So, we have made it through lockdown and we’re into December 2020. What’s more we’re moving onto the most wonderful time of the year – Christmas! At first glance it might seem that there isn’t much to do during the festive season, with Christmas markets, pantomimes and other popular traditions cancelled.
We’ve already told you our favourite ideas for getting through lockdown. Now we’re sharing our best tips to make the festive season the best it can possibly be, even if you are socially distanced or self-isolating:
Bring the Christmas Markets to you.
Nothing says Christmas more than fighting your way to the front of the crowd to buy overpriced fudge and a mug of mulled wine. But sadly, this year we’ve had to say goodbye to a lot of our most loved Christmas traditions like the German Markets in West Yorkshire.
There’s still the opportunity to get the Christmas market experience from the comfort of your home with the Holiday in a Box Company.
The Holiday in a Box Company offers a Christmas Market in a box and its description reads:
‘Soak up the scent of cinnamon and spices; hear the Bratwurst sizzle; and enjoy those feel-good festive vibes taking over as you transport yourself to a bustling, glittering Christmas market…”
Also, if you head over to www.Christmasmarkets2020.com, you’ll find a schedule for online Christmas markets. So you can peruse the various stalls from the comfort of your home. Or if you can’t wait for that to start then head on over to Etsy. There you can find some fantastic local artisans creating the most Christmas presents for all of your loved ones.
Christmas Cocktails
Mulled wine is a Christmas staple, and luckily now you can purchase it at the supermarket. Or if you want to make it a little fancier then mix it up with your own mix of spices.
Eggnog is also a good Christmas drink for you to try because it is light and festive. You can make both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink versions for everyone in your party.
Hot Toddy is a good one for when you might have a little bit of a Christmas cough, whiskey mixed with lemon, honey, and hot water.
The Big Christmas Walk
For many families, the big Christmas walk is already a tried and tested part of the Christmas season. But this year it’s more perfect than ever. Look for country-walking paths around your local area (there are loads of beautiful places in Huddersfield and Sheffield). In the colder months we can often spend a lot of time inside so wrap up warm and experience the beautiful things that are a part of winter in nature. It can also be incredibly cathartic to get out of your bubble and see something different (just remember to socially distance).
Christmas Illuminations
If you’re not self-isolating, then indulge in a popular British Christmas tradition and take a walk to look at the Christmas lights. Take a look around your town and soak up all the Christmas cheer you’ve got around you. There are also cities all across the country that genuinely go all out when it comes to Christmas lights. London is the most obvious one, with Mayfair and Piccadilly Circus being decked out in Christmas decorations that look like they could be straight out of a movie scene.
However, a hidden gem is the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, with some amazing safari-themed illuminations if you’re staying over with us in either Huddersfield or Sheffield then you should definitely check out this amazing trail of illuminations which you can walk along outside.
Christmas Crafting
If you’re stuck for cash this Christmas then why not get crafty with some decorations. There are tonnes of Christmas crafting tutorials on Pinterest and blogs on the Internet. (We especially like this sprinkle ornament). You can make your own Christmas tree ornaments or house decorations or even gift one to a family member or friend once you’ve got the hang of it. It adds that personalised touch to gift-giving this year, it also shows that you’ve put some thought into what you’re giving. We especially like this lovely tutorial on how to make your own coasters.
Baking
There’s something about Christmas that makes baking all the more fun. You should try some of the more adventurous recipes and get creative. There are the traditional Christmas staples like fruit cake, Figgy Pudding and Mince Pies that are so Christmassy that even just the smell can put you in the festive spirit.
However, there are some other interesting recipes just as Christmassy. Try Mince Pie Brownies, Elf cookies or Matcha and Coconut Christmas trees for another twist on the Christmas classic.
Christmas Movie Marathon
Snuggling up with some Christmas movies might be the perfect antidote to all the chaos of 2020. Whether you’re a fan of the vintage classics or the 90s/00s ones or even the modern ones. Settling in, maybe with a Christmas cocktail in one hand and a Christmas cookie. So you can get into the Christmas spirit.
This activity is especially good if you need to self-isolate as you can use things like Netflix Party or Zoom to connect to your loved ones.
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2020 has been one for the history books, and I think we are all hoping 2021 will be a lot better. But one thing is for sure, it has been a year to remember.
So, this December we’re going to look back on the good things that happened in 2020. The kindness shown to neighbours, support from friends and family and the way strangers came together in the darkest of times to show that there’s hope at the end of the rainbow.
