8 Things to do in December ...

December is a great month to experiment with cooking, and to make special dishes for family and friends. My goal this Christmas is to make my first Gingerbread House from scratch, baking the dough and then decorating my design. This looks like such a fun thing to make and would be one fo the great things to do in December to do with kids or friends. There are many templates on the Internet but check this out for inspiration: food.allwomenstalk.com

I live in London so there is always lots to do in the winter season, but one of my favourite activities is to visit one of the outdoor ice-rinks! I’m not a very good skater and look a bit like Bambi on the ice, but its always fun. The rinks are normally set in beautiful locations, and it feels so magical to wrap warm, and breath in the cold night air skating with friends.

As the nights get darker you may find yourself spending more time indoors. December is a great month to de-clutter your house and get round to those tasks you have been avoiding. As you make way for a new year, and no doubt have friends over for the Christmas season, give your home a winter makeover by decorating your tree, lighting scented candles and dusting off unread books.

I think Christmas is a time for celebration, letting your hair down and eating whatever you want. From the epic Turkey to mince pies, Christmas pudding and Pumpkin Spice Latte. I think this is the one time of year you can truly eat and drink what you want - guilt free. So when the canapés come round, make sure you take another and don’t hold back on the family bag of crisps (chips).

In December I like to celebrate all the good things that I have achieved during the year. Sometimes we forget to take stock of the positives in life, but this is a wonderful time to look back and be thankful for all the little good things that have made your year special and to be grateful for the friends and family that you have shared your year with. Perhaps there are some special people in your life that need Christmas cards this year?

I think December is great for traditions! Whether that means going to church for you, or in my case having a Christmas Eve Curry – Yes CURRY. Christmas is a lovely time of year to follow family traditions. Do you all put up the tree together? Or wake up early to unwrap your presents or go for a long walk on Christmas day?

This cold month is perfect for snuggling up in bed and reading a good book! Make sure that you stock up on a few books that will take you all the way through the celebration period, so that on those mornings when you feel like staying in bed you can simply read your book and drink a cup of tea and feel like everything is right in the world. For inspiration check out the AWS book section: books.allwomenstalk.com

December is the month for office parties and celebration. Make sure that you sparkle, treating yourself to a new party dress and bold red lipstick. Parties are a great way to make new friends and to simply have fun and dance. Just be careful who you end up next to under the mistletoe.

Writing this article has made me so happy, as it had reminded me of the all the things I LOVE doing in December. This is a fun and extravagant month, in which most people are happy and ready to have a good time. So whether you make your first Gingerbread house or wear a bold short dress to a party, take the season with a splash and make 2014 a year won’t ever forget. What will you be doing this December?