How to Stretch Out The Christmas Season!

 This is an affiliate post; all opinions expressed are in agreement with my own. 

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I know, I know, we still have Halloween, Thanksgiving, and a million other things before Christmas season is here. However, it's time to start planning ahead if for no other reason than to alleviate the stress that Christmas season often brings. If you are the type that love to start celebrating Christmas as soon as possible, here are some ways to get in the spirit.  

Crafting 

Crafting is one of the easiest ways to spark that holiday mood and it gives you decorations you’ll actually want to keep. A wreath is a good first project because it looks impressive without being complicated. Pick up a plain ring from a garden center or even cut a circle from thick cardboard. Layer on anything you can find outside or in the kitchen. Pine branches from a weekend walk, ivy from the garden, sprigs of rosemary for a herby scent. Wire on pinecones or dried orange slices, tuck in a few cinnamon sticks and tie it all with a ribbon you already own. It ends up charming because it isn’t perfect. For a table centerpiece, grab a tray, scatter candles of different heights and weave in eucalyptus, holly or spare baubles. It takes minutes and suddenly dinner feels like a celebration.

 Homemade Christmas cards are another project that works for a quiet afternoon. Use thick card, scraps of last year’s wrapping paper, watercolors or glitter pens to make each card a one off. If you invest in something like Sizzix die sets you can make some really professional looking finished cards, either for friends and family or to sell on Etsy and make a bit of extra cash. Children can stamp their hands in paint or press cookie cutters into ink pads to create lopsided patterns that grandparents will love.  

Baking 

Few things pull Christmas into a home like the smell of baking. Gingerbread biscuits are a classic and double as ornaments if you make a small hole at the top before baking and thread a ribbon through.  Pies, cookies, breads are all fantastic way to get in the holiday spirit. 

Everyday rituals 

Play a Christmas playlist while you wrap gifts or let a holiday film run in the background while you ice biscuits- these small rituals all turn ordinary evenings into little celebrations and help stretch the season instead of cramming everything into a single frantic week.

 Share the season with others

Festive projects are even better with company. Invite friends for a wreath making afternoon or organize a biscuit decorating night where everyone takes home their own creations. Swap small homemade gifts with neighbors instead of shop bought presents. These get-togethers take the pressure off expensive shopping and remind everyone that the best part of 

Christmas doesn’t have to arrive all at once. A few homemade decorations, the smell of baking and cozy moments with friends or family turn the whole month into something worth savoring. By the time the big day comes around, your house will already be full of memories and the season will feel truly celebrated.