You guys, it's November. You know what that means don't you? Christmas is NEXT MONTH! Now I know that some of you will be horrified that I'm even mentioning the C-word, but this year I am well and truly embracing the festive build up. Last year was crappy for my family and I and we spent the last few months of the year dreading the holiday period. The usual magic of Christmas felt totally lost on me, so this year I'm determined to make the most of the season and make up for the festive cheer we missed out on last winter.

And how do I plan on doing that I hear you ask? Well, let me tell you. Here's how I'm embracing the festive build up...

1) Getting started early with pressie shopping

I like to think of myself as pretty organised when it comes to Christmas pressie shopping, but if I'm being totally honest, I always end up running around last minute trying to get everything finished off. This year I'm determined to get most of my shopping done in November - that way I can spend cosy nights in in December wrapping them all over a glass of Baileys, rather than frantically shoving them in gift bags with a bit of tissue paper on Christmas Eve!

2) Digging out the Christmas reads

As many of you know, I love reading and am a massive book nerd, so it's probably not suprising that one of my favourite ways to get into the festive spirit is digging out the Christmas reads. You can never go wrong with a classic like A Christmas Carol, but this year I've also treated myself to The Faber Book of Christmas and Nigel Slater's new book, The Christmas Chronicles. Both books are absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to dip in and out of them while curled up in front of the fire.

3) Making my home cosy and festive

Don't worry guys, I'm not busting out our Christmas tree just yet, but I am making some little seasonal changes to our house to make it super cosy in the run up to December. I've stocked up on festive candles and dug out all the blankets, plus we're having our external doors replaced this weekend which is making me very excited about wreath options! I've also been picking up some new decorations and bits and pieces ready for when it's socially acceptable to make our house look like Santa's grotto - BRING. IT. ON.

4) Giving something back

A big part of Christmas for me is taking the opportunity to embrace the season of goodwill and focus on giving something back. There are a few ways I plan on doing that this year, from focussing our fundraising efforts at Blossom's Legacy HQ to raise loads of money for a great cause, to whipping up a feast for some of my best friends to say thank you for everything they've done for me over the past year. I'll also be donating to charities that mean a lot to me and making a more conscious effort to spread good cheer and generosity too.

5) Planning lots of festive activities

One of my favourite things about this time of year is how the diary is suddenly filled with lots of fun, festive plans, and this year is no different! I've got a couple of Christmas parties to look forward to (the first one is next week, woop), Sam and I will be visiting the Christmas markets in Edinburgh in a few weeks and I'm also off to watch Elf The Musical with my Mum and sister. I'm also excited to celebrate our nephew's first Christmas too - hopefully we'll be able to squeeze in some festive days out with him.

6) Embracing all of the little traditions

Last but by no means least is embracing all of the little traditions that the Christmas period brings. Stuff like trying all the Starbucks festive coffee flavours, picking out an advent calendar and whipping up all of my favourite winter foods (anyone else craving camembert already?!). I think these little things all add up to making the season so special, so this year I'll be checking them all off the list.

Oooooh, just writing this post has made me so excited! Are you embracing the build up to the festive period, and if so, how are you doing it?