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Christmas has a funny way of creeping up on us, doesn’t it? One minute you’re rooting around for last year’s decorations, the next you’re standing by the bin on Boxing Day wondering how on earth you managed to fill the entire recycling wheelie with wrapping paper, packaging and half-flattened cardboard.

But Christmas doesn’t have to be a whirlwind of waste and stress. With a few thoughtful tweaks, you can make the whole season feel calmer, more meaningful and far more enjoyable.

Here are some easy, realistic ideas to make this Christmas your best one yet.

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1. Bring Back Handmade Decorations

There’s something lovely about homemade decorations — the sort you wrap carefully every year and feel oddly proud of when you hang them up again.

Spend a Saturday in early December dipping pine cones in gold or white paint, tying on little bows or stringing together dried orange slices. It’s inexpensive, relaxing, and you get that quiet “I made that!” satisfaction every time you walk past the tree.

Jackson do a good quality gold acrylic paint which is ideal for this project.

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2. Cook a Few Things From Scratch (But Don’t Overdo It)

Nobody needs a full Delia-style production unless that’s genuinely your thing. The trick is to pick two or three bits you’ll enjoy making, and leave the rest to the professionals.

Consider:

• Homemade sauce for the meats
• Mulled wine bubbling away gently
• A simple pudding or some interesting to add to meringue nests
• A loaf cake scented with cinnamon and cloves that can be cooked in advance.

Then mix these with shop-bought bits like cranberry sauce. Christmas cooking should feel cosy — not like a test of endurance.

Baking and the Meaning of Life has some great ideas to get you started at Christmas and into the New Year.

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3. Minimising Family Tension through thoughtful seat planning

Let’s be honest — putting the whole family around one table can be… lively. A little bit of planning goes a long way:

• Seat people with care
• Pop the “calm ones” between those who occasionally spark off each other
• Pace the drinks
• Add a lovely tablescape to set the tone with earthy scented candles for there calming qualities

A thoughtful seating plan can prevent half the arguments before they’ve even begun.

The Ethical Superstore do a small box of Sandalwood Scented Tealights which are perfect to position around the dining room.

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4. Recycling: Keep It Simple

Recycling at Christmas tends to confuse everyone, so here’s the straightforward version:

Recyclable

• Clean aluminium foil (scrunch it into a ball)
• Most cardboard packaging
• Paper based ribbons

Not recyclable

• Foil-look wrapping paper
• Glittery or metallic wrapping
• Foil effect ribbon and fancy bows

Craft paper, plain paper or reusable gift bags are easier on both the bin and the conscience.

Key tip: buy recycled wrapping paper, then recycle that wrapping paper.

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5. Thoughtful Gifts That Actually Mean Something

The best gifts often aren’t the predictable ones. Think about:

• Books on unexpected topics
• Craft or hobby kits
• Experience gifts

There’s something magical about giving someone a present that opens up a whole new interest.

Things A Bright Girl Can Do is a great gift for a teenage girl, introducing feminism and issue around women gaining the vote in a dynamic and accessible way.

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6. Games That Don’t End in Tears

A good family game can save the afternoon. Choose ones that are fun for everyone — something grandparents can join in with just as easily as the kids.

And if the teenagers have asked for fast-paced video games or shoot-’em-ups, that’s fine — just keep those for bedroom time so they’re not causing arguments in the living room.

Want a game where the grand parents will be keen to join in? Looking for ways to dispel any class barriers and perhaps evoke an old fashioned sing song. Try The Only Fools and Horses Trading Board Game.

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7. Your Own Christmas Reading

Among all the noise and chaos, find a little space for your own reading. It doesn’t have to be Dickens unless you’re feeling particularly literary.

It could be:

• A cosy mystery
• A seasonal novel
• A thriller
• Something slightly darker if you need a break from all the glitter and goodwill.

Whatever helps you unwind counts as the right choice.

The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose is my personal choice of reading this Christmas. I read the acclaimed The Maid several years ago and will be returning to the Regency Grand Hotel this festive season.

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8. Giving Back: A Modern Take on Christmas Generosity

Gone are the days of tipping the milkman, the coal man or the paper boy. But that doesn’t mean the tradition of festive generosity has to disappear.

You could:

• Donate £10–£20 to a charity you admire
• Support a small local organisation where your money stretches further
• Choose gifts that support good causes
• Shop from makers whose work funds community projects

Small amounts can make a genuinely big difference.

A Beautiful Story Heart Gold Brooch is a great choice, its from a fair trade supplier and uses Eco material throughout the packaging.

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9. Include Family Members Who Might Otherwise Be Left Out

Christmas can feel lonely for some people. If you’ve a nephew who usually spends the holidays with just one parent, or an older relative with no children, extend an invitation. The smallest gesture can mean the world.

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10. Plan an Outdoor Adventure (Weather Permitting!)

A winter walk can work wonders for everyone’s mood. Not on Christmas Day — we’re not that ambitious — but during that slightly odd “Christmas week” between the big day and New Year.

If the weather’s behaving itself, try:

• Delamere Forest (North West)
• Cannock Chase (Midlands)
• Epping Forest (South)

You could even choose a couple of small presents especially for the outing — gloves, thermal socks, a little flask. And if another branch of the family fancy joining, all the better.

Beeston scenic bobble hat will get anyone in the mood for hiking!

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11. If the Weather Turns Rubbish — Go Cultural

If hiking sounds like a chore, or the weather’s doing its usual British December impression (sideways rain, anyone?), opt for a day out somewhere warm and interesting.

Art galleries, museums and cultural spots are ideal because everyone can enjoy something. Sometimes a child’s school project or sudden obsession (“Mum, can we PLEASE go see dinosaurs?”) is the perfect excuse.

A word of warning: gallery cafes can be pricey. Check if there is a public access lunch room on their website and pack a luxury lunch, budget for a treat later in the afternoon, or choose somewhere with a nearby playground.

Good options include:

• The Whitaker (Manchester)
• Kelvingrove (Glasgow)
• The Serpentine (London)

Even a portion of chips and an hour on the swings can make the day feel special.

Looking for something to keep the kids quiet on the way? Modern Art Activity Book is a great solution and it will get them in the optimal mindset for looking at the works on display.

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12. Don’t Skip the Church Service (If It’s Your Tradition)

If going to church is part of your family’s Christmas rhythm, try not to cancel unless you’re literally snowed in. You don’t need to make a whole day of it — just pop out, enjoy the warmth and the moment of calm, then head home for Christmas dinner.

Those quieter moments often stay with you longer than you expect.

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Final Thoughts: A Christmas That Actually Feels Like Christmas

A meaningful Christmas doesn’t mean spending more money or creating extra pressure. It’s about slowing down, choosing well and focusing on the things and people that matter.

Whether it’s a homemade decoration, a muddy walk, a cultural day out or a quiet moment in church, these small choices can transform the season completely.

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