Student Christmas must-dos
It is time to take a break from studies and enjoy the festive holidays, yipeee! Make the most of this precious time by cramming as many of these Christmas must-dos in as you can.
1) Visit a Christmas market
The smell of mulled wine and German sausages fill the air at Christmas markets. They are a must-do every year! There are many great ones throughout the UK: we recommend the fabulous German market in Birmingham or the now famous Winter Wonderland in London.
2) Watch back-to-back Christmas movies
Everyone has their favourite, the one that sparks the Christmas spirit in you. Whether you are a Elf fan (let’s face it is the best) or whether you prefer a bit of Love Actually, set your self up with some popcorn and the biggest screen available. For top festive film recommendations check out out Christmas movie blog.
3) Make some gingerbread and festive treats
Indulgent food is, of course, one of of the best things about Christmas. No, scrap that. THE best thing about Christmas is the food! Making your own gingerbread treats, Christmas pudding and mulled wine is all part of the fun. But have some shop-brought treats on stand-by, just in case.
4) Have a cosy pub lunch.
Snuggle up in a country-style pub and enjoy the fireplace and a traditional roast. Pile on the Brussels sprouts… it is Christmas time, after all.
In and around Northampton we recommend the following pubs:
The Lamplighter: This cosy pub is located in the Mounts area of Northampton (about a ten minute walk from town) It has a lovely fire place and a selection of real ales for you to enjoy.
The Market Tavern: It has a great menu and a even better atmosphere. Located in town it is an ideal location for a Christmas drink.
The White Elephant: Conveniently located right by our Avenue Campus this pub has all the festive vibes.
5) Spend time with your friends and family.
Christmas is a time for meeting up with your friends and family from home, if you are going back for the break. However, if you are staying away from home for the festive period make sure you schedule in some face-time sessions or phone calls.
6) Make a Christmas Spotify playlist.
When is it acceptable to start playing Christmas songs? Whenever you make your playlist of course! Stick on some Santa Claus is Coming to Town and some Last Christmas and dance until the lights on the tree become blurry.
Want some song inspiration? Check out our Top 10 Christmas jingles to jam to blog.
7) Decorate your room/house.
Putting up the tree is one of the best things about this time of year, so make sure folks back home wait for you to join in. Festoon your room with homemade decs. If you aren’t quite in the spirit beforehand, you will be after!
8) Wear a Christmas jumper or festive PJs, or both!
Get all snuggly in some festive wear this winter. There is something very comforting about looking down at Ruldolf slippers whilst sipping on some hot chocolate. Don’t forget Christmas Jumper Day on the 15 December.
9) Volunteer your time
It’s an amazing feeling to be able to give to others less fortunate than you are. Why not volunteer to help at a homeless shelter or research local volunteering schemes and charity events available in your area this winter break. For advice and help with volunteering get in touch with our UoN Changemaker team.
Also read our Ways to make a difference at Christmas blog for inspiration on how you can be charitable this Christmas.
10) Go tobogganing, build a snowman or throw a snowball
OK, so this one might not be so easy in the UK. Unless you head for an indoor snow dome. There is one just up the road from Northampton in Milton Keynes.
11) Go ice skating
OK, so you can do this any time in the year, but for some reason it is always better at Christmas. There are many ice rinks located around the UK but if you are looking for a local one to Northampton we recommend Beckworth Emporium.
12) Have a festive picnic in your living room
Gather some of your friends, each of you bring some festive food and drink and have a feast. We are thinking mince pies, mulled wine and plenty of pigs in blankets. Don’t forget that Christmas music playing in the background.
13) Make some DIY christmas presents/cards
Get creative this winter and make homemade gifts and cards: jam, gingerbread and cards covered in glitter. There are so many great ideas out there, we recommend having a look on Pinterest for inspiration.
