Whether taking a different approach to celebrating this year or simply looking for ideas to enjoy alongside annual traditions, new experiences bring a sense of excitement. Here are some of our favourite options to try this festive season
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From a convivial Christmas with friends to celebrating with new members of the family or simply taking time to relax individually or as a couple, there can be many reasons to seek out new ways to enjoy this time of year. Even if family traditions are at the heart of the festivities, fresh ideas can enliven the run-up to Christmas, heighten the anticipation of the main event and provide inspiration for post-Christmas days out and trips further afield.
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![](https://d3ry4o1su9a59w.cloudfront.net/private/5326d43dabb90f06c3000048/articles/53bbd0db8ea57ff0f7000270/635a43ade16e0a00087ea84c/6362306bcb36c105e5a7af51/1/a-2438221/images/ar-2438221-tf-152972997-1-normal.jpg?Key-Pair-Id=APKAI4N3XFJRYPYGWUVA&Policy=eyJTdGF0ZW1lbnQiOlt7IlJlc291cmNlIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9kM3J5NG8xc3U5YTU5dy5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9wcml2YXRlLzUzMjZkNDNkYWJiOTBmMDZjMzAwMDA0OC9hcnRpY2xlcy81M2JiZDBkYjhlYTU3ZmYwZjcwMDAyNzAvNjM1YTQzYWRlMTZlMGEwMDA4N2VhODRjLzYzNjIzMDZiY2IzNmMxMDVlNWE3YWY1MS8xL2EtMjQzODIyMS8qIiwiQ29uZGl0aW9uIjp7IkRhdGVMZXNzVGhhbiI6eyJBV1M6RXBvY2hUaW1lIjoxNzE5OTYzOTA1fX19XX0_&Signature=K6lAmazsgUdhlVVpBjH15iMOR1QPrfXyVGUkw9PJ6zJGamDg4owzNft3K3j~fRbwqEkc~TR8XJ0QNopY3WBtduFyJY4A77mFRiDBBb-21OYfUv-Y56MG49vTkQeEo5rsZKbHf63gJKG9~1hYN3vOR3CzvuVkOsifVSLebqV7-nI_)
![](https://d3ry4o1su9a59w.cloudfront.net/private/5326d43dabb90f06c3000048/articles/53bbd0db8ea57ff0f7000270/635a43ade16e0a00087ea84c/6362306bcb36c105e5a7af51/1/a-2438221/images/ar-2438221-tf-152973003-1-normal.jpg?Key-Pair-Id=APKAI4N3XFJRYPYGWUVA&Policy=eyJTdGF0ZW1lbnQiOlt7IlJlc291cmNlIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9kM3J5NG8xc3U5YTU5dy5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9wcml2YXRlLzUzMjZkNDNkYWJiOTBmMDZjMzAwMDA0OC9hcnRpY2xlcy81M2JiZDBkYjhlYTU3ZmYwZjcwMDAyNzAvNjM1YTQzYWRlMTZlMGEwMDA4N2VhODRjLzYzNjIzMDZiY2IzNmMxMDVlNWE3YWY1MS8xL2EtMjQzODIyMS8qIiwiQ29uZGl0aW9uIjp7IkRhdGVMZXNzVGhhbiI6eyJBV1M6RXBvY2hUaW1lIjoxNzE5OTYzOTA1fX19XX0_&Signature=K6lAmazsgUdhlVVpBjH15iMOR1QPrfXyVGUkw9PJ6zJGamDg4owzNft3K3j~fRbwqEkc~TR8XJ0QNopY3WBtduFyJY4A77mFRiDBBb-21OYfUv-Y56MG49vTkQeEo5rsZKbHf63gJKG9~1hYN3vOR3CzvuVkOsifVSLebqV7-nI_)
![](https://d3ry4o1su9a59w.cloudfront.net/private/5326d43dabb90f06c3000048/articles/53bbd0db8ea57ff0f7000270/635a43ade16e0a00087ea84c/6362306bcb36c105e5a7af51/1/a-2438221/images/ar-2438221-tf-152973005-1-normal.jpg?Key-Pair-Id=APKAI4N3XFJRYPYGWUVA&Policy=eyJTdGF0ZW1lbnQiOlt7IlJlc291cmNlIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9kM3J5NG8xc3U5YTU5dy5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9wcml2YXRlLzUzMjZkNDNkYWJiOTBmMDZjMzAwMDA0OC9hcnRpY2xlcy81M2JiZDBkYjhlYTU3ZmYwZjcwMDAyNzAvNjM1YTQzYWRlMTZlMGEwMDA4N2VhODRjLzYzNjIzMDZiY2IzNmMxMDVlNWE3YWY1MS8xL2EtMjQzODIyMS8qIiwiQ29uZGl0aW9uIjp7IkRhdGVMZXNzVGhhbiI6eyJBV1M6RXBvY2hUaW1lIjoxNzE5OTYzOTA1fX19XX0_&Signature=K6lAmazsgUdhlVVpBjH15iMOR1QPrfXyVGUkw9PJ6zJGamDg4owzNft3K3j~fRbwqEkc~TR8XJ0QNopY3WBtduFyJY4A77mFRiDBBb-21OYfUv-Y56MG49vTkQeEo5rsZKbHf63gJKG9~1hYN3vOR3CzvuVkOsifVSLebqV7-nI_)
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Seasonal spirit
![](https://d3ry4o1su9a59w.cloudfront.net/private/5326d43dabb90f06c3000048/articles/53bbd0db8ea57ff0f7000270/635a43ade16e0a00087ea84c/6362306bcb36c105e5a7af51/1/a-2438221/images/ar-2438221-tf-152973011-1-normal.jpg?Key-Pair-Id=APKAI4N3XFJRYPYGWUVA&Policy=eyJTdGF0ZW1lbnQiOlt7IlJlc291cmNlIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9kM3J5NG8xc3U5YTU5dy5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9wcml2YXRlLzUzMjZkNDNkYWJiOTBmMDZjMzAwMDA0OC9hcnRpY2xlcy81M2JiZDBkYjhlYTU3ZmYwZjcwMDAyNzAvNjM1YTQzYWRlMTZlMGEwMDA4N2VhODRjLzYzNjIzMDZiY2IzNmMxMDVlNWE3YWY1MS8xL2EtMjQzODIyMS8qIiwiQ29uZGl0aW9uIjp7IkRhdGVMZXNzVGhhbiI6eyJBV1M6RXBvY2hUaW1lIjoxNzE5OTYzOTA1fX19XX0_&Signature=K6lAmazsgUdhlVVpBjH15iMOR1QPrfXyVGUkw9PJ6zJGamDg4owzNft3K3j~fRbwqEkc~TR8XJ0QNopY3WBtduFyJY4A77mFRiDBBb-21OYfUv-Y56MG49vTkQeEo5rsZKbHf63gJKG9~1hYN3vOR3CzvuVkOsifVSLebqV7-nI_)
As we approach the festivities, seasonal courses are a perfect way to embrace the Christmas mood. If attending as an individual or as a couple, one-day courses are a welcoming and friendly environment to meet those who are like-minded. Group sessions are also ideal for taking part with several friends or grown-up children who love creative activities.
Something a little different yet still festive, Christmas food courses provide ideas to elevate this year’s cuisine. Renowned for its year-round cookery school, Daylesford Organic’s festive offerings include Christmas canapes courses. A fine opportunity for those hosting parties to whip up showstopping nibbles.
Alternatively, artistic homeware, embroidery and textiles courses allow the chance to create unique pieces of craftwork. Under the expert guidance of craft aficionado Lottie Mayland, learn or improve hand-embroidery with a seasonal crafting session at her festive workshops.
Another creative option is a calligraphy course, teaching the skills to add a pe