This year, Christmas is going to look a little different.

And different in not a negative ‘different’ way — unlike the previous two years where Christmas was reduced to one day and my family and I wore masks and were super socially distanced, and the following year we all actually had COVID.

No, ‘different’ in a good way! ‘Different’ in the; I’m on the other side of the world spending Christmas in New Zealand kind of way!

As I write this (Saturday 10th), it is actually the morning of our flight. Normally this would have me wrapped in a wave of anxious Abi-ness but as the flight isn’t until 9pm, I’m trying to keep my mind busy until we at least actually get near the airport.

So, considering I woke up an hour before my alarm was due to go off, I thought why not do a little festive roundup of what I’ve been up to whilst I have an ENORMOUS mug of tea and stay warm in bed for a little longer.

This year I’ve been lucky enough to go ice skating on two separate occasions.

Both times were in November before the weather got actually cold, so the fake coldness felt a little bit festive before winter actually arrived over the last couple of weeks.

I’m not going to pretend I’m any good at ice skating, and I did indeed fall over (somehow when I was standing still I just fell over backwards… #embarrasing) on the first trip, but I’m not awful I can at least let go of the sides!

I think as traditionally with friends, when I was in school, we used to come ice skating. It feels like a festive tradition to go, so when I do go, it sparks a little bit of festive cheer.

It helps that the rink at the Mall at Cribbs Causeway is so festively decorated (although Paddington themed).

The next festive thing on the agenda was actually putting up the work Christmas tree.

Somehow working in Marketing equates to Christmas tree decorating … and I’m NOT complaining!

The annual Portishead Christmas lights then came on and have been a real comfort in the dark mornings getting up for work and the early evenings.

I do love how cosy they make the town.

Even though we are going away for Christmas, I wanted to decorate my room so I could feel festive before we went away…. I won’t tell you what date in November I put these up!

Last Sunday Will and I went to Stourhead National Trust to do their Christmas light trail. As I said on my Instagram, I had never done one before ,but they will now become a part of my festive pre-Christmas routine

Finally, on Wednesday we had our first crisp morning with wintery sunshine and so Mum and I took a day trip to Weston Super Mare beach with the dog.

We first warmed up with a hot coffee before running around with the dog on the beach.

Something about the winter sunshine hits differently, although, it’s probably just the surprise that it’s sunny.

That concludes my festive roundup. Now its time for my first ever long-haul flight and first warm Christmas!

I look forward to sharing what we get up to on the blog when we get back in the New Year.

So for now, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!