The Holiday season is officially upon us! But these days we are all probably having the same questions running through our minds. Is there going to be another lockdown? Maybe? Maybe not. At this point into the pandemic we will just have to wait and see how things unravel. Making plans seem to always end up with a big question mark. With the holidays to look forward to, we cant help the dreaded feeling of isolation in our near futures.
We at Isabelle & Mimi have decided to take matters into our own hands and spread some love, joy and positivity by curating this post on how you can celebrate the holidays from home.
1. Have a Christmas movie marathon
Nostalgic movies
Studies have proven that feeling nostalgic has increased its benefits for our health and overall well-being. It is known to increasing happiness and reduce stress and give you an overall feeling of warmth. Isn't Christmas all about warmth? . Our list below are of a few nostalgic feel-good Christmas movies that will guarantee to make your Christmas from home more memorable, Let's look back in joy!
Home Alone (1990)
Nothing screams nostalgic, like Home Alone playing on TV on Christmas eve. Over thirty years have passed, but we can never get tired of watching 8-year-old Kevin McCallister defending his three-story house against a pair of bumbling bandits.
Harry Potter (2001-2011)
Christmas inside J.K Rowling's head is just mind- blowingly whimsical. You would know what I am talking about if you have read all the books. Lucky for everyone we get to see all these scenes with our own eyes and not just imagine them in our heads. Technically, Harry Potter is not a Christmas movie, but almost always ends up on our TV on Christmas morning.
It's a Wonderful life (1947)
If you haven't watched it already, we would highly recommend you do so. A 1947 classic that actually got popular in the 70's and 80's. Why does this movie move our souls? Probably due to the whole balance of darkness and light. Influenced by World War II and the Depression, this iconic film is not just one of the best Christmas movies of all time - its one of the best movies ever made, period
Die Hard (1988)
Many like to argue if this is a Christmas movie or not. YIPEE-KAY-YAY-MF in our books it is! So let's skip the debate. Also if soppy Christmas movies are not for you, this action flick about an office Christmas party taken over by terrorists is sure to add a bit of adrenaline to your holiday.
Love Actually (2003)
If Christmas rom-coms is your cup of tea, then this cheesy British chick flick is your go to. However, even though we aren't fans of the many sexist storylines this movie has, It still fun to watch.
It Happened on 5th Avenue (1947)
A great Christmas movie that not enough people talk about, this black and white classic gives us all the feels from our childhood.
Netflix & giggles
There is nothing quite like Christmas eve, cuddled up on your couch, wrapped up in a cozy blanket (with the A/C on full blast), with a mug of hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows, binge watching all the Christmas comedy specials on Netflix. From Jack Whitehall to John Mulaney, Keep that tissue box at arms length, we are positive this will lift your spirits!
John Mulaney and the sack lunch bunch (2019) Trailer
A Very Murray Christmas (2015) Trailer
Nailed it! Holiday (2018- Present) Trailer
John Whitehall: Christmas with my Father (2019) Trailer
Jeff Dunham; A very Christmas Special (2008) Trailer
2. Wear matching Pajama's
Let’s be real for a second and admit that we all plan out pictures for the gram, at least we at I&M do, it’s fun! You get to be creative and you get to express yourself. What better way than getting matching pajamas for the whole family from Kay Deane for an epic Christmas morning shoot. Here are a few customized PJS done at Kay Deane. (You can WhatsApp them on 0775973123)
Here are a few fun ideas from Pinterest to get you inspired.
3. Indulge in a Box of Christmas scones
Our head baker at Isabelle and Mimi has been tirelessly but happily experimenting on the perfect Christmas scone flavors this year. From vanilla bean, freshly cracked nutmeg and toffee scones that are rosemary scented to homemade stem ginger, jaggery and cream cheese scones, our kitchen started smelling like Christmas since October.
Finally, we are happy to introduce you to our carefully curated, authentic, min- blowing, flavours of the season. Also since it’s safer these days to be indoors than out and about, why not bring the goodies to your doorstep and enjoy them in the comfort of your home during tea time.
SCONE MENU
Sweet Scones
Cadbury hot chocolate scones with Cadbury chocolate chunks, marshmallows & candy cane
Homemade stem ginger, jaggery and cream cheese scones
Christmas mince pie scones
Vanilla bean, freshly cracked nutmeg and toffee scones
Savory Scones
Brie and cranberry scones
Rosemary and Cheddar scones
Shiitake mushrooms and truffle oil scones
5. Enjoy a cup of Christmas infused tea
According to a quote I just googled on Pinterest 'At Christmas, tea is compulsory, relatives are optional’.
This could be one of the good things about being at home for Christmas this year you have the perfect excuse to stay away from overbearing aunties and uncles. And for some of us, a moment with close family during sundown is the blissfulness we need during this time around. Accompanied by that compulsory cup of tea, of course.
We have listed a few of our favorite Christmas flavored teas below. Let's get sippin'.
A summer berry tea with strawberry, raspberry and blueberry fruit flavors with natural orange peel and cinnamon barks. Literally, Christmas in a cup.
This tea infuses into a deep golden liquor with the soothing and refreshing after taste of peppermint.
An aromatic combination with a prominent honey note tempered with spicy ginger. Fragrant, slightly sweet and spicy.
When it comes to Basilur Tea, they do not disappoint! from packaging to quality, we are very impressed. There winter avenue 4 is from there holiday edition, it is infused with caramel and vanilla. Do I need to say more?
4. DIY your own tree Ornaments
With the current climate crisis happening as we speak, we believe that reducing, reusing and recycling even at the smallest scale makes a difference. This is also a super fun activity that can be done with the whole family, most of the material needed for this fun family project can be found at home. However, if you do not have any left over felt lying around the house, they are available at any Srina Palace (You can WhatsApp them your requirements and they will deliver it to your doorstep) you can also find seasoned natural clay at any bookshop or supermarket. We get ours from daraz.lk
Clay ornaments
Felt ornaments
Cardboard
Pinecones
Pasta
Popsicle sticks
Edible décor
5. Enjoy a drive through Christmas light show
If you really need to get out of the house we don’t see any harm in packing up the whole family in the car and driving around Colombo on Christmas eve to watch all the light displays. This will allow you and your family to be safe but you get to see the outside world beautifully illuminated for Christmas.
It really would be nice to get a breath of fresh air. Happy planning!
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