Flip Your Festive To-dos Into Quality Time This Christmas

From snow-covered surroundings and indulgent food to seasonal scents that fill you with fond nostalgia, Christmas is a special time for so many reasons – even if it does come with a rather long to-do list.

If you’re preparing for the big day and have an ever-growing list of festive must-dos, sprinkle a dash of fun over your Yuletide chores and enlist your nearest and dearest! Here are the top five ways to do it.

1. Make custom Christmas cards with loved ones

If sorting through your Christmas card list has made you realise how many fantastic family and friends you have around you, why not treat yourself (and them) to an afternoon of watercolour Christmas card making?

Shop-bought cards might be a quick and convenient option, but friendly crafter Laura from Lavender Print School thinks that choosing something handmade is the way to go this season. “Making your own cards is a personal touch. You can share your one-of-a-kind creations with loved ones or, even better, enjoy a class with them,” says Laura. 

Take some downtime in the leadup to the silly season and spend it creating beautifully-designed, personalised pieces for all your special people – with some special people! 

2. Celebrate a stress-free Friendmas this year

Christmas is a time for celebrating, so why not leave the planning up to us and toast those special people in your life with a paint and sip experience you can enjoy with all your friends?

"We all remember and cherish experiences for a long time. Painting gives you the opportunity to be creative, relax and experience good fun — all at the same time," says Sunita, founder of paint and sip studio Sunita Asal Art.

Just pick the perfect date for your crew to get creative, and you'll be ready to replace the endless organising with a jolly journey into Christmas colours and seasonal shades. You don't need to be a group of rising Rembrandts to take part, as everyone has a hidden artistic side. "Even beginners can create a canvas painting in two hours and finish with a sense of achievement and maybe even a new hobby,” Sunita adds.

3. Make gift wrapping fun! (just make sure there’s no peeking)

Say goodbye to late-night wrapping on Christmas Eve. We think this Christmas gift wrapping class is the perfect excuse to recruit your very own elves — with no trek to the North Pole needed!

Founders of The Papercraft Movement, sisters Siobhan and Mary Fitzgerald, have a real passion for the bonding benefits of a creative Christmas. “Crafting together is a lovely way to connect with others and socialise in the run-up to the festive period. When your hands are busy focusing on something, it's easier to open up, which makes this a fab workshop for friends and family to enjoy,” says Mary.

With a little inspiration and step-by-step support, you’ll soon discover how fun present wrapping can be. Plus, you'll finish with a group of skilled helpers ready to assist you in your Christmas prep — with plenty of time to spare before the big day!

4. Deck the halls with friends and family

It's almost time to bring out the baubles and transform your home into a gorgeous winter wonderland. So why not relive those childhood memories of twinkling tinsel and angelic ornaments by creating Christmas decorations with family?

"Our studio is a great place to make memories with friends and loved ones in a creative space. You can craft bespoke, personalised decorations that become keepsakes for many years (and Christmas trees!) to come," says Hannah Adams, creativity and partnerships manager at Make Your Own.

Embrace your creativity and enjoy some festive fun with your nearest and dearest in an activity that will rest your mind and keep your hands busy. Don’t worry if you’re not usually the crafty type, as all skill levels are welcome in Make Your Own’s inspiring space!

5. Bake your Christmas treats ahead of time

If the soundtrack to your Christmas Day usually contains more clattering pots and pans than laughter and festive carols, why not get dessert sorted early this year and treat yourself to some time out with this fun baking class?

Join The Sweet Bit founder Valeria Suppa for an afternoon of messy fun as you create a delicious yule log with plenty of festive touches. You'll finish with a beautiful edible centrepiece for your Christmas table and a recipe you can recreate year after year. And with less to cook during the day, you can escape the oven and focus on spending time with those who matter the most.

Don’t take our word for it. When it comes to Valeria's workshop, the proof is in the pudding. "A really great class! I thoroughly enjoyed making a beautiful and delicious Yule Log with a fantastic teacher," says past student and budding baker Polly Hodgkin.

Photo one: @lavenderprintschool
Photo four: @myolondon