This post is part of my 12 Days of Christmas campaign where I share a Christmassy blog post every day for 12 days! It involves giveaways, competitions and more – so keep your eyes peeled!
One thing I like to do over the festive season is read blogs. Gift guides for this year, personal experiences about the holiday and inspiration for decorations and wrapping – reading blogs is a wonderful way to keep up to date. Reading in general really relaxes me, so grab a cup of tea and sit down in a comfy chair for these 25 festive blog posts:
1. Christmas Decorations to Shake your Baubles by The Lush Lists
Have you got your Christmas tree up yet? Whether are just looking to add some decorations, or need brand new baubles for your tree, The Lush Lists have got the article for you! I personally love the ‘cheer’ baubles, with mini gin, wine, prosecco and whisky bottles. Also check out the rest of the website for more handy and fun lists (like this post about board games for big kids).
2. The Expat Christmas Wish List by Teaspoon of Adventure
It’s so tricky to buy gifts for expats and/or those who are travelling around quite often. Although Christmas is a joyous time, it can be hard for expats and other people who don’t get to spend it with their families. Riana from Teaspoon of Adventure has put together a fantastic wish list, from a portable coffee maker to a VPN subscription!
3. The 6 Best Gifts for a Foodie by Jupiter Hadley
Who doesn’t love food?! Although some people are more into cooking than others, I think everyone would be happy with pizza socks (they come in a pizza box, rolled up to look like an actual pizza). If you are looking for gifts for the foodie in your life, Jupiter Hadley’s list is great!
4. ‘Christmas by the River’, London Bridge City’s Festive Market by The Globetrotter
I used to work in London Bridge and would always visit the London Bridge Christmas market on my lunch break. They got very expensive this time of year with all the tasty street food! Read The Globetrotter’s handy guide and review of the market before you plan your visit.
5. Where I’ll Wander in 2020 by The Armchair Traveller
The festive period is such a great time to look ahead to the new year. What will you do, where will you go? The Armchair Traveller has already got some trips planned (I wish I was this organised!) and has put together some handy tips for planning your next holiday.
6. Lights To Remember – Christmas Without A Loved One by Luv and Lifestyle
When Kirsty from Luv and Lifestyle sent over this post, I was immediately amazed about the genuine and positive undertones she manages to write with. Talking about the Lights to Remember service by the Marie Curie charity and personal experience, this post is a brilliant reflection on this time of year. For those who need a little bit of light and love this time of year!
7. Whistler at Christmas – Skiing and Giggles by A Walk and a Lark
I think a holiday in Whistler is on everyone’s bucket list! And especially around Christmas time I’m imagining the ski resort to be even more magical than normal. A Walk and a lark wrote a great review on a Christmas skiing holiday in Whistler – with the most beautiful pictures to persuade you!
8. Christmas Gift Guide for Pets by Tales of Belle
It’s not just your human family members that deserve a Christmas present! Dog or cat, Tales of Belle made a list of the best Christmas gifts for your furry friend. I mean, doesn’t your dog need Christmas pyjamas? All I want is matching ones!
9. 7 Of The Best Places To Travel For Christmas by Passports and Parenting
We decided to take a trip (to Amsterdam) last Christmas and it was one of the best Christmasses we ever had. No plans, no obligations to do anything, a magical atmosphere: it was just amazing. So if you’re looking to ‘escape’ the family plans and travel somewhere for Christmas, Passports and Parenting have rounded up the best places to visit.
10. Top Motorhome Winter Destinations by The Gap Decaders
Winter in a Motorhome sounds so romantic! Cruising through the snowy landscape, drinking hot chocolate in your cosy van and exploring the world. The Gap Decarders have written up a list of destination ideas, the post also includes helpful tips on prepering your van and equipment you might need.
11. Sustainable Gift Ideas: the Ultimate Guide for Home and Travel 2019 by Small Footprints, Big Adventures
This is definitely the ultimate guide to sustainable gifts. It is absolutely massive! Whoever you are looking to buy a gift for, you will find something in this list. From coffee and wine to ethical jewellery and toys for children, this guide by Small Footprints, Big Adventures has it all.
12. 6 Gift Ideas for Travel Bloggers by Two Roaming Soals
Are you lucky enough to have a travel blogger as your friend or family member? Normally this is great, but they can be hard to buy gifts for! As travel fans are usually not that materialist, they often prefer experience gifts or an envelope of money to go towards their travel budget. Two Roaming Soals give you some great gift ideas for the travel blogger in your life.
13. 10 Tips To Deal with a Christmas Away From Home by Go With Gabbs
Whether you live abroad, are travelling for Christmas, away with work or whatever you are doing, it can be hard to not spend Christmas with your family! Go With Gabbs wrote a great blog post about her experience being away from home and how to make it magical!
14. £100 Christmas Challenge – Earn an Extra £100 for Christmas by Bee Money Savvy
I think we could all use some extra money over the festive period. Drinks and dinners out, Christmas parties, new outfits and presents – it’s not a cheap time of year! Bee Money Savvy always write great stuff about saving/making some cash, and this post will help you make £100 this Christmas!
15. The Ultimate List of Things To Do to Fill the Void Between Christmas and New Year by This Glorious Life
Aren’t the days between Christmas and New Year always a bit odd? You kind of forget what day it is, but there’s always more days in between than you think there are! So what do you do in between Christmas and the New Year? Do you spend it with family, at home or are you at work? This Glorious Life wrote a great list on what to do on these days.
16. 7 Tips to a Stress Free Christmas Day by Greenbank Interiors
If you are hosting Christmas Day, it can get a bit stressful. Food timings, serving drinks, making sure the table is ready… try not to stress out just thinking about it! So how do you make sure you keep it cool and also enjoy the day? Read Greenbank Interiors guide to get the top tips.
17. 10 Ways to Save Money on Christmas Decorations by Keeping Up With the Bulls
I personally love having Christmas decorations in and around the house. A wreath on the door, a decorated tree in the living room and cusions, candles and bits around the rest of the house. But if you also have to buy lots of Christmas presents, decorations might be out of your budget. Keeping Up With The Bulls have some handy tips on how to save money on your Christmas decorations, I love the idea of making your own!
18. Gift Ideas for Travel Lovers by Affordable Backpacker
Are you a travel lover and looking to put something on your wish list? Or are you browsing for the perfect gift for your family member who seems to always be travelling? Affordable Backpacker has a very inclusive list, with prices ranging from £5.99 to £84.99!
19. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac Christmas by Fish Out of Malbec
I have never wanted to visit Canada in the winter as much as I do after reading this blog post! Fish Out of Malbec writes a review on a truly magical Christmas at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. A real castle in Québec, with more Christmas spirit than the North Pole!
20. The Best Free Things to Do in New York City During the Holidays by Mad Hatters NYC
We all know that the holidays can be an expensive time. Often prices are increased for attractions, as well as in restaurants and bars. Luckily Mad Hatters NYC bring you a list of the best free things to do in New York during the festive period. Please just bring me to Rockefeller Center already!
21. How To Buy Great Christmas Gifts and Stay on Budget! by My Dreamality
Do you always set a budget for your Christmas presents? And do you stick to it…? My Dreamality’s post about how to stay on budget for your Christmas presents is super handy. Work out who you need to get presents for and setting a budget are the first steps!
22. Make Your Home Smell Like Christmas by Simply Bethany Megan
What are your favourite Christmas smells? I am definitely a ‘cosy’ smell person, like cinnamon, pumpkin and all things warming. Simply Bethany Megan has some tips and products that will make your entire house smell like Christmas.
23. Why Mental Health is Important During the Holidays by Creatively Lauren
For many people the holidays is about happiness and joy, but for some it can be a tough time. Stress, pressure and social obligations can make it a hard month. Mental health is important any time of the year, but Creatively Lauren writes about how to manage your mental health during the holidays.
24. What Happens During Christmas in Cuba? by Bacon is Magic
Do you ever wonder what happens in different countries over Christmas? The holiday was banned in Cuba for quite some time, so most Cubans don’t spend Christmas eating turkey and opening presents. So what do they do? Bacon is Magic give you the lowdown.
25. Eco-friendly Alternatives to Wrapping Paper by Healthy Vix
Eco-friendly alternatives are always a good idea in my opinion, for everything! If you think about it, wrapping paper, ribbon and gift tags are not the most eco-friendly products! They are usually plastic items, covered in… plastic. Healthy Vix gives you some eco-friendly alternatives to these Christmas essentials.
Let me know which blog posts you enjoyed reading. Also, let me know what you think are good topics for festive blog posts, maybe we can write about them next year!
Thank you so much for including me Caroline! It looks like a fantastic list! Now I just need a cuppa to start reading through them. 🙂