Beach Day/ Hike Picture: Pexels
While Christmas is an annual event that we cannot escape, this doesn’t necessarily mean everyone wants to celebrate it. From diverse religious beliefs to simply avoiding the season of spending, there are many reasons why individuals choose to opt out of Christmas.
The general belief is that most establishments and businesses are closed during Christmas Eve and Christmas, but a few places remain open. There is also a wide variety of free things you can do on these days.
Unsure how to spend the holidays with merriment minus the Christmas tidings? Take a look at a few activities and attractions to visit to have a memorable time this December.
Go on a hike
As nature is always open, hiking is a great activity to add to your itinerary if you’re looking for a break from the festive madness in the city from last-minute shopping at the few open stores left.
Christmas time is generally considered a holiday spent with family, so this is the perfect opportunity for your whole clan to enjoy the outdoors. Spending time in nature is also a great way to reflect on the year and think about all the things you’re thankful for.
Donate and/or spend the day volunteering
As Christmas is considered the giving season, a great way to keep busy during this time is to give back. There are an array of organisations with the mission to ensure a wonderful Christmas time for all, which would greatly appreciate any sort of support.
From donations for the Santa Shoebox Project to signing up at your local soup kitchen to feed the homeless, you can get into the spirit in a significant way by helping those in need.
Head to the beach
If you’re looking to spend Christmas Day in a bustling and energetic setting, going to the beach on this day is a must. With cheery dispositions and a flock of tanning bodies, the sandy shores of South Africa are a popular choice for many individuals.
The popularity of these sites is generally due to people taking advantage of the public holiday to enjoy the warm weather this country is known for during this time. So, pack your bikini and sense of adventure, and head to the beach for an epic time in the sun.
Go to a restaurant & skip the festive cooking
One of the great burdens of Christmas is cooking an epic buffet for the family, so eating out is an excellent alternative to avoid the stress of preparing a meal. Many restaurants capitalise on this sentiment and open their doors to hungry patrons on this public holiday. Be sure to check out the Christmas specials in your province.
Written by Louise Bell
First published on Getaway
