Rethinking Traditions: Christmas Celebrations That Skip the Stress

There may be many reasons you’re dreading Christmas. Maybe you’re fed up with consumerism, maybe you don’t fancy the hassle of cooking dry turkey for the entire family, or maybe your family is just plain dysfunctional and you’d rather not spend the day avoiding drunken arguments.

Sometimes, the only way to take care of yourself is to ditch the self-inflicted guilt and say no, or at least take action to make the day run more smoothly. Here’s exactly how you can start doing just that.

Trade the chaos of Lapland for a Stay in an Ice Hotel

Expensive, cold and full of screaming children – while your grandkids may be over the moon visiting Father Christmas in Lapland, you’ve been there and done that. Instead, why not book a stay in a sparkling ice hotel which, while it may be just as cold, offers all the magic of the festive season in a chic and cosy environment.

Left to Right: Iglu Dorf, Icehotel & Hotel De Glace

Iglu Dorf – Gstaad, Switzerland

Constructed each winter using traditional igloo-building techniques, the Iglu Dorf hotel requires around 3,000 hours of labour to bring to life. The effort is clear, though - the hotel features a network of tunnels connecting its 11 unique rooms, each offering stunning views of the Bernese Alps surrounded by fir trees.

Just outside, a sauna, swimming pool and classic Swiss treats like mulled wine and hot cheese fondue await – the perfect way to spend Christmas Day.

Icehotel – Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

Originally built in 1989, the Icehotel was the world’s first of its kind. A true wonderland of creativity nestled in the Arctic Circle, right in prime northern lights territory, dive into adventures like husky sledding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing, while there’s even ice sculpting for those feeling artistic. Expect 20 suites, an ice bar and an art gallery - all kept icy year-round and powered by renewable energy.

Hôtel de Glace – Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, Canada

The only ice hotel in North America, Hôtel de Glace is a frosty marvel complete with sparkling ice chandeliers and hand-carved snow sculptures. Just outside Québec City, skilled artisans recreate its gleaming ice walls, frozen furnishings and beautifully curved snow ceilings every year.

Spend your days warming up in the outdoor hot tubs or sauna under the stars, while each room has its own real fire so no one goes to bed cold. Comfy real mattresses and a thermal bed sheet add an extra layer of warmth for a surprisingly cosy night’s sleep.

Let These Restaurants Take the Stress out of Christmas Dinner

Don’t fancy stuffing that turkey? Then leave it to the professionals…

Left to Right: Fallow, Langan's Brasserie, Estelle Manor & King Street Townhouse.

Fallow, London

Indulge in a festive tasting menu from Will Murray and Jack Croft, alumni of Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, at their stylish and sustainably minded spot in St James’s Market. Known for growing their own produce and doing whole-animal butchery, these chefs bring serious flavour with a side of eco-consciousness.

For £195 per person, the Christmas Day offering kicks off with a hash brown topped with Exmoor caviar, followed by pigs in blankets with devil sauce, a mushroom parfait with Wiltshire truffle and a salmon belly terrine with even more Exmoor caviar. Then it’s on to the main event: a choice between turkey ballotine with smoked bacon and apricot or a luxurious venison Wellington. Be sure to save room for dessert—a decadent yule log adorned with chestnuts and candied mandarins.

Langan’s Brasserie, London

This iconic Mayfair restaurant, a true London classic since 1976, is serving up a Christmas Day feast fit for tradition lovers. For £180 per person, guests can indulge in a festive spread of chicken liver parfait tartlets and smoked haddock and mustard croquette canapés followed by a perfectly roasted Norfolk Bronze turkey with all the trimmings - pigs in blankets, honey-roasted parsnips, crispy roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, roasted chestnuts and Brussels sprouts.

There’s also a decadent truffle Brie de Meaux cheese course and, for a dash of festive magic, the whole restaurant is decked out in a Gstaad-inspired après-ski theme.

Estelle Manor, Oxfordshire

Estelle Manor, renowned for its elegance and idyllic countryside charm, becomes even more magical at Christmas. The outdoor pool, surrounded by frosty scenery, is as inviting as it is during the summer, while the manor’s classic architecture shines with festive touches. In cosy bedrooms with four-poster beds, mornings are made for coffee and gift exchanges, but this year’s highlight has to be a pop-up ice rink on the grounds - commonplace in London but truly spectacular against the sweeping Oxfordshire countryside, adding a fairytale touch to the season.

King Street Townhouse, Manchester

For northern dwellers, King Street Townhouse in Manchester is serving up Christmas magic with a festive movie lineup and an irresistible Christmas Day meal. Indulge in a caramelised parsnip and coconut soup, ham hock and chicken terrine, cured salmon or beetroot terrine while, for the main, there’s a choice of roast Cheshire turkey, braised short rib of beef, a hearty nut roast or roast cod loin. Wrap it all up with a festive trio of desserts or an epic cheese board – holiday indulgence at its finest, and all just £99 per adult including a glass of fizz.

The Best Winter Sun Holiday Destinations to Escape the Family

Get away from it all in these far-flung destinations that promise clear blue skies and excellent culinary experiences in December.

Left to Right: Cape Town, Thai Island & St Lucia

Cape Town, South Africa

Not only has Cape Town been named the best value long-haul holiday destination for Brits, but there’s something especially magical about it at Christmas and New Year’s, when the early South African summer bathes beaches and vineyards in golden light. Think vibrant crowds soaking up the sun against the dramatic mountain scenery, it’s the perfect antidote to winter blues, while zero-time difference with the UK means you can still enjoy your Christmas morning calls with the family. It’s a win/win.

The Thai Islands

The islands of Thailand are straight out of a castaway dream, making them a great shout for an alternative Christmas getaway. All white sand, laid-back beach shacks, hammocks swaying between palm trees and turquoise waters, there are heaps to choose from depending on your vibe.

Whether you’re unwinding in luxury spas on Koh Samui, embracing the barefoot beach life on Koh Lipe or enjoying the peaceful, relaxed atmosphere of Koh Lanta, expect plenty of sunny weather and a tropical setting promising an idyllic escape from the winter chill.

St Lucia

St. Lucia is a showstopper for a Christmas break, with its stunning beaches, golden sands and the iconic Piton peaks rising dramatically from the rainforest. Luckily December is one of the best times to visit – think low humidity, minimal rainfall and plenty of sunshine - with many hotels perched on hills and offering prime views of those unforgettable Caribbean sunsets.