Staying behind this winter break? A Toon Christmas for one

Although Christmas is deemed the season of giving, a time to spend with others, a time to go home and see family, this is not always the case for students at Christmas. No matter what your circumstances might be, some of us simply won’t be leaving our student flats and houses this Christmas break, and that’s okay. For those who are staying behind this year, here is a roundup of all the festive things you can do to make your Christmas for one as special as possible this December. 

Firstly, take a trip to Ouseburn for some Christmas shopping, festive vibes, and great food. Ouseburn is hosting late-night shopping every Thursday in November and December, so take yourself on a stroll around the beautiful valley to take in the sights with a hot chocolate; take a tendency to overspend. 

If shopping isn’t your thing and you’re needing something more creative to keep you busy this Winter, why not look into some group crafting sessions to sign up for? This could be in the city, local to where you live, or even in university. Did you know that NUSU hosts events all throughout the Christmas season? If you’re looking for something crafty, why not sign up for Chilled Out Christmas Crafts on the 11^th of December? Check out the NUSU calendar for the full lineup of events. 

Although crafting is fun, sometimes it’s nice to let someone else do all the work, so why not look for some live music events to attend? You can catch free live music at Billy Bootleggers, cheap gigs at The Cluny, or, for something peaceful and calm, Christmas by Candlelight in Newcastle Cathedral. 

These may all be festive and fun activities to occupy yourself this Christmastime, but Christmas simply wouldn’t be Christmas without a Christmas dinner. Take a night this December for Christmas cooking with all the trimmings, Home Alone (1 and 2), and some festive pyjama bottoms. If a Christmas dinner isn’t your preference, take this Christmas for one as the time to create new traditions. Christmas food doesn’t mean pigs in blankets and roast potatoes; it means making the food that makes you feel like Christmas is coming, food that brings you joy.

Staying in Newcastle this December isn’t to say that you aren’t having a Christmas this year. It’s a time to make new traditions and to buy that ‘first Christmas’ bauble: this Christmas is the first to make it completely yours.