the heels, LBD and go all out on the sparkle.
You’ve gotta have a bit of sequin action for your Chrissy party outfit, haven’t you! I’ve gone with this sparkly number from H&M and dressed it down with black jeans (with a bit of a flare, hello 2000’s) and a black mule. Finished the look with a beaded bag that would literally go with every occasion outfit year-round. Obviously pop on a red lip for the ultimate festive face, now don’t drink too many seccos and snog your boss!
I always leave my Christmas Party outfit right to the last minute but this year I am determined to plan in advance. I brought this black dress from ASOS in the Black Friday sale and going to pop a glittery mesh top underneath to make it a bit more festive. I’m going to try out looking classy and pair with some nice black heels, a clutch bag and a faux leather jacket. But just because I can’t stray too far from old habits, I will have some novelty earrings in too.
After the dismal Christmas that was Xmas 2020, this year we're going bigger and better than ever with our celebrations, with plans including stocking up on more Baileys than can sink a ship and bringing out the LBDs that have been sat in waiting for the past 365 days.
Ho, ho, ho(e) lads, December is upon us and is anyone else feeling more festive than ever this season?! After the dismal Christmas that was Xmas 2020, this year we’re going bigger and better than ever with our celebrations, with plans including stocking up on more Baileys than can sink a ship, setting up camp in front of The Holiday with a cheese board large enough to feed a small army and bringing out the LBDs that have been sat in waiting for the past 365 days. In the words of Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen: “It’s always a good time”.
Here are 20 things to do in December that will have you feeling like you’re living a Love Actually fantasy…
1. Buy an overpriced mulled wine at the Christmas market and shed a silent tear at the sorry lunches you’ll be eating for the rest of the week to help your bank balance recoup.
2. Ruin Secret Santa by accidentally revealing your gift recipient after one two many glasses of bubbly. Sorry ‘bout it.
3. Perform the entire 10-minute version of All Too Well at the office karaoke.
4. And watch the festive vibes come crashing to a screeching halt.
5. Make a Christmas leftovers sandwich à-la Emily Mariko and savour the simple pleasure of enjoying the best meal of the year.
6. Watch Little Women and sob. That’s it, that’s the tweet.
7. Suggest a festive walk with the fam and suppress your silent rage for the next hour at the snail’s pace you’re forced to adopt. There’s mince pies to be eating and Netflix to be watching, Susan!
8. Unwrap your Black Friday splurges and wonder why you ever thought you’d use a spiralizer. Festive courgetti anyone?
9. Watch Last Christmas and reminisce on how ‘so bad it’s good’ the twist is.
10. Demolish an entire camembert and ward off disapproving stares from Uncle Brian who thought he’d get a look in. Some of us are vegetarians ‘round here!
11. Skew your entire Spotify Wrapped for 2022 already by listening exclusively to Michael Buble for the next 31 days. It’s Michael’s world and we’re just living in it.
12. Spend around 3 hours deciding on a Christmas mani design before settling on red glitter because sometimes being a basic b*tch is just how it’s supposed to be.
13. Get emosh reflecting on Christmas 2020 and finally being reunited with your nearest and dearest this sparkly season. We’ll take the arguments and all!
14. Spend ungodly amounts trying to win a giant teddy bear at Winter Wonderland only to leave with an empty purse and frozen feet. Turns out Converse have a time and place and it ain’t here.
15. Do a bulk turtleneck order to hide any tattoos and piercings you’ve acquired over the past 365 days before Granny arrives.
16. Wonder where the days of receiving an iTunes voucher for Christmas went and remember you are in fact now, old.
17. Attempt to mature your taste buds by trying Christmas pudding for the 7391985th time, but nope, still gross.
18. Shudder with anxiety every time you think about New Year’s Eve and settle on curling up with a book and takeaway. A slice of fiction never let anyone down like a washing machine-esque midnight kiss did.
19. Watch your iPhone screen time nosedive as you lap up time offline and wonder why you don’t digitally detox more often.
20. Wear red lipstick on the daily and channel your inner Ms Swift forever(more).
