Marnie Simpson, known for her role on the reality series Geordie Shore, has shared her recent approach to Christmas decorating, turning it into a memorable family activity. With the arrival of her first daughter, Kixee, earlier this year, Simpson aimed to make this festive season particularly special for her family.
In preparation for the holidays, Simpson sought decorations that would engage her two sons, Rox, aged six, and Oax, aged three. She turned to the online retailer Temu for a variety of festive materials, aiming to enhance the holiday spirit beyond traditional decorations like stockings and bells.
Creating Unique Decorations Together
Simpson transformed a typical day into a DIY Christmas craft session, encouraging her children to take the lead. The family explored various materials, which included artificial cedar wreaths, pine branches, berry stems, garlands, door hangers, lights, ribbons, and glitter. This hands-on approach allowed the boys to express their creativity, combining items in their own unique ways.
As the boys laid out the materials on a large table, they crafted their own decorations. They wrapped berry stems and pinecones around branches to create handmade wreaths, threaded lights through their Christmas tree, and added ribbons, glitter, and bows. The result was a tree decorated with their imagination, rather than a standard showroom display.
“The boys have absolutely loved it, and Casey and I really enjoyed it as well,” Simpson said. She noted their excitement for arts and crafts, emphasizing the importance of creating items that reflect their personal touch.
DIY Christmas decorating is gaining traction in the UK, with a notable trend emerging where approximately one-third of Brits are opting for handmade touches. This shift not only provides a unique festive atmosphere but also serves as a cost-effective alternative to commercial decorations.
A Wholesome Family Tradition
In addition to the DIY decorations, Simpson couldn’t resist purchasing a few extra festive items, including a Christmas countdown calendar, wooden Christmas hat and boot trays, and decorative letters to complete their holiday look. Once the family’s creations had dried and the final touches were added, they capped off the day by filling out letters to Santa and enjoying snacks together.
“We’ve had the most fabulous, wholesome day,” Simpson remarked. “The boys loved making their own decorations, and I think this is definitely going to be a tradition in this house.”
Simpson’s approach not only brings joy to her family but also highlights a growing movement towards personalized holiday celebrations, where creativity and family bonding take center stage.
