With Christmas just days away, the excitement of the festive season has filled the air. As we count the days down, heighten the sense of anticipation and excitement with fun ways to celebrate the festive season from now till Christmas Day:
Festive movie nights
Gather friends or family for movie nights featuring classic Christmas films like “Home Alone” or “Elf.” Make it extra special by preparing festive snacks and drinks, like gingerbread cookies, white chocolate popcorn, and cranberry juice or cocktails.
DIY decorations
Spend a Saturday morning with your family making your unique decorations. You can try your hand at making paper snowflakes, decorating gingerbread houses, or creating personalised ornaments. You can also invite friends over for a fun-filled craft night, and make Christmas cards and wreaths, or use potato stamps, paint, and brown paper bags to create your unique gift bags.
Baking marathon
Indulge your sweet tooth by baking festive treats like Christmas cookies, mince pies, or gingerbread men. Kids will love this, and you can even host a festive baking competition with friends and family.
Festive playlist
It’s time to break out “Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You” (one of the best-selling digital singles of all time) or whatever your favourite festive songs are. Create a festive feel by setting up a Xmas playlist filled with your favourite Christmas songs and carols and play it in the background over the next few weeks while you’re decorating, cooking, or simply relaxing.
Catch the lights
Seeing the night lit up with twinkling festive lights is a magical experience for people of all ages. In Durban, the Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights starts this week and runs throughout the month, promising a special night out for the family. Cape Town’s Adderley Street Christmas light display is iconic, while the V&A Waterfront is transformed into a festive wonderland, complete with a giant Christmas tree and light display. Look out too for Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens’ Christmas Carols and Lights events in mid-December and picnic under the stars.
In Pretoria, Time Square Casino’s gardens come alive with beautifully sparkling lights, and Waterkloof’s Lawley Street homes attract hundreds of people every night who park on one end of the street and explore on foot to take in the homes dressed in festive twinkle. In Johannesburg, Melrose Arch’s dazzling light display enchants the crowds every year, while the Joburg Zoo’s Festival of Lights features a display of delightful illuminated life-size animal characters sure to delight the whole family.
Festive nights out
Make the time to see friends before they head off for the holidays and treat yourself to a delicious meal at a vibey restaurant. “Consider ordering sharing platters to turn a regular meal out into a fun and interactive dining experience,” says Paul Christie, owner of Modern Tailors: Ambassador in Pretoria, where the spicy food and luxurious decor add to the festive mood.
Sharing is caring
Sharing platters is also a fantastic idea for work functions, adds Christie. “Instead of colleagues sitting around bored, wishing they could order, eat, and go home, sharing platters encourages people to reach across the table and grab a bite, fostering conversation and interaction, making it easier for colleagues to connect on a personal level.
Even just the act of ordering a shared meal and deciding who gets what can spark fun discussions and collaboration. Our sharing menus are filled with interesting dishes that are sure to be conversation starters, like Indian street food crispy pani puris that are bursting with bold flavour and delicious fried masala haloumi!”
Sharing platters also offers a variety of dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone, regardless of dietary preferences, adds Christie. “And even though sharing platters look impressive and can elevate the overall ambiance of the function, they’re often a more cost-effective option compared to individual meals, especially for larger groups.”
Christmas markets
Stroll through one of the festive markets in your neighbourhood for unique Christmas presents. It’s a great opportunity to support local artists and small business owners, and for you to relax and get into the festive swing of things. Take your time as you walk around and strike up a conversation with a product’s maker. Ask them about their inspiration, the materials they used, or the time it took to create the piece, which will help you gain a better understanding of the craftsmanship and the maker’s passion.
Remember, the most important thing is to spend time with loved ones and enjoy the festive season. By incorporating these fun activities into the next few weeks, you can create lasting memories that you will cherish for years to come.
