november, the pre-planning

• time to get in the mood! november-january are the most special months of my life, especially november. i work hard to always keep it nostalgic n magical, because it's comforting having a couple of months to take a break from real life burning chaos. i get my rose-tinted glasses n dissociate n play stupid until i convince myself that everything is as magical as an anime summer episode. it's important that you repeat certain elements every year, or try to engage w similar, pleasant sensations.
• i like to re-read the carry on series, especially the first book. i also enjoy reading holiday-themed fanfiction (or fanfiction that happens during the holiday season), like the like a good neighbor series by kindaquirky, n a beloved one that's no longer available. (i really gotta expand this list... i looove reading romance n fluff stuff during the holidays, but it's been ages since i read fanfiction.) i also tend to revisit the king in white, by artisticnutcase by the end of december.
• i take lots of pictures during this time, since summer is by the door, but not scalding us, yet. water has to be present at least once, be it beach or pool.

december, the real thing

• week 1-2: i get together w friends n we decide on meals (appetizers, main course, late snacks), desserts, drinks, n who's responsible for cooking what during christmas eve. we also get together to shuffle our secret santa victims. this n the following week are reserved for shopping gifts, decorations, n stationary to make holiday cards.
• week 3: we shop food n drinks. it's important that this week is the most relaxing one. if you gotta struggle, struggle before the third week.

dec 24th schedule

• we wake up at 7am n pray, wishing that the next days n weeks are to be the most amazing n magical ever. this is important. the holiday's spirits are serious. we should make n eat a good breakfast n wash ourselves graciously. positive thoughts are super important.
• after that, we clean the whole house, except the kitchen (it should be left to be cleaned after everything is already cooked).
• we start preparing the cold desserts after we're done w the cleaning. this is also an important time for fixing anything that wasn't possible during the past days, like getting late gifts or missing ingredients.

• by 3pm we start decorating the living room n other spaces for the guests. we set up the tables for games, cushions on the floor n chairs for those who feel uncomfortable sitting on the ground. we put decorations on the walls n over furniture, n we set the holiday cards n the "secret santa" corner where guests can let their gifts sit.
• by 5pm we start cooking the savoury meals we're responsible for, n also the 1st batch of appetizers. there's not much trouble for us since i'm always the host.
• by 7pm we clean the kitchen, letting it put together.
• by 8pm we start putting ourselves together, taking another shower n dressing up properly. it's crucial to be at least 80% ready before the guests arrive.
• by 9pm we start greeting n receiving the guests. 1st round of appetizers should be served this moment if more than 3 people arrive. if not, offer easy snacks (like chips or popcorn).
• by 10pm all guests should be there. 2nd round of appetizers must be served. the next moment is reserved for picture-watching.
• we start with the episode holly jolly secrets, followed by the main course dishes. while we eat, we watch the current doctor who christmas special airing.
• after eating, we make a pool to decide on the 1st holiday-themed movie of the night, selected beforehand. by the second movie, we should pay attention to the movement of the guests. if they're still energetic, we decide on a second movie n possibly a third.
• when the guests start to chill, we should watch a set of calming episodes, to match the mood. we should "end" the last whispers of noise w the bmo lost episode, followed by jake the brick.
• all guests are welcome to spend the night, as long they've brought toothbrushes, soaps, n spare clothes, n also don't mind sleeping on the floor n in cushions.