As Christmas fast approaches, you can feel the excitement gathering pace. Most people love the lead up to the big day, the preparations and the shopping. It’s a busy time for many families, working, looking after children, visiting school nativity shows, shopping for gifts and groceries etc, etc. Don’t let your ‘to do’ list dampen your festive cheer. Making a list, checking it twice (sorry, couldn’t resist) will help keep you on track. Here are some very Christmassy things you might have on your ‘to do’ list:
- Decorate the house. Get lots of help for this task as everyone loves the fun of putting up Christmas decorations. Think fairy lights, lots and lots of fairy lights!
- Make some mulled wine.
- Treat yourself to a new Christmas jumper – whether you’re opting for tacky or chic – it’ll definitely put you in the mood.
- Write out your Christmas cards or in the spirit of sustainability, send them via e-mail.
- Visit the annual panto show at your local theatre.
- Attend the grand switching on ceremony of the Christmas lights in your town city or village.
- Take a trip to London and visit one of the iconic department stores to marvel at the beautiful Christmas displays. Think Harrods, Selfridges or Harvey Nichols.
- Get crafty with the kids and make your own advent calendars. Fill them full of healthy snacks or small toys if you don’t think chocolate every day is a good idea.
- Go shopping for a real Christmas tree. Nothing beats the smell of a real tree in the home and they always look fantastic too. For Wellingborough Real Christmas Trees, visit welfordchristmastreefarm.co.uk/
- Buy a beautiful wreath to hang on the front door or if you’re feeling creative, design and make your own after a quick trip to your nearest craft store.
- Have a little smooch under the mistletoe.
- Take your little ones to visit Santa in his grotto. Have a look online and try to find a really impressive one with fake snow, reindeer, elves – the full works. Yes, it will cost more but you’ll have a magical experience.
- Design a treasure hunt of chocolate coins around the house to keep the kids occupied while they wait for Santa.
- If you’re feeling brave, organise your own Christmas party.
- If there’s little promise of a White Christmas then find your nearest indoor or dry ski centre and head off for a day of fun. You don’t need to ski, there are plenty of fun activities offered, like tubing for example.
- Get baking with some recipes for Christmas Cake, gingerbread men, Christmas pudding or any other festive food you fancy.
- Spend some time giving back to the community and volunteer to help at a local homeless shelter, soup kitchen or food bank for example.
- Take a relaxing stroll in the winter countryside and enjoy the landscape and wildlife you come across.
- Visit the theatre for a festive classic like The Nutcracker ballet.
- Buy your gifts at a traditional German or Victorian Christmas Market.