How to get in the festive spirit
- Go back
- 10th Dec 20
If you are struggling to get in the Christmas spirit, then this year you will certainly not be alone. Many of the things we traditionally associate with Christmas have been cancelled but there are plenty of small things that you can do to help you feel more yule in this strangest of years.
Book a panto
Oh no, you can’t, oh yes you can. There’s never been a year where we have been so confused as to what we can and can’t do. So it is pretty fitting in this upside-down world, you can still enjoy some traditional Christmas fun. Several theatres across the UK have rearranged their venues to adhere to social distancing and put new guidelines in place so we can enjoy some festive cheer. Others have taken their panto online so you can boo and hiss at the baddies from the comfort of your own home.
See the Christmas lights
The traditional switch on and fairs may have been cancelled but in many towns and cities, there are still festive lights to enjoy. Why not wrap up, take a travel mug of hot chocolate and go for an evening stroll and see how a familiar place can be transformed into a winter wonderland.
Festive treats
Homemade or shop bought, nothing says Christmas like a table groaning with food. Forget the healthy eating and give yourself permission to indulge in some of the classics from the season. Mince pies, pigs in blankets, mulled wine, yule log and Christmas pudding. Tis the season to treat yourself after all.
Shop local
Whether you have piles of presents to buy or want to treat yourself to something a little special, where you can, try to shop local. Although there may not be such a thing as guilt-free shopping, when you purchase from a small business, you know you are literally making someone’s day. Draw up a list of who you need to buy for and spend some time thinking about how something from you can brighten up their day. We all have learnt to appreciate the smaller things in life so you don’t have to spend a fortune. Consider an experience present too in the form of a voucher because who doesn’t need something to look forward to right now.
Do something for others
There’s actually a word for someone doing good deeds in the Jewish language of Yiddish. A particularly good person is a mensch and we would probably all agree that Marcus Rashford deserves this title. The young footballer has put child food poverty on the map and has now set his sights on getting underprivileged children access to more books. But you don’t need to do something on this level to be a mensch, just buying your local Big Issue vendor a coffee and a copy of the magazine, offering to pick up shopping for a neighbour or doing some chores for someone in need. Doing something nice for other people will make you feel better about yourself.
Get the kids involved
Let the kids mess up the kitchen a bit and have fun baking Christmas cookies. Have some festive cookie cutters, frosting, colourings and decorations to hand to give them a real yuletide feel and enjoy the gorgeous smells that you will create. Don’t eat them all as you will need a couple for Santa and Rudolph.
Plan for some fun and games
We might not be out and about as much as usual so plan for some fun at home to get you off the sofa and away from scrolling on our screens. Give everyone in your home £5 for a Bad Santa challenge. Write the names of everyone in the family and let them pick out one name and challenge them to find the tackiest gift with the worst taste. Teenagers are notoriously difficult to please but one night off their screens will be good for them if you declare it ‘Games Night’. There are some fun board games on the market and also some traditional parlour games. Motivate them to get involved with prizes and lots of tasty treats.
Christmas traditions
2020 is the year to create new traditions. We know that the holiday season is not going to be the same as previous years so embrace the differences and create new traditions and memories.
- Rather than sending out lots of different cards, choose a handful of people and spend some time writing them thoughtful letters.
- Host a movie marathon and allow everyone to select their personal favourite.
- Walk around your local neighbourhood and spot all the outside decorations.
- Open one present on Christmas Eve, and make it matching festive PJs.
- Pick a country and try and replicate a traditional meal for a Christmas Eve dinner.
- Teach children about giving back and create a reverse advent calendar. Instead of getting a chocolate or gift for every day of December, buy something to put in a box to donate to a food bank or charity shop.
- Wear an ugly Christmas jumper.