If, like me, you have the Christmas bug all year around, life can be pretty difficult. Not everyone has the ability to keep the Christmas spirit alive 365 days a year, which is a real shame. I don’t want to call these people grinches but if the Santa hat fits...
If I had a quid for each time people told me 'it's not even Halloween yet' or 'I'm so annoyed mince pies are in the Coop' or 'Christmas adverts should start in December and not a day before' I would be incredibly rich. I find, most people don’t want to engage with Christmas shenanigans until December and don’t take too kindly to those joyful souls who are always ready to drink some mulled wine.
For me personally, my 'official' Christmas time starts in October, where I openly listen to music, watch Christmas films and start eating festive foods. But, this is just a façade for those non-believers amongst us; surreptitiously I engage with Christmas-ness all year around. Below, are my top tips for satisfying your Christmas addiction on the down low, away from those judgmental, Scrooge characters in your life.
Music
Bit of an obvious one to begin with, but headphones were basically invented so people like us can listen, hassle free, to Christmas music all year around. I have a Christmas playlist on Spotify, that I continually add to. When I am feeling down, bored, joyous and most emotions in between, it’s my go to playlist. Of course, there is nothing to stop you banging out 'Last Christmas' at the top of your voice from the comfort of your own, empty home, but there is something quite special about silently humming along to Joy to the World on your June commute.
Clothing
If you're lucky enough to have understanding people in your house, this one is a bit easier to pull off, but not impossible if you don’t. My Christmas onesie (still one of my best ever presents) gets a good showing all year around. Just putting it on, even in the heat of summer, can lift my mood and instantly brings to mind a million fond, happy memories. Invest in some festive t-shirts which can be worn all year around, particularly to sleep in! If your house is full of non-believers and you don’t want the agro associated with Christmas joy in April, get some festive socks on. No one can see it, but you can enjoy the feeling of completing your financial year end report while rocking some sweet candy canes on your feet.
Bargaining
This is a new addition to my Christmas repertoire and one I will be using for years to come. At some point in the year, whoever you live with/spend all your time with, will want something from you. This year, my husband wanted a PlayStation 4. He has been hassling me for one for ages and when they went to sale in September, I saw my chance. He is actually, pretty good at indulging my Christmas obsession, but we do disagree over when to put the decorations up. I made him a deal, he could buy one if I could put the decorations up a week earlier than agreed. All year around allow your mind to dream up ideal Christmas scenarios and when the time is right, pounce!
Planning
On a lazy, sunny August afternoon I can often be found casually lounging on my sofa on my iPad. To the casual observer I could be playing solitaire or perhaps wasting my life on Facebook. But I'm not. I am planning my November/December activities. There are the staples we always attend of course, Taste of Christmas or Carols at the Royal Albert Hall, but from around August, lots of festivities start to be advertised and I am always on the lookout for something new (this year we are going to a Christmas charity ball). If no one wants to indulge in a Christmas Carol marathon (so many amazing versions to choose from) why not start planning what you want to do this year from the ticketed events to the day you want to decorate the house. All the joy of Christmas indulgence without any of the judgement.
Reading
Over the years I have amassed a quietly impressive collection of Christmas books, both of the fiction and non-fiction variety. When I need a shot of egg nog, I drag one out and it instantly lifts my spirits and gets me super excited for the festive season ahead. Especially if you live in London, but I am guessing probably everywhere, no one pays much attention on the daily commute. Too busy sleeping/plotting your boss’s demise/praying no one gets on at the next stop to pay attention to what others are reading. If like me, you have a solid 20/30 minutes this is prime Christmas reading time. Reading a good murder mystery set on Christmas day gives you all the pleasure of snow on the ground, a fully dressed tree and dinner with all the trimmings on a hot stuffy summers day.
Cooking
Doing a bit of festive baking all year round can aid quietly feed your Christmas addiction and let’s face it, who doesn’t want home baked goods? This is a great one to do on so many levels; it is more acceptable to those grinches as they get to benefit from it, it helps the baking challenged amongst us (definitely me) to practice ahead of the big day and it will make you feel Christmassy while doing it. This year I plan to try and make my own mince pies, but last year I practiced my whole Christmas dinner as it was my first time hosting!
Stocking fillers
While no present is obviously a Christmas present, tell people you are Christmas shopping in October and most kick off. I think, secretly they are jealous that they aren’t as organised, but anyway. However, stocking fillers could literally be anything, so shop away. My husband and I exchange stockings every year but that is it. In recent years I have taken to also putting together little stockings for my nephews. If the Christmas urge hits you, head to the shops and buy anything small enough to fit in a stocking. No one but you will know and it will guarantee to put a festive pep in your step.
Basically, what I'm saying is, while society dictates we only spread Christmas cheer for the month of December, ignoring this won’t put you on Father Christmas's naughty list. I reckon he secretly loves it.
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