An Alternative Christmas

If you could do ANYTHING during the Christmas holiday, what would you do? If you didn’t have to prepare the Christmas meal, travel the country to visit relatives or watch far too much television or eat too much, would you spend it at home, alone, abroad, or perhaps helping others? Acknowledging your freedom to choose is the first step – and relatively easy. Deciding on what you would like to do is a little harder, and somewhat dependant on your timeframe and budget.

Singletons Unite!

If you are single, and would really like to spend it around people – firstly, get networking on your dating site. Spruce up your profile, send ice breakers and seek out single people who will also be on their own at Christmas. Identifying your interests on the site will also help attract other singles with like hobbies and interests. We have listed below a sample of the many events which take place across the country which you could meet at.

The National Trust have a number of activities at their properties across the country, where you can participate in craft and cookery workshops, take part in house decorating and enjoy Christmas meals.

Attending Church over Christmas can be a special experience. Take the time this year, to understand what the services are about, or for something a little lighter, attend a Carol Service, be moved by the music and atmosphere and have a good old sing song!

There is nothing like Horse Racing on Boxing Day – to get you off your armchair, and out about in a fantastic atmosphere. The races offer everything, from the excitement of the horses parading the paddock, the roar of the horses coming in over the line, the mix of people attending the event, the drinks in the bar before, during or after – plus the chance to WIN! Races take place all over the country, so head out with new friends, you never know, you may strike lucky!

Give something back, help a Charity

Being around others need not necessarily be about dating. Have you thought about giving time to Charity? Christmas is a time of both giving and receiving and if you have the time – then many charities would be exceedingly grateful for your help. Crisis is the UK National charity for single homeless people, and seeks 8,000 volunteers for Christmas, to support the 2,500 homeless guests they will receive at their centres in London between the 23–30^th December.

For broader volunteering opportunities – try Do It.com – which will search your local area to find volunteering positions in all aspects of aid, from administration to counselling, children to elderly, shop work to field work. Not only will you make a valuable contribution, but will meet many other people at the same time. If you really fancy something different, give the Santa Dash a go. This is a gentle 5 – 6K run, dressed in a Santa suit, to raise money for Christian Aid. Do some good, and have lots of fun in the process!

Have fun learning something new

Farncombe Estate, based in the Cotswolds, offer a wide range of weekend leisure courses and day courses at the 300 acre estate and have an interesting catalogue of courses to long to mention here. Music appreciation, to Whiskey tasting.

The good old Women’s Institute also has a steady list of day and residential courses based at the Denman College near Oxford. For the Crafty among you, CraftandDesign has an interesting selection of courses across the country – there is bound to be something near you!

Whatever you have planned, or as yet, unplanned for Christmas 2010, we hope our guide gives some inspiration and we wish you a very happy Christmas.