Ideas for the Ultimate Alternative Christmas Day | Trespass Advice (2023)

Walking

• Trespass Team
• November 19, 2021
• Updated - August 27, 2023

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T-minus 36 days until Christmas… not like we’re counting down or anything! We’re in the Christmas spirit this year after last year’s plans were changed or altered for many of us around the UK. Time spent with loved ones was put on hold, and staying in was greatly advised. Now that you’ve experienced an alternative Christmas, are you bored of the usual Christmas traditions? Speaking with some close friends and colleagues, they only start their Christmas Day at 9 pm after they’ve made their rounds to family members and, perhaps, friends too. Are you looking to celebrate Christmas Day in ways that you’ve never celebrated before?

Christmas Day is the most magical day of the year. Though, Christmas doesn’t always appeal to everyone. If you’re reading this and you’re thinking yep, that’s me – don’t worry! We’ve got your back. Make this year about you and your family; take the time to slow down and reconnect.

If you’re ready to be inspired, here are 8 alternative ways to spend Christmas Day.

Top 10 Alternative Christmas Day Ideas

1. Go for a walk
2. Go for a swim
3. Climb a mountain
4. Volunteer
5. Attend a Christmas concert
6. Visit an animal shelter
7. No traditional roast dinner
8. Give a gift every hour

1. Go for a Walk

As we all know, a lot of places are closed on Christmas Day but there are some spots that you can still venture to whether you plan to walk, cycle or drive. Don’t forget that just outside your front door, nature is waiting for you to take your next step. We’re just hoping that we’ll have a white Christmas so that we can get out our ol ’trusty sledge from the garage, lace up our snowboots and get our best waterproof gloves on for the ultimate snowball fight.

2. Go for a Swim

Swimming has become a huge trend since the start of lockdown last year and although most go for a morning swim on New Year’s Day, swimming groups, up and down the country, are also taking to the waters on Christmas Day. Look out for organised events for charity as people tend to dress in Santa’s hats and wetsuits as they race into the sea. If you’re planning to go with your family, depending on where you go, you may get the beach to yourself! This is ideal if you have dogs as they can get the full run of the stretched beach without bothering anyone. One question: Are you brave enough to withstand the cold waters?

Remember, the water is extremely cold at this time of year.Makesure that you are prepared by being aware of the tides, your own level of cold water tolerance and that a family member or friend is in there with you (it may take some persuasion!)

3. Climb a Mountain

It’s always good to get fresh air on Christmas Day after an enormous spread of food. We say a mountain but it doesn’t have to be a hike – it can be any stretch of countryside or hill depending on where you live. Grab your walking boots, waterproof jacket as well as your hat and gloves! It’ll be a cold one out there.

You can go to a place where you normally find yourself amongst people, not taking in your surroundings because it’s busy. This way, you can get the most out of your walk as most people will be at home cosied up by the fire. We would encourage walking your dog(s) too as they will find loud noises frightening and if you have a hustle and bustle in the house with people arriving and leaving, it’s probably best that they are kept out of the way. (especially from young excitable children)

4. Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to spend Christmas, especially if you’re alone or live abroad and want to give something back to the local people and community. It also makes you feel good, as you spread the Christmas cheer and spend time with people with those in need. A lot of charities need volunteers on Christmas Day, it’s just about finding the right one for you. Whether you want to help the homeless or support the elderly, you won’t have trouble finding one near you.

5. Attend a Christmas Concert

Everyone knows a carol or two at Christmas! Why not visit a concert that’s on for charity or ask to join as a volunteer. A couple of hours in the morning singing some jingles will put you in the spirit for the rest of the day and if you’ve put a smile on some few faces in the audience, then it’s been worthwhile. Keep a look out for local newsletters or Facebook groups that are hosting events or virtual events and put your name down! You won’t regret it.

6. Visit an Animal Shelter

We are animal lovers here at Trespass and the thought of cats and dogs being alone on Christmas Day really does tug on our heartstrings. There are hundreds and thousands of abandoned cats and dogs shelters around the UK so you not take a visit? You can volunteer to give a helping hand with doggy dinners and find out if there’s anything else you can do to help.

Trespass Top Tip – Dogs love leftovers so if you’ve had your turkey with gravy and all of the trimmings with some going spare for Boxing Day, they would appreciate a doggy bag!

7. No Traditional Roast Dinner

No roast dinner? What a statement. Everyone loves a roast dinner whether you’re a meat eater, veggie or vegan. The additional sides with flavoursome sauces and unusual dishes makes Christmas Day. Still, a roast dinner is a lot of work and if it’s left down to one person, it can be quite a lot to manage. Consider skipping the tradition this year and trying something different. You could get your favourite Chinese or pizza takeaway or you might even decide to cook together as a family.

8. Give a Gift Every Hour

Traditionally, presents are left under the tree and are all opened one after another in the morning. Why not space gifting out throughout the day with one gift being opened every hour – this way, kids will be able to appreciate what they receive and it’ll make the Christmas fun last longer. Try and have some fun with it and incorporate stocking fillers too. You could leave the best until last or do it the other way around, depending on your routine for the day. If you’re looking for stock filling gift ideas click here.

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