Festive things to do at home over the holidays

The Christmas holidays are nearly here and will be a little different this year for many people, with more time spent at home than usual.

We’ve created a list of things to do to help you feel festive over the holidays and make the most of your time at home.

Festive walks

One of the best things about this time of year is the Christmas decorations. Get out for some fresh air and take a walk around your local area on a Christmas light hunt. If you have children, this can be incorporated into a counting game to see how many houses you can find that are decorated, and see which is your favourite. If you head out when the sun is setting, you’ll get to see lots of Christmas lights brightening up the area. Have you seen Grandhome’s Davidston Square Pavilion Christmas lights yet?

Christmas baking

Christmas is a time for enjoying good food and company, and making or baking your own treats is twice as rewarding.

Gingerbread is a Christmas classic – follow local Vegan Bay Baker’s recipe for Gingerbread Men and get creative with your icing!

If you’re looking for another sweet treat, try local food blogger Foodie Quine’s recipe for After Eight and Candy Cane Fudge.

Support a local business

Supporting local businesses is more important than ever, and we’ve got so many fantastic businesses in and around our community.

If you’re looking to purchase meat, Butcher at the Brig is a local, family-owned butcher and fine food specialist. The shop also stocks other local food and drink products including Katy’s Eggs and the Bread Guy.

If you’re looking for the perfect festive spirit for a Christmas gift or to enjoy at home over Christmas then take a look at local gin companies including Teasmith, Esker, Porter’s, or the City of Aberdeen Distillery gin.

Attend a virtual event

Some of our favourite arts events are making a comeback, albeit virtually, this year. Get comfortable with your snacks and drinks and settle down to watch some virtual performances, including:

• Scottish Ballet – The Secret Theatre premieres on 21 December and runs until Christmas Eve. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance here.
• The National Theatre of Scotland has launched 20 days of festive theatre to be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home. Enjoy performances such as Rapunzel, A Queen’s Speech and Makar to Cracker. Find out more here.
• The Scottish Chamber Orchestra has recorded performances available to view here.
• The Scottish National Orchestra has a series of performances available to view over the festive season here.

If you have anything to add to our list or have done any of the things on our list, let us know by visiting our Facebook page.