Festive family fun for all

Find all the delights of Christmas close to home as you enjoy shopping local

As the weather turns decidedly more wintery it’s very cheering to think that Christmas and New Year are just around the corner, with a huge variety of entertainment, plenty of good nights out, and the chance to shop till you drop. All the shopping centres and high streets are putting on a real festive welcome, trying to ensure that there’s everything you need to make it as painless as possible. Christmas decorations everywhere are as spectacular as ever, and for many people, Christmas simply isn’t complete without a special expedition just to view all the lights. Whether indoors or out, shopping areas always put on a great show, with the festive atmosphere enhanced by seasonal music, carol singers and bands. o matter how cold the day or how late the hour,

ALL THE SHOPPING CENTRES AND HIGH STREETS ARE PUTTING ON A REAL FESTIVE WELCOME

the sensation is of a country pulsing with life and fun. Shopping indoors is a real luxury on bitter days, made even more enjoyable by the excitement of fantastically themed grottos, choirs, bands and theatrical groups to keep shoppers entertained. Garden centres add a whole new dimension to Christmas by encouraging a bit of

DIY, including making door wreaths, napkin rings, candles and crackers.

There’s a unique excitement to the Christmas celebrations. Even the hustle and bustle of shopping, tiring though it might be, becomes almost bearable in the context of Christmas. And in the midst of all the madness there are always moments of such perfect delight that it all seems worthwhile - whether it’s a tiny child staring in wonder at all the bright lights and glitter, or complete strangers exchanging pleasantries about the craziness of the season. In Scotland, we know how to make the festive season last and last. Boxing Day sees the start of the sales, as anyone with any cash left is speedily relieved of it, and then we have a few days recovery before starting the New Year celebrations. Since we take those even more seriously than Christmas it’s almost like a double festival, and this is when the country really comes into its own. Scotland shakes hands with everyone, and wishes in the best for the New Year.