December

How to avoid the usual frazzle and have a great December

It’s not even been a week and we’ve already been to urgent care and the doctors once. We’ve had croup, ear infections, sickness bug and an ear infection. IN SIX DAYS. The sweet smell of Calpol and sticky sight of fluorescent banana antibiotics have entered the home (it’s CUSTARD MEDICINE MUMMY) Add in an impetigo outbreak in Art’s class, and a cancelled weekend with friends this weekend as their twins have decorated their rooms with vomit and it’s clear to anyone that the festive bugs have well and truly landed. The pressure in December to enjoy all things winter & festive can get a little too much. Coupled, with money flying out like it’s being printed for fun, can often lead me to by the BIG DAY feeling slightly frazzled and wanting to sit in a dark room. Alone. It’s also the busiest time for Folie. With London Pop-ups, Wreath making workshops, studio open days and Christmas shopping nights and a whole load of orders and purchases that have to make their way across the globe to happy customers on time. So on that note here’s my run down of things i’m doing different this December in an attempt for a smoother end to a very busy and very fun year.

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Acupuncture

When things get busy, I often find that I’m the first one to cancel things that I enjoy. If work gets silly, or if family needs, I’ll forgo a run, a coffee with friends, a yoga class, and so on. But not this year. I’ve booked in non-negotiable acupuncture sessions with the needle wizard Joanne. I’m not new to acupuncture; this is my fourth person I’ve seen over the years. Previously I went as it was the thing to do, especially in the world of IVF, however if I’m honest I hated it and saw no benefit. That was until I saw Joanne (Acupuncture Hull). Hormones are balanced, cycles are bang on 28 days, and I get to enjoy a beautiful hour alone with no phones drifting in and out of slumber.

My blissful hour today with Joanne.

Tea

Whenever I’m in London I stay at my long term friend Katrina’s home. Every night before bed she makes me a sleepy tea. I sleep so well, so you’d have thought I would have clicked to actually purchase some and continue the ritual at home. I didn't, until now. For the month of December, and beyond you’ll find me getting into bed, not with my phone, but a mug of tea instead. It’s the small things right.

Father Christmas

Last year I said yes to every offer of seeing Father Christmas. We saw him on a steam train (very cute) in a winter wonderland (so fun), at a Christmas Performance (a bit weird), we even went to see him in a bloody shopping centre (quite frankly crap). We saw him in London, York, Hull, Birmingham and on the North York Railway. With unbelievable gusto I believed that Art must not miss out of the Christmas magic. The end result was an exhausted set of parents (me and Jacob) and a suspicious child (Art). He announced whilst sat in the back of the car (aged 4) that Father Christmas isn’t real. Like Elsa, he said, she’s not either. So this year we’re going once, and he will believe.

Waiting to meet Father Christmas on the North York Moors Steam train

Exercise

I love running, and have always ran. But there is something about December that slips away and I just can’t seem to fit it in. I spend days in my running gear, thinking any minute now i’ll head out the door. But with work, a million school commitments, social events, dark nights and mornings and icy paths, it just never seems to happen. I won’t run in the dark as I just don’t feel safe. SO I’ve decided not to force the issue and sign up for a 3 month reformer pilates course instead. I’ve also joined the local council gym and lido pool, which I must say is incredibly cheap, and is brand new with great equipment and a huge outdoor lido.

Trying something new

I hate being cold, especially having cold feet. I adore the sun, and really do dislike winter. However I was at said gym the other morning and watched four gents in their 70s go for a cold water swim in the lido. They came out laughing, buzzing, and just looked so happy. I honestly can’t think of anything worse, but I’ve signed up for the weekend session. I’ll report back.

Making Plans

When do you sit down and actually think of all the things you want to do? Not need to do, but want to do? I’m terrible at forward planing, and if anyone has ever followed our family holidays you’ll know that i’m a true last minute maniac. Holiday weeks, bank holidays and weekends creep up with me often panicking trying to plan million amazing things, and succeeding in making everything a lot harder than it should be. Will 2025 be the year of change? I very much doubt it, however I did see

Laura Jackson

massive 2025 wall planner (which is for sale on Etsy) and the thought of planning out (in skeleton form..I’m not a full convertor as of yet!) key events and things we all want to do did seem quite fun.

New Bedding

Since starting Folie, I seem to buy myself so much less. I think I spend so much time sourcing antiques, vintage and for projects, that by the time I’ve finished I’m all shopped out. As such our house reno has been dragging on and on and i’ve just not put any time aside to actually focus on our home. This December I’ve given myself a kick up the renovation bum and decided to attempt to finish our kitchen, and actually sort some things out. I’m starting with bedding and I've cleared out the endless mismatched duvet sets, pillows, and sheets which we never use and have stored in case of some bedding emergency. New bedding here I come.

Ines Flannel Stripe bedding from Toast

So here’s to a happy and more healthy December. I’d love to hear what you’ve got planned to ease through the winter months. Thanks for reading x