I love Christmas. So much so, that I could write pages and pages about everything festive! But I know your time is precious, especially in December, so here are just three lovely ideas for things to do that I hope will lift your spirits at this time of year.

Wreath Making

Growing up, my parents and I would go to the woods on a weekend in December searching for cuttings of holly to take home and use to decorate the hearth. We would bundle up in our woollies, our footsteps crunching over the crisp, frost-bitten leaves and begin our foraging adventure, eyes glistening and noses pink in the chilly breeze.

Halfway through, just at the point when our fingers would begin to feel numb from the cold, we would pause to sit on a bench and Mum would take a flask of hot tomato soup out of her bag. Dad would hold the polystyrene cups as Mum poured the bright orange liquid into them. As the steam escaped into the bitter air, the sharp tanginess of tomato would fill our noses, making our mouths water! That first delicious sip was so comforting and the warmth would spread to the ends of our fingers and toes. We’d laugh and chat together and reflect upon past Christmases and even now, I look back with fondness on our yearly holly picking excursions – I am always amazed at how something as simple as a walk with loved ones can really lift your spirits.

With that in mind, I tried to capture some of that festive cheer this weekend and had the most lovely Saturday! It all started after I received an email with a tutorial on how to make your own Christmas wreath. As I love to make things, I thought this was such a lovely idea and if I went out foraging for Christmas foliage, I could capture the magic of my holly-picking childhood fun!

Karl and I ventured into the countryside near our home, collecting branches from fir trees and holly bushes. As all the birds had been feasting on the berries, I had very little red for my wreath and also needed some moss so, satisfied with my greenery, decided to take a trip to the local florist in town. I bought some moss and a couple of Hypericum sprigs and the lovely lady in the florist also threw in some red berries for free… if you live in Dorset, I highly recommend Stem’s Florist – a small business definitely worth supporting.

When I got home, I had the most lovely afternoon listening to Christmas songs and making a beautiful wreath. Next year, I think I might invite the neighbours over to make wreaths whilst we stuff our faces with gingerbread and mulled wine.

A Joyful Christmas Eve Sing-Song

Christmas Eve, 2020, Karl set up some speakers and a microphone outside my parents’ house. Mum put notes through the neighbours’ doors to invite them outside for a tipple and some carol singing. As it was the first Christmas after the pandemic started, Carol services were still pretty much a no-go and singing events had been sorely missed by my family and so many others.

Singing joyful, well-known tunes will bring smiles to the faces of everyone – even the most humbug of souls! So this year, why not invite your friends around for drinks and a sing-song? You don’t have to be a talented musician, you don’t even need any music! All you need is your voice, no matter how tuneful, some printed lyrics, and a cheerful spirit (alcoholic variety optional)!

Festive Gingerbread

To me, there is nothing more Christmassy than baking cookies in a variety of festive shapes. This is definitely a good one for the kids, especially if you have some icing decorations to hand for some messy fun in the kitchen.

Perhaps I am biased but I think I make the tastiest gingerbread in the world and as it’s Christmas, this recipe is my gift to you – enjoy feasting on them while you settle down to read Mim the Mouse & The Christmas Gift!

Ingredients

350g plain flour, plus extra for rolling out
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
2 tbsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
125g butter, slightly softened
175g light soft brown sugar
1 large egg
4 tbsp golden syrup

Method

Sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger and cinnamon into a large mixing bowl. Add the butter and rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar.

Lightly beat the egg and golden syrup together and add to the mixture. Stir the mixture until it begins to clump together – you might need to use your hands to bring all of the dough together from the sides of the bowl. Tip the dough out and knead briefly until smooth, wrap it in cling film and leave it to chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180C/160 Fan/Gas 4. Line two baking trays with greaseproof paper.

Roll the dough out to 0.5cm thickness on a lightly floured surface. Using cutters, cut out the gingerbread shapes and place on the baking tray, making sure to leave a gap between them.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. They should still feel slightly soft when you take them out of the oven. Leave to cool on a wire rack. When cooled, decorate with writing icing and cake decorations if desired.

Finally, Mim the Mouse and I wish you the most magical Christmas. May you never be too old to search the skies on Christmas Eve x