Beat the winter blues and get into the Christmas spirit

From carolling and crafting to skating and winter walks, it’s never too early to feel festive, says Natalie Paris

Oh, the weather outside is frightful… but as these wet days get colder and as the evenings lose their light, we at least have Christmas to look forward to. Households might be counting the chocolate pennies this year, but with memories of Christmases interrupted by the pandemic still strong, it’s the less commercial, true spirit of Christmas that will keep us going into 2023. Focus on spending time with friends and family and no one will notice you’ve trimmed the fat from your Christmas list. Extend the season of goodwill by booking in some early carolling, candle-making or ice skating, or by visiting one of Britain’s historic houses, which come alive with tradition and festive splendour. Leading gardens and arboretums will be similarly sprinkled with magic, staging creative sound and light shows.