The Style Files: 24 things to take you from Ebenezer Scrooge to Cindy-Lou

Christmas is almost here by claireshallvey featuring christmas mugs

“On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love…” Hold it right there! Twelve days of Christmas? You’re kidding me right? I’ve been celebrating Christmas since the 1^st of November! If the radio playing Band-aid’s ‘Do they know it’s Christmas time’ and shopping centres decked out in baubles and tinsel isn't enough to get you in the festive spirit, then its time you partake in '24 things to take you from Ebenezer Scrooge to Cindy-Lou' before the big day.

Create a mix tape of Christmas carols to play.....on repeat, for the next two months.
Buy a new Christmas decoration to hang on the tree among the handcrafted baubles made from polystyrene and sequins.
Cook up a storm in the kitchen and bake festive treats like; Rudolf cupcakes, gingerbread men and Rum balls (minus the rum)
Watch Christmas films like; Elf, The Grinch and A Christmas Carol…
Make a Christmas wreath
Write cards to all your friends! Who doesn’t love mail when it’s not bills?
Organise a secret Santa
Go to the snow, and if there isn’t any near you take a visit to the ice rink and go skating
Buy Christmas themed pyjamas or an ugly Christmas sweater to speed lazy days in
Watch ‘Carols in the Domain’ or your equivalent. (Plus you’ll be able to sing along this year if you’ve been listening to your Christmas playlist)
Make your own advent calendar and fill it with your favourite treats
Visit family and friends (to pass off the Christmas baking that didn’t turn out so well)
Paint festive designs on your nails (and then give up and paint over them in green and red)
Research quirky and special gift ideas for friends and family, rather then joining in with the Christmas shopping frenzy a few days before
Drive around late at night looking at all the Christmas lights, and then stop off for hot chocolates on the way home
Go to your local carols by candle light and sit out on deck chairs eating fish and chips
Create a scrapbook using old Christmas photos
Buy a box of quality streets and play pocker using the sweets to place bets
Plan out a Christmas outfit in advance. Not only will it make sure you look great and festive on the day, but it means more time to spend un-wrapping presents!
Delve into Christmas culture and create a Christmas quiz. Either quiz your family after dinner or invite your friends over to see who truly is the quiz master.
Create a new Christmas tradition as well as celebrate old ones
"Deck the halls with bells and holy" and of course your bedroom. Whether you go simple with fairy lights and a Christmas bedspread, or all out and your room somewhat resembles Santa's grotto, it's sure to get you in the festive spirit
Donate to charity. It's important for us to remember those less fortunate than ourselves especially during the holiday season. So spread the love by giving a present to those in need.
Set up a wrapping station to rival those set up in shopping centres. Put on a Christmas film grab some wrapping paper, ribbon and tags to match and you'll be all set for some serious wrapping.

If this doesn't get you in the festive spirit, I don't know what will. I hope you all enjoy the lead up to Christmas and that the shopping centres don't get too frantic.