Matching family PJs Christmas sets

 Hey readers,

It has become a trend to get all the family to wear matching Christmas pajamas. So, below I have gathered the best family matching sets for Christmas 2021. 

 

                                                                 1. Next. 

How lovely are these fun punny blue snowflakes from Next with snowflakes and even better they are 100% cotton. 

2. Amazon. 

Next, we have the classic red and white stripes with festive green top from Amazon each set is for specific members of the family such as for mum it has on the top mummy elf, dad has daddy elf and for the kiddos, there is a little elf and cheeky elf. 

3. Not On Thr High Street. 

If you something a bit more personalised then Not On The High Street offers a personalised Christmas PJ set that you can literally any name on your PJs, which is fun especially if you normally find your name hard to get on things. Also, a simple design with the penguin on the front of the t-shirt. 

4. Matalan. 

Matalan has teamed up with Alder Hey hospital and raised money for the surgical neonatal intensive care unit. Not only are they lovely designed PJs but money made from the selling of the PJs rate going to a really good cause. 

5. Primark.

 

An affordable range of family matching PJ sets are available at Primark which are these cute Santa squads with Christmas gonk and they also have got baby grows and a pet outfit. 

6. Asda.

These festive green tree PJs are perfect if you want something festive but not in your face. They come from Asda and they are two sets (trousers and long-sleeved tops). 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 28/11/2201

                                                  

Autism and Christmas

Hey readers,

As you are probably aware that Christmas is upon us next month. Christmas can be a lovely time to spend with special people in your life, however, as a person with autism, this period can be rather stressful.

One of the triggers for me is that it is a massive change in my routine and expectations are the biggest areas that I struggle with and get quite stressed, probably bound to have at least one meltdown.

So, over the years I have tried to find ways that can help me not feel so overwhelmed by all the change because I hate it very much. I thought I would share some of my coping mechanisms, they could help you or someone you know.

Of course, Christmas isn’t just stressful for autistic people it could very easily be someone without it as there are a lot of extra things you have to deal with especially if you have children, the stress quadruples.

Safe place.

One place that calms me is my safe place, where I go when I am stressed and that is my bedroom. 

I have always associated my bedroom with my safe place, even though currently it looks like a bomb has gone off (hubby will one day decorate it, FFS). 

I still go to my bed to calm down. I have low lights on and put one throw and two sleeping bags, yes excessive but that is a comfort for me. I calm down and it is my space (not the website, lols).

Routine.

I know with Christmas everything goes right out of the window but loosely knowing what is happening helps me a great deal to feel I am in control and there is some structure.

 I hate not knowing what is happening. Also, my eldest is the same so basically, we need it now just for me but for him as well.

Mantras

I like mantras, I like repeating them over and over again especially when I am stressed. So saying to myself, 'it is one day, it lasts x amount of hours and I can get through just like all the other days' helps me because it is a statement.

I can repeat it and it brings me back to focusing on the control which in turn helps with managing my anxiety.

Walk.

I used to have this weird idea that you had to stay in all day at Christmas. I appreciate that some people love this, which is absolutely fine. 

However for me going out for a walk, getting some fresh air really does help clear my head. I feel less closed in with the tree and the disorder of all the toys everywhere etc not in their rightful place.

 It also calms kids down as well and gets rid of some of that pent-up energy they have.

Talking.

I know it is ironic me saying talk to someone, as I myself am fully aware that communication is one of the hardest things to do, but even if it is written down one word such as change this can help other members maybe bit a bit more patient. 

I remind the husband as brilliantly supportive he is, sometimes with his own stress, a polite prompt that you are struggling goes a long way.  

It then gives him the opportunity to be a bit more patient and it is a calmer environment for all to manage.

Cheers for reading X

What is a reverse advent calendar?

Hey readers,

In recent times advent calendars have become increasingly popular. There are so many varieties and not just for children such as cheese and gin to name a few.

Some advent calendars cost a whopping £30 to £50 which I think is a crazy amount. So, instead of buying yourself an advent calendar why not do something a bit different this Christmas with a bit more meaning? Then maybe one thing to consider is to do a reverse advent calendar.

What is a reverse advent calendar? 

Well, basically a reverse advent calendar is where you place a food item or piece of clothing into a basket every day during December or for 14 days depending on what suits you. 

When you have collected the amount you want to donate then you can take it to your local food bank or a charity to give to people who are less fortunate than you that really struggle during the Christmas period. 

It is also a great way to teach children about giving and the fact that not everyone has the luxury of having the money, home, or family to celebrate Christmas with.

 It is a time for giving and focusing less on materialism and more on helping other people in need. 

What should not be included in an adverse advent calendar?

Depending on the cause but as a general idea the items below are considered suitable items to be included in the reverse advent calendar. Though it is always good to check out your charity beforehand to be safe.

Dolls, teddy bears, figurines.

Pencils, crayons, paper, coloring books.

CD’s, DVD’s, books.

Hats, gloves, scarves.

Makeup, toiletries.

Baby clothes.

T-shirts, jumpers.

Arts and crafts, jigsaws.

Bath towels, hand towels, blankets.

Tinned goods such as fruit, tuna, baked beans, chopped tomatoes, and rice pudding.

Cans or (plastic) bottles of fizzy or still drinks.

Chocolate and sweets.

Biscuits and crackers.

Crisps and savory snacks.

How to do the reverse advent calendar?

1. Choose your charity to donate your reverse advent calendar to and check what you can include.

2. Get a box or some kind of container where you will store your items in. 

3. Each day chooses something from your own home or go to a shop and buy something to put into the advent calendar. 

4. Then a day or two before Christmas hand in your reverse advent calendar to your chosen charity.

Where to find your local food bank?

If you want to know where your local food bank is you can check out Trussell Trust website where you can type into the search engine your postcode or town to find your nearest local food bank.

Have you done a reverse advent calendar? What are your thoughts? I love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. 

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday Photo 21/11//2021

                                                  

SO during the week, I had to go to a routine checkup at the options. Options had photos of inside my eye and spotted swelling on my optical nerve. This resulted in going to the hospital for a few days so they could investigate it.

 Anyhow, after scans and lumbar puncture, I didn't medication as my fluid levels in my span ok, so they just regular hospital appointments every six months or something like this. 

Really weird to not be at home with the kids, of course, they were worried but they loved the information about scans and needles going in my back. 

I met them downstairs in the foyer as no visitors on my ward due to covid. Which is fine and they came to see me which is lovely. 

As I write this post I am at some recovering and fingers crossed I make a full recovery. 

Cheers for reading X

Why I hate Elf on the shelf

Hey readers,

What I am going to write in this post may divide opinion but it is only my opinion so don't get too distressed if you're a fan of the old Elf on The Shelf.

 I am not, lol so I am going to tell you why.

If you haven't heard of Elf of Shelf let me give you a quick explanation about this popular trend at Christmas time. 

It is an Elf that is sent from Santa to check up on children to see if they are being naughty or nice. 

It derived from America from a story that was written in 2005. Parents go out and buy an Elf toy (if you buy the book there is one with it).

 Every day from the 1st of December right up to Christmas parents will bring old Elf when the kids are in bed and place him around in the home in different locations each day.

 Another addition to this phenomena some parents even add presents with the Elf to reward the child for being good.

Deceitfulness.

The idea of encouraging children to behave because the Elf is watching them can potentially encourage children to be deceitful and hide their behaviour in order to get rewards.

Pain in the bum.

The thought of having to think of new and creative ways for the Elf is hard work especially in December as it tends to be one of the busiest months of the year.

  There is the pressure to buy all the products that are attached to Elf on the Shelf and just encourages consumerism. 

Not to mention the pressure on Social Media to outdo friends or acquaintances with what the elf has been up to.

Creepy.

There is nothing more creepy than knowing an Elf is watching you all the time and is knocking about at your home.

 Why do we need to make children feel they are being watched I much prefer to give my boys the trust in doing the right thing.

 Not to mention giving them the feeling that they have the respect of their own privacy without thinking that an Elf is constantly watching them.

Anxiety.

I have seen many fails on YouTube regarding Elf on The Shelf and one of the themes that made me question the whole idea of the Elf is the sheer anxiety and distress that it causes children.

 Some children have a fear of toys that come alive, especially if they have seen them in movies such as Toy Story.

The Elf can cause some children to be petrified in case they have done something bad and will get punished. Where it could simply be the case that they have done a mistake and that it was not intentional. 

They may feel paranoid and cause more distress, it may trigger them to be anxious when they really don't need to be,  bearing in my mind that The Elf on The Shelf lasts most of December.

Learn.

It is common knowledge that sometimes the best way to learn is through mistakes, but this stops children from learning through making things right when they are simple but on the naughty list. They don't get that opportunity to learn and grow as a person.

So, there you have it, that is why I hate Elf on The Shelf? Are you a fan or do you hate like I do? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.  

Cheers for reading X

43 Christmas Instagram Captions!

Hey readers,

Looking for a fun way to comment on your Instagram photos this Christmas? Look no further have a variety of different festive captions to enjoy and be merry!

FUNNY CAPTIONS.

1. All the jingle ladies. 

2. The tree isn't the only thing getting lit this year.

3. It's beginning to *cost* a lot like Christmas.

4. But first, let me take an Elfie.

5. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. But if the white runs out, I'll drink the red.

6. Me every day: slay. Me in December: sleigh.

7. I can't wait to exchange all these presents.

8. This is my resting Grinch face.

9. Don't mind me, I'll just be over here crying and watching Hallmark Christmas movies.

10. At least the presents were beautifully wrapped for a couple hours ...

11. I'll be ho-ho-home for Christmas.

12. One more cookie and I swear I'll fit in the Santa costume.

13. Instead of listing everyone in this photo, let's just call it, "The Naughty List".

14. Don't get your tinsel in a tangle.

15. It's like they WANT stockings full of coal.

16. Current status: ready for a long winter's nap.

17. All I want for Christmas is you (and maybe some cookies, too).

SONG CAPTIONS.

1. "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!" — Johnny Mathis.

2. "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas." —Bing Crosby.

3. "All I want for Christmas is you." —Mariah Carey.

4. "We can hardly stand the wait. Please Christmas, don't be late." —Alvin & The Chipmunks.

5. "Have yourself a merry little Christmas." —Frank Sinatra.

6. "Silver bells, silver bells. It's Christmas time in the city." –Bing Crosby.

7. "Deck the halls with boughs of holly." –Thomas Olliphant.

8. "Rockin' around the Christmas tree, at the Christmas party hop." –Johnny Marks and Brenda Lee.

9. "Although it’s been said, many times, many ways... Merry Christmas to you." – Mel Tormé.

CUTE  CAPTIONS!

1. It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.

2. May your days be merry and bright.

3. My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others.

4. If kisses were snowflakes, I'd send you a blizzard.

5. All is calm, all is bright.

6. I got all spruced up for the holidays.

7. Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.

8. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

9. Love the giver more than the gift.

10. Meet me under the mistletoe.

11. Although it's been said, many times, many ways ... Merry Christmas to you.

12. My favorite color is Christmas lights.

13. I'm only a morning person on December 25th.

14. One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day.

15. On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ...

16. All I want for Christmas is you!

17. Snuggled up together, like two birds of a feather would be ...

Cheers for reading X