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1st December 2017
01:09pm GMT
However, with all this spending and gifting be sure it doesn't become meaningless. Here are a few ways to help make this Christmas more memorable, magical and unique!
1. Christmas Markets (of course).
The ideal way to spend time with those we adore AND sip on some mulled wine while browsing delightful food stuff and original gifting ideas.
Galway Christmas Market (open until 22 December.) Eyre Square, Galway.
Over 50 wooden chalets scattered around Eyre Square in Galway provide food, an array of drinks, Santa’s Grotto, storytelling, puppet shows and plenty of Yuletide music and singing. You’ll soon see why it’s famous!
Dublin Flea Market (Thursday 7 December – Sunday 10 December), Point Square, Dublin 1.
Anyone looking for a unique, original gift that won’t break the bank but that’s sure to be unconventional yet beautiful – this is your spot. You’ll be kitted out with bespoke jewellery, vintage clothing, gorgeous homeware and handmade goods including rugs, cushions, teacups or beauty products.
2. “The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.” - Elf
The National Concert Hall, Christ Church Cathedral and St Patrick's Cathedral, among many others, hold oodles of magical Christmas performances. Get into the yuletide spirit by heading to Christmas performances and choirs in your locality.
3. Ride the Waves!
Before you fall into the Christmas food coma and it becomes an effort to get up off the couch, it might be a good idea to start your day fresh and get in some fun and fitness.
Head off on a morning surf trip come Christmas Day. Spots like Bundoran in Donegal, Mayo and Sligo are ideal for catching the perfect waves!
4. Give a stranger a gift.
Spread even more Christmas cheer by giving a gift to someone you don't know. 'Tis the season to be jolly afterall, and there's no better way to express gratitude for all we have than giving a gift just because we can.
5. Let the games begin.
If you don't already, be sure to have various board games and activities suitable for groups on Christmas Day. There's no better way to make hilarious memories and keep the party going all night!
6. Volunteer at your local retirement home.
Christmas can be an especially lonely time of year for elderly folks. Just a short amount of time from our day means the world to them. Immerse yourself in conversation over a warm cuppa where you’re sure to feel great after doing something meaningful AND you’ll likely leave more enlightened too - they’re a wise old bunch so they are!
7. Lullymore Heritage Park
If there happens to be any little ones you’re taking care of over the winter period, this is the perfect excuse to be a kid again! It’s pure magic for young and old alike. There’s an elves workshop, a winter wonderland within the ancient woodland forest, and you might even meet some donkeys, goats and horses while sipping on a delicious hot chocolate. Yum!
8. Give back to animals
If you happen to be in Cork, why not hit up The Donkey Sanctuary in Mallow. Their great work helps to rehome donkeys and give them a much better life after years of abuse and neglect. You can volunteer, adopt or donate to help a hee-hawing friend.
You can visit Santa’s Grotto at the DSPCA - so while ensuring he is aware of our wish list priorities, why not volunteer or donate to help dogs, cats and various other fur friends to help them have a very merry Christmas too? Don't forget about your local rescue centres either! 9. Regift that gift. We all know someone who does it, but should we really feel guilty about passing on a gift that we know won't serve us in any way? If it's not your cup of tea, find the person whose day it will make, and regift that gift! 10. Be a Secret Santa Kids who are in hospital for lengthy periods of time or children whose families have little hope of being able to afford a gift this Christmas could really do with a gift from Santa himself! Contact hospitals in your area to find out if they accept toys and if so, what kind. It would mean the world to a little boy or girl who clearly deserve all that’s good in life!
You can also sign up to Barnardos’ Teddy Bear Raffle to support children and their families all over the country with regards to education, social skills, parenting programmes and specialised support for little ones.
11. Take a hike.
Literally! Why not take a drive on Christmas morning and start the day just right with an ascent up Carrauntoohil in Kerry. Be sure to get an experienced mountain guide and set off on Ireland's highest mountain. It's not all hard work either - you'll find terrific views of the Killarney Lakes and they're simply remarkable!
12. And finally, light up your home for less this Christmas (lovely perk right there!) by switching to Bord Gáis Energy for electricity and get 10 percent off electricity AND €175 cash back!
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