Drink Free Days with a festive twist

Alcohol-free tasting

One of the easiest ways to go drink-free is to drink alcohol-free. Making sure you have your cupboard and fridge stocked with alternatives to alcohol is an easy win – it means you won’t default to alcoholic drinks. And the good news is that these days you are most definitely not limited to orange squash. There’s never been a better time to go alcohol-free. Simply head to the alcohol-free section on your next shop and you’ll see more choice in alcohol-free beers, wines and spirits than ever.

For a festive twist, why not make an evening of it with an alcohol-free tasting party, which you can do with your household or online? Or challenge yourself and friends to come up with mocktail recipes (here are a few suggestions from us to get you started)?

The key to making it special is to get creative. You can simulate a night out by using your best glasses, adding edible drink sparkles or garnishes to your alcohol-free drinks and serving with peanuts, pork scratchings or Christmassy canapes.

Board games tournament

An oldy but a goody. Switch off your devices and dust off your board games for an evening of old-fashioned fun and competition with your household. Board games are having a moment this year, with lots of new inventive concepts to try, both online and in physical formats, so another option is to treat yourself to a new one you’ve never played before.

Crafternoon

Getting crafty can be fun solo, or with friends and family. Making Christmas cards, tree decorations and wreaths are all great ways to get into the festive spirit. To make it extra special, why not plan a ‘crafternoon tea’ with turkey sandwiches, festive cupcakes and spiced scones?

The charity, Mind, has some brilliant crafty templates along with some fundraising ideas for a crafternoon with purpose.

Local light show

Households up and down the country have decked their windows and driveways with festive lights –many with added oomph to beat the coronavirus blues. Wrap up warm and head out on a walk for your very own local light show to see the best displays in your area. You could plan different routes each time.

Virtual cook-along

This takes a bit of planning, but it’s a great alternative if you’re not able to mix households indoors this month. Pick a date, agree the recipes you’ll cook together and enjoy a cook-along online with friends for a virtual dinner party.

Comedy night

They say laughter is good for the soul, but did you know that there is evidence to suggest it strengthens your immune system? With that in mind, sit back, relax and dedicate an evening to some comedy – with limited options outside our homes right now, you can head to YouTube, a number of streaming services and podcasts for sketches to tickle your funny bones.

Get carolling

Singing has many physiological benefits, and while we can’t all get together in person to sing yet, there is no shortage of online options. You could join songsters from around the globe to belt out Christmas classics – from the comfort of your own home.

Find out how your local choir groups are getting together virtually this month or search the web to join voices around the world – Time Out has a few great suggestions to get you going.