Now that Halloween’s over and done with, we can officially start counting down to the most significant festival on the calendar: Christmas. For most of us, it’s a favourite time of year – an excuse to do things that we wouldn’t dream of at other times of year. Let’s take a look at a few of them!
Overindulging
Christmas food and drink is amazingly rich and decadent. What’s more, you’re encouraged to eat as much of it as you like. Be sure to indulge in those uniquely Christmassy treats, like pigs-in-blankets and stuffing with cranberries in it. Just try not to think about how you’re going to have to compensate for all of this during January.
Decorating the Christmas Tree
Among the most enjoyable rituals in the build-up to Christmas is decorating the tree. You’ll be able to unearth those baubles and rolls of tinsel and put them to use once again – or, if you fancy a fresh start, you can pick up some posh decorations from Cox & Cox. If you really want to make things memorable for the kids, then get them involved, too – just don’t allow an argument to break out over who gets to put the star (or fairy, or angel) on top of the tree.
Christmas Music
Music has an almost-unique ability to put you in the mood for Christmas and all of its trappings. Just hearing the first few bars of Last Christmas in a shopping centre, and I can almost smell roast turkey and cognac.
Christmas TV
Some of our most beloved television programmes are at their most memorable at this time of year. Just about every TV show has a Christmas special, and they’re all broadcast over the festive period. And the same goes for classic Christmas movies like It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf, and Die Hard. In bygone years, you might have had to trawl through the Radio Times in search of your favourites; now, you can just get them on demand.
Playing Games
Games are a great way to socialise with your friends and family. For best results, prepare a few new ones in advance. Trivial Pursuit is a great way to spend an hour or so, provided that everyone’s able to answer at least a few of the questions.
Christmas Outdoors
As well as spending the day in the house with your family, you’ll also want to pay a visit to all of those family-friendly attractions running during the build-up. Most major cities in the UK now host a German market, so be sure to pay a visit and enjoy some glühwein and bratwurst.
