It’s getting to that time of year again, when flats around Edinburgh realise that, unlike at home, a Christmas tree doesn’t automatically appear and the wind doesn’t blow in the smell of gingerbread cookies. But at the end of term, with everyone’s student loan running low, no one has the extra cash to go and get the plastic Christmas tree – and don’t even consider a real one, regardless of whether or not it would make an amazing Instagram post. So here are a few top tips to make your flat feel that little bit more Christmassy.
Save those annoying little polystyrene balls from any packages you ordered. You know – those little white things that you’ll find in the oddest places for the next four months after spilling them onto the floor. Save them and sprinkle them on the window sill or on your desk. Add some flour and cinnamon spice to get that Christmassy smell (side effect: it may make you perpetually peckish). You can totally convince yourself that it looks like freshly fallen snow. At least it’ll stay clean and pure and won’t turn grey and slushy after a few hours.
Play those Christmas tunes loud and clear. All day. Every hour of the day. Make sure that you know every word to every song so that when you inevitably hear them while shopping, you can sing along. In the words of Buddy the Elf: “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear”, so make sure you’re prepared to do your Christmas duty. The songs won’t get annoying. Honestly.
We’ve said that no one can afford a tree, but what about a little DIY? It’s easy: find a branch on your way home through the Meadows, maybe try to spray it gold or silver and, if you’re feeling ambitious, make some paper decorations and voila. Your own personal mini Christmas tree-esque decoration. At least this one won’t drop needles all over the floor.
Christmas doesn’t have to be expensive and it doesn’t need much work; anyone can create a little Christmas cheer with just a little imagination, some craftsy hands and, let’s be honest, a Christmas miracle might help.
[Image: SBoneham @ Flickr]