What I Got for Christmas — Mixing Messages

I LOVE Christmas. Everything (well almost everything) about it. The time off work, the BBC christmas specials, the presents, THE PRESENTS. My family in particular are somewhat psycho when it comes to gift-giving. We pull out ALL the stops. I am on a diet of SOUP (or at least I should be for several equally valid Christmas-related reasons) in the depressing desert that is January. Dry January indeed. But one of the best things about the yearI I FREELY admit to being one of those ARSEHOLES who salivate at the thought of opening their Christmas presents.

So, although it's gross, tacky and wildly consumerist, here's my list of what I got this Christmas:

1. Last and First Men by Olaf Stapleton (First Edition)

So, my brother gives amazing gifts and THIS WAS NO EXCEPTION. I actually screamed when I opened this and am so glad he insisted that I opened this last. "Last and First Men" is one of my favourite novels and definitely the one that has stayed with me the most. It's the story of the history and future of all mankind (and spoiler alert, it ain't flattering...) and it caused me to have a relatively gentle existential crisis on a beach in Mykonos. BUT ANYWAY, give it a read.

2. Various Diptyque Products

My friends were very kind to me this year and AFTER YEARS OF MY BEGGING finally acquiesced and bought me the Diptyque accessories we all covet (but can't really justify buying): a wick-trimmer and a candle-snuffer (no? Just me?). Don't worry, they also got me a mini candle in Rose. They aren't animals. And, although I did like the brand before, it also makes me very happy to see the reference to the Boulevard Saint Germain aka my old haunt aka WHERE I WANT MY ASHES TO BE SCATTERED. This made me happy is what I'm saying.

3. Sweaty Betty Yoga Socks

This one's self-explanatory. They're yoga socks. They're from Sweaty Betty. I've already used them in my January desperation. Good present, well-delivered, I say.

4. Aspinal of London Travel Wallet in Berry

*Don't tell anyone but I have the same wallet in Burgundy...*

So my grandma and aunt decided to get my a gift this year instead of a cheque. Novel, BOLD MOVE. I'm not the easiest person to buy for and I've been making running birthday and Christmas lists for YEARS. I feel like they did a very good, mind-readery job. This is very much my kind of thing. And red is my favourite colour. And, I've recently stopped being so lazy and started travelling, so there's also that.

5. Charlotte Tilbury - Gift of Goddess Skin

My brother's girlfriend got me an amazing gift. I feel slightly guilty about what I got her... but she likes it... I IMMEDIATELY put on the clay face-mask (I bloody LOVE a face mask) and then used the cream (as recommended) and... my face was SO SOFT. I'll admit to being a wee bit skeptical, but good ol' Lottie's done herself proud with this one. This has definitely found its way into my ever-growing skin care regime. WELCOME TO THE FAMILY, GIRL.

6. Fantastic Mr. Fox T-Shirt from Truffle Shuffle

*"I understand what you're saying, and your comments are valuable, but I'm gonna ignore your advice." - Mr. Fox*

I love Roald Rahl. I love swag. This is a good combination of my twin loves.

7. Monica Vinaider, Siren Stacking Ring

*I totally fell for the "stacking" trend genius. Argh. So many rings.*

I recently bought (almost) this exact ring for my flatmate (I know, I'm great) so now we're even more matchy-matchy than we already were. So... happy ending I suppose. I also LOVE Monica Vinader and stacking rings. I'll admit that I totally fell for the whole "let's all stack our jewellery and spend five-times more than we would otherwise" trend. Argh. WHY AM I SO EASILY LEAD BY THINGS I LOVE?! That question alone answers the question of why I stay single...

8. Anker Bluetooth Speakers

My brother is a mind-reading genius. This wireless (yay, the future!) and, the most important thing, LOUD. They come around the flat with me and I love them.

9. Tales of Ancient Egypt, by Roger Lancellyn Green

This collection of Egyptian myths were my favourite as a child (yes, I was that kind of kid) and my brother (again, and yes ladies, he's taken) went to quite some effort to track it down for me. I love it. It takes me back. And it makes me doubt my Christian faith with the clear FLAT OUT PLAGIARY present in the Bible. Amen? More like Amen Rah, amirite? But it's good to be challenged every now and then.

10. Sandman, Volume 2: The Doll's House

I likes me a Graphic Novel and Neil Gaiman is a genius. So this is a no-brainer.