Festive things to do before Dec 15th?

[WildFlowerBees]

I’ll be away working this Christmas (out of my home country) leaving Dec 15th, I’ve worked away for many years on and off and always tell myself it doesn’t matter. But it does, I feel like I miss out on all the cosy things.

It’s not necessarily Christmas, presents etc doesn’t bother me, it’s the warmth, the feeling, the lights the mulled wine!

What can I do to feel like I’ve not ‘missed out’ before I leave? No dc and a dh who isn’t a fan. So things to do on my own, a bit of quiet reflection perhaps.

If you are in London in early December, the lighting up of the tree in Trafalgar Square is a lovely occasion.

Most Christmas markets start way before the 15th. The one in York is my favourite and it starts in mid November.

I love a church carol concert

A couple of years ago , DH and I went to Bath Christmas Market , it was the first weekend of December and their last weekend there .. so definitely if you want to go to one , end Nov/early Dec there will be some .

London is really lovely at Christmas , the OpenTop Bus Tours are great for seeing the lights, hear the history

IKWYM about wanting the warm'n'cosy feel of Christmas but I've noticed it isn't as cold now , just rain <sigh>
I do put loads of LED candles in jars and have them dotted about (no flames as the cats would knock them over )

I will dream about Christmas Shopping and enjoy the dream , knowing that in reality it is anything but festive

Go to a Christmas music concert and/or carol service - 9 lessons and carols is lovely. Or Carols by Candlelight. They often serve mulled wine and mince pies in the interval of a concert or sometimes after the service.

Go to a garden or stately home that has a lights display. Kew gardens, Wisley RHS and loads of other places do them. Buy a hot chocolate or mulled wine to keep you warm and do a tour of the lights circuit. Very pretty.

Hold a small drinks party - about 10-15 people is best so you get to talk to all your guests. Fill the house with lights and candles, make festive food and ask people to dress up. Or if it's mild, light a fire pit outside and invite friends over.

Watch Christmassy films, wrapped in a blanket on the sofa. It's a Wonderful Life; The Holiday; Love Hard (my favourite).

Make a wreath and hang it on your door.

Buy a couple of presents for Barnardo's children and some nice food for the food bank.

Go into the nearest town and do some high end Christmas shopping - just three or four gifts from fancy shops you don't normally shop in. Take your time, get each one gift wrapped. Even though it's hectic I love Fortnums at Christmas. I go for a couple of things that family love, sold only there, but always stop to admire the sugar mice and beautifully displayed sweets, and leave by the side entrance where a liveried man opens the door for you. It just feels very Christmassy.

Go to one of the screenings of The Holiday or Love Actually with a live orchestra. I have been twice, once unexpectedly on my own, and really enjoyed it both times, despite not being a huge fan of either film. The magic of the orchestra makes it. They are available to book now.

Thank you, some lovely suggestions!

You might enjoy some Christmas baking.

I love the aroma of a Christmas Cake baking in the oven! Delia Smith's recipe is always reliable.

https://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/occasions/christmas/christmas-cakes-icings-and-toppings/classic-christmas-cake

You could decorate your front door as Advent begins - perhaps make a wreath or arrange some red poinsettia or cyclamen around the mat.

I’ve heard Winchester Christmas market is lovely.

It’s ok but not that big , it also sells stuff that isn’t Christmassy eg garden obelisks. Very very crowded aswell . I’d go as an add on to visiting Winchester anyway but not on its own , you’d whip round in an hour .