10 Festive Activities To Do This Christmas

Happy Monday friends! Has your week started off the way you had hoped? Tired already? 'Tis the season for constant tail-chasing after all which can often lead to us forgetting to just be and enjoy everything wonderful the festive seasons brings along with it. There is a lot of pressure, especially on parents I think, to have the most-absolutely-amazingly-fun-Christmas-ever turning moments that are supposed to be fun and light-hearted in to this mess of forced memories we are intent on making for ourselves. How about instead of rushing around trying to tick off a crazy festive bucket list, we make time for the wee moments and not berate ourselves for missing out something that would have stressed us out? Don't feel guilty if you don't make it to the big Christmas light switch-on (crowds of people gathered in the freezing cold ain't for everyone) or feel like standing in queue for another freakin' grotto (for a photo that will probably scar your child). How about doing something that won't stress you out or your family? I've created a list of things I know will personally bring me a wee bit of happiness in between all the shopping and innumerable social gatherings (I am even socialising midweek now!). Feel free to take a few ideas for yourself but remember, don't put the pressure on to do it all. Think about why you're doing it and if you're not doing it for the pure joy of it then strike it off the list. Go Ice Skating It's not for everyone but I love the adrenaline of trying to stay vertical while giving my thighs the biggest workout they've seen all year. It's fun (to me anyway) and is a real winter novelty that I have no shame in indulging in. For those local to Belfast there is always the trusty Dundonald rink that I've been going to since I was a youngster but there's also a rink opening for a few days over the winter break at the SSE Arena OR if you want to go really crazy, grab some tickets for the Winter Wonderland at the Clandeboyne Estate which would be a real festive treat. Christmas Crafting For me, making a homemade wreath or crafting presents to hand out to my loved ones is something that can bring the most happiness at this time of year than anything else. It's a quiet time for just me amongst all the noise which is imperative for me to keep my sanity (while making a complete mess). Sing Carols I am no singer and not a church-goer and yet there is something hauntingly beautiful about attending a carolling service. If you're not part of a church like me then try something different like attending a night at the orchestra at the Ulster Hall? My favourite is 'Fall On Your Knees' all because of Home Alone, of course. Local Christmas Markets The Belfast markets can be complete madness and can actually be more stressful than fun. However smaller local markets can be just as enjoyable and filled with tasty treats that you don't have to queue an hour for. Have a wee nosy at the Discover NI website to see when your local market is next on. See a Pantomime/Play/Musical Local theatres are packed with festive productions which we should make the most of getting off our couches to see. I have the best memories of sitting on the floor watching a pantomime at my local leisure centre as a kid (while losing all feeling in my ass). I'm trying to find children to borrow so I can see this musical otherwise I'll be the eccentric lady on her own who brought her own snacks! Watch old Christmas movies You can do this at home of course with the fire lit and the family cocooned in a mass of duvets but some cinemas play the classics which can be a fun way to see the old favourites. I love watching It's A Wonderful Life in the Queen's Film Theatre each year. The theatre is a Belfast institution and has these old vintage cinema seats that feel about a hundred years old (probably because they are). They also cater for people with disabilities (dementia, autism) so everyone can delve in to a bit of nostalgia on the screen. Celebrate the Solstice Step back in time and celebrate the arrival of the Winter Solstice at the Navan Fort centre in Armagh. My hometown is steeped in ancient Celtic history and the Navan Fort are mirroring the customs of our ancestors through a morning of traditional celebrations followed by a lantern-lit walk up the fort were re-enactors will welcome the breaking of the dawn. The whole event is free unless you want to nibble on a bit of breakfast afterwards which you can enjoy for 4 quid - bargain! Make homemade mulled wine Or cider! Here's an easy recipe for mulled wine that will scent your house like a friggin' Christmas perfumery. Make a batch and keep some for the visitors that stream through the house. Not too much though or they'll never leave. Look out for others Without sounding like a TV ad, this time of year can be tougher on those who live alongside us, especially the elderly who can be a tad more vulnerable in the colder months. We're lucky to have Maureen as our neighbour and while she's fully capable of looking after herself (she looked at me like I was mad when I asked if I could help her with the 10kg box of washing powder she was lugging in to her house the other day), it's still good to check in once in a while. I would hate to think of my Granny on her own with no one looking out for her so it's nice to treat those around us with a little more care. Forage for decorations We can all go a little crazy with the decorations this time of year which is the last thing our wallets need. To try and save pennies I've been bringing a few things back from my winter walks. A wee bit of holly, some ivy or even pine cones to roast in the oven (an idea I stole from my friend Caoimhe, you can find a way to do it here). I've been decorating the fireplace, the dining table and coffee table with these foraged finds which feels a bit more special than wasting money on another garland from a chain store.

Oh writing this list got me a little bit excited! What about you? What festive activities are you hoping to do this year??