Any tips to making Christmas special for ds?

[LadyMaryQuiteContrary]

He's 14. We were planning on going to Norway but the funding for this has fallen through so it's not possible (don't ask). We were both ill last year and we've had a crappy year. I'm not looking for present ideas just things that will build memories. We can't leave the UK as we can't afford it.

Any ideas?

Thank you.

Where are you in the UK? There might be some Christmassy things nearby someone can suggest.

East Midlands. We usually do the theatre/panto and there's not a lot here besides this.

The tradition threads have some lovely ideas. You could take some from there?

Thank you, I'll take a look.

Christmas market? Any of those near by?

Lincoln Christmas market is a good day out.

I'm in a similar boat this year, DH is away and the kids 17&19 by Christmas are being a bit 'meh' about it all!

What sort of things does he like?

My 14 year old dsd has had a tough year so for her birthday I am taking her to see a show (she keeps asking me if I would like to go watch a show with her as her dm is not interested), I have booked tickets to see cat's, didn't cost me a fortune and I know she will love it.

It's really bad here, storm. They sell the same things every year and it's all overpriced tat.

We could try Lincoln, will that be the same though?

We were going to do snow, huskies, northern lights etc. I can't top that.

I'm rather pissed off so am wallowing. I'm sorry.

I'd maybe involve him in everything such as choosing what you are going to have to eat, he could write up a proper menu and decorate it. Make a fuss of what you are going to watch on tv or dvd, both on Christmas eve and Christmas day. Pick out a lazy day outfit/christmas jumpers. Organise his gifts as a treasure hunt. Make your own Christmas cake and let him ice it.

Have a Christmas Eve cinema trip or go to the watchnight service if you are that way inclined - treat him as more of an adult.

I let my 13 and 12 year olds have a very lemonadey snowball on Christmas Eve and Shandy or Bucks Fizz on Christmas Day- it makes them feel really grown up even though its mostly lemonade.

You could do some homemade Christmas decorations - e.g. string popcorn gardlands.

I hope you both have a fab time.

14 is old enough to help with gathering ivy and holly to decorate, might enjoy some mulled wine (alcohol well burnt off!)...

Have you got an indoor skiing place near you?

Physics, space, snow and law, Marne.

No, it won't be the same. what a shame you can't go to Norway, I'd be wallowing too.

Hmmm, christmas memories for teens- I've got one of those and it's getting harder isn't it?
Last years pleasers were a meal out on Xmas eve (posh pizza), cosy pub as a family. Ice skating ( I've wrecked my knee so we went with friends- everyone happy)
Xmas film? Xmas night at home, old favourite DVD, nibbles, hot choc with EVERTHING in it.
What about midnight mass, especially with another family.
The £10 challenge. As much nonsense you can buy in 1 hour for each others stocking- no sensible stuff.

Leeds has a lovely market at Christmas, you could jump on the train? Make a day of it?

The nearest one is Tamworth, Renter. He's also dyspraxic so skis may not be the best plan as he'll spend more time on his bum!

We do all of that, Slender. I hid all of his presents a couple of years ago and made clues. We make jam tarts etc and usually go to the theatre on Christmas Eve.

It's not the same but you can do husky rides in UK, no idea of cost but don't forget, out kids remember the stupid/daft times as much as the expensive ones.

Could you get to London?

Science museum - physics and space
Winter wonderland Hyde park - snow

Don't pay your bus fare on the way back - law (not serious)

The pub here is shit. We go there for Sunday lunch sometimes when I really can't be arsed and it's an aunt bessies roast potato job IYKWIM. He can't skate as it's a balance problem.

It's a bugger, naturalblonde. There's only so much tat you can put up with. We have no family here and if we went to see them they would sit in front of the TV for the whole of Christmas (as in all of it).

Do they do Christmassy stuff at the Royal Albert Hall or something like that? I could take him to London. Shame about the lack of snow... and huskies... and northern lights

Thank you for listening to me moan. I'm a little less tearful.

Do they do anything Christmas themed at the National Space Centre?

Outdoor fun in winter at: www.naturedetectives.org.uk/winter/

Pete We've been there a few times. I don't think he'd like to go back.

I don't know if this link will help with ideas?

When does it snow in Scotland?

He just wants to pelt me with snow to be honest.

Thank you, Pete.