Creating Christmas Traditions with Very
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’ll know just how much I love Christmas. From sharing book advents to hanging twinkly lights, reconnecting with family and snuggling down for festive movies and hot chocolate, it’s fair to say that being a Mum at Christmas is one of the best ‘jobs’ in the world.
I love finding thoughtful gifts for my family and friends. Seeing them smile and watching with anticipation as they peel open the lovingly (if not slightly over-taped) wrapping paper. Even more so, however, I love being the Christmas magic-maker. I’m the photo-taker, the crafter, baker and the creator of our festive family traditions. From the girls swapping a gift for each other on Christmas Eve, to paying a visit to our elderly neighbour, and of course, the big Christmas Eve box reveal, December brings us all so much joy,
Being a parent at Christmas is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also exhausting. This year I’ve taken the pressure off. Instead of several stressful shopping sessions lugging bags and boxes through crowds, I’m shopping at Very.co.uk. Whether you’re shopping for gamers, beauty-loving teens, fashionistas, or kids of all ages, you’ll find a huge number of brands and gift inspiration all in one place, making your Christmas shopping easier than ever!
Here’s a little insight into my family’s Christmas traditions and the beautiful gifts from Very that I’ll be sharing this season.
A special thankyou
From putting our bins back and taking in missed parcels to passing sweet treats over the fence for the kids, I’m lucky enough to have the kindest elderly neighbour. Every year, the girls head over on Christmas Eve afternoon with a thank-you gift – usually festive food or drink for her to enjoy with her family at Christmas. We’ve been neighbours for over ten years now, and she always genuinely looks forward to a visit from ‘the elves’. This year I’ve picked up a luxurious Hotel Chocolat collection – 28 festive favourites perfect for dipping into as they settle down for the King’s Speech.
The Christmas Eve gift
Each Christmas, the girls are allowed to open one gift on Christmas Eve. Not just any gift however. They open a gift from each other. With the help of the Honorary Elf (aka – Me), they each pick out a gift they think their sister would love, wrap it themselves and place it under the tree. They get SO excited about sharing their gifts, and it’s so special to see their reactions.
This year, they picked these fun ‘activity’ gifts from the huge range of Kids’ toys at Very, something I’m all for – occupying their excited minds before bed. I love this LEGO Christmas Ornament selection chosen for Neve, while this set of Sticki Roll BFF Bracelets makes a rare yet subtle sign of affection to her big sis!
The Christmas Eve Box
The Christmas Eve box is the cause of MUCH excitement in this house. As they’re bought by the elves, we never know exactly when, or how they’re going to arrive. One year, we answered the doorbell to find two wooden boxes stacked on the doorstep. Another year, they magically appeared on the patio. Each year, the girls receive confirmation of their nice list status (phew) along with some brand-new PJs nestled inside, encouraging them to get cosy, comfortable and ready for tucking up in bed. Very have a HUGE range of nightwear to choose from, but these festive Hello Kitty and Bow Boux Avenue pjs in a bag were the perfect pick!
Socks for Christmas? Yes please?
Whoever said socks were a boring gift was wrong. My sister and I have swapped sock gifts every festive season since I can remember – to the point I think she’d actually be quite gutted if I forgot. When the temperatures drop, what could be better than snuggling up on the sofa watching The Holiday with toasty toes and a leftover pig in blanket? Genuinely, I can’t think of much. From gift boxed sets, so snuggly bed socks, you’re sure to find socks your family will actually want to receive this Christmas.
The unexpected gift
Although the girls write their Christmas lists for Santa every year, I always like to tuck in one or two surprises – the kind of gifts they aren’t expecting but will remember long after the wrapping paper is gone. There’s something magical about choosing a present that feels a little more personal, and watching their eyes light up when they open up the box.
For my teen daughter, I chose jewellery gifts as this year’s “something special” She will adore this gorgeous Thomas Sabo sparkler, while the beautiful Stackers jewellery box is a great way to keep her jewellery safe as her collection grows.
What are your Christmas traditions? From creating a cosy winter home to preparing festive traditions and buying the ultimate gift for your loved ones, Very has got you covered.
