Sometimes the best thing about Christmas is spending time lazing about with your family, eating too much, opening presents and not much else. Maybe this is the year you’re itching to do something else, be it something outdoorsy and adventurous, or a selfless act to help someone less fortunate. Her Campus rounds up four potential options if you feel like getting out of comfort zone and shaking things up this Christmas.
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What better time to help someone in need than Christmas? When you’re surrounded by family and food in a warm house, it can be all too easy to forget about those who have none of that. There are local homeless organisations around the country in need of help, be it via helplines, in homeless shelters or spending time with isolated elderly. Check out TimeBank and Crisis for information on how you can help.
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A perfect day for a swim! – Despite the near freezing temperatures that are bound to be reached, the Serpentine Christmas Day Swim is somewhat of an institution. Held every year since 1864 in Hyde Park, the swim sees club members race to win the coveted Peter Pan Cup. If you like the idea so much that you want to participate then sign up to be a member. But if you prefer to remain a spectator, then watching the race after a stroll in the park could be a perfect way to start your day. See here for more details.
The Exmouth Christmas Day Swim is also a bit of an iconic event to consider if you’re in Devon over the season. Thousands of participants dress up in Christmas fancy dress and plunge into the beach’s freezing waters. Further details here.
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Get out of here! – Why not be spontaneous and fly out of the country this festive season. Ryan Air announced a few weeks ago that, “400,000 seats, on over 2,200 extra flights [are] now on sale – ensuring you’ll be flying home for Christmas, or enjoying a Christmas break, on the lowest fares.” Whether you decide to escape the cold and go somewhere warm and far away or embrace the cold in a European city, there are plenty of budget options available.
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Walk the line – As tempting as staying indoors alternating between presents, eating leftovers and napping may sound, a walk on Christmas day is a great time to see some deserted sights and scenery. So put on the gloves and scarf you’ve no doubt received as a gift and get outdoors. Whether it’s along your favourite local route or one of the specialty walks on offer, such as Samuel Pepys’ London and Charles Dickens’ Tour, both of which visit places associated with the men and their work. Both begin in Trafalgar Square.
Whatever you do this Christmas, have a great one! HC xo
Edited by Caroline Chan