November has arrived, and it’s always a month that I wish away. The magic of Autumn begins to fade fast, with the bitter cold of winter creeping in and Christmas still feels an age away. This year especially, since I’ve got a couple of not-so-fun medical procedures going on, I can’t wait for November to be over. All that being said, it seems silly to wish away a whole month of your life, so I’m on a mission to make the most of the month this year! My November to do list looks like this…
Watch fireworks. Last year I somehow missed out on all the bonfire night festivities, but not this year! I’m thinking of wandering down to our local display tonight with Connor, having a hot cider and enjoying the show.
Start Christmas shopping! Christmas will be here before we know it and I’m always the one running around like a headless chicken on Christmas Eve looking for one last present. This year I want to get on top of it early, I’ve got a few lists going already! I love the actual act of giving gifts, but I find the sourcing of said gifts incredibly stressful, so the aim is to start early this year!
Buy an Advent Calendar! I’ve got my eye on this tea filled wonder from Bluebird Tea Co, which even contains a few tea scented candles! I want to get mine early this year, since I’ll be out of the country for the first 8 days of December, perhaps I can get away with starting it off early?
Bake Gingerbread. Isn’t gingerbread one of the best bits of Christmas? I’d love to bake some little gingerbread cookies this year, wrap them up in cellophane and use them as gift tags for my Christmas presents! I need to perfect my gluten-free recipe first though, so I need to practice lots this month!
Purchase Christmas tree decorations. This year will be the first that Connor and I have our own Christmas tree – we’ve never bothered with one before since we usually spent the run up to Christmas at our parents houses anyway. That means we’re starting from scratch with baubles, lights, the lot! I’ve already got my eye on a few from John Lewis, and I’m wondering if I can work these geometric Paperchase baubles in with my copper and white theme!
Hunt for pinecones! This year we’re going for a very natural christmas theme, and I’ve bookmarked a few Pinterest DIY’s already. The reoccuring theme is lots and lots of pinecones, so I think I’ll be dragging Connor out for a few walks, laden with tote bags, looking for pinecones! There’s something so lovely about crisp November forest walks – I don’t think he’ll mind too much!
Catch up on reading. I’ve had such a hectic few months, that I now have a stack of books to read that is looking a little neglected. I’m hoping that as the evenings draw in, I’ll be able to find more time to tackle my reading list!
What’s on your November to do list?