AD / All I Want for Christmas with Boots

This post is an advertisement feature with Boots UK, but all thoughts are my own. No affiliate links feature in this paid partnership.

With Halloween out of the way, it’s finally time to turn our attention to Christmas. There, I said it.

Championing everyone’s right to feel good, this year Boots are determined to truly understand what people adore the most during the festive season.

Christmas at Daisybutter is huge. (But you know that already.) It’s easily my favourite holiday and I’m always excited to make present lists (for them), craft gift tags, choose wrapping paper themes (recyclable Kraft paper this year, with handmade stamps), build a festive menu (roast potatoes are the star of the show, always)… You name it and I’m there.

I even have a master tracker in my bullet journal for all things Christmas so that I can ascertain the best gifts for each person by noting down things they’ve mentioned in passing, work out how much gift wrap to pick up, and collate the very best recipes. And I’m not the only one. Almost a quarter of people in the UK began their Christmas shopping in August – I certainly was not this organised this year… – and apparently 69% of us think roast potatoes are a key component of Christmas. We’re not wrong 😉

Without further ado, let’s get stuck in to a little Christmas fun, in partnership with Boots…

Which person’s gift receives the most thought?

As much as I’d like to think everyone’s gift receives equal thought, I definitely funnel a little more thought and effort into Christmas gifts for him. Why is it so hard?! When it comes to the women in my life, I can easily reel off idea upon idea for Christmas gifts for her as we all chat SO much about the things we’re coveting – and I instantly make a note in my bullet journal! – but gifts for men? Toughie. I feel so much pressure to make sure Harvey has a wonderful Christmas because he does so much for me throughout the year.

This year I’ll be focusing on mindful lifestyle treasures; from complete skincare kits to treat him to a moment of indulgence at the end of the day, to tokens for a day out. It doesn’t get more thoughtful than some quality, phone-free time spent with loved ones.

I also put plenty of thought into self-gifting. Indulgent it may be, but I always think a thoughtfully considered gift to yourself to say ‘well done’ for all that you’ve achieved in the year goes a long way. This year, I think I’ll be treating myself to a sneaky massage and undo all of those desk-sitting knots.

When do you start your Christmas shopping?

Of course the question on everyone’s lips is, ‘how soon is too soon?’ I firmly believe in starting the festive shopping as early as you can manage. Christmas is an expensive time all around: gifts, Christmas parties, gatherings with friends, sending cards… It all stacks up and even more so if you’re self-employed so a) payments are not always guaranteed on time, and b) Christmas is your busiest time of the working year but standard 30-day payment terms means you don’t get paid until January.

I begin my Christmas shopping in late October. I’ll pick up little gifts and stocking fillers and start popping them in a big storage box in my wardrobe, and then really hone in on ‘main gifts’ in early November. In fact, I’ll be cracking on with the festive shop this weekend! However early I start the Christmas shopping, though, you can guarantee come the 23^rd I’ll still be running around like a headless chicken trying to add all-important finishing touches to everybody’s gifts!

What is the most quintessential Christmas dinner food?

I mean, it’s got to be the roast potatoes, hasn’t it?! Last year we enjoyed our first ever vegan Christmas and Harvey and I both agreed that we could easily survive on roasties, sprouts and stuffing alone! Having said that, coming from a traditional Chinese upbringing and being all about food in abundance, there’s truly something special about a plate piled high with all the elements of a Christmas dinner. This year we’ll be feasting on a homemade vegan Wellington, Harvey’s signature roast potatoes tossed in rosemary and thyme, Brussels sprouts – the Love & Lemons way, all the onion gravy and a cashew cauliflower cheeze. Is it 25^th December yet?!

And now over to you! What is your quintessential Christmas dinner food? Whose present do you put the most thought into?

Plus, your chance to win a Soap & Glory Miracle of 24^th Street Advent Calendar (worth £42):

Giveaway Terms & Conditions

1. There is (1) prize of one Soap and Glory Miracle on 24th Street Advent Calendar (worth £42). The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is offered.
2. Open to UK residents aged 18 and over, excluding employees and relatives of Daisybutter and Boots UK.
3. Closing date for entries is Friday 15th November 2019, 12pm GMT.
4. Entrants must leave a comment on the blogger hosts’ post/enter Rafflecopter giveaway (if widget is used).
5. The winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries.
6. The winner will be informed within 14 days of the closing date and will need to respond with a postal address within 28 days or a new winner will be chosen.
7. The winner’s name will be available on request.
8. The prize will be sent within 28 days of receiving the winner’s address.
9. This is a joint promotion between Daisybutter and Boots UK.
10. Entry to this confirms that participants have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.