It’s just two days to Christmas, and guess what? I’m not working on Christmas Day!
I’ve been thinking about writing a Christmas post because I can’t end this year without thanking everyone who has been reading, commenting, and supporting my blog. Writing and connecting with all of you through my thoughts and feelings about life has truly been one of my favorite activities this year.
A few days ago, my friend Ebube called and mentioned that she’d be coming to Glasgow for a day trip with Yinka. They planned to leave the next day, and it got me thinking about how every year, since moving to the UK during the Christmas period, I’ve had the chance to meet up with Ebube. Do you remember my Christmas trip to Edinburgh with Ebube? Well, we’re doing it again this year, but this time, it’s just a quick day trip before Christmas.
Yesterday, being Sunday, Yinka arrived on time as planned. She used FlixBus, and it didn’t disappoint this time. Unlike the first time I used it to travel to Aberdeen for her graduation, the delay at the station caused me to arrive late. Ebube, on the other hand, had a bit of a hectic journey. Her flight from Cork to Glasgow circled above the city for about 20–30 minutes because of strong winds, and they eventually decided to land at Edinburgh Airport instead. From there, she took a bus to Glasgow.
Once we picked her up from Glasgow airport, she dropped off her things at the hotel, changed her outfit, and we headed to the city center. We went to a lounge, relaxed, and caught up with each other.
They are both traveling back today; I really appreciate their presence. We had a wonderful time, and it was a lovely Christmas visit. They did mention that Glasgow didn’t seem to have much of a Christmas vibe or many lights, which I hadn’t noticed until they pointed it out. I joked that maybe the city was broke, and we all laughed about it. I wish them a safe journey back.
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Let’s be real—Secret Santa in the office is not everyone’s cup of tea. Personally, I’d rather skip it entirely. There’s always that lingering pressure to pick something “perfect,” and no one needs another mug collecting dust in a cabinet (seriously, let’s retire the mug gifting trend). But if you’re in it and want to make your gift count, here are some safe, practical ideas that are both budget-friendly and actually useful.
Smart, Practical Gift Ideas
Desk Organizers
Everyone loves a tidy workspace. Think small drawer organizers, pen holders, or even cord clips to tame those unruly wires. They’re simple, functional, and won’t break the bank.
Mini Plants
Succulents or air plants are easy to care for and can liven up even the gloomiest desk. Bonus points if they’re low-maintenance—no one wants to babysit a high-maintenance ficus.
Fancy Snacks
Snacks are a crowd-pleaser, but skip the generic stuff. A box of gourmet popcorn, some artisan cookies, or even a curated mix of healthy treats can feel thoughtful without trying too hard.
Tech-Friendly Accessories
If your office is phone-free, go for other practical gadgets like blue-light glasses, a mini desk lamp, or a screen cleaning kit. They’re handy and show you’ve put some thought into the gift.
Notebooks or Planners
A sleek pocket notebook or a minimalist planner? Yes, please. Perfect for jotting down ideas, meeting notes, or just pretending to be organized.
Stress Relievers
A good stress ball, a fun fidget toy, or even a roll-on essential oil blend—these are great for those long workdays when you need to decompress (or survive another meeting).
Reusable Lunch Accessories
Collapsible lunch boxes, reusable cutlery sets, or even eco-friendly silicone food bags—practical, thoughtful, and perfect for anyone who brings their lunch.
Personalized Office Supplies
Customized sticky notes or quirky paperclips are small, affordable, and still show effort. Plus, they’re actually useful.
Keep the budget low, the gift neutral, and the vibe easygoing. Secret Santa should be fun, not an exercise in overthinking. If all else fails? Go for snacks—no one’s ever been mad about getting good snacks.
If you're looking for a meaningful gift guide to give to someone this holiday season, continue reading.
Food basket.
People are hungry. You see that friend or neighbor who keeps smiling like all is well—gift them a food basket. Forget the mugs and Christmas cards; buy a variety of food items, wrap them, and send it over. If you know where homeless people stay, you don’t always have to donate to a charity; you can buy a fruit basket or a basket with food items and go to the street to give it out. I cannot tell you how appreciated it will be when you do that. Although the person may not express it outwardly, I assure you that people truly need food.
Last month, on David Oyedepo's birthday, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, he chose to give birthday gifts to all church members around the world. He distributed two packets of medium-packaged rice, a carton of indomie noodles, and frying oil to all church members worldwide. When the church presented me with these gifts, I already had them at home. When I used the ones gifted by the church after my own ran out, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for their generosity.
Massage and spa gift cards.
The stress we have all experienced is beyond what words may express, so when considering a Primark or H&M gift card as a Christmas gift, keep in mind that a massage at the spa would be more helpful and beneficial to that person's well-being.
Fuel gift card.
My reason for adding fuel is that gasoline is one of the most scarce or expensive commodities in many countries. In countries such as Nigeria, the president is treating the economy as a personal asset, opting to refine crude abroad despite having local refineries, all to profit for himself and his family. This situation is common in various countries, leading to increasing fuel prices. Instead of purchasing a Christmas card for that friend with a car, consider giving them a fuel gift card. Alternatively, surprise them by taking them to a fuel station and covering the cost of their fuel as a thoughtful Christmas gift.
Pay a rent.
Pay a rent.
Many families and individuals are experiencing difficulties in meeting their house rent or mortgage payments this year. Instead of buying expensive home equipment for Christmas, why not give them an envelope with the money? If you're looking to buy an iPhone, upgraded earpods, a laptop, or a gift to impress, keep in mind that they already own a phone. This money in cash will go a long way. They can use it for other needs besides rent.
Appreciation call.
Many people long for what I refer to as an appreciation call from friends, family, or loved ones, but they rarely receive it due to our tendency to overlook the efforts our close ones put into our lives. Call someone if you don't have a physical Christmas gift and tell them how much you appreciate them, how important their efforts have been in your life, and how they've helped you through giving, mental health, or other challenges. Let them know that you appreciate them, remember their beneficial works, and make them feel seen and honored. You never know who is fighting a silent battle, but you can give them hope that they are still adding value to lives and will continue to push forward. You can also mentally give Christmas gifts.
Preach the gospel.
As a Christian, one of the best gifts I can give anyone around me is telling them about Jesus. Many of us tend to shy away from talking about our religion to our friends, even though we respect their privacy. However, some of us have never tried to preach to them. If they decline to listen, then that is fine. As a Christian, the Great Commission is part of the instructions Jesus gave to us, and I believe that after this life comes judgment. I want to meet my friends in heaven. Whatever you believe, and if you think it is the light, preaching to a friend might just lead them on the right path and change their lives forever. Remember, this costs nothing but your heart.
Travel ticket.
Many students have been abroad for the longest time, and, let me say, many people have been working abroad for a while, wishing they could spend the special moment of Christmas with their loved ones. However, due to financial constraints, they are unable to do so. Do you know a family member or friend who frequently mentions relatives who reside in a different country and wish to visit them? If you want to present them with a gift, consider giving them an open ticket to that country or location. One thing I have come to understand is that people tend to hide their struggles and just put on a cheerful face, especially in this social media era where appearance only counts for some people.
Personal care products.
Personal care products.
To ensure survival, most people have reduced the quality of the products they purchase. Gifting personal care products, like quality creams, bath gels, and soaps in bulk, can cut down on cost. One thing I've noticed about personal care products in the UK is that they may appear inexpensive, but with the constant addition of cents at the end of every item cost, the final bill of these items is expensive.
Water purification filters or tablets.
I myself buy water a lot, so if someone gifts me packs of water, I will appreciate it more than a mug because I have mugs at home, spoon sets, plates, etc., that we always gift repeatedly. Water purification filters help filter tap water. There is no country with excellent tap water, so filtering the water is a way of staying healthy for those who cannot afford to buy drinking water every week or in bulk. Be practical when you want to give. Ask yourself how this gift will be impactful in this person's life. Until that gift comes from a place of care, not a ritual, you have not yet fulfilled a need.
If you've read my travel post to Dumbarton Castle, you've probably seen what I looked like walking up the long stairs while enduring the rain. I wore this Just Pray Boho Rainbow Flowers Butterfly Long Sleeve Shirt.I like to wear casual shirts that are free and breathable yet cozy and that have unique designs. The material feels comfortable on the skin. The materials used to make the shirts are soft.
Do you recall my previous post where I wore a grey sweatshirt? It is from BoldOversize. The brand has this retro style with a bit of a contemporary twist. If you check out the website, you will see lots of cool vintage American fashion clothing that features old school cars and retro music, etc.
Do you recall my previous post where I wore a grey sweatshirt? It is from BoldOversize. The brand has this retro style with a bit of a contemporary twist. If you check out the website, you will see lots of cool vintage American fashion clothing that features old school cars and retro music, etc.
Today is Christmas Day, and I am particularly thankful. We always looked forward to Christmas as kids because my parents would buy new clothes and shoes for my siblings, and my mother's cooking was always excellent. Each time I talk about my mom's cooking, it's not just because she's my mom; she's a skilled cook. During family occasions, everyone wants her to lead or supervise the cooking. My mom is blessed with the gift of cooking.
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She would prepare delicious meals, and we would enjoy them as a family. We'd walk around the neighborhood to showcase our Christmas clothes and sometimes receive money gifts. Just like people celebrate Halloween, that's how we celebrate Christmas—going around and collecting gifts. It's funny to think about it now, but I love those memories. People would visit each other's houses and eat together. My mom usually prepares takeaway packs for anyone who visits us. I loved Christmas back then, but as I grew up and moved abroad, it wasn't the same. There were days I would just sleep all day during Christmas, like today, when I was at home on the couch feeling weak from the flu and cough.
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Embark on a culinary adventure with me, where every cake is a chapter in a tale woven with creativity and nostalgia. Just as we hold onto the magic of Christmas, each confection I've crafted is a canvas for whimsical stories. Infused with love and a dash of playful spirit, these cakes are an ode to the joy and imagination of our youth. Join me in savoring these delectable creations, sharing a slice of childhood wonder. While AI lends a hand in envisioning these designs, it's essential to remember that not all ideas may be a piece of cake in reality. Some concepts might be too intricate, yet this fusion of AI and human ingenuity promises a realm of unique and personal cake marvels. Let's celebrate the blend of artificial intelligence and human creativity in baking, making each sugary masterpiece a testament to innovation and joy!
When it comes to Christmas decorations, cake ideas, nail designs, hair, and makeup, just know that melodyjacob.com is the best blog that stays up to date with the latest styles. Its 3 days until Christmas, and if you have not made or bought your Christmas cake yet, I have beautiful photos of the best Christmas cakes ever. I love all the designs, and all the cake designers are super creative and talented. Trust me, if you are determined, you can make this cake at home. While some of these festive cakes are decorated by hand, some cake toppers were used.
I can't even tell you how much I love the smell of gingerbread. It's just so relaxing, and boy, oh boy, this AI artist has taken her design to the next level, and everyone on social media is loving it. Erilta Krist actually created these designs for gingerbread houses and posted them on Instagram and its blowing off. She plays with colour and makes it even more interesting with this festive period. Some features a beautiful snowy day, while others give you just a cosy inside-your-home feeling.
While she shares the holiday cheer I am hear to make you fall in love with Christmas. If you want to learn how to make a gingerbread house then you might want to check on Pinterest.
1. Lilac gingerbread house
2. Gingerbread cookies village
3. Matcha Gingerbread house #matchgingerbread
4. Snow white gingerbread house
5. Pretty Gingerbread House #gingerbreadcookies
Poinsettia's dangers
Could a plant that is so popular during the holidays also be so dangerous? What problems does it cause if it is dangerous? Is it necessary to eat it to cause difficulties, or is it enough to simply be around it? Why does the misconception persist if it isn't dangerous?
In truth, the negative rep may have begun in 1919, when a child of an army officer died after eating a portion of a poinsettia plant. Many additional accounts indicate mild symptoms like nausea or vomiting, but no deaths, so it's unclear if the plant was to blame.
A study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine about two decades ago looked at nearly 23,000 cases of persons eating poinsettias and discovered.
No fatalities.
Almost the bulk of the cases (96%) did not require anyone to get treatment outside of the house.
The majority of cases (92 percent) showed no signs or symptoms at all.
To get close to an amount that could cause problems, a 50-pound child would have to eat more than 500 poinsettia leaves, according to one estimate. Pets may experience gastrointestinal issues after eating poinsettias, but these plants do not pose a significant risk to animals.
Mistletoe's dangers
For mistletoe, the story is similar. It's not especially harmful, but it can give you an upset stomach if you eat it. Mistletoe has been used as a treatment for arthritis, high blood pressure, infertility, and headaches for ages. However, none of these uses have high-quality evidence to back it up.
The plant's potential as an anticancer therapy has also attracted interest. Some mistletoe extracts contain compounds that have been demonstrated to destroy cancer cells in the lab and stimulate human immune cells. Alkaloids, for example, have qualities that are similar to several chemotherapeutic medications used to treat leukemia and other cancers in the past. However, a two-part review published in 2019 concluded that combining mistletoe extracts with traditional cancer treatments had no effect on survival or quality of life.
No one thinks that eating this plant, whether unintentionally or not, is a good idea. According to the authors of a 1986 assessment of many research, eating one to three berries or one or two leaves is unlikely to cause serious sickness. In one report of over 300 cases of mistletoe consumption, no major symptoms or deaths were reported. However, some sites warn that if enough is consumed, significant complications or even death may result. The exact quantity required to cause death is unclear, although it appears to be so high that ingesting enough to be lethal is extremely uncommon.
Holly's risks
People and pets may be harmed by this plant. Poisonous berries can be found on holly plants. They might cause stomach cramps, sleepiness, vomiting, and diarrhea if consumed. While eating holly is not recommended, it is unlikely to result in death. Knowing the Latin name of at least one variety of holly would be enough to keep you from eating it: the yaupon holly is also known as Ilex vomitoria.
Last but not least
Poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly should never be eaten, but little amounts are unlikely to cause significant sickness. The risks of these plants appear to me to be much exaggerated.
The choking hazard berries represent for young children is perhaps the most dangerous aspect of mistletoe and poinsettias, while this risk is not exclusive to plants: any small object carries equivalent risks. Plants for the holidays should be kept out of reach of small children and pets. Also, keep in mind that berries from these plants may fall to the ground.
Check with poison control, your pediatrician, or your veterinarian if a child or pet eats leaves or berries from these seasonal plants or any other plants. However, unless a particularly big "dosage" has been eaten, don't be surprised if the advice is to merely wait and watch.
Even if you know the dangers are not much, are you still concerned? You may always gift seasonal plants to friends who don't have kids or dogs or come up with alternative methods to decorate your home for the holidays.
Hey there! Just wanted to give you a heads up before you check out this list. It's a guide to help you find the best gifts for women, and trust me, it'll make your Christmas shopping a whole lot easier this year. No more stress!
When it comes to finding the perfect gifts for women, it can feel like there are countless options to choose from. This can be overwhelming for those who are looking for the best gifts for their moms or sisters, friends, girlfriends.
If you're on the hunt for a fancy gift to spoil someone special in your life, you've come to the right spot. I have selected a collection of top-notch designer gifts, all mostly priced under $500. So you can find something truly special without breaking the bank!
What's the best gift for women?
These are some well-liked gift ideas that people are right now searching for specifically for women.
- Lounge Lingerie Set: A luxurious and comfortable loungewear set that she’ll adore.
- Gisou Hair Oil: A haircare essential for soft, shiny locks.
- Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake Body Wash: A delightful stocking filler with a sweet scent.
- Vegan Cake: For the foodie, vegan brownies are a delectable treat.
- Coco & Eve Shower set: Elevate her shower experience with this luxurious set.
Here are 10 Christmas gift ideas for her
1. Personalized Jewelry: Jewelry is such a timeless gift that holds sentimental value for years to come. This accessory brings a touch of elegance and can be worn for special occasions or even on a daily basis.
2. Handbag: You know, a stylish handbag is really great because it's not only practical but also super fashionable. Having everything organized is really helpful, you know? And it also adds a nice finishing touch to any outfit.
3. Spa or beauty gift set: You could consider treating her to a pampering experience, like a spa day or a beauty gift set. It gives her the opportunity to unwind and pamper herself in the comfort of her own home.
Although Christmas is still days away, I am content and enjoying every moment. From wearing beautiful dresses to taking photos in front of different Christmas trees in the city of Glasgow to planning how to decorate our first Christmas tree, this holiday season is looking so good already.
Today, I will be traveling to meet up with my friend in Edinburgh to visit the Edinburgh Christmas Market and have some fun, but in the morning I have a dental appointment, which I will be telling you all about soon.
Christmas is a time to love, gift, be merry, and be happy. You survived the year, which is worth celebrating. I understand that the cold weather can sometimes be depressing, leading to seasonal depression, but don't worry. With these tips, you will get yourself into the Christmas spirit.
Last year, I struggled to feel the spirit of Christmas, but this year is different, which is why I decided to share these tips that will help rekindle the holiday spirit.
Put some Christmas decorations in your house.
This is a way of making you aware of the season and making your home feel like Christmas. If you typically purchase a green Christmas tree, consider switching to a white one this season. You can also have a blast designing your own inflatable and adorning your yard with different decorations. Christmas inflatables come in all shapes and sizes, from the classic Santa Claus and custom inflatable Christmas tree to more modern designs like the Nativity scene or a giant snow globe. Some people even choose to inflate animals or cartoon characters that represent the holiday spirit. No matter what you choose, setting up your own outdoor Christmas display is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit. This will brighten your neighborhood and let you express your creativity.
Listen to Christmas music.
Play your favorite Christmas music. While cleaning or decorating your room, listen to upbeat Christmas music. Christmas music is such a special treat, and the majority of us listen to it just during this season! Absorb as much Christmas music as possible! It's a true mood booster!
I am all about glitz this holiday season! This is true because I am hyped up for the Christmas season. This red dress by Jarlo London made me the centre of attention at a holiday party.
There is no doubt that sequins, faux fur, a little black dress, dramatic dresses, tulle dresses, chiffon dresses, satin dresses, red dresses, and all the dresses with glitter are the best ways to look good at a holiday party. As soon as you put them on, they make a statement in the best way. Adding faux fur to your outfit will give it a bit of luxury. It makes you feel warm and fancy.
To finish off your holiday look, add glitter earrings, a shining bag, a glitter blelt, glitter nails, a glitter hair accessory, and make your hair look bright like a diamond. Add an abundance of glitter and glitz to your ensemble, for you have achieved success this year and must look your absolute best in celebration.
Party dresses under $10,000
Today, Netflix released numerous new holiday movies, and I'm here to share them with you. There are 12 new cozy holiday movies to enjoy this season for laughs, comedy, and Christmas spirit. Most are from 2023.
Catering Christmas
A struggling caterer, agreeing to prepare the Christmas gala for the local foundation, discovers an unexpected bond with the host's charming nephew.
Fall Into Winter
On Netflix UK. A woman finds herself reluctantly collaborating with her high school crush, who unexpectedly invests in her family's candy business. Can her initial displeasure transform into something else?
The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday
Nothing pleases the Bad Guys more than Christmas morning in this new adventure, which takes place prior to the events of the feature film. This is because, while everyone is at home opening presents, it's the ideal time for them to carry out their citywide holiday heist. But when Christmas is abruptly called off, the Bad Guys have to pull off the unimaginable and give instead of taking in order to rekindle the city's holiday spirit.
B&B Merry
Graham extended a warm invitation to Tracey, a travel blogger, for a Christmas escape to his family's cozy bed and breakfast. Unfortunately, their quaint retreat is grappling with a challenging situation – a hotel resort has been luring away guests, putting the survival of the family business at risk.
Gordon, Gino & Fred's Great Christmas Roast
Gordon Ramsay teams up with Gino D'Acampo to help them choose wine and teach six celebrities how to cook three different Christmas dinners each, all in honour of 100 UK Heroes of the Year who will vote on which dish is the best. The host is Fred Sirieix.
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