If anyone has struck up a conversation with me about December or Christmas in general it is obvious to see that Christmas has a special place in my heart! Christmas is THE HOLIDAY for my family. The traditions grow year upon year, but one thing’s for sure when looking past traditions .. It wouldn’t be Christmas without the following things:
- Advent Calendar
I know I mentioned these before, but let’s be real you first open it on December 1st and it lasts you all the way till December 24th/25th. This year I did my Advent calendar shopping during Black Friday and the Sales. Three grace my room this year a Lindor one (chocolate), the funko pop 30 year Marvel Anniversary one and the Penney’s/Primark Disney bauble one. Why did I mention I got all three during the sales? I spent a grand total of €20.97 on all three. Poor Emma has had to deal with my photos and videos of the funko pops when they have been opened!
- The Crowds While Shopping.
Honestly this is my least favourite thing about December but, it really wouldn’t be Christmas without the crowds of people while shopping! I know most people might laugh or roll their eyes at this one but, let’s be real. Trying to shop in the middle of a tonne of people can get tiring. Online shopping is totally a thing but, nothing beats going through the shops at Christmas. Also just to see all the lights and decorations! Yes, Niamh does get distracted easily.
- Christmas gigs
A number of my friends always say “It’s not Christmas until you have been to one of The Coronas Christmas Gigs”. This year I was fortunate enough to get a ticket to their gig in The Soundhouse on December 4th. Honestly, The Coronas know how to throw the best Christmas Gig Parties and it really kick starts your festive season! If you weren’t lucky enough to get to their pre Christmas gigs make sure you pick up a ticket for one of their after Christmas gigs. They play Castlebar on December 28th and the INEC Kilarney on December 29th. All gigs in December are Christmas gigs for me though; the other Christmas gigs this year came in the form of Wild Youth in the Olympia (three years running of seeing these guys during the festive season” and the icing on the cake one for me was Chasing Abbey in the Soundhouse. Hoping to get to one or two more before the year is out, but we will have to wait and see.
- The days put aside for…
This is my true number one of ‘it wouldn’t be Christmas without…’ This is the day of December most of us take for granted growing up. It’s the day you put aside to get all the little things done with your family/friends. For me it is our baking days. This year it was Chocolate Biscuit cake, mince pies, scones and buns. Hoping to pick up ingredients for gingerbread and cookies before the main day comes to pass. Every year whichever siblings are free help out mam with all the baking and one of my cousin’s always comes up to help too!
- Christmas at Camden
This one is a new addition in my mind of “it wouldn’t be Christmas without” and it is all thanks to TodayFM in recent years. Be it their Cadbury’s Christmas Show, the Big Freeze or Christmas at Camden; you know it’s not officially Christmas until they celebrate big! Christmas at Camden is live Monday 23rd of December with guests to feature Ruthanne and Hudson Taylor to name a few. Tune into Fergal D’Arcy 2-4.30pm on the day. Or, if you are like me pray that the listen back goes up quickly!
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Blogmas: Christmas Playlist.
Is it sad to admit that I have been working on my Christmas playlist since November! I was in charge of making the Christmas Playlist on Spotify for work and honestly, it was the most fun I had in ages putting something musical together.
There is over three hours of music on this playlist but, I have broken the must have songs on my Christmas Playlist into four categories.
Irish Christmas song additions for 2019
- Wild Youth, Ryan Mack and Luz Corrigan “Do They Know It’s Christmas”
This one was such a surprise when they performed it in 2FM Studio 8 on December 11th. At the moment you can only listen to it on playback but, make sure you do. The Christmas sing along for 2019 goes to these three acts and the entire crowd in the Olympia singing it that night too!
- Luz Corrigan “Christmas Morning”
Just because I adore this song! Go give it a listen. Luz is one of the only acts that I can listen to where goosebumps trail up and down my arms for her entire set!
- Ryan Mack “Christmas in Your Arms”
I adore this song since it came out last year! A new accoustic version of this song can be found over on Ryan’s instagram page but, until you track down RyanMackPhotos go give it a listen here
- Stephanie Rainey “Last Christmas”
Stephanie recorded a version of “Last Christmas” live in St Luke’s. As a Christmas treat she had fans What’s App her for the sound file as a Christmas present! (See her socials for more details). You can find the video of the recording here and keep an ear out to hear it on radio stations too.
- Hudson Taylor “That’s How I Know It’s Christmas”
This one came out in November this year with the most adorable Christmas music video! Anything that Hudson Taylor have brought out recently, I adore alot but this song has made a permanent home in my heart. I have listened to it at least once during all of our festive traditions this year and look forward to doing the same year on year!
International Christmas song additions for 2019
- Taylor Swift “Christmas Tree Farm”
Mainly for it’s music video. This song has made the list! Is it one of my favourite Christmas songs of all time? No but it shows the very essence of what Christmas means to me, memories with the ones you love!
- The entire of Idina Menzel’s Christmas Album
This one has been my favourite to blast at work! Especially for the keen eared five to eight year olds who freak out that Elsa is singing Christmas songs! For anyone who doesn’t know Idina Menzel lends her voice and her singing to Frozen’s leading lady Elsa! She brought out her own Christmas Album this year and stating that I have had it on repeat for countless days would be an understatement. My highlight is “We Need A Little Christmas!” and a collab appearance from Ariana Grande is a real treat too!
Christmas Movie Soundtrack Song must have
- “Last Christmas”
With the success of Last Christmas the movie this year, this song has been everywhere! Not to spoil the movie but THAT song is played so many times in that movie! I have always loved this song as it is a golden oldie but, with recent movie additions I now tear up when I am listening to it tired! Cheers guys!
- “Ghost of Christmas Present Song” from The Muppets Christmas Carol
It isn’t Christmas until you have watched The Muppets Christmas Carol! This song is the one that always makes me bop! Admit it! It is so catchy and you can’t help but have a massive smile on your face for the entire of this musical number! If you need reminding check it out here
- “Sparkle and Shine” T he Nativity
Who doesn’t love this entire movies soundtrack? I think we watch this movie at least five times throughout the festive season! Why Sparkle and Shine? Just to see the actresses grow in confidence from the first practice of this one to the final BIG performance! Also it reminds me of a West End musical number. You really do have to dance along to this one!
- “Do You Wanna Build A Snowman?”
I know this one is very controversial as ‘technically’ it isn’t a Christmas song… But, it is a winter song! If, like me you work with the public. Watch the faces of the little ones who hear this one. The kids who know it freak out while the parents usually roll their eyes! I get great enjoyment out of this one!
Golden Oldies that never age
For the final list I don’t think a description of why I had to include the follow was needed. Just five of my favourite guilty pleasures that needed to be mentioned:
- “Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells End)” The Darkness
- “All I want for Christmas is You” Mariah Carey
- “Driving home for Christmas” Chris Rea
- “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” Micheal Buble
For anyone who may be interested in listening to the entire of my work Christmas Song playlist the link can be found here. Until next time! – Niamh
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