Christmas

Have a sweaty Christmas

There's a monthly sweat lodge in Bestwood Country Park where you can go and sit naked with other people and, well, sweat.

Reminds me of how people in Scandinavia chill out - rolling in the snow before sitting in a sauna. Sounds like a nice way to relax after Christmas shopping.

Might even make an alternative Christmas present! (Suggestion by writer and artist Michael Pinchbeck)

Inside the sweat lodge

The next sweat lodge takes place at Bestwood Country Park on 22 December 10.30am - 2pm. Contact Jason Sewell on 0115 956 9603.

Walk on the wild side

Over the Christmas break why not visit one of the Wildlife Trust's nature reserves, there are over 60 sites including Attenborough. Most people live within just a couple of miles of one of the Trust's sites.

Why not try Bunny Old Wood in the south of the county or Treswell Wood near Retford. In the city you could try Harrison's Plantation in Wollaton or Seller's Wood near Bulwell. (Suggestion by Erin McDaid of Notts Wildlife Trust). Find out more:

Alternatively, pay a visit to Rufford Country Park. They run a programme of guided walks and other seasonal activities, but I just like to wander - it's a really wonderful environment offering nature, horticulture, history, craft, art and architecture, and although it's lovely all year round I think it's at its best in winter (Suggestion by Clare Brown, author of The Creation Myths and Dream Laboratory).

Borrow a child for panto

If the weather's not so good try pantoland.

My christmas wouldn't be complete without a trip to see Kenneth Alan Taylor's production of Dick Whittington. As a family we've been going to the playhouse productions since our children were four years old. So its become bit of a tradition (Suggestion by Katey Row, Nottingham Community Volunteer Service).

I must admit as a 23 year old male I would feel a bit self-conscious about going on my own – so either borrow a child from somewhere (with their parents' consent!) or take your friends along (Suggestion by freelance writer James Taylor).

Sample some local talent

It's a great time to have a go at something new. It's a lot less difficult than sticking to a New Year's resolution because you just try something over Christmas then give it up at New Year if its not happening!

As a musician, I am going to have a crack at learning a new instrument. I've borrowed a trombone. Also, you could go and see a Nottingham band you have never seen before. (Suggestion by local musician Rob Maddison). Have a look at our gig listings page:

You can't get more of a local music night than Leftlion's New Years Eve Extravaganza at the Orange Tree, featuring Kids in Tracksuits, Yunioshi and DJs the Stiff Kittens. Free drinks and food. (Suggestion by Jared Wilson, Editor of Leftlion) Find out more:

Spaß im Marktquadrat

Partake in a stein or two of chilled beer at the beer tent in the German Market in the Market Square. If you're feeling particularly intrepid you could take to the ice on the impressive outdoor ice rink which rather dominates the scene - but I would recommend doing this before partaking in aforementioned beer! (Suggestion by local writer Alan Fisher).

Enjoy a festive ruck

Take either the family, or your mates to watch Nottingham play rugby on Sunday 23 December. The team is rejuvenated and almost back to its best of the 80s when the likes of Rees, Oti, Andrew and Moore donned their boots at Ireland Avenue.

Now at the new playing home of Meadow Lane (Notts County) Nottingham are rising up the table and hope to gain promotion to the Guinness Premiership over the next two to three years. It's a great afternoon out, even better if you're not working on Christmas Eve so can afford to have one or more drinks along the way. (Suggestion by Chris Simon (aka Pel), Director of Perfect Motion and founder of Nottingham Touchrugby, proud father of three and husband to Joanna).

See Santa at the Castle

You could visit Father Christmas in the bandstand at Nottingham Castle. A chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the town centre and place your order for Christmas in the beautiful Castle grounds.

Santa at the Castle bandstand

Of course, there are many ways to see Santa across Nottinghamshire but visiting the bearded one in the castle grounds is a bit different. (Suggestion by Castle Manager David Green).

And finally... smile

Take a little time out from everything that's going on, stand back, and smile this Christmas. As a street performer there are many faces that pass me by and it is of great joy to exchange a smile; especially mid-song (Suggestion by Joe Paris, Nottingham's one-armed busker).