What to do between Christmas and New Year?

[redfacebigdisgrace]

We don’t have lots of extended family and I am always a bit lost about what to do from 26th onwards. Now are kids are teenagers we often go overseas to visit friends/family as I find the long winter difficult (Scotland). We’re at home this year and I’m already dreading it. I like the run up to Christmas but it’s the days after. It’s so dark and dreich.

So I’m looking for inspiration from Christmassy folk. Especially those with older teens.

Just to say I feel you! The bit inbetween and then January bleurgh so miserable

I know. I was tempted to try and get away for a few days but it’s so pricey and I think will be quite a hassle to pack up etc….as we’re hosting Christmas.

Hoping a Christmassy person will come along..

That’s prime hygge time! Almost my favourite bit.

Why not join join us on the Christmas Chronicles thread? It’s really lovely in the lead-up to Christmas and the book continues right through to February so we usually carry on with the chat as well.

Watching with interest.

I thought about Center Parcs winter wonderland but it's quite expensive so not sure I want to pay that much.

Thanks @YuletideSolace I’ll take a look. My issue is I’m solar powered. Truly. I am very outdoorsy, not at all a hygge person.

Christmas Chronicles

and the accompanying recipe thread

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

Ah fair enough, I can understand that it’s much harder in that case!

Do you live close enough to visit a coastal town for a day trip? I always love a cosy winter walk by the sea that week and find somewhere for fish and chips.

Do you have National trust membership? You could also visit a few of their properties.

We are visiting family this year, but last year I put my foot down and we stayed home. We did fuck all. We slept. We ate. We gamed. We watched TV. No expectations, no guilt. It was wonderful. I normally feel so much pressure to get out the house in the holidays and DO THINGS, but we turned it into a mini lockdown and it was amazing for my mental health!

We've just planned to have a board game day and we're going to play old faves and get ourselves one new one.

There's often some fun shows on near us at the theatre between Xmas and new years.

Tbh I'm mainly lazing in my pjs eating chocolate and cheese and reading so never have trouble filling those days. It's my fave as Christmas can sometimes be quite manic.

But just read you're not indoorsy so appreciate that's no use.

We’re actually in Edinburgh so there’s masses to do! Maybe I need to get my SAD lamp out 😆

This is our second year of going away. We get grandparents to contribute to activities for presents (last year we did space centre and Bletchly Park then London) cheap travel lodge/premier Inn and did a treasure hunt with clues to the trip. My DH has to take Christmas off so means we make the most of his limited leave as well.

Yes I think I’d make a list of all the things you’ve never been too/seen/done and just tick off a few over the week. And definitely get your SAD lamp out - I was going to suggest that next.

Eat all the cheese and forget what day of the week it is. Might stagger out for a walk or two.

I’ve just booked matinee theatre tickets for the 28th, is there anything good on near you? Not panto, we’re going to see a musical :)

We always go to the theatre
Do a posh afternoon tea
Drive to the coast and do a walk and fish & chips

My DCs love ice skating, also might go bowling, often go to the cinema.

Maybe a spooky tour of Edinburgh?

Panto (DC are 14 and 16 and will still come)
National Trust / beach walks
Cinema
Bowling / climbing wall / swimming
Go to the gym, yoga classes etc

my 4 Dc are younger and we are quite outdoorsy. We take the dogs to the beach for a nice walk, visit the local NT place for a trail & they have a great play area. We are planning going to a nearby forest for a muddy bike ride one day too. We’ll also go to the cinema if anything on or to their kids club one and ice skating. The rest of the time will be Lego building, board games, movies, dog walks and eating. It’s my favourite bit about Christmas.

That sounds nice @EcoCustard my grumpy teens refuse a walk these days! But you’ve just reminded me of a high rope trail near us which I might do.

Not that but the lights walk at the Edinburgh Botanics is worth a visit.

@rookiemere I love that! Will probably do that before Christmas. I see they’re doing something at the castle this year.

My son works (since 16) and last year had to go back (he doesn't live with us since he was 17) on Boxing Day. So me snd my teen daughter left and we just hang out chill - no planned activities.
This year off to visit family in US first time since before covid! So will plan a few things there. Mostly seems to involve shopping and eating!