Are you ready to embrace the Christmas cheer this year?

So much of the fun of Christmas is steeped in tradition, whether eating out, laughing at pantos or curling up to watch festive films

Eating out at Christmas starts long before the big day, with friendly lunches, office dinners and family gatherings everywhere. The quickest catchup becomes about festive food, whether featuring a cinnamon bun, slice of Christmas cake or hot chocolate with whipped cream. Christmas markets always have great seasonal food, and it’s not just about then and there – it’s a good opportunity to stock up on local goodies for gifts, such as jams and chutneys, tablet and shortbread, and of course all the delicious local whisky and gin. Christmas dinner at a local restaurant or hotel can be particularly blissful for the person normally responsible for feeding everyone else, but it’s also rather nice for everyone to get dressed up and leave all the mayhem of Christmas morning behind for a few hours.

Christmas entertainment is about pantomimes and plays, carol singing and festive films and some outings are as traditional as turkey. It doesn’t matter how often grandpa has heard the pantomime patter, he’ll be ready to roar with laughter when hearing it all over again with his tiny tots.

Disco nights, ice rinks, school Christmas concerts and nativity plays fill the diary, and no matter how much you fancy a night curled up on the couch, you find the energy to go and once you’re there, have fun.

GET DRESSED UP AND LEAVE THE MAYHEM OF CHRISTMAS MORNING BEHIND FOR A FEW HOURS

Sometimes, there’s nowhere like home, and a night in can be greatly enhanced by making the most of a carry-out and enjoying a favourite dish brought to your door, especially if you’re tackling Christmas wrapping, writing cards or baking delights yourself. If you don’t feel your skills are quite up to this, look local for candle making, baking or craft classes, and bring a really personal touch to Christmas. You’ll learn a new skill and come up with some unique gifts.

Some office outings are even arranged through classes like pottery making, which again adds something a little different to the seasonal revelry. Fundraising events, such as carol singing, can be very special, full of Christmas spirit and good cheer, and a real sense of helping others enjoy the best of the season.