By Kate Hodges
08th December 2017
EVENT Toadally Awesome
One of Devon’s finest country houses, in the weeks leading up to Christmas, Killerton is transformed into a magical, glittering wonderland. This year, the rooms will be themed around the gentle Wind in the Willows stories. Expect cosy, traditional, twinkly decor with a riverbank twist. After your trip around the house, head out into the landscaped gardens to follow a Willows-themed activity trail under festive lights, or meet Father Christmas in his grotto.
DO Generous Spirits
December may have started already, but it’s not too late to begin a thoughtful advent calendar. We love Action for Happiness’ Kindness Calendar with its ideas for daily acts of generosity. Or why not start a reverse advent calendar and put aside a donation to a food bank every day.
EVENT and VISIT Free Culture
It doesn’t start until December 11, but Thank You Week is offering so much, we thought we’d make an exception to our ‘this weekend’ rule. Hundreds of heritage attractions across the UK that have received National Lottery funding, including Bath’s Roman Baths, Jodrell Bank, The Natural History Museum, Stonehenge, the British Museum’s Scythians exhibition and one hundred National Trust properties will be throwing open their doors for free entry to anyone with a lottery ticket. As well as gratis entry to incredible places, many venues will be giving away presents; a Science Museum tote bag, a mince pie, or a tree! Find a participating place near you here
MAKE Natural Beauty
Making decorations is a beautiful way to bond with your family, as well as helping the Christmas cheer start to flow. Put on some festive tunes, and make some nature-inspired ornaments. We love these simple beaded twig trees, these understated felt tree hangings, sweet salt dough creations, these very stylish paper ornaments, these folksy stitched shapes and these very cute pine cone elves!
COOK Vegan Sweets
Nothing conjures up the spirit of Christmas like a house filled with the smells of sweet making. Kids love to join in – have a Willy Wonka session this weekend - all of these recipes are vegan. We love Jamie Oliver’s candy canes, these Christmas pralines, these very pretty sugar charms or these pecan caramel chews. We’re betting none of these will be around until the big day itself!
