First of all, let me say that finding three - in my mind, essential - Christmas decor items in Ireland is extremely difficult. These include, but are in no way limited to: mistletoe, stockings, and candy canes.
Oh, sure, the Irish will tell you they're readily available, and they're not entirely wrong. These things always seem to be in abundance around shoppers who couldn't give a [insert word here]. But for those of us who are dying for some good old candy canes and potpourri, God help us all and good luck.
However, we're rather proud of how our tiny little apartment ended up this Christmas season, so here are my tips for decorating 1) on a budget, 2) in a tiny apartment, and perhaps most importantly 3) in Ireland.
1) Countdown
Advent calendars, stockings, sleeps till Christmas, these are all essentials. I bought an advent calendar for the boy and myself, though we still haven't kept up with the chocolate eating.
2) Twinkle lights
are essential. Everywhere. Over the bed, over the door, on random spots on the way. Use many and enjoy.
3) Get a Christmas tree
My housemate, the boy, and I all split the cost of a real tree for the apartment this year and had a blast decorating it. Tiny little fake ones work well as well. Decorate it, enjoy it, turn on the lights everyday, and have your morning coffee by the light of merriment.
4) Enjoy new traditions
Can't find candy canes? Enjoy some Cadbury Roses. Can't find an Advent wreath? Enjoy some Advent chocolate.
And did you notice that my Christmas countdown says "Sleeps" till Christmas? Hello, England and Ireland! (To be truthful, it's a much more efficient way to countdown. Think about it. No more of those, "Wait, how do you count days? Do you count today?" arguments! Woohoo.) Basically, if you're in a new country, a new place, an apartment instead of your parents' cozy old house, find joy in the new traditions and new place.
5) Celebrate with friends
And don't forget the Christmas crackers. And the rein-beer.
And don't worry. Three days before Christmas, a busker on the street will be selling mistletoe. You're all sorted.
xx
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
However, we're rather proud of how our tiny little apartment ended up this Christmas season, so here are my tips for decorating 1) on a budget, 2) in a tiny apartment, and perhaps most importantly 3) in Ireland.
1) Countdown
Advent calendars, stockings, sleeps till Christmas, these are all essentials. I bought an advent calendar for the boy and myself, though we still haven't kept up with the chocolate eating.
2) Twinkle lights
are essential. Everywhere. Over the bed, over the door, on random spots on the way. Use many and enjoy.
3) Get a Christmas tree
My housemate, the boy, and I all split the cost of a real tree for the apartment this year and had a blast decorating it. Tiny little fake ones work well as well. Decorate it, enjoy it, turn on the lights everyday, and have your morning coffee by the light of merriment.
4) Enjoy new traditions
Can't find candy canes? Enjoy some Cadbury Roses. Can't find an Advent wreath? Enjoy some Advent chocolate.
And did you notice that my Christmas countdown says "Sleeps" till Christmas? Hello, England and Ireland! (To be truthful, it's a much more efficient way to countdown. Think about it. No more of those, "Wait, how do you count days? Do you count today?" arguments! Woohoo.) Basically, if you're in a new country, a new place, an apartment instead of your parents' cozy old house, find joy in the new traditions and new place.
5) Celebrate with friends
And don't forget the Christmas crackers. And the rein-beer.
And don't worry. Three days before Christmas, a busker on the street will be selling mistletoe. You're all sorted.
xx
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
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