Top 12 ways to gear up for Christmas
Published on Thursday 3rd November, 9.28am, Written by Eleanor Perry
Christmas is a time for giving, for peace on earth and goodwill to all men, but it’s easy to get bogged down by the stress and commercialism that this time of year also brings. If you’re feeling disenchanted, or you’re having trouble getting into the spirit of the season, check out our 12 top activities guaranteed to have you feeling merry in no time!
1. Read A Christmas Carol
You’ve probably seen the Muppet version, but why not immerse yourself in the world of Victorian London in one of the best Christmas tales ever told, a story of joy and warmth that will bring a little magic to the dark winter months. First published in 1843, the story tells of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who is persuaded to change his penny-pinching ways. Full of seasonal cheer and tradition, this Dickens classic is sure to banish any bah humbug feelings you might be having.
2. Start your shopping early
Nothing will sap your goodwill like the frenzy of last minute gift-buying, so plan a strategy and get in early to avoid the crowds. Why not take time off work and make a day of it? Visit unusual stores or charity shops which are perfect for personal presents or comical stocking fillers and take advantage of late night shopping, where you’ll get the chance to marvel at the magical Christmas lights on your local high street. Make sure you’ve made a list and set a budget, and reward yourself afterwards with a gingerbread latte or a celebratory glass of bubbly.
3. Do some christmas baking
Nothing says festive family fun like home-made seasonal treats, so round up the folks in your household and get the rolling pin out. Mince pies, fruit cake, panetonne, lebkuchen, gingerbread men, spiced biscuits and shortbread are all relatively easy and have recipes readily available online or in popular cookery books. If you’re feeling ambitious, why not attempt a gingerbread house? Make sure you’re larder is well stocked beforehand – you don’t want to run out of baking soda at the crucial moment!
4. Listen to Christmas tunes
Sick of the same old songs that shops crank out over and over again during December? Ditch Slade and Shakin’ Stevens for some soothing Tchaikovsky by popping The Nutcracker Suite on the record player. Traditional choral carols are also great for igniting that Christmas spark within, or look to some old crooners for classic seasonal tunes. Old favourites from Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Andy Williams are certain to ensure you’re having yourself a merry little Christmas.
5. Christmas in a glass
Nothing warms the cockles during the cold winter weather like a hot spiced Christmas drink. Mulled wine is an indulgent winter treat, and very simple to make — just heat some red wine with cinnamon sticks, vanilla pods, cloves, nutmeg, mace, citrus fruits and sugar, and add a spoonful of rum for an extra kick. If you’re looking for something lighter, try hot spiced cider, made with cloves, spices, citrus and brandy. Or if you’re looking for a deluxe drink, try eggnog, made with sweetened warm milk, beaten eggs, brandy and cinnamon — a truly decadent refreshment.
6. Watch old movies
TV schedules tend to churn out the same old films every year, so why not check out some of the true classics — movies that have stood the test of time due to their heart-warming Christmas plots. Check out Jimmy Stewart in ‘The Shop Around the Corner’ for some old-fashioned Christmas romance, or take in the classic ‘It’s a Wonderful LIfe’ for some truly seasonal sentiment. See Cary Grant as a guardian angel in ‘The Bishop’s Wife,’ or enjoy the yuletide Bing Crosby-style in ‘Holiday Inn’ or ‘White Christmas’. There’s nothing like a bit of vintage Hollywood glamour to glitz up an otherwise dull December evening.
7. Make DIY decorations
Get your scissors and glue together and get creative! Jazzing up your home will make you feel seasonal immediately, and using old Christmas materials will save you lots of cash. Recycle old wrapping and gift tags into tree ornaments, reuse old greetings cards for crafts to decorate your windows or hang from doorways, and make paper-chains and snowflakes out of old scrap paper. You can use clove-studded oranges, spray-painted pinecones and dried flowers to make DIY decorations that will liven up and bring warmth to your home.
8. Be inspired by traditions
Why not check out customs from other countries for a little inspiration, and you can make a few traditions of your own in the process. Bored of turkey? Many Eastern European countries fast on Christmas eve, breaking the abstinence with a hearty fish soup in the evening. In Denmark, roast pork, duck or goose is traditional, and for dessert, they serve rice pudding in which one whole almond is hidden, and the person to find it is said to have good luck for the coming year. In Estonia, children place a slipper on their windowsill which the elves fill with sweets in the run up to Christmas Day.
9. Have a sing-song
Christmas carols sung by a choir is one of the sounds of the season, and a brilliant way to gear up for the big day. Find your local carol concert and head down for a good old merry sing along. Most concerts are raising money for charity, so support good causes by taking part. Check out local churches and cathedrals for Christmas carols in a breathtaking setting – many events are free and welcome guests regardless of religious beliefs.
10. Enjoy the illuminations
Twinkling Christmas lights are perfect for making you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Why not take a walk around the neighbourhood to check out the best (and worst) decorations? Or head to your local high street to see their dazzling displays, and if that simply isn’t enough, try one of the big London destinations, such as Regent Street or Trafalgar Square.
11. Roast chestnuts on an open fire
As the song goes, this is the thing to do when Jack Frost is nipping at your nose. If you don’t have a hearth, don’t panic, you can oven roast them, or cook them in a lidded pan. Buy the chestnuts from your local greengrocer, or if you know your stuff, collect them from nearby woodlands. Make sure you rinse them first and score a cross through the flat side of the shell to prevent any explosions. The sweet flavour is perfect for soups or sweet chestnut puree, or just eat them freshly roasted for a tasty Christmas delicacy.
12. Do something charitable
Christmas can be a sad and lonely time for many, so why not spread a little of your Christmas cheer and goodwill by giving something back. You could donate old clothes and blankets to a homeless shelter, give old toys to a children’s hospital, or simply volunteer for your local charity. Doing something selfless will help balance out the over-indulgence, and there are plenty of places that need help at this time of year. Check out your local charity online to find out the best way to offer your contributions.
