IT'S CHRIIIIIIIISSSSSSTMAAAAAASSSSS!
So the festive season is upon us once again. I don't know about you lot but I can safely say that Christmas for me is definitely my favourite time of year, period!!
And here's why...
1. You can indulge in all the food you want...literally!! You know you're Irish When you ask your Mam 'Can I eat this' and she responds with 'NO, it's for Christmas Day!'. Yes, I am going to eat all the Malteaser Celebrations for breakfast, and maybe a selection box too.. Hell yes, I'll take another serving of Brussel sprouts, who's making Tayto Sambos??
2. Christmas movies.. There's no denying, it's not Christmas unless you get snuggled up on the couch with the fam and get stuck in to all the classics. 'Santa Claus', 'Miracle on 34th Street', 'The Grinch', Home Alone, Elf (how many times have you screamed Santaaaaaaa, I know him?!). Love Actually is the one for me tho, one of my favourite movies of all time! *No I'm not crying I've something in my eye...! The list is endless. Guaranteed to bring you back to your childhood.
3. Gingerbread lattes and Christmas cups make their comeback to Starbucks..need I say anymore??
4. 12 pubs.. The ultimate sesh!!! Coz let's face it, it's not silly season unless the whole squad gets together, wrapped to the ears in tinsel, crawling through every pub in your town whilst trying to convince each other 'nah I'm grand, I'll make it to 12'.
5. Christmas Jumpers..
Cheesy and all as they are, don't be a Scrooge and put on your feckin reindeer jumper. Sure doesn't it keep you warm.. Why not hold a sponsored Christmas jumper Day at work to raise money for charity. All for a good cause!
6. Fairytale Of New York.. Seriously though, is there anything more patriotic than hearing The Pogues and Kirsty Mc Coll belt out this little gem of a Christmas Eve?? The whole world claims to be Irish at Christmas as soon as this starts playing. 'Yeh Scumbag, yeh maggot......'GOLD!
7. Loved ones come home... My favourite thing about Christmas...those who are living away finally make the journey home. The emotional reunion, the tears, the extra tight hugs, the catch ups, the nights out.. Savour these moments and make the memories last forever.
8. Alcoholic Hot Chocolate.. Yes it's a thing and yes it's DIVINE!!! I take mine with a drop of Baileys. If you haven't tried it you really need to reevaluate your actions!!;)
Fellow Drogheda Heads, The Cross is where it's at, check it out. Here
9. Advent Calendars.. I don't care how old I am, if the mother doesn't buy me an advent calendar I will have a tantrum..end of! Who doesn't need an excuse to celebrate every day
of December by eating a chocolate for breakfast?! Yasssss Pleeeeeasssseeee!!
10. The giving and receiving of presents.. Sure, you're stocked up on jammies, fluffy socks and bath sets for the next year, but don't forget, Christmas is also about giving. Christmas is a tough time of year for a lot of people. Try to give to those less fortunate and those in need. Look out for those who may be lonely or vulnerable at this time of year. Remember to be in the moment and enjoy the little things this Christmas. Be grateful for those who are here to Spend Christmas with you, that's worth more than any present. They say it's not what's under the tree that matters, but more so who's around it..
Merry Christmas & Have a Happy New Year!
Xx Dawn
There wasn't a dry eye in the house last night, as the final ever episode of the hit Irish comedy Derry Girls aired on Channel 4.
Although it's only been around for 3 (hilarious) seasons, it's left such a huge mark on viewers hearts.
If you don't want any spoilers then I suggest you stop reading now....!
Last nights episode saw Erin, Orla, Clare, Michelle and 'The Wee English fella' enter their final year of school as they prepare for adulthood when they turn 18. Coming of age in Derry in the year 1998 was a time of huge significance, as the pals have some big decisions to make as young adults. Deciding on the theme for their 18th birthday party is but a raindrop in the ocean, the gang have also reached the legal voting age.
They now have to make the mammoth decision on their vote for the referendum for the Good Friday Agreement, which historically put an end to the troubles and violence in Northern Ireland in the 1990's.
The episode was packed with its usual wit and comedic punchlines, but was also filled with moments of emotion and nostalgia. The teens talk openly about the troubles and the different views that they have on the Good Friday Agreement. The most poignant and emotional moment being at the very end of the episode when Erin delivers a heart wrenching monologue, whilst the cast enter the polling station to cast their vote on one of the most historic referendums our country has ever seen. As The Cranberries iconic song 'Dreams' is played, we see each of the cast members vote YES in favour of the Good Friday Agreement which would change the north of Ireland forever.
I sat with a lump in my throat watching the final few scenes. My Mam and I have watched every episode of Derry Girls from the very beginning. As the credits rolled she turned to me and said, 'well that was brilliant'. Although it's given us plenty of laughs, Derry Girls has also cast a light on the reality of growing up in Derry during the troubles and has been somewhat educational for those who are are too young to know the history and tragedy of that time.
Derry Girls writer and creator Lisa McGee has received praise for accurately depicting living in Northern Ireland as a child of the crossfire.
Many of the cast took to social media to express their love for the show and its fans and to also salute Lisa.
Saoirse Monica Jackson who plays Erin posted a collage of pictures of herself with Lisa McGee on instagram and said 'Derry Girls was a huge break for me & working with Lisa has changed my life. Thank you for giving my beautiful hometown it's truest voice.'
Nicola Coughlan who plays Clare also posted a nostalgic post as she shared a pic of her after her final Derry Girls audition 5 years ago. She simply said 'It's impossible to put into words what Derry Girls has meant to me and how much it's changed my life so I won't even try. Thank you all so much, what an honour its been.'
The episode concluded with actual images of the troubles at their worst, but the biggest surprise was the unexpected cameo from Chelsea Clinton, who's father was former US President, Bill Clinton (think back to series 2 for reference.) If you missed last nights episode, it's available on Channel 4 catch up.
I commend Lisa McGee and the incredible cast for bringing this series to life. It's brought us laughter and tears and I think it's safe to say it won't be forgotten in a hurry! I'm coincidentally listening to 'Dreams' by The Cranberries as I sign off on this post..:)
Love Always,
Dawn X
I exfoliate my skin twice a week using the Bio-Fruit Gel. Now this product is a little different to your usual exfoliators as it doesn't contain any gritty particles. It's basically just a gel consistency. This is called a 'peeling' treatment which will basically break down any excess oil on the skin and unclog the pores to leave the skin with a more matte appearance.
