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Health and Wellness, Lifestyle · December 6, 2021

How to Get in the Christmas Mood: 15 Things to Do

’Tis the season where chestnuts are roasting on an open fire, jingle bells are a-ringing and Santa Claus is coming to town.

But given the current situation in the world, we don’t exactly blame you if you’re struggling to get into the Christmas spirit this year. In fact, we’d expect it. After all, research shows that around a third of UK-based adults have experienced a decline in their mental health since March 2020. 

Following last year’s festive season where social contact was limited and parties were out of the question, a normal (ish) Christmas may just be the thing we all need to make us feel better. Right?

That said, here’s how to get in the Christmas mood over the next few weeks so that you can enter a new year feeling happier and healthier.

How to Get in the Christmassy Mood - 15 Things to Do

1. Go Shopping for Christmas Decorations

How to get in the Christmas mood 101: go shopping to update your collection of trimmings and decorations.

There’s nothing we like more than checking out garden centres and department stores in the run-up to Christmas. The festive displays are always enchanting, whether you’re 12 or 31, and you can also pitstop in the in-store cafe for a Christmassy hot drink or bite to eat. Win-win.

2. Put Up Your Christmas Tree

Once you have everything you need to make your Christmas tree shine brighter than the one at Rockefeller Centre in New York, get to work.

Basically, it’s not Christmas until you’ve decorated your house so that it’s worthy of an Instagram post, right? We’re talking about the tree, garlands on the stair bannister, exterior Christmas lights — the lot.

We like to put on Christmas tunes as we graft like elves to make our homes look like our own personal Santa’s grotto. 

Decorating Your Tree

3. Watch a Christmas Film

Sure, we’re aware that this isn’t a groundbreaking item on this “how to get in the Christmas mood” list. However, watching a festive film or TV show really does reignite the Christmas spirit in even the Scrooges of the world.

We love to throw something on Netflix or even go old-school with a DVD. (Remember those?) Our favourites are the movies that make us feel all kinds of nostalgia about Christmases gone by, such as:

  • Home Alone
  • Home Alone 2
  • Elf
  • National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
  • Love Actually
  • The Holiday
  • The Grinch

Would you agree? Oh and FYI, snuggling up in festive pyjamas with a fluffy blanket and hot drink while you watch something festive is a must.

4. Drink Hot Chocolate

Even if you don’t have it at any other time of the year, you have to have a cup of hot chocolate in the run-up to Christmas.

But not just any cup of hot chocolate. We’re talking about marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles — the works. And it helps if you’re doing something Christmassy at the same time, such as putting up your decorations or watching a festive film. Fact.

Festive Drinks

5. Go Shopping for Christmas Presents

We realise that you don’t have to buy your loved ones presents at Christmas just to show them you care. There are ways to show and tell them that you care all year round.

Even so, we adore everything about Christmas, including the gift-giving part. You don’t have to spend hundreds to get something sentimental that your friend, partner or family member will love for years to come.

Shopping for Christmas presents, especially if it’s in-store, always gets us wanting to scream “joy to the world” to anyone who walks past us. The music, the choices, the deals… It’s all wonderful, but only if you don’t leave it until the last minute. (Cue panic crowds and a whole load of stress.)

6. Drink Mulled Wine or Cider

To get a hit of Christmas in drink form, grab yourself a mulled wine or cider from your local pub, bar or Christmas market.

This hot syrupy goodness is a winner even with those who don’t tend to drink much alcohol. One sip is enough to warm the bodies and hearts of even the non-believers.

7. Head to a Christmas Market

Most of the major cities in the UK are putting on their Christmas markets this year after they weren’t able to last year. Therefore, make sure you check one out in your local area to feel all kinds of Christmas magic.

The best Christmas markets have great food, great drink, great gift stalls, great music — and a great atmosphere. The lights, the crowds of gleeful people and the action make for a fun day out for all ages.

Christmas Market

8. Book a Festive Afternoon Tea

Us Brits dote on our afternoon tea — and for good reason (it’s delicious). Having said that, the festive afternoon tea that many restaurants offer is on a new level of scrumptiousness.

We’re fans of the ones by Betty’s and Grantley Hall in Yorkshire. But any one will do if you’re wondering how to get in the Christmas mood — and fast. It definitely helps that these venues decorate for Christmas so beautifully too.

9. Wear Christmas Attire

A simple way you can get into the festive spirit is by rocking Christmas-themed outfits. At the end of the day, if you’re dressing Christmassy, it’s kind of impossible not to feel Christmassy. (Especially when you keep catching yourself in the mirror looking like you belong in Lapland.)

We’re loving these festive pieces right now:

  • Christmas jumpers
  • Fair isle knits (jumpers, scarves, leggings, etc.)
  • Sequin dresses, blazers, tops, shirts and leggings
  • Satin skirts, dresses, blazers and tops

Don’t be afraid of teaming them with festive hair and makeup for full-on glam. After all, if you can’t go all out at this time of year then when can you?

Festive Outfits to Get You in the Christmas Spirit

10. Get Festive Nails

Speaking of full-on glam, Christmas-themed nails can make you feel all kinds of excitement every time that you catch sight of them.

From graphic transfers to glitter polish, just about anything goes during the holidays. Whether you do your nails yourself or enlist the help of a beauty therapist, they will serve as the perfect complement to any festive outfit. It’s time to celebrate in style!

11. Wrap Your Christmas Presents

Many of you may feel like wrapping Christmas gifts is a chore. (We get it — that was once us.) That said, it can actually be super satisfying if you do it right.

And by doing it right, we mean by getting a loved one on board while Christmas music (or a festive film) plays in the background and you’re sipping on hot choc or mulled wine.

Turn it into an occasion rather than something that you’re “just trying to get done” as fast as possible. Put time aside. Take regular breaks to pour yourself another drink and have a gossip. And we guarantee that you won’t see it as a chore anymore.

Holiday Spirit

12. Plan Your Festive Events

If you’re still wondering how to get in the Christmas mood, whip out your calendar. The truth is, planning social events where you can do all things Christmassy will soon have you feeling merry and bright. (It helps to have lovely things to look forward to!)

We don’t recommend packing your schedule full to the brim (Christmastime is when you can have a much-needed rest from work and relax with your nearest and dearest). Instead, pick a few key things to do that you know you will enjoy and get them in the diary pronto.

13. Do Some Festive Baking

Baking enthusiasts, listen up. You can put yourself in the Christmas spirit in just one morning by Googling Christmas recipes, grabbing the ingredients and getting to work.

Here are our top suggestions:

  • Mince pies
  • American-style sugar cookies
  • Christmas cake or cupcakes

Although, if you’re not much of a baker, we totally won’t judge you if you want to buy a pre-made version and scoff it in front of the TV. In fact, scoff away.

Christmas Baking

14. Decorate a Gingerbread House

Speaking of American-style activities, have you ever thought about decorating your very own gingerbread house? Or if you’re an expert baker, making your very own gingerbread house?

Sure, it’s something we’ve seen in our fave American festive films. But it’s actually a joyful and childlike way to spend a December afternoon.

Just don’t expect to be any good at it upon your first try. Trust us, it takes practice for it to look as good as it does in the movies. (But it’s fun trying!)

15. Go to a Special Christmas Event

Lastly, one of our top tips in terms of how to get in the Christmas mood is to head to a festive event. We don’t just mean your average Christmas event here — we’re talking about those unique and special Christmas events that aren’t as affordable so you don’t do them every year.

This could be ice-skating in a big park, going to see an orchestra play live festive music or seeing a Christmas show. And the best ones will reignite the magic of Christmas like nothing else.

If you live in Yorkshire, we’re fans of Stockeld Park, which has winter illuminations, ice-skating and Christmas activities. Having said that, any festive event that makes you feel like a kid again is a festive event that we want to go to. Join us, won’t you?

How to Get in the Christmas Mood

How to Get in the Christmas Mood (and Stay There!)

After a challenging few months (or years, in the world’s case), it’s easy to struggle getting into the Christmas mood.

However, sometimes it’s just a matter of trying and pushing yourself to do things that you may enjoy (even if you don’t feel like doing them at first). You may surprise yourself just how much they improve your mental health.

We recommend doing as many items on this list as possible (heck, do them all!) and it won’t be long before you’re feeling as jolly as Santa Claus and spreading Christmas cheer to those around you.

Ho, ho, ho — Merry Christmas, everybody!

Katie Davies

Katie Davies is the Yorkshire-based freelance writer who founded Trendy Tourist. Since 2017, she has written for over 100 companies on a range of subjects, from fashion to marketing. When she’s not producing content, you can find her shopping, exploring a new place or sitting somewhere having a cup of builder’s tea.

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Posted By: Katie Davies · In: Health and Wellness, Lifestyle

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MORE AIRPORT LOOKS ✨ …that are comfy yet styl MORE AIRPORT LOOKS ✨
…that are comfy yet stylish!
1. Jumpsuit Queen
(For those who want to feel like they can breathe and move comfortably on the go while looking super chic for summer)
2. Cute and Cool
(Featuring an on-trend co-ord for sleek airplane style that you can effortlessly throw together)
3. Modern Simplicity
(A contemporary update on the jeans-and-a-tee classic clothing uniform ideal for travelling, with key pieces like the shacket and jeggings) 
Which one would you wear? 1, 2 or 3?
All products shown are in stock right now! I’ve linked them via my LTK shop but I’ll also link them in my Story for you guys. 🔗
Copy and paste this @shop.ltk in your browser: https://liketk.it/3Im8t 💕
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Current bottomless brunch uniform: an oversized sh Current bottomless brunch uniform: an oversized shirt, high-waisted jeans and square-toed strappy heels. 💃🏼
This is basically the 2022 version of “jeans and a nice top” — comfortable and practical for a long day/evening out but still contemporary and stylish.
I went for a soft colour palette for Saturday’s brunch in York because I thought it would look fresher for the summer season. 👀 
I also usually add a light jacket to tackle the pesky British elements but I didn’t need one last weekend. 🥵
The gorgeous mint green satin shirt is from @zara and my straight-leg jeans are @topshop (old), adding some nineties nostalgia to the mix.
I’ll link all pieces in my Story. 💕 
#bottomlessbrunch #goingoutoutfit #zarashirt #zarastyle #springlooks #springlook #oversizedshirt #straightjeans #topshopstyle #topshopgirls #jeansandanicetop #millennialfashion #sheingb #outfitblog #outfitblogger #outfitbloggers #outfitideas4you #outfitideasforyou #outfitdiary #outfit4real #outfitsoftheday #styleonabudget #highstreetfashion #highstreetstyle #trendytourist #midsizegals #midsizegirl #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #midsizeblogger
Seeing all these news headlines about airport queu Seeing all these news headlines about airport queues is so frustrating. 😖
A trip abroad starts at the airport, and it breaks my heart that people who haven’t been able to travel or go on holiday for years and have worked so hard to save up are now experiencing delays and cancellations when it’s finally time for their trip to begin.
Speaking from experience, these queues stress you out before you’ve even got to your final destination. ✈️
I’ve flown from Leeds Bradford airport three times in the last nine months and Manchester airport once in the last few weeks. Each trip to the airport has taught me something different.
That said, I wanted to share a few things you can do to speed up your time at the airport so that you can make your flight and have the much-needed holiday you deserve. 🤗
Above all, follow your specific airline or airport recommendations. (These usually come in the form of an email or text message a couple of days before your flight.)
To read more about my recent airport experiences, check out the full article either via the link in bio or my Story.
Hope this helps. 💕
#airportdiaries #airportsecurity #traveltip #traveltipsandtricks #traveltiptuesday #traveltipstuesday #traveltips101 #traveltuesday #traveltuesdays #tblogger #tbloggers #tblogs #tbloggersuk #travelbloggervibes #travelblogs #travelbloggerslife #yorkshireblogger #yorkshirebloggers #leedsbradfordairport #leedsbradford #manchesterairport #tripplanning #tripprep #holidayprep
“…Eyes of the bluest skies.” 🎶⛅️ (Wi “…Eyes of the bluest skies.” 🎶⛅️
(With a shirt to match!)
I went for a bronzed, natural makeup look last weekend for drinks with the girls.
I’m really enjoying makeup more now that I’m older - it’s just so fun to play around with when you’ve got the time. 
Here are the products I used: 🤗
Primer - @nyxcosmetics_uk Pore Filler
Tinted Moisturiser - @tartecosmetics Skin Treat in shade “Medium”
Concealer - @esteelauderuk Double Wear Stay in Place in shade “Light Medium (Cool)”
Blush - NYX Sweet Cheeks in shade “Bang Bang”
Setting Spray - @urbandecayuki All Nighter
Eyeshadow - @toofacedlovestheuk “Teddy Bare” Palette
Mascara - Tarte Cosmetics “Big Ego”
Eyeliner - @kvdbeauty Tattoo Eyeliner
Brushes - @realtechniques Essential Eye Brushes
Eyebrows - @anastasiabeverlyhills Brow Wiz in “Medium Brown”
Lipstick - Tarte Cosmetics Lip Paint in shade “Bestie”
Shirt - @targetstyle 
All products (or similar) linked via my @shop.ltk app (find it in my bio or latest Stories). 💕
#liketkit #LTKbeauty #LTKunder100 #ltkeurope #ltkunder50 #nyxcosmetics_uk #realtechniques #abhbrows #targetfinds #targetrun #targetstyle #beautybloggeruk #beautyblogging #beautybloggersuk #naturalmakeuplook #naturalmakeuplooks #makeupbloggeruk #makeupbloggers #makeupblogs #makeupcommunity #bbloggersuk #bbloggeruk #makeupproducts #makeupessentials #bronzedmakeup #holidaymakeup #vacationmakeup
Mentally I’m still here… 💭 I wish I could Mentally I’m still here… 💭
I wish I could say that one of the yachts in the background is mine but I think I’ve got a fair few more articles to write first. 😩
Anyone else loving sixties-inspired prints for Spring/Summer? 🌞
This cute little shirt dress is ideal for those warmer evenings on holiday when you want to flash your tan and feel comfortable but still look like you’ve made an effort. 💁🏼‍♀️ 
Entire outfit is @shein_gb and will link all products via @shop.ltk app (head over to my Stories for the dress link - currently 41% off!).
Ltk shop link: https://liketk.it/3G3Yb 💕 
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Courtyard strollin’… (Looking for my next cup Courtyard strollin’…
(Looking for my next cup of coffee or glass of sangria — it all depends on the time of day!) 😉☕️🍹
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It reminded me of past cruise ship holidays with my parents where we visited the likes of Naples, Capri, Rome, Florence and Pisa and we would be in awe of the charm and beauty of these places.
But this post is about Palma in Majorca. 🇪🇸
Palma itself is a delight!
There’s so much going on in the centre, so much life and hustle and bustle, which is refreshing to experience after over two years of lockdowns and travel restrictions. 😅
I enjoyed our leisurely peruse of the city, soaking up the sun and seeing historic sights such as The Cathedral of Santa Maria, which dates back to 1601.
We even spent some time getting lost amongst the cobbled backstreets, popping in and out of shops before we regained our bearings once again. 😍
Our day in Palma reminded me how much I love exploring and how much travelling makes me feel fulfilled.
You just can’t beat it, right? ❤️
I already can’t wait for my next European city break (which hasn’t even been booked yet!).
What are some of your fave European cities? 👇🏻
#palmamallorca #trendytouristuk #palmacity #europetravels #exploreeurope #spaintravel  #travelblogging #travelbloggervibes #tbloggers #tbloggersuk #travelbloggersofig #travelbloggeruk #uktravelblogger #uktravelbloggers #visitpalma #travelgram #travelsquad #visitmallorca #mallorcaisland #mallorcagram #balearicisland #balearicislands
Happiest when I’m by the seaside. 🌊 One of Happiest when I’m by the seaside. 🌊 
One of my all-time favourite travel fashion pieces is the blue denim “mom-style” shorts.
You know, the relaxed-fit and high-waisted type that go with just about anything? 😉
You can pair them with a strappy top and sandals or flip flops for those warm summer days.
Or you can take them from day to night by swapping the strappy top for a chic blouse or cropped shirt and the flat sandals or flip flops for heels.
They’re just so comfy and cute! J’adore. ❤️
These ones are from @marksandspencerfashionpr which I’ll link via the @shop.LTK app along with some similar options.
(Check out the post here: https://liketk.it/3F1wG)
I lived in mine for my most recent trip to Majorca - even throwing them on over a bikini with a kaftan for those lazy pool days. ✌🏻 
Who else is a fan of denim shorts for summer holidays? ☀️
#liketkit #LTKswim #LTKunder50 #ltkunder100 #ltkstyle #ltkfashion #ltkstyletip #ltkstyle #ltkeurope 
#swimwearfashion #bikinistyle #bikinifashion #denimshorts #denimshort #jeanshorts #holidaystyle #holidayfashion #vacationstyle #trendytouristuk #travelfashion #travelstyle #vacaystyle #poolfashion #poolstyle #beachlook #beachfashion #beachstyle #beachoutfit #momshorts
That post-holiday feeling! You know, when you lan That post-holiday feeling!
You know, when you land after a few days in the sun and you feel refreshed, recharged and ready to take on the world again. 🙌🏻
And it helps if you travel in comfy clothes.
Plane, train and bus rides can be time-consuming (and stressful when things go wrong) so comfy travel gear makes the journey that little bit more bearable. ✈️ 
I’m currently loving lounge sets to travel in, such as this “Bon Voyage” lemon number from @lornaluxe x @inthestyle . 🍋
You can still get your hands on the shorts but, unfortunately, the sweatshirt is out of stock.
Not to worry though - I’ve linked some more pretty lounge sets to travel in via my shop on the @shop.LTK app. 
Shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content by visiting: https://liketk.it/3EAx9.
#liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKeurope #ltktravel #ltkstyle #ltkfashion #ltkunder50 #ltkunder100 #trendytourist #airportoutfit #airportstyle #airportlook #airportfashion #airportvibes #travelfashion #travelstyles #traveloutfit #traveloutfits #travelfashionista #travellook #travelclothes #travelclothing #inthestyle #travelista #ukfashionbloggers #ukfashionblogger #fbloggerstyle #fbloggeruk #fbloggersuk
One of the best feelings in the world is those nig One of the best feelings in the world is those night-before-the-airport butterflies. 🦋
You know, when the suitcase is finally packed, the plane outfit is laid out and there’s nothing left to do other than get a good night’s sleep before you head to your new destination ✨ tomorrow ✨!
(But then you’re so excited that you end up not having the best sleep! 🤦🏼‍♀️)
Are you one of those travellers who gets to the airport super early or one of those super last minute people? ✈️ 
(I’m the former!)
#travelquote #travelquotes #travelquotestoliveby #travelquoteoftheday #travelthursday #travelthoughts #travelblogging #travelbloggervibes #travelinspirations #travelpassion #lifeinspiration #lifeinspo #quoteofday #quoteoflife #quoteoftoday #trendytourist #tbloggers #tbloggersuk 
#travelsquad #travelgirlsgo #travelgirlshub #planelife #airportlife
I’m blue da ba dee da ba di. 🎶 Okay so I uni I’m blue da ba dee da ba di. 🎶
Okay so I unintentionally wore blue, white and black all weekend.
Outfit one was for a Betty’s brunch for the hubby’s birthday and exploring Thirsk. 👀
The blue denim dress and checked shacket combo felt a bit sixties inspired and sassy teamed with black tights and white boots.
Then outfit two was for a pub lunch and drinks with the family (hubby’s birthday celebrations part two).
I went for a blue floral top, comfy black jeggings, a blue denim shearling jacket and those white boots again. 👢
This felt more seventies rocker vibes so naturally I had to wear it with attitude!
Which outfit is your fave? Details below. ✌🏻
Denim dress, shacket, tights, boots: all @marksandspencerfashionpr
Bag: @coach
Floral top and boots as before: @marksandspencerfashionpr
Jeggings: @uniqlo_uk 
Jacket: @levis_uk 
Sunglasses: vintage
Bag: @nastygal 
#outfitblog #outfitblogger #outfitbloggers #outfitlook #outfitselfie #outfitshot #outfitideas4you #outfitideasforyou #outfitdiary #outfit4real #outfitsoftheday #outfitrepeater #denimdress #denimdresses #denimjackets #denimjacketstyle #fashionblogging #ootddetails #ootdbloggers #styleonabudget #highstreetfashion #highstreetstyle #trendytourist #midsizegals #midsizegirl #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #midsizeblogger
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