Churches often provide help over the Christmas period to families in need. Ring around some of your local ones to explain your situation and find out how they can help. Salvation Army If other people don't seem to understand how you're feeling, you could share this information with them. You could also think about writing down how you're feeling and sharing this with them, if conversations are difficult. Regifting – January (White Elephant Parties): One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. We all end up with stuff we’d prefer not to have, and an entertaining way to swap gifts with friends is to host a gift reswapping party – also called a White Elephant party. In short, everyone brings one gift which are placed in the centre of the room. The first person takes a gift, then the second person can either “steal” that gift, or take their own. It continues until everyone has a gift. Plants and Terrariums: plants are another great Christmas git idea, whether it is house plants, veggie seedlings, filled planter boxes or fruit trees. Terrariums (a sealed glass container with plants inside) are an easy DIY with a glass jar and some plants.

If you don’t want to cancel Christmas, but the thought of all the excess wrapping, plastic decorations, gifts that end up in the charity shop within weeks of Christmas day and fighting all the food waste fills you with dread, today’s post is for you. Because it is possible to have a low waste Christmas, I promise. If you can't be with the people you want to see in person, you could arrange a phone or video call to catch up with them on Christmas day. Or try to arrange a visit around Christmas, if there's a time when it's possible to meet. Newspaper: if you receive a newspaper at home or at work (or you know someone who does) then make use of this to wrap presents. Another alternative is Who Gives A Crap (or other brand) toilet paper wrappers.If Christmas is your thing, but not putting too much stuff in the bin is also your thing, there are plenty of solutions. Here’s the result of 20+ people putting their heads together to come up with ideas for a low waste Christmas. Use Leftovers: have a plan for your leftovers. Think of meals that could use up excess (e.g. risotto for meat, patties with leftover veg). Ensure you use up the stuff that will go off first, and then use up the things that will happily sit in the fridge for a few more days. Worst case, if making meal plans overwhelms you, commit to freezing your leftovers and make a plan once they are safely frozen. Alternating between alcoholic and soft drinks can help to limit the amount of alcohol you consume and keep you hydrated at the same time. But soft drinks, like fruit juices, tend to be high in free sugars, so keep to just a 150ml serving of these (around one small glass) a day.

Have a break from large meals with a bowl of soup. Having a bowl of soup is a great option when you need a break from big meals over Christmas. As long as you avoid creamy versions, they are normally low calorie and at the same time they are very satisfying and keep you feeling fuller for longer. Try our delicious soup recipes. If you're going to be somewhere unfamiliar for Christmas, think about what you need to help you cope. Are there things you can bring to make you feel more comfortable? Or is there somewhere you can go to take a break? How you cope with the costs of Christmas will depend on your circumstances. You might not find all of these tips realistic. But it may help to try some of them:

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Mix in the lemon and orange zest, then carefully fold in the flour, spice, sunflower seeds and fruit. There will be loads of free events going on throughout the UK such as carol concerts, craft-making sessions & Storytimes. Most of these free events are run by local councils, churches, museums, and charities. You will have to have a search on Google for your area to find out what is available. I usually pop in "free local Christmas events". Free Vegetables This Low-Fat Christmas Cake reaches a whole different level of deliciousness! It tastes less greasy and more fruity than traditional Christmas Cake and benefits from being made at least one week before you intend to serve it. Calories are excluding any icing or marzipan. The event will also see the return of Ghost Caribou, towering above the audience at more than 13ft tall, these impressive caribou are sure to immerse guests in tales of lost homes, impossible migrations, and seeds of hope.

If choosing fabric, consider if it is machine-washable. Fabric bunting or cotton hanging decorations can be cleaned easily, whereas felt and faux fur is harder to clean. Second-Hand: second-hand is a much more zero waste option than buying new, and second-hand doesn’t have to mean old, tired or worn out. Whether it’s antique furniture, vintage jewellery or accessories, preloved clothing, refurbished electronics or simply something great you found in the charity shop, gifts do not need to be straight off the production line. Father Christmas is coming to Marwell on Saturday 2 December, Sunday 3 December, Saturday 9 December, Sunday 10 December, and every day from Saturday 16 December to Saturday 23 December. He will also be visiting on Monday 4 and Monday 11 December for our Quiet Glow nights. Don’t miss our Premium nights where you will come face to face with some spellbinding acts! Premium nights include an extra sprinkle of magic in the form of two surprise Glow acts that promise to dazzle guests of all ages.

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New for 2023 we’ll be welcoming The Luminas with costumes inspired by the coral reef these elegant, stilted ladies are sure to add a touch of sparkle.

If other people's questions are difficult, you could try to think of some answers in advance. For example, about your plans or how you're doing.

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Our Christmas food cabins will delight guests with delicious winter warming treats on offer, including mulled wine and the chance to huddle around our fire pits to toast marshmallows. As well as the charity and organisations listed below, there are also plenty of other ways for you to budget and get free items for Christmas, Here we will help you to learn how to survive Christmas with no money... Talk about your plans in advance. It might help to agree on things such as budgets or timings beforehand. For example, you could agree not to give presents this year, or decide a set amount to spend. Take an after-dinner walk. Exercise is important for heart health and getting outside for a walk in the fresh air after a large Christmas meal will aid digestion and help you feel energised rather than sluggish. It is definitely worth planning into your Christmas Day agenda. We are proud to be hosting two Quiet Glow evenings specifically aimed at our guests who would prefer to experience the magic of Glow Marwell at a more relaxed pace.