A mum-of-two who is “infatuated” with the festive season has revealed her top savvy hacks and ideas – and says people called her “Mrs Christmas”.
Growing up, Hannah Bartlett and her sister, Jo, 34, were “obsessed” with Christmas and could often be found each morning leading up to the big holiday singing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the top of their lungs.
While the pair share a 10-year age gap, the festive season was the perfect time for them to bond over their much-loved passion – and this has continued into adulthood.
Now, the sister-duo, from Surrey, have taken their infatuation and turned it into a full-time career, becoming experts in the holiday season and sharing their top tips on how to create a stress-free Christmas.
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“We think of ourselves as real-life elves, busily working all-year round to help people create their dream celebration,” Hannah, aged 44, told NeedToKnow.co.uk.
“We [my sister and I] are passionate about helping people make their best celebration, having fun and looking after others – not creating magazine perfect festivities which can cause stress and overwhelm.
“Some people have even called me ‘Mrs Christmas’ which isn’t a name I asked for, but one I’m happy to take on.”
Hannah believes that a fortune doesn’t need to be spent to have a great Christmas, and with the cost of living crisis hanging over people’s heads, the mum-of-two has shared her savvy festive hacks and ideas – most of which are completely free and take less than 10 minutes.
Here’s the duo’s top budget-friendly hacks:
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CHRISTMAS JUMPER CUSHION
Instead of throwing out the reindeer or Santa-laden jumper from last year’s work do, why not turn this into a festive decoration for all to enjoy?
She said: “All it takes is one jumper, two minutes – and three safety pins.
“It doesn’t require any sewing skills and at the end of the season, the jumper can be repurposed for next year.
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“Stuff the cushion with the body part of the jumper, tuck one sleeve into the head hole and repeat with the other sleeve.
“Once you’ve straightened the shoulders, fasten the two long edges of the head hole together with an oversized safety pin and finally, tuck the bottom into the back of the cushion – and voilà.”
FESTIVE PHOTO FRAMES
If you’re looking to tighten the purse strings on new decorations, then this savvy hack is perfect to spruce up the home in true Christmas style.
Hannah said: “If you’ve got any leftover wrapping paper, use this to dress up any sideboards or walls.
“Simply switch out or cover pictures with the patterned paper.
“It’s a great way to put those odd ends to use.
“The more pictures replaced, the more effective it comes.”
UP THE SPARKLE
It’s no secret that a touch of fairy lights can make any space feel magical.
She said: “Almost anything looking Christmassy when adding lights.
“Sprinkle them liberally and instead of buying loads, lay a mirror on its side, gather sparkly trinkets on a tray, such as glasses, jewellery or candlesticks, then weave the lights over the top.
“It creates a fab festive vignette full of sparkle.”
GO FORAGING
To keep costs low, the mum advises picking up sprigs and sticks while on a wintery walk to add a pop of nature.
She said: “A sprinkle of foliage and a touch of ribbon can do the trick.
“Forage some small sprays of greenery, wrap them together and add a long-tailed ribbon bow.
“Tie them to the backs of chairs, bed posts, mirrors, end of the staircase – wherever.
“It can even be used instead of a wreath.”
HIDDEN CASH GIFTS
If you’re unsure on what to buy that teenage family member, or perhaps someone who has it all, then the mum has a sneaky idea to make giving cash less boring.
Hannah said: “Hide the money inside a jar of their favourite sweets and don’t tell them what’s inside.
“Using a mason jar, or repurpose one, simply paint the lid and add in your present – and the hidden cash.
“It’s a great way to surprise people.”
Hannah and Jo, who started a yearly tradition of creating advent calendars for each other, found it difficult to celebrate the holiday like they used to growing up when the latter of the duo moved across the globe.
As life got busier, with husbands and children added into the mix, they found themselves starting the planning earlier in the year – and are always on the lookout for advent treats and gifts.
Now, as they’ve quickly realised that it wasn’t the distance that prompted the conversations, but their passion instead, they created a blog, www.jollyfestive.com, where they share festive tips, news and inspiration.
Even while on holiday in summer, Hannah will be on the lookout for ideas and the latest trends – “dragging” her husband, Pete, 45, and her sons into year-round Christmas shops on her quest.
She added: “My husband has supported me, but he and my sons have definitely caught me in full-on Christmas mode quite a few times.
“My eldest has often muttered the words: ‘Not another Christmas project’ throughout the year.
“I remember buying a tree in the middle of the year for photoshoots and instead of dismantling it, I kept it in the hallway, as it’s so time-consuming to keep putting it up.
“Summer or winter, I get odd looks – from the postman who glanced over at me in confusion to strangers passing by our house – but I don’t care.
“Our dream was to make our jolly festive spirit a full-time gig and now, we’re on our way to achieving that.
“I’m so lucky to work with my sister, and if you ever need some help getting into the spirit without the stress, you know where to find your on standby real-life elves.”
READ MORE: Mum dubbed ‘Mrs Christmas’ helps families save over £60,000 with savvy methods
