Top Ten Christmas Must Do’s – It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and it makes sense to make the most of it. Let’s celebrate it in style should be a top priority for families across the UK. Whether your children are experiencing the magic of the special season for the first time or you’re getting together with the wider family, these Christmas activities are essential for the best possible time.

Explore our Top Ten Christmas Must Do below:

Choosing your Tree

Choosing the perfect tree can be a fun family day out If you go for a real one, you can visit a Christmas tree farm and select it by hand. If you’ve got an old favourite up in the loft then the day it comes down can be a time of celebration. Once it’s in position, let the decorating commence! Many families have the tradition of choosing a new ornament each year and this helps build a beautiful collection that you can all enjoy. Handmade ornaments such as salt-dough angels and papercrafts can be a fun way to keep the kids busy at weekends too.

Christmas Cake or Christmas Pud

The perfect homemade Christmas dessert takes a little forward-thinking. Many people start their Christmas cakes as early as two or three months in advance as this gives the copious amounts of alcohol enough time to soak in and steep the mixture. This traditional Victorian Christmas pudding recipe is quicker to make and has all the hallmarks of a 19th-century pud.

Wreath Making

Wreaths have come into their own in the past few years, with some people having a wreath up all year round and changing it seasonally. Nothing compares to the classic Christmas wreath however and while you can pick one up in the shops, why not consider making your own? There are wreath-making workshops up and down the country or you could go DIY. Take the family out on an adventure to collect pinecones, leaves and more and you’re ready to go. Buy a simple foam wreath from a craft shop or online and attach all the greens to the wreath, adding Christmas ornaments and bows to give it that festive feel.

Pantomime Season

What is Christmas without pantomime? No one grows out of the fun of these wacky and outrageous shows. Whether you’re taking the kids along for their first ever experience or attending your favourite panto for the 50th year running, you won’t be disappointed. Our Christmas show this year is Aladdin starring Britain’s Got Talent finalist and comic Steve Royle and Emerdale star Tom Lister. Shows begin on 1st December and we hope you’re looking forward to the show as much as us.

Letters to Father Christmas

The Royal Mail (and Father Christmas himself) say December 10th is the cut-off date if you want to ensure your letter reaches him in time. Spend time with the kids preparing the perfect letter, writing down all those special gifts and any messages they’ve got for the big man himself. Letters in before this date will even get a reply!

Christmas Film-a-thon

Everyone has a favourite Christmas movie, but is it Die Hard or Home Alone? As younger family members grow up you and inaugurate them in the family’s favourite Christmas classics. Snuggle up in Christmas blankets in the light of the tree and enjoy all your favourite films as a family. If you can’t decide which film to choose then draw them out of a hat and see how many you can get through this December.

Create your Own Advent Calendars

The advent calendars of old used to simply include a small chocolate or even just a picture each day. Now there’s a boom in all kinds of designs including everything from toys and games to miniature bottles of gin. If you’re feeling craftier you could opt to make your own family adventure calendar. Popular ideas include Book Advent calendars which include a festive story for each day of the advent period or Activity Adventure calendars where each day an extra Christmas craft is included.

Ugly Jumper Competition

The Ugly Christmas Jumper has become much more than something we’re ashamed of seeing in the office! It’s a fun way of having a really festive day out and you could challenge your family to hunt for the ugliest possible jumper and have a competition. It’s just a bit of fun but you can be sure it’ll get everyone laughing and the worst jumper should definitely receive a fun prize.

Make a Christmas Eve Box

Traditionally a German idea, where they tend to open their presents on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day itself, Christmas Eve boxes are a lovely idea. They help get the kids in a festive mood and give them something fun and relaxing to do when excitement levels are at their peak. You can purchase ready-made boxes or have the fun of making your own. Contents can include anything you like but often parents opt for a pair of Christmas pyjamas, a Christmas storybook such as The Night Before Christmas, traditional cards games and of course a treat in the form of chocolate coins and hot chocolate powder. You can tweak your boxes content to suit your children, but it helps get them settled and ready for a good night’s sleep before the big day.

Lay out Santa’s Snacks

No Christmas Eve is complete without Santa’s little snack. A YouGov Children’s survey found 64% of children leave out a mince pie for Father Christmas whilst others have been influenced by America, leaving milk and cookies. Most children also remember the hard work of Santa’s trusty reindeers, with 77% leaving carrots for them too. Whatever snacks work for you, this is usually the last task to tick off before the kids go to sleep and the final preparations begin.

Christmas 2022 is shaping up to be the biggest celebration in a long time. Make the most of yours and don’t forget any of our top ten must-do’s to ensure the most memorable festive period to date.