Let's be honest. Nobody reallllly wants to attend their works Christmas 'do now do they? Like you would want to spend more time with these people you already do, it's awkward, everyone's getting pissed to get rid of the awkwardness and then next thing you know someone's said something they regret causing the next working day somewhat more awkward.
But here is my survival guide to the Work Christmas Party:
• Avoid talk about work. It's going to happen. Because let's face it, it's literally the only thing all of you have in common. In the next few weeks absorb everything everyone is saying. These are things that you can bring up, it makes you look like you've been listening and actually care.. But if in doubt the weather and food is always a winner. But when it comes down to it, you will all end up discussing targets and annoying customers.
• Try to enjoy yourself at least: Instead of sitting in the corner moping to yourself about how much you really don't want to be there whilst everyone else gets up and dances. Join them. Everyone is in the same boat. So just make the most of what you've got. When the rest of your work force gets up and asks you to join. It's because they want you to have a good time. Not to humiliate you.
• Don't ruin it for everyone else: Believe it or not some people actually really enjoy these sorts of things (I know, I have no idea either). So just watch what you say, it makes it easier for everyone if you act like you want to be there because you can't have other people being concerned about you. Don't slag off the food - unless others are. Don't start unnecessary drama. Just don't ruin it for others.
• Pace yourself: For heavens sake don't be that guy who ends up being completely hammered within the first hour and a half, has been to vomit and is now tearing up the dancefloor to Michael Jackson's Thriller. You won't remember it, but everyone else will.
• Don't do it: Don't tell your boss you hate them. Or grope a colleague. Or get groped by a colleague. Again, you won't remember but everyone else will.
• Wise up: If you really don't think you can handle it, tell your friends where you're going so you can out of the blue bump in to them. Nobody will suspect a thing.
But most of all, enjoy it and please for the love of God, stay safe.
I feel that the Christmas films are so vital in the build up to Christmas. There is nothing better than sitting in front of the with your pyjamas on wrapped up in all the blankets watching a Christmas classic.
It was so hard to pick only ten because there are so so so many which I love, but these are the ones I managed to whittle it down to. Other than the first, they're in no particular order:
Elf
Home Alone (The First & Second, these count as one, right?)
A Christmas Story
The Polar Express
The Muppet Christmas Carol
The Snowman and the Snowdog
The Snowman and the Snowdog
Love Actually
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The Snowman
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The Snowman
What is your favourite Christmas film?
Elf. Without fail. I feel like Elf should be watched at least once a month every month. I love it. I've seen it about 7502 times, but it still cracks me up. It's honestly, just tremendous.
Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
Christmas Day. I know people get pyjamas on Christmas Eve, but obviously Father Christmas hasn't been yet. (What is that about?)
Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?
No, I think that's probably a good thing though. From the get go my family go all out. With the decorations, the music, the films. From around the 10th of December everything is irrelevant unless it is Christmas related.
What is your favourite Christmas food?
Surprisingly, I'm not really a fan of turkey. But I love the stuffing and potatoes. I want ALL the roast potatoes.
What has been your favourite Christmas gift?
I had all the fads. Furbys. Those robodog things, neopets. Christ I had it all. So far in life, it was probably the tickets to see Elf the Musical - or McBusted when they first formed.
What is your favourite Christmas scent?
If anyone is reading this who knows me in real life they will know I am compeltely and utterly obsessed with gingerbread around this time of year. The Yankee candle is a personal fave of mine although I have recently discovered the Fragrance of Library gingerbread perfume - divine.
Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?
When we were younger we'd watch The Polar Express & pause it at the hot chocolate bit & go and make hot chocolate. But now that we're older I just go to the pub (Obviously I don't get bladdered because who would want to ruin Christmas day?) armed with my Santa Tracker updating everyone on the whereabouts.
What is on the top of your tree?
We have an angel. There were many years where I wanted to give her a mask as one of the girls from Girls Aloud. But alas our wee angel is our tradition.
As a child what was the one gift you always wanted but never got?
For years and years and years I always put a candyfloss maker. I don't even know why I wanted one I suppose they always looked so cool. But, yeah I never received it. I was gutted every year.
What is the best part of Christmas for you?
I suppose everyone's always a bit happier around Christmas time. I love the whole build up. Just the whole season - it's the best. I love it all.
So, today, I arose to find my Christmas jumper lit up & flashing again, until I picked it up where it - disappointingly - stopped working again, gutted, truly gutted. After this we went shopping for tomorrows Christmas dinner we're having in our uni house, which I'm super, super, super excited for. And on the way we saw the CUTEST little burger van dishing out pulled pork burgers and it was just adorable, it reminded me of the tables from Lady & The Tramp & if anyone was to take me on a date there.. well, I would not object. It was really Christmassy and lovely.
So. The other week I put my back out, I'm pretty much a 20 year old with the bones of an 80 year old woman, I'm pretty much parlysed at the minute, they say you shouldn't rest it, but I struggle to get up, and I can't sleep standing up can I? Living the dream, me. I've tried cracking it, stretching it, but nothing.
Today saw one of my Christmas jumpers make it's appearance. I've decided it's time. Christmas jumpers are tacky, but to class them up a bit I've began to tuck collars over, it looks super cute.
I've been ridiculously busy, I have a show next week so I've been so many rehearsals and work and stuff. BUT 'ECK. HERE WE GO. Here's 10 of my favourite things.... starting with
CHRISTMAS SONGS!
Christmas songs are probably my favourite thing, ever, especailly when Christmas FM goes live, buzzing my tits off. Christmas music non stop.
1. The Christmas Song
Nat King Cole & Michael Buble version only. Absolute classic, nothing will ever top this.
2. Fairytale Of New York - The Pogues
This is quite probably the best Christmas song, ever. If Christmas could sing, this is what it would be.
3. All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey
I don't think needs an explanation for making the top 10.
4. Merry Christmas Everyone - Shakin' Stevens
It's happy, it's got jingle bells. What more do you want?
5. Merry Christmas Everybody - Slade
IT'S CHRISTMAAAAAAAAAAAS
6. Driving Home For Christmas - Chris Rea
I never realised how relevant this song is until I went to uni.
7. Christmas in Kilarney - Percy Faith
A song which reminds me of Christmas shopping with my dad at 8 years old. Very sentimental.
8. I Wish it Could Be Christmas Everyday - Wizzard
A song which pretty much sums up my love for Christmas. Amazing.
9. Cold December Night - Michael Buble
A modern song, which sounds like it's been around for ages, very Christmas, very amazing, absolute perfection.
10. It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas - Bing Crosby
Whack it out on December 1st, and then it begins.
CHRISTMAS SONGS!
Christmas songs are probably my favourite thing, ever, especailly when Christmas FM goes live, buzzing my tits off. Christmas music non stop.
1. The Christmas Song
Nat King Cole & Michael Buble version only. Absolute classic, nothing will ever top this.
2. Fairytale Of New York - The Pogues
This is quite probably the best Christmas song, ever. If Christmas could sing, this is what it would be.
3. All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey
I don't think needs an explanation for making the top 10.
4. Merry Christmas Everyone - Shakin' Stevens
It's happy, it's got jingle bells. What more do you want?
5. Merry Christmas Everybody - Slade
IT'S CHRISTMAAAAAAAAAAAS
6. Driving Home For Christmas - Chris Rea
I never realised how relevant this song is until I went to uni.
7. Christmas in Kilarney - Percy Faith
A song which reminds me of Christmas shopping with my dad at 8 years old. Very sentimental.
8. I Wish it Could Be Christmas Everyday - Wizzard
A song which pretty much sums up my love for Christmas. Amazing.
9. Cold December Night - Michael Buble
A modern song, which sounds like it's been around for ages, very Christmas, very amazing, absolute perfection.
10. It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas - Bing Crosby
Whack it out on December 1st, and then it begins.
Hello December,
Bloody hell, you've come round quickly. It feels like yesterday I was running around Reading smelling like horseshite in the freezing cold and torrential rain, in shorts and wellie boots searching for our taxi driver after the festival. Since then I've started my second year of university, and completed the longest month ever. That's right Ladies & Gents, sober November is over & we're celebrating this evening with a well deserved, night on the town.
But here we are again, the advent calendar has been opened, the decorations & tree are up, the costa specials are in and the christmas jumpers are on. Wow. Many people know I love Christmas. It is my time of year. As soon as Summer finishes, I am right on it, getting the Christmas songs out, obviously way too early but I love love love love it. I love nothing more than walking down the road in my hat, scarfs, gloves and coat and admiring everyones decorated houses.
After ruining Christmas (not really) last year I got all my presents sorted before the month began! New world record! Anywho, I'm extremely happy for the holiday season to begin!
See you all tomorrow xo
