MAKE SOMEONE SMILE THIS CHRISTMAS

Christmas for most is the happiest time of the year. Present giving & receiving, family & friends, delicious food, lots of alcohol and plenty of resting, but for some people its actually a really difficult time. Not everyone has family and friends to share the festive period with. Not everyone has money to buy presents or delicious food & not everyone will be comforted and surrounded by close ones this Christmas. I think its important to take a step back sometimes and just be aware of whats going on in the world and whats going on around us. For the last two years I've worked in a children's home over the festive period, so I know how important it is to just make someone smile - especially now. Here's a few ways you can spread a little festive cheer.

Give Up Your Time

Time is precious and with the fast paced lifestyle that most of us lead, we forget to spend time with loved ones, lend a helping hand or do our bit for the community. Homelessness is a seriously growing problem within the UK at the moment (and probably the rest of the world) and shelters, churches and other giving places need extra help during this time of year. Do your bit.

Donate Old Clothes

Girl, you haven't worn that top in 6 months, its time to give it someone who will. I love giving to charity throughout the year but I do a little bit more in December. Lets be honest, we don't need half of the stuff we have, but theres someone out there who really does. It feels so good letting things go, especially if they are going to a worthy cause. I even give socks, bags and shower gel sometimes!

Book An Experience/Adventure

I don't want to be a Debbie Downer lol because of course Christmas is a time of giving and things do cost money but instead of buying 'things', try and buy 'memories'. Wowcher, Groupon & Lastminute have fantastic deals on experiences such as afternoon tea, spa days, theatre visits and of course trips away to different cities and/or countries. Get off social media & get outside. 

Host A Festive Dinner

Nothing means love more than sitting around and stuffing your faces right? Food really does bring people together. Start with nibbles and sharing boards, enjoy your traditional Christmas Day dinner & finish with all the sweet treats. Play board games, put on music and celebrate how lucky you are to be enjoying life.

Give Stuff Away That You Don't Use

Someone will benefit that Eve Lom Cleanser & that John Lewis Lamp more than you! Old DVDs, an MP3 thats been sat in your desk drawer for a year and even that giant chair you said you would sit on but it currently houses clothes. You don't need all that 'stuff' as much as you think. Give it to someone who needs it and will appreciate it.

Call Someone You Love Just Because...

Sometimes I call people just to gossip, just to offload my issues. Other times I call because I want something or I need someone to come to IKEA with me. I realised very recently that I rarely call the people I love, just to see how they are, just to make sure they're okay, and well.. Just because. Don't take people for granted because honestly, one day they won't be around anymore.