What to do in the Christmas holidays

The festive season is one many of us look forward to every year, but if you leave your planning to the last minute, you might not get to do all the things you wished for. Booking ahead can help you to save money in the long run, giving you more cash to spend on loved ones to make this time of the year truly magical.

Although it might not seem necessary, it’s also a good idea to plan ahead for those activities that don’t require booking as well. Even if all you do is make a list of things you’d like to do over the holidays, planning makes it simple for you to take the opportunity to do all those things. Without such a list, it can be easy to forget what you wanted to do or when events are taking place, meaning you could miss out on the experience. So, what could you put on your festive activity list this year?

Where to spend the Christmas holidays

The first thing to consider is where you’ll be during the holidays. Many people like to get away in the festive season for a spot of winter sun or to enjoy the celebrations in another country. Alternatively, perhaps you’ll be making a trip across the country to visit family and friends who’ve moved away. Whatever the case, if you’re going to be away from home for a few days or more, make sure to plan to take the stress out of your travel arrangements.

What to do in the winter holidays

Whether you’re staying at home throughout the holiday season or looking for activities to take part in before or after your trip, there are lots of things you can do to make the most of this magical time of the year. Many of these are inexpensive and accessible to anyone with reduced mobility, but feel free to tweak and alter our suggestions to suit your situation. And if your children or grandchildren will be spending time with you this Christmas, why not bring them along too?

Visit some local festive events

The chances are there are some wonderful local events being organised in your area for you to enjoy. From festive craft markets to carol singing evenings and plays and pantomimes to Christmas cooking competitions, there’s something for everyone. And if there’s an event, you’d like to see but nobody in your area is doing it, why not start the ball rolling yourself?

Take a tour of your neighbourhood

One of the best things about the Christmas season is seeing everyone’s houses decorated with festive decorations and lights. As the big day draws closer, why not spend a winter evening taking a tour of your neighbourhood to admire the displays? Bundle up in your warmest knitwear, make up a flask of hot tea or coffee and check out the sights on offer on your doorstep.

Go for a wintry walk

Winter might not be the most colourful time of year for nature’s bounty, but it’s beautiful, nonetheless. Get out of the house for a while for a wintry walk to get your blood pumping and explore your local area. Whether you choose to go off the beaten track or stick to gritted, paved surfaces, consider bringing a wide-footed walking stick with you - even if you don’t usually use one. A walking stick can help you to test the depth of snow and how slippery the ice is, as well as generally boosting your stability and mobility when walking in snowy and icy conditions.

Treat yourself to a meal at a restaurant

Christmas is also a great time to treat yourself to a rewarding experience after making it halfway through the winter, so why not take the night off from cooking and visit a restaurant instead? Whether you prefer takeaway meals on trays or the delights of fine dining, you’re sure to find something delicious to fill your evening.

Donate to a charity

The festive season is an excellent excuse to give gifts to family and friends alike, but it’s also important to be generous in other ways. Christmas can be a difficult time of year for those finding it hard to pay the bills, battling illness or struggling to find their next meal, and festive support can be a brilliant way to assist charities during this period. Whether you donate cash, your services or unwanted items, you can make a difference that truly matters.

Top tip! Some charities find themselves overwhelmed with donations at Christmas and in need of more at other times of the year. Check with your preferred charity so you can be as helpful as possible for them. And if you’re donating items, remember that you can always package them up during the festive season and drop them off later in the year if necessary.