8 WAYS TO HAVE THE BEST CHRISTMAS GETAWAY!

Amidst the rustling of wrapping paper and delicious scents of a turkey dinner (with all the trimmings), this is a special time of year to spend with dearest family and friends. Quality time that is often difficult to find with busy lives, hence these moments we cherish. Our properties are decked out with decorations and Christmas trees to ensure the theme of Christmas is absorbed by the home; so bring your slippers and cosy up with family and create unforgettable memories.

Here are some ways to ensure you have the best Christmas getaway!

1. GAMES 

After the children have hastily unwrapped everything, it is time to have some fun and laughter….

• Charades – a classic. Watching dad act out ‘prancer’ or ‘Ebenezer scrooge’ for granny will have the kids in fits of giggles. Keep it to the Christmas theme with obvious character names like Rudolph and include movies and books such as the ones noted below
• Puzzles can keep people occupied for days. Set it up on a table in the living area and everyone can add a few bits here and there, so it is a collaborative effort.
• Who am I– write down a favourite Christmas character on post-it notes and then stick them on each other’s foreheads. Each player takes their turn to ask a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question to guess who they are. This is ideal to play around the dinner table.

2. MOVIES

So you can grab some respite why not gather the kids in front of a festive classic family film.  Some we would wholly recommend:

• Frozen
• Elf
• The Grinch
• Home Alone
• The Snowman
• The Christmas Chronicles
• Falling for Christmas
• The Sound of Music
• The Nutcracker and the four realms

3. 3. BOOKS

Cosy up after all that food for some well-deserved quiet reading time:

• The Night before Christmas (Clement Moore)
• The Polar Express (Chris Van Allsburg)
• A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickins)
• Wind in the Willows (Kenneth Grahame)

4. FESTIVE THINGS TO DO AROUND HENLEY-ON-THAMES

Henley is bursting with different events, activities & things to do all year round but especially Christmas! Please look at the separate post for a summary of suggestions

5. CHRISTMAS THEMED LOCAL RESTAURANTS

• COTE, located in central Henley, has a 3 set course menu de noel until 24^th December
• The Relais, located at the end of Hart St and opposite the river, has a wonderful 3 course festive menu for 49pp and a festive afternoon tea for £38.50pp
• The Bull on Bell St, located in central Henley, has a festive set menu and is even open on Christmas Day with a special Christmas Day menu!!
• The Ivy in Marlow, only 6 miles away, has a great festive menu £55 pp

6. Walks 

After consuming a bellyful of food and drink you may wish to take advantage of one of many local walking routes, venturing through our beautiful town and its local surround. Whether you’re looking for riverside walks, open countryside, woodland, or rustic villages there are routes to suit all and more to follow in our separate post for local walks

7. CHRISTMAS SONGS!

These lift the spirit of any scrooge! If anyone plays an instrument, they could learn a few songs and print the lyrics for the children to sing along to! Or bring along a karaoke microphone and make a game of it

• Silent night
• We Wish you a Merry Christmas
• Santa Claus is coming to Town
• Jingle Bells
• Rocking around the Christmas tree
• Michael Bublé’s ‘Christmas’ album (always a hit with my mum!)

8. CHRISTMAS DRINKS!

Always best to have a cocktail in your hand throughout the Christmas period!!

• Nigella’s poisinetta – the red of this is so festive! Try adding some sugar to the rim with egg whites or lemon juice and cruise through the rest of the day…

Poinsettia | Nigella’s Recipes | Nigella Lawson

• Buck’s Fizz – simple combination of orange juice and champagne
• Mulled wine – add orange and spices
• Hot chocolate