While the lead up to Christmas is normally associated with a time of PANIC, it doesn't necessarily have to ring true. Among all the rushing and buying presents, it's essential to take a few minutes and have some time out.
You can bring someone with you or you can make an executive decision that it's solely me time and no visitors are allowed while you chill out.
We're here to try and help and have come up with nine must try indulgent treats in Dublin this Christmas where you can clock out and switch off from the festive fiasco.
(Disclaimer: I am new to the city so some of these might come as no surprise to you).
We know what you're thinking and tbh with you, we're thinking the exact same...
You're as well to start the Christmas feast early this year and no better item to start it with then a donut.
A Christmas face-lift means that the same old, fantastic taste remains and all that's added to it is some holiday cheer.
6 for €16? Sure, you're basically making money and you can share some of the remainders with some loved ones (or EAT THEM ALL).
Recently, I got dragged on an early Christmas shopping spree (me and shopping do not go together and yes, before you ask, I will be getting my gifts on December 22nd at the earliest).
However, one of the highlights from - what was otherwise a day I would have much rather spent in bed - was a tasty delicious mulled wine from The Hairy Lemon.
I'm normally not a big fan of mulled wine but this was like a party in my mouth and was the exact concoction that was needed to warm up every centimetre of my freezing cold body.
There's plenty more fantastic options in Dublin though, that you also need to try out. You can compare and contrast and have your own little '12 mulled wines of Christmas' party.
When I first moved to Dublin, Bewley's was only a whisper on the street. I obviously knew what it had been but when it opened again, I realised just how big it actually was.
Since its opening, I have swallowed many the cup of hot chocolate on the go but eventually, I got to sit in and experience the true nature of what makes Bewley's so special.
Absolutely delighted I was with my little jar of marshmallows and bits of chocolate.
I'm not one for taking pictures - I'm more of the drink-it-before-it's-cold type of style - so photo credits: Shane Wilson.
Oh you better believe that Christmas sandwiches are a thing and that they are absolutely A1.
We're talking turkey, we're talking stuffing, we're talking ham. We're talking about all those things that we don't normally talk about until Christmas Day.
And why not?
We love this combo, we're going to have it for long enough over the holidays so why shouldn't we dig in now?
GET IN MY BELLY.
There's mince pies and there's Donnybrook Fair, game changing, 'I'm going to have to be rolled out of here, mince pies.
They are hand made in their kitchens in Clondalkin by their team of lovely, lovely chefs (the mince pies are so tasty, the chefs deserve two 'lovelys').
For some reason, they have posted their secret recipe for their killer pies on their website so, like me, you're probably going to steal their secrets and try some of your own.
Spoiler alert: They don't come out as nice, sadly.
But, as Donnybrook Fair say, "while the packaged ones are nice, it’s hard to beat a good old batch of homemade pies."
TRUTH
We've left the 's' at the end of dessert in this one because you might only have the one or you might be tempted to try out the lot.
I don't have much of a sweet tooth but if this is what dessert heaven is supposed to be, then sign me up, I'm in.
Tarts, cheesecake, yule logs, puddings and cake. Oh sweet suffering jaysus, the different choices of cake.
"And so this is Christmas and what have you done" except eat all the fecking cakes in the shop.
We'd nearly need a lie down after thinking about it again, excuse us.
You'll come for the tea but you'll stay for the bitching Christmas tree and beautiful decorations.
Afternoon Christmas Tea at The Westbury is a must especially after an eventful evening of shopping on Grafton Shopping (I don't mean to keep going on about it but how can one person do so much shopping?).
It's only available until 6th January 2018 and once it's gone, it's gone foreverrrrr...
Well, until next year anyway.
"Enjoy the roaring wood fire, extra outdoor heating and warm snuggly blankets as you stuff yourself like a little goose on their boozy treats."
This sounds absolutely ideal at a time where you wouldn't be long getting frostbit once you step outside the door.
Sophie's Boozy Christmas Treats are a must and when they say they are offering a winter warmer, they mean something that will raise up that temperature and restore normality.
Tipping in for a festive tipple has never been so enjoyable.
Balfes is located at the heart of Dublin’s creative quarter and is the perfect place to stop and warm up for those shopping or socialising, with a new festive Hot Toddy menu inspired by the best seasonal fruits and spices.
Sit back, relax and watch the festive season unfold from the heated terrace with a Balfes signature Hot Toddy and a beautiful herringbone wool blanket by Donegal Woolen Mills on your knee.
Now we're talking.
Enjoy Hot Whiskey crafted with a sweet twist - a blend of Jameson Irish whiskey infused with spiced apple and honey.
For those looking for a cosy pick-me-up, the Balfes Café Brulot with a renewing double shot of espresso infused with rum, orange and cinnamon topped with smooth cream is the perfect winter warmer.
That's why Balfes’ is the perfect choice to make the winter evenings last longer for once.
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