Best way to make more magical Christmas moments and instantly feel more festive with your family this winter
CHRISTMAS is just around the corner, and if you’re yet to get fully into the festive spirit then now is the time.
There’s plenty of little winter moments to get you in the yuletide mood now that Halloween and Bonfire Night are firmly behind us.
- Shop Christmas at John Lewis – buy here
For many, Christmas is not just about the big day but the run up to December 25, and the many magical moments before Christmas Day.
Whether you and your loved ones look forward to decorating the tree, baking with your family, getting the house ready for guests and shopping for gifts; there’s many a moment to share this winter – and John Lewis is here to help.
If you’re making a list, and checking it twice, we’ve put together our top tips and tricks to make this countdown to Christmas the most wonderful time of year, and help to create the most fabulous memories with your family.
So without further ado, let’s get your Christmas preparation underway.
We’ve listed everything you need as you count down to the big day, with a couple of tricks and an idea or two to help you instantly feel more festive – and a couple of treats to look forward to.
And this December, you could even be cheering on the home team too!
Decorating the tree
The first tradition after the ceremonial first day of the Advent Calendar, and by some probably the most loved Christmas moment of all, decorating the tree.
Whether you’ve had some new additions to your brood this year, or the kids have grown up and are popping home to help you decorate, decorating the tree is the perfect way to kick off your winter celebrations and is sure to be a super special occasion.
First things first, the tree. John Lewis’ Traditions Unlit Christmas Tree is a great choice, it’s big without being too big and is priced under £50.
Why not mark the occasion with a new bauble? Get the kids to choose their own? We love this Jolly General Store Red Cross Charity Heart Bauble, it’s £8 and best of all, 25% will go to charity.
Family moments together
A favourite film? That walk you always take when December hits? Ice-skating? It’s all about the yearly traditions and the family moments you all share no matter what your individual favourites are.
If it’s an important tradition to you then it’s important and finding a new one to do each week is a great way to count down the weeks to Christmas.
Why not Meet Santa in store with John Lewis? This year you can even take your four legged friends, a must for dog Mum’s and Dad’s.
Maybe it could be wrapping presents together, or compiling the list for the crucial big shop? You have to make sure Nan will have those Florentines she loves, the wine Dad has been saving or just some sweet treats for everyone.
And speaking of which….
Christmas baking
A personal favourite, Christmas baking is one winter moment not to be missed.
Whether it’s a Christmas Pudding or festive cupcakes, baking is a great way to get family together, make memories – and even get some prep done for the big day.
Baking is a lovely yuletide tradition, but also a great option for gifts.
Decant into these Christmas Cake Tins and your bakery gifts will be sure to put smiles on your friends and families faces.
Getting ready for guests
It’s getting closer to the 25th now, so if you’re having friends and family over this year, why not get the house ready with plenty of time.
Set the table with this uber cute Mini Trees Table Centre, and surround with white and silver decorations for a snowy theme – frankly, we’re obsessed.
It’s also a great time to stock up on new glass wear, perfect for celebrating with, and even some party games – tis the season!
We love the John Lewis Paloma ANYDAY glassware, for style and substance on your Christmas tablescape. without breaking the bank.
And if you can’t decide on a new game, we recommend Burger Balance – sure to be harder than it looks after a few Christmas sherry’s.
Looking for gifts and last minute shopping
Of course, when it comes to Christmas, getting the perfect gift is super important.
Whether that’s the office Secret Santa, the notoriously hard to buy for father in law, your special someone or the kids.
John Lewis’ gift guides are full of suggestions for her, him, kids, home lovers, food and drink sets, beauty lovers and everything in between.
We’re loving NEOM’s cosy Christmas candles, and this £48 Christmas Wish 3 Wick Scented Candle with a Mandarin, Cinnamon and Tonka Bean scent is a pure delight.
For an on-trend gift for her you can’t go wrong with Cashmere Roll Neck Sweater, for a soft and smart look. And for him, we’re loving these Whittard Coffees of the World.
And what about if you’ve left it all a bit last minute? No need to fear, John Lewis has sorted that too with next day delivery and click and collect for under £30 to thousands of locations.
Cutting it really fine? You can always rely on a John Lewis gift card for an instant gift that is sure to put a smile on their face.
Pre-Christmas parties
Christmas is a time of celebrating and that can mean plenty of parties this winter.
From Sundays in the pub with friends, the annual work Christmas party, a winter wedding and Christmas Eve drinks, there’s a lot of celebrating to be done which means one thing – plenty of fizz, and plenty of lewks.
We’re loving the Nobody’s Child range now available at John Lewis, full of sustainable and pretty partywear, and we’re obsessed with this Vienna Spot Taffeta Dress that will look great with boots, heels and you’re sure to love for many Christmases to come.
For casual drinks, you’ll want a Christmas jumper, this Mint Velvet Sequin High Neck Jumper, is catching our eye, but why not get one for the whole family to match?
The Christmas party is a tricky one to get right, you’ll want to look like you’ve made an effort without looking too done.
A nice top and jeans is the ultimate combo here. Why not pair a sequin cami such as this £49 Ro&Co number (available in black, silver and 2022’s most fabulous shade, hot pink), with a pair of platforms – we’re loving this Phase Eight twist pair.
Got something super formal? Make sure you don’t miss this Whistles Sequin Midi Dress – it’s everything.
The big day!
After the big Christmas countdown, the big day is finally here, December 25th.
All your preparation has paid off, you can look forward to creating more memories together, reflecting on the winter moments that you’ve just enjoyed, and who knows, maybe even shop the Boxing Day sales tomorrow.
We think that deserves a glass of bubbles to celebrate, don’t you? After all it is Christmas.
MORE ABOUT JOHN LEWIS
How to buy John Lewis Christmas advert skateboard and
merchandise.
John Lewis Christmas adverts through the years from 2007 to 2022.
Who sings the John Lewis advert soundtrack and cover of Blink 182’s All The Small Things?
Looking for more stylish savings at your favourite fashion chains? Visit Sun Vouchers where you’ll find amazing discounts and voucher codes for hundreds of fashion retailers including ASOS, Very, River Island, Pretty Little Thing, New Look and more.