While getting a BBQ for Christmas might be a great gift, it’s not the sort of thing that will put the family in a festive mood. Hot summers spent outside aren’t associated with the holiday season – unless you live in Australia, of course.
So what gifts can you buy to put people in a festive mood and get them excited about the season?
Candles
When you think back to your best holiday seasons as a child, what do you remember the most? Was it the presents under the Christmas tree? Was it the smell of roast meat wafting through from the kitchen? Or was it the flickering candlelight in the evening?
Candles have long been an integral part of the Christmas festive season. And today, you can get scented versions that add to the ambiance even more.
Lighting them releases smells of mace, clove, cinnamon, and star anise into your surroundings, making them smell gorgeous. If people weren’t feeling festive beforehand, they will after.
Funky Festive Clothing
Most families simply wear the same clothes for Christmas as they do for the rest of the year. But that’s not the best way to put you in the mood. It might as well be a Tuesday in April.
Family Christmas shirts, however, can completely change the atmosphere in your home. Suddenly, you’re dressing as if it is the holiday season – and it is helping you get into the swing of things.
Knitted Mugs
We all know that you can easily order customizable mugs off the internet. Companies start with plain porcelain and then add words or artwork according to your instruction – pretty straightforward.
But did you know that you can also get knitted mugs that offer the same thing?
Knitted mugs are great for putting you into the holiday spirit for two reasons. First, they feel warm and cozy in your hands, helping you avoid the chills at the coldest time of the year. And, second, they look more seasonal than regular mugs.
Most of these mugs come with a knitted surround that you pull over the main body of the cup and provide a hole for the handle. While they have some stretchiness to them, you should only pair them with compatible mugs. Otherwise, they will not fit properly – and that could lead to nasty spills.
Personalized Baubles
Christmas tree decorations look great. But imagine how much better they would be if you could personalize them somehow.
Well, now you can. There are now companies that will print images you upload onto regular bauble according to your instructions. These firms use a variety of etching techniques to create something truly unique.
Buy Roasted Nuts
Another way to get people into the festive spirit is to give them taste and smell sensations that remind them of their childhood Christmas days.
Roasting nuts is actually surprisingly easy. You can bake them in the oven. Or you can buy a special roasting machine that cooks them in their shells. If you choose the latter, be sure to read the instructions thoroughly.