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Sweaty Christmas

Suggestion by writer and artist Michael Pinchbeck:

There's a monthly sweat lodge in Bestwood Country Park where you can go and sit naked with other people and, well, sweat. Described as 'a chance to enjoy a natural steam bath beneath a hazel dome and cleanse away those aches and pains'. 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!

The next sweat lodge takes place at Bestwood Country Park on 21 December 10:30 - 16:00. Contact Jason Sewell on 0115 956 9603. A charge applies and pre-booking is essential. Meet at Bestwood Country Park campsite.

Stargazing with friends

Suggestion by amateur astronomer Phil Randall:

Check the local weather forecasts on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio Nottingham, choose an evening when it has rained during the day and the sky has cleared late afternoon and early evening. Arrange a few friends and find yourself a dark site away from large centres of urban lighting, possibly along the River Trent near Thurgarton or around Sherwood Forest at Edwinstowe and sit yourself down for a sky observing session. You don't need any expensive equipment, just your eyes and maybe a pair of binoculars, a planisphere would be handy too (less than a tenner from a local bookshop) so you will know what you are looking at. A deckchair, flask of hot soup and some very warm clothes are optional. Wonderful.

Walk on the wild side

Suggestion by Erin McDaid of Notts Wildlife Trust:

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 Clare Brown, author of Dream Laboratory:

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.

Borrow a child for panto

Suggestion by Katey Row, Notts mother:

My christmas wouldn't be complete without a trip to see Kenneth Alan Taylor's latest production. As a family we've been going to the Playhouse shows since our children were four years old. So its become bit of a tradition.

Rockin' around the Christmas tree

Suggestion by Sherwood Poet and DJ: John Humphreys:

See some music at the Maze… one of Nottingham's best music venues, intimate and alive and with great beer as an added bonus. My pick being… some funk at the Maze Xmas Party on Friday 19 December, infectious grooves and twisted beats on New Years Eve and heart-felt Americana with Kevin Montgomery on Tuesday 6 January.

Spaß im Marktquadrat

Suggestion by local writer Alan Fisher:

Partake in a stein or two of chilled beer at the beer tent in the German Market in the Market Square.ÌýIf 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!Ìý

And finally... smile

Suggestion by Joe Paris, Nottingham's one-armed busker:

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.

More suggestions

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