How Can We Celebrate Christmas This Year?
When it comes to Christmas celebrations, after everything that happened last year, we’ve an awful lot of making up to do. Our very own Santa’s little helper Samantha Martin has been looking at different ways to celebrate this year in our area. From glamour packed shows, skipping the cooking on Christmas Day, to enjoying more intimate festive dining away from all the hustle and bustle
Despite Covid we are blessed with lots of new eateries in our area and the festive season would be a great opportunity to check them out. Since lockdown there seems to have been an increase in places offering Brunch menu’s as well as small plates, to suit all tastes. Many of these restaurants are also opening for Christmas Day with their own take on the traditional Christmas lunch. There are many small, intimate venues ideal for those who want a relaxed Christmas Day without all the cooking stress and the supermarket battle.
All the hotels along the Fylde coast are also offering Christmas Day dining. Expect all the trimmings of a traditional Christmas roast and a mini menu for the kids. Hotels are great venues for larger families to meet up and celebrate together, without arguing over who is doing the washing up.
Let The Show Begin
If you’re looking for some pre-Christmas entertainment, be it an office party or a friends and family gathering, then there are lots of live shows back on this year running throughout the festive period. Pantomimes are back on and we may not have the Guild Hall in Preston as an active venue but most of the smaller theatres are back with a traditional family. And don’t forget the cabaret shows in Blackpool which host a full evening of glitz and glamour with live music and entertainment as well as a three-course meal.
Let it Snow
During the lockdown a number of pop-up bars appeared in our towns (when we could meet outside), these took on an après ski/Christmas market feel about them, serving mulled wine, bratwurst and pretzels. They were a great addition to our high streets after a day of Christmas shopping. I’ve been reliably informed that they are coming back again. They definitely add to the festive atmosphere with live entertainment and winter cocktails.
The Main Event
Going out for food on Christmas Day use to be frowned upon but as we have spent so much of the past two years at home it’s looking more and more appealing. It doesn’t have to be drama. In fact, as more restaurants are now happy to cater for those who don’t wish to stay in on the most festive day of the year, dining out is becoming easier and more convenient than ever before. Getting out of the house during the day also means you don’t have to stress over cooking for hours on end and feel exhausted by the end of it. You are able to sit back, relax and spend some time with the family.
One of the best things about eating out at Christmas is that not everyone has to eat the same main course. A large majority of restaurants will either have a set menu or give you several options to choose from. So, for the vegetarians, vegans or dairy free members of the group, they don’t have to feel awkward about asking for something that is better suited for them. Everyone’s a winner.
Depending on how many people you are dining with during the day, eating out may actually be cheaper than eating in. By staying at home, we tend to overspend on food items we won’t necessarily need or even eat. So in reality, eating a meal out means you are more inclined to order whatever you feel like at the time.
You only have to check out your local restaurants to see the options available. Restaurants tend to go all out to make Christmas Day feel super special. There might be carols, a pianist, a glass of Prosecco on arrival. You’ll probably feel like you’re in a festive 90s rom com, and you will love it.
Keeping It Low Key
With Covid still looming some of you may just prefer to keep your Christmas low key and celebrate with your nearest and dearest in the comfort of your own home. But that doesn’t mean you need to skip the festive fun or the glamourous trimmings.
Grab yourself a massive glitzy tree a luxury hamper of all your festive goodies, light a mulled wine candle and gather around in your matching Christmas Pyjamas. Whilst also trying not to eat the entire contents of a selection box all in one go.
However, you plan to spend your Christmas this year, whether you are going all out, glamourous parties or low key local small intimate dining be sure to have a wonderful time – we all deserve it.
