In Bruges

A festive getaway to a European city for their traditional Christmas markets has long been on my travel to-do list (you can check it out here.) After deliberating about where to go, we finally decided on a long weekend in the picturesque city of Bruges, choosing the first weekend of December for our break.

Liam and I booked a charming hotel near the canal, while the girls stayed in an apartment just outside the city square. The great thing about the city is how compact it is, and many of its hotels and apartments are within a short walking distance. While our hotel had that lived-in, traditional feel about it and was incredibly comfortable, I have to say that the absence of a power shower was a bit of a minus for us! 

The city itself is beautiful and you can't help but be enchanted by the festive feel of its bustling Christmas markets and the intricate labyrinth of streets and canal ways. We spent a lot of our getaway wandering around and taking in the sights - aside from the crowds, it was nice to walk among chocolate shops and horse-drawn carriages. Although the Christmas markets in Bruges are not as extensive as some European cities, we found some great souvenirs to take home - from tree decorations to handmade jewellery - and the markets serve as a wonderful place to indulge in a seasonal Bratwurst or a hefty dose of Gluhwein.

Aside from browsing the markets, we also took a trip up the Belfort to catch a glimpse of the Bell Tower and paid a visit to the Chocolate Story Museum. The best part of our break was the food, however and the Flemish Beef stew was most definitely a highlight. After filling ourselves with delicious Belgian fare, the best part was lingering around the ice-skating rink with warmed mulled wine - even the rain didn't dampen our spirits.

9 Things That Take the Fun out of Christmas

1. Gift anxiety. While it's the thought that counts, don't fall into the trap of buying something you would like to receive - your Dad probably won't appreciate that seasonal edition of Yankee Candle wax tarts.

2. Seasonal Illnesses. The greatest joy of December is having to share your train carriage with a great many individuals that have not yet discovered that it is impolite, as well as pretty disgusting, to cough without putting their hands over their mouth. Combine that with a hefty dose of festive snogging at the Office Christmas party and you've got a recipe for festive flu. 

3. Starbucks Overhype. The prospect of a festive coffee is possibly the only thing worth thinking about. That is, until you're greeted with a drink that tastes very much like ordinary coffee mixed with scrambled egg...but wait, this one is served in a RED cup. Oh, and they've spelt your name wrong.
4. Festive Arguments. When I was a child, my parents used to have annual disagreements over how to put up the Christmas tree. Now I'm an adult, I too have arguments with my boyfriend on how to put up the Christmas tree. Surely it's all part of the fun, no?

5. Post Office queues. Of course, there is nothing I like better than standing in an endless parade of panicked people as they quibble and debate over parcel tape and jiffy bags. How very Christmassy.

6. Seeing Cliff Richard's face EVERYWHERE. That, and the seasonal treat of 'The Millennium Prayer'. UGH.

7. Public Transport. Make a journey on Christmas Eve and far from the joy-filled Richard Curtis scenes you imagine, you'll be faced with a sweat-drenched eternity and a stranger's elbow in your face.
8. Gingerbread House Fails. We've all dreamed of building a full-scale model of Hogwarts or constructing a dreamy cottage Pinterest would be proud of. Instead, it's more likely to resemble a soggy mound of dough haphazardly concealed in watery icing. Delicious. 

9. Boxing Day Sales. After getting yourself in a turkey and stuffing-based coma on Christmas Day, is there anything worse than heading out at the crack of dawn to bag yourself a half price microwave? Forget the sales and spend the day in your pyjamas instead - better for your bank balance and your sanity. 
Is there anything that makes you feel less than Christmassy? Let me know.