What Will I Do at Christmas?
Christmas can be a delight or a disaster depending on how you plan it. Once you’ve surpassed the half‑century mark you’ve earned the right to opt out of the mad scramble and design a holiday season on your terms. Below is a wry guide to making the 25 December (and the whole festive period) memorable without losing your sanity – or your sense of humour.
## Embrace Alternative Traditions
The season doesn’t have to be about television and turkey. In many coastal towns across Britain there’s a tradition of braving the cold and running into the sea in fancy dress – often to raise money for charity. Pack a wetsuit and a Santa hat and you might discover that an invigorating dip is far more memorable than sweating over a roasting pan. If diving into icy waves isn’t your idea of merriment, then volunteer instead: charities always need extra hands at Christmas, whether serving lunch to the homeless or providing telephone friendship to older people who would otherwise be alone. Lending your time to organisations like Crisis or Age UK transforms the holiday from a consumer frenzy into something meaningful.
## Choose Company Wisely
Not everyone wants to spend Christmas sandwiched between generations. If you’d rather skip the family drama (and the sarcasm of your teenage grandkids), consider spending the day walking a dog. Borrow My Doggy allows you to walk someone else’s pooch if you don’t have one. You’ll get fresh air, canine companionship and an excuse to dodge second helpings of dried‑out turkey. Alternatively, hop on your bicycle; roads are blissfully quiet on the 25th. A brisk ride keeps you active and justifies that second slice of Christmas pudding.
## Explore The Great Outdoors
Tourist hot‑spots are deserted on Christmas Day. UNESCO‑listed sites like Avebury and Lulworth Cove, usually crowded with selfie‑stick wielders, are peaceful and photogenic. Put on sturdy boots and head out with a thermos; you’ll capture spectacular photos without a stranger photo‑bombing you. If you prefer culture to countryside, check local listings for Christmas concerts. Many churches hold carol services on the 25th and Canterbury Cathedral live‑streams its service. Two hours of Handel’s “Messiah” will restore a festive mood – and give you an excuse not to cook.
## Give Animals Their Own Feast
Shelters are open year‑round, and Christmas is the perfect time to help. Animal rescue centres welcome volunteers to dish up dinners for cats and dogs waiting for homes. You’ll meet fellow animal lovers and end the day smelling of kibble instead of sprouts. Just don’t come home with a puppy unless you’re prepared for 2026 walkies at 6 a.m.
## Gardeners’ Delight
If you’re happiest with soil under your nails, spend part of Christmas in the garden. Winter is an ideal time to plant garlic, rhubarb and strawberry crowns or pop tulip bulbs. The tasks are simple, the fresh air is refreshing, and you’ll have something beautiful (or edible) to show for it when spring arrives. Gardening is also a peaceful alternative to listening to Uncle Bob explain cryptocurrency for the tenth time.
## Take a Historical Walking Tour
Cities on Christmas morning are eerily quiet. It’s the perfect time to wander through their streets with a guidebook. Whether you’re in London, Oxford, St Andrews or any other historic town, pick a walking guide tailored to your interests. With shops closed, you’re free to appreciate architecture, canals or literary landmarks. Walking tours are available as inexpensive ebooks if you don’t want to carry a heavy tome. Think of it as a self‑guided workout with cultural benefits.
## Escape on a Christmas Holiday
If you have zero patience for turkey and tinsel, run away. Swapping Britain’s drizzle for Caribbean sunshine (or even a cosy Swedish lodge) is entirely acceptable. Destinations like St Barts, Sydney, Tenerife or Lapland offer everything from beach BBQs to Northern Lights safaris. Prefer something closer? Explore European Christmas markets or head to a British stately home decked out for the season. National Trust properties host everything from winter light trails and visits with Father Christmas to historic houses decorated from medieval to modern times. There are also craft workshops, festive markets, and choirs performing carols. A short break with mulled wine and gingerbread in a new setting might be the gift you really need.
## Visit Britain’s Best Christmas Markets
The UK’s festive fairs aren’t created equal. According to consumer magazine Which?, the top Christmas markets in 2025 include Bath, Chester, Durham, Winchester, Wells, Liverpool, Edinburgh, York and Belfast. Each offers its own charms, from architectural backdrops to local delicacies. If you want more detail (and an excuse to turn your visit into a weekend away), here are some highlights:
– **Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market** – Often ranked among Europe’s best, it takes place in the cathedral’s Inner Close and features exhibitors selected for quality, along with a performance stage. The market runs from 21 Nov – 22 Dec 2025.
– **Bath Christmas Market** – Set amid Georgian architecture, this market boasts over 170 chalets and emphasises local artisans (over 80% of stallholders are from the South West). It runs from 27 Nov – 14 Dec 2025. Shop for handcrafted gifts, then warm up with mulled wine while admiring Bath Abbey’s lights.
– **Southampton Christmas Market** – Combining traditional stalls with modern attractions like a Ferris wheel and a spectacular light show projected onto the historic Bargate. It runs from 13 Nov – 4 Jan 2026.
– **Oxford Victorian Christmas Market** – This four‑day event on Broad Street recreates 19th‑century charm. Stallholders dress in period attire and sell crafts and sweets inspired by Victorian times.
– **Blenheim Palace Christmas Market** – Held in the palace’s Great Court, this market features around 50 wooden chalets, designer‑maker stalls, an Illuminated Light Trail and a new ice rink. It runs from 14 Nov – 3 Jan 2026.
– **Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market** – The largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria, with over 100 stalls offering pretzels, schnitzel and glühwine, plus. It operates from 1 Nov – 24 Dec 2025.
– **Chester Christmas Market** – This charming market surrounds a sparkling tree and features more than 70 wooden chalets. It focuses on local produce like regional cheeses and wines and is situated near the city’s medieval ‘Rows’.
Whether you visit one or all of these markets, choose cosy accommodation nearby, indulge in seasonal foods and support local artisans. Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes – and a pair of stretchy trousers.
## Plan a Festive Get‑Together
If you aren’t travelling far, bring the fun to your own living room. Hosting doesn’t mean slaving away for hours; it means thoughtful planning and plenty of laughter. Here are some ideas inspired by care‑home activity coordinators who know how to engage older adults:
– **Music quiz & dancing** – Create a playlist of holiday classics and challenge guests to guess the song title or artist. Even seated dancing lifts spirits.
– **Decorate jars** – Collect empty glass jars and decorate them with paint, glitter and ribbon. Add a candle or fairy lights for a cosy glow.
– **Mince pies and sherry** – Bake (or buy) mince pies and serve them with sherry or mulled apple juice. It’s a relaxed way to reminisce about past holidays.
– **Gentle exercise** – Incorporate chair‑based stretches or gentle yoga to keep everyone fit and happy. A short routine before the main meal helps justify seconds.
– **Wreath arranging** – Use poinsettias, holly and ribbons to craft simple wreaths. It’s both creative and therapeutic.
– **Bake and decorate gingerbread** – Baking is a wonderful shared activity. Make gingerbread people or cookies and decorate them with icing and sweets.
– **Festive bingo** – A game of bingo with small prizes like chocolates or novelty socks always entertains.
– **Pet visits** – Invite a friend with a gentle dog to drop by. Animals provide comfort and joy.
– **Shopping trip** – A short visit to a local market or high street to admire decorations and pick up last‑minute gifts can be enjoyable【8.
– **Baileys smoothies & Christmas films** – Host a movie afternoon with classics like *It’s a Wonderful Life* and serve Baileys smoothies or hot chocolate.
– **Live music or carols** – Attend a local concert or stream a performance. Singing along unites everyone.
– **Decorate the tree** – One of the simplest pleasures is hanging ornaments together and sharing stories behind each decorations.
These activities keep the day light and engaging without requiring Olympic‑level stamina.
## Stay Active on the Fairway
Golf courses aren’t typically open on Christmas Day, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your swing. Use the holiday lull to practise indoors with a putting mat or visit a driving range on Boxing Day. Many UK golf resorts host special Christmas packages: practise your short game between turkey meals and then relax by the fire with a glass of port. Remember, moderate exercise is the antidote to endless mince pies.
## Make Space for Reflection
Amid the festivities, carve out a moment for gratitude. Reflect on the year’s highs and lows, write a journal entry, or spend time in quiet meditation. Volunteering and simple acts of kindness can be more satisfying than any material gift. Combining a walk with reflection allows you to appreciate crisp winter air and the fact that you’re not stuck in a crowded shopping centre.
## Final Thoughts
Christmas after fifty can be whatever you want it to be – conventional, adventurous, charitable or rebellious. The only rule is to do something that genuinely brings you joy and to avoid mindless traditions that feel obligatory. Whether you’re plunging into the sea for charity, strolling through a nearly empty UNESCO site, volunteering at a shelter or sipping Baileys while watching a film, remember that the holiday is yours to design.
You’ve spent decades perfecting your sarcasm and resilience; put those talents to use by crafting a Christmas Day that suits you, not someone else’s expectations. The only person you need to please is yourself – and maybe the dog you volunteered to walk.