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I have been so into candles recently, I would go as far as to say slightly obsessed. I wanted to spruce up one of my votive jars, so I made this printable. I feel like this one isn’t as Christmassy as some of the other advent posts I’m putting up, so it will work even if you’re not channeling your inner elf this year.

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All you need to do is print out this pdf on translucent or tracing paper, cut to the right height (slightly shorter than your candle) and wrap it around.

IMPORTANT INFO: You should always keep an eye on any candles you’ve got on, but especially if you’ve put anything around them or near them – I really don’t want anyone’s houses to burn down

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Because I’m living on my own, this year will be the first year I decorate a tree, and the rest of my room, from scratch. Without the primary school throw back tree decorations and the aged tinsel stash from the loft to rely on I’ve decided to turn to DIY, because, well, tree decorations are expensive. I also think adding a personal touch to Christmas decorations can make it all them more special, and making something yourself means it’s going to be exactly what you wanted. These are some of the DIYs I’m thinking of making this year.

1 – BRASS ORNAMENTS

I love how minimal and easy these are. While I love a bit of over the top Christmas, I feel like sometimes something pared back and classy can have just as much effect.

2 – PRINTABLE TREE DECORATIONS

These couldn’t be easier. I might even adapt the printable and add my own patterns in. If you run out of space on your tree they could even work as mini free standing trees for a mantle piece or desk.

3 – 5 POINT PAPER STAR

You can’t beat a bit of origami. All you need is a piece of paper, and it would be so easy to personalise this one using different prints and colours so it matches the look you’re going for. I might try these as bunting as well as single hanging ornaments as well.

4 – FABRIC BAUBLES

These fabric baubles couldn’t be lovelier. I personally love the blue designs they’ve used, but you could so easily change them up and personalise the designs to whatever suits you. The idea of having soft decorations as well as the are traditional kind feels like a bit of a school throw back but also adds a certain homeliness into the mix.

5 – HONEY COMB ORNAMENT CHANDELIERS

While there’s probably going to be a lot of tinsel and fairy lights going on around my room, I really love these hanging chandeliers to add some variety. I love how the colours and textures really make it fun, you could adapt and reuse these for other festive occasions too.

BONUS – CHRISTMAS TREE NAPKINS

These aren’t really decorations, and I’m not sure when I’ll have chance to make them. But if you’re hosting Christmas this year, or just throwing any kind of festive dinner party, these origami tree napkins are such a fun and special touch to any table decorating you do.

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As much as I love Christmas, and I really love Christmas, it can be a stressful time. There’s a lot to juggle and the more you care about getting it just so the more stressful it is. These are a couple of things I will be doing this festive season to try and stay calm and actually enjoy the holidays, and would recommend you have a go at too.

 

DECIDE NOT TO GIVE A FUCK

I recently read Sarah Knight’s The Life Changing Magic of Not Giving a Fuck* , and I genuinely do think it might have changed my life a little bit. The basic principle of the book, without giving too much away, is that you have a finite number of things you can care about and you need to decide what you can and can’t afford to put effort into. Nowhere does this apply more than at Christmas – you can’t put effort into finding the perfect gifts, the perfect tree, the perfect dinner, the perfect family relationships, the perfect hygge, the perfect red lip without completely burning out. Write a list of all, yes ALL, of the things you’re caring about this festive season and just cross a couple off – I promise you’ll feel so much better.

*Highly recommended as a gift for friends, family and loved ones, or even just yourself!

 

PLAN

Planning is normally my answer to everything, but I really think it makes a difference when it comes to Christmas. Knowing what you need to do and when can save you a lot of last minute panic. In particular, for me, planning gifts is absolutely essential if I don’t know what I’m getting when I go out to the shops (yes I do my Christmas shopping in person) it takes me a lot longer and often ends in an anxiety inducing time trapped in overstuffed stores peopled with a sea of shoppers at their worst.

 

DON’T FORGET TO HAVE SOME DOWN TIME

There’s a lot to do at Christmas, especially if you’re hosting, but running around like a headless chicken 24/7 isn’t going to do anyone any good. Make sure you schedule in some down time doing something that you know relaxes you, you will feel better and you’ll be able to do all of the things you want to do with even more energy and festive spirit.

 

GET OUTSIDE

It’s really easy to stay cooped up inside when it gets cold and grey outside. But getting outside and going for a walk is honestly worth braving getting a little chilly. I know it’s a cliché but going for a walk in the fresh air can really clear your mind, and getting a break from being in the same four walls can give you a new perspective (or at least some distance from) whatever problems you’re having within them.

 

TRY OUT SOME FRANKINCENSE

Those wise men knew what was going on Frankincense is actually really great for relieving the stress and anxiety of the Christmas period. Frankincense essential oil is really great for calming and focusing the mind, and is often used as an aid to meditation. It can even help slow your heart rate to help reduce any panic. Put a few drop in a bath, on your pulse points, in an oil burner or just spray around the room and hopefully feel the benefits.