TOP 10 CHRISTMAS FILM RECOMMENDATIONS

Saturday

One of my favourite things to do to get in the holiday mood is to watch Christmas films! If you celebrate Christmas, I have some suggestions lined up for you that you need to watch! I hadn't seen a lot of Christmas films before because I have kind of had my favourites since I was a kid, then I would just watch those every year without seeing any new ones. This year, because we've been in lockdown, I have made it my mission to watch more Christmas films that I haven't seen. If you're like me and watch the same ones every year, then why not try watching some of my suggestions?


cosy hot chocolate and gingerbread man
Photo by Nadi Lindsay from Pexels.


1. The Grinch


I think the Grinch is probably my favourite Christmas film. I really loved the new Dr Seuss animated Grinch that came out a few years ago. It's just really visually pleasing with the colours and all the Christmas decorations. The animated version is available to watch on Netflix.


2. Home Alone 1 & 2


I love Home Alone 1 & 2 so much! I know there are other but they really don't appeal to me as much without the original cast. Even if you don't like Christmas these are still enjoyable because it just shows the struggles of little Kevin when he gets left behind by his family at Christmas in a comedic way. Both films are on Disney+.


3. Santa Claus 1, 2 & 3


All 3 of The Santa Claus films are classics. I really like watching any of these in the lead up to Christmas just because they are all about Santa Claus and getting the toys to children - it's just cute all round. These are also on Disney+.


4. Miracle on 34th Street


Can you believe I only watched this film recently? This is my mum's favourite and she always tells me to watch it but I haven't until a few weeks ago. I really enjoyed it and it's definitely in my top favourites now.


5. Love Actually


I am just going to make the assumption that 99% of you have already seen Love Actually if you're from the UK? However, you never know. If you haven't, you must! It basically has every British famous person ever in it and it's just a film all British people seem to watch at Christmas time.


6. Christmas with the Kranks


Again, this film was new to me this year. It's not the most amazing Christmas film I've seen but I did enjoy watching it. 


7. A Christmas Carol


There are so many versions of this film and all of the ones I've seen seem to be pretty good. The Muppet's Christmas Carol and Mickey's Christmas Carol on Disney+ are cute to watch too!


8. Elf


I've seen so many people on social media watching Elf this year, I have only watched it a few times but it's such a classic for so many people. I'm not usually a fan of Will Ferrell films but I don't mind this one because it's Christmas.


9. The Holiday


The Holiday is another one I had only watched recently. It's definitely a Sunday afternoon Christmas chick flick.


10. Nativity


I think I had only seen bits of Nativity when it had been on TV but this year I watched it all the way through and I really enjoyed it. I need to watch 2 and 3 now to see if they're any good.


What are your favourite Christmas films? Are there any not on here that I need to watch?


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Looking for more Christmas content? Check out my Christmas activity ideas post, featuring some of your favourite bloggers.


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CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES TO DO AT HOME

This year has been quite a depressing one for so many people. If you celebrate Christmas, it could be fun to do some festive activities at home to get you into the celebrating mood. I have compiled a list from several bloggers and asked them their favourite Christmas activity to do at home. After reading this post, make sure you check out all of their blogs too!

Christmas Activity Ideas to do at Home


Christmas Wreath
Photo by Oleg Zaicev from Pexels.

1. Make a Gingerbread House - A Girl with a View.

This is such a classic Christmas activity and there’s a reason for that - it’s a good ‘un! I never used to be into making gingerbread houses until recent years but now it really helps me to start feeling festive and ready for Christmas. I am by no means a baker so I take the cop-out route and buy a gingerbread kit and focus on the decoration but, if you want to go hardcore then you can even make the gingerbread yourself and feel like you’re on bake off at the same time! I am by no means a baker or decorator so I can’t say that my gingerbread houses ever look that amazing but it’s the thought that counts. This is one of my favourite activities to do to make me feel ready for Christmas, it’s such a fun way to spend a cosy afternoon especially if you have some Christmas music or film in the background!

2. Socially Distanced Exchange Gifts and Virtual Get Together with Friends - Pieces of Liz. 

During Christmas season, my friends and I usually plan a get together consisting of dinner and exchange gifts. But with COVID-19 still around, we're not doing that yearly tradition. This year's going to be a little bit different. Yes, we're still going to have exchange gifts but instead of giving it in person, we're going to have it delivered to their homes instead. As for our get together, we're taking it virtually. Zoom dinner get together so even if we're far away from one another, we still get to celebrate. 

The next few ideas are from Nyxie's Nook. 

3. Create a Christmas wreath using an old hoola hoop, fake berries, leaves, etc and some battery-operated twinkling lights. 

4. Using old toilet roll tubes and fabric you can create a nativity scene. Your can also use the same concept to create Santa, angels, reindeer etc. Great to keeps the kids entertained! 

5. Starting early you can work on a Christmas hamper for friends and family. Instead of big expensive gifts, create a gift basket full of useful things such as toiletries, snacks, photo frames with photos, tea bags etc. Anything you think that person/family would appreciate. I always include soaps, sweets and chocolate and even socks. 

6. Using old gifts bags, create gorgeous home made pictures for your friends and family. I recently created a beautiful picture for my sister using a gift bag from our wedding.

7. Festive Baking to Spread the Love - Alex Faith Writes.

One of my favourite things to do at home during the Christmas period is bake! With my Christmas jumper on and the festive music turned up loud, I love to make all kinds of Christmassy goodies to really get into the festive spirit, especially this year as going outside isn’t always an option! And, as seeing loved ones is getting a little trickier, baking them some festive treats and dropping them round to their homes, socially distanced of course, is a great way to spread some Christmas cheer and show them you care. Christmas cookies, decorated as Christmas trees, reindeer and snowmen, or even chocolate orange brownies, are my personal faves. There’s so many great recipes online to keep you busy during the Christmas period at home, and to spread the love amongst your friends and family.

8. Making DIY hampers to give away as gifts - Aimsy's Antics

My idea for a Christmas activity at home is making up your own hamper to give away as gifts. This can either be from shop-bought items or having a go at making some bits yourself. I love adding in some homemade cinnamon sugar almonds, jams/chutneys or biscuits. Some can be made further in advance, like the jams and others closer to the gift dropping time so that they stay fresh, like the almonds or baked goodies. I guess this is lots of activities broken down into one, so making the goodies and then packaging them up all pretty. The best bit is, if you make extra you can keep some of the goodies for yourself too!

9. Creating mason jar snow globes - Rach Talks Business

My Christmas activity idea is creating mason jar snow globes. They are easy to make and very affordable! All you need is a mason jar, a little tree ornament, glitter, some warm water, clear glue and a glue gun (not essential). You first glue your ornament of choice to the lid of the mason jar. Secondly put a spoonful of clear glue into the jar with warm water and mix. Then add the glitter, you can play around with how much! Then finally screw the lid back onto the jar. Make sure it is super tight! There you have your own mason jar snow globes, perfect to keep children entertained but just as fun for the adults. Get creative, I can not wait to see what you come up with!

10. Creating Christmas crafts - Tales of Belle

A great activity to do at home with kids is to make DIY Christmas crafts. This past weekend my daughter made Christmas cards by colouring and drawing on a blank piece of paper and adding stickers. You can then mail the cards to extended family members that you will not be able to see this year. You can also make DIY Christmas decorations with kids such as making cotton ball snowmen on construction paper, decorating paper plate Christmas trees, creating tissue paper wreaths, and painting salt dough ornaments. The ideas are endless and you can use items you have around your home, and most importantly, it is a fun activity for kids!

I'd love to know your favourite Christmas activities! Be sure to check out all of these wonderful bloggers who took the time to share their ideas.

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5 THINGS TO DO IN WILTSHIRE UK

When I'm not living in Bournemouth for university, I live in Wiltshire, UK. I will always say that there is nothing to do in Wiltshire, so this list as well as for my readers, is for me, to remind me of what there is to do when I'm at home. If you live in Wiltshire or want to visit after the lockdown, then here are some ideas of what to do while you're there.


Things to do in Wiltshire


1. Caen Hill Locks

Caen Hill Locks is placed on the Kennet and Avon canal near Devizes. It's a really nice place to go for a walk or picnic. Wiltshire has a lot of countryside walks but this one is different because you get to see the canal and the boats on it.

Caen Hill Locks

2. Longleat

Longleat and Center Parcs are very well known in Wiltshire. Longleat is a safari where you can drive through or go on a bus and see the animals from your window. There is also a zoo and lots more things to do when you've finished driving around. Just try not to drive through the monkey enclosure, they can be pretty ruthless with your car. It's a great day out for families.

3. Cholderton Farm Shop.

I really love the farm shop in Cholderton. It's only a small shop but they serve great breakfast and lunch, you can sit outside too to appropriately social distance. My favourite thing to go for is the brie and bacon panini. They have chickens walking around outside as well which is a bit more exciting than your normal breakfast or lunch out. Proper countryside.

Cholderton Farm Shop

4. Rosebourne

I mentioned Rosebourne in my Top Places to Eat Out in and around Salisbury post. OK, this one is actually in Hampshire but not by much. I'd describe Rosebourne as a shop / restaurant / garden centre / farm shop. It has it all. I love going there for lunch and then wandering around the shop after and recently they've had their Christmas decorations out which definitely makes the shopping more exciting. A lot of their food in the shop is quite high end and some of it can be a little pricey but good for a treat.

5. Stonehenge

This is a pretty obvious one as Stonehenge is world famous. If you are visiting Wiltshire, Stonehenge is a must! You can visit Stonehenge through the visitor's centre and hear all about the World Heritage Site. Or, if you just want to see Stonehenge briefly, you can drive past on the A303. However, I would recommend walking so you don't potentially cause a car accident. You can walk up past Woodhenge in Amesbury and you will be able to see it from a little further away.

Stonehenge

Have you ever been to Wiltshire?

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SMALL BUSINESS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

*This post contains PR samples for review and affiliate links meaning I may earn a small commission when you buy through my links at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own and I would never recommend any products that I don't deem of benefit to my audience. For more information, please see my disclaimer.


I am so excited to be sharing my first proper Christmas gift guide post. A couple of years ago I wrote a post on buying gender neutral Christmas gifts, but it was mainly just ideas and not really a full comprehensive list. After the year we've had with the pandemic, it is increasingly important to support small businesses. Therefore, I will be sharing some of my favourite small businesses which I think sell products that would make great Christmas gifts.


Lifestyle


Inside the Fragrance


Alisha from Inside the Voyage blog has started selling the most amazing smelling wax melts. They are such good value for money and I can't recommend these enough! Perfect for a relaxing, self-care evening. 


Inside the Fragrance wax melts


Needle & Stitch


Paulina has very recently started Needle & Stitch. She is making really cute felt keyrings at the moment that would make great stocking fillers!


Melissa Mary Creates


Melissa sells homemade crafts on her Etsy page. These include conker wreaths and really pretty candle jars.


Asia Jade Beauty


Over on Asia's Instagram page, she sells dupes of designer perfumes and aftershaves such as Dior Sauvage that smell exactly like the real thing for such a good price. I have tried the 449 which is a dupe of Jimmy Choo Fever and it smells the same. I would definitely recommend these as Christmas gifts.


Asia Jade Beauty perfume


Simply Katy


Katy has an Etsy shop where she sells prints of locations and cities that she designs herself. Some of the locations include Amsterdam, Lincoln and Venice. I just really love the prints she creates and they would look great on someone's wall. They are well priced for the quality.


The Artist's Lab


Lauren from the Artist's Lab sells embroidery kits for beginners. This would be a great gift for someone creative. It would also be a good present to get someone in case of another lockdown or self-isolation. It's something to do while at home and could be a great way to unwind and get away from a screen for a while.


Earrings


Jess Adams


Jess sells really cool statement earrings over on her Etsy. I have been loving statement earrings from small businesses at the moment, they are all just so unique.


Art by Kateh


Kate makes the most beautiful resin earrings with pressed flowers. These would make great gifts for people who love earrings like this.


Alice Lizzy


I haven't seen any earrings like the one Alice makes before. They are so unique and look so cool! Again, they are statement earrings so would be great for people who wear earrings. Alice has made a Christmas gift box containing 4 pairs of polyclay earrings for the value of £17, saving you £7! You can add an optional personal message with this gift box and the packaging is 100% recyclable.


Use the code GIFTGUIDE20 for 20% off when buying any product from Alice Lizzy.


Alice Lizzy Earrings


Stationary


Amanthis


Amanthis is a black-owned small stationary shop with a great range of helpful products. My go-to product from Amanthis is the Master Mindset Diary. I couldn't live without it at uni. For more information, read my review of the Master Mindset Diary by Amanthis.


Amanthis Master Mindset Diary


Robin and Thorn


Robin and Thorn is a small lifestyle shop. They have all sorts of products including stationary. I use their list pads for my to-do lists and I find it really helpful.


Gifts for bloggers


Jordanne Lee Creative on Gumroad


Jordanne from Of a Glasgow Girl has some really helpful products on her Gumroad including Instagram highlight covers and blogging planners.


Use code LAUREN20 for 20% off your order.


Jenny in Neverland on Gumroad


Again, Jenny has some really helpful products on her Gumroad. Her products are particularly helpful for blogging beginners.


Stocking fillers


Carfume


Carfume is a luxury car scent business. These would make great stocking fillers for drivers as we all love to have nice smelling cars.


Carfume


Children's gifts



Abi from The Peg Place, makes really sweet peg dolls for children. She has made Disney princess dolls, Frozen dolls and Toy Story dolls too so far, among others. These would make lovely Christmas gifts for little ones and they are even more special because they are hand-made and eco friendly.


What are some of your favourite small businesses to shop from?


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Related Read: Christmas Activities to do at Home


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