Our Marie came over all lyrical while in the town shopping for clients…..

 ” As I step off the train at Edinburgh Waverley Station I am reminded of that classic black and white film “Brief Encounter.” The station is wreathed in fog and busy commuters hurry past in hats and overcoats.

 Ascending the steps I hear the sound of a choir singing Christmas songs and I smile just because I can.

 In nearby Princes Street Gardens the German Market is in full swing, lights twinkling around the little wooden cabins.

  

Hand carved wooden Christmas tree decorations next to brightly coloured angels, a Ferris wheel and fairground rides look down onto the skating rink below where old and young alike  glide…or wobble, over the frozen surface.

 The smell of the Gluwine and Bavarian bratwurst tickles my nose and makes my tummy rumble.

 It’s Christmas in the city.”

Some thoughts on things to do and places to go this year…….

LONDON.

Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square.   

Running from 7 – 21 December. Performances are between 5pm and 9pm and four groups will perform each evening.

 More info at http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/christmas-carols-london-feature-1454.html

 Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.

  

Open now until 3 December. The whole family can enjoy this event in Hyde Park with over 200 rides, German markets, cafes, bars and choirs and bands performing each evening. It also houses London’s biggest ice skating rink.

www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

 Why not let someone else do all the work for Christmas lunch this year. 

Brown’s Hotel http://www.brownshotel.com

Another traditional – and luxurious – option is The Albemarle at Brown’s Hotel. Mains include roast Lancashire suckling pig, free-range turkey, and steamed fillet of turbot. The four-course menu is served with a glass of Tattinger champagne. £220 per person

Or London Hilton on Park Lane http://www.hilton.co.uk/londonparklane

Christmas at London Hilton on Park Lane comes complete with family entertainment courtesy of a magician and a visit from Santa! You can choose from Christmas Day lunch or dinner in the Podium Restaurant and Bar, or Christmas Day lunch at Galvin at Windows. From £65 per person

Tradition with a twist?

See Matthew Bourne’s famous award winning all-male version of Swan Lake at London’s Sadler’s Wells. www.sadlerswells.com

 

The show went on to collect more than 30 international theatre awards, and became the longest running ballet in the West End and on Broadway. If you haven’t seen this version of Swan Lake, make sure you catch it this Christmas!

SCOTLAND

Carols by Candlelight in Edinburgh at the Usher Hall 22 December.

 

This is a great concert by candlelight with lots of music form the 18th century as well as carols for all  to join in .What a good way to enjoy Christmas. Here is some of the music you can look forward to: HANDEL Zadok the Priest
Christmas sequence from Messiah including Hallelujah Chorus Let the bright Seraphim.
BACH: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring: Sleepers Wake.
GRUBER: Silent Night.  Etc

 If that isn’t your thing then there’s Christmas with the Rat Pack (19 December)

or the  RSNO – Christmas Concert (18 December)  Conducted and presented by the irrepressible Christopher Bell and including the magical family film The Snowman.

 More details at  http://www.usherhall.co.uk/concerts/index.php

 In Glasgow on Christmas Eve?

Go out and enjoy the start of the festivities and take in a big screen version of White Christmas best of all it’s free!

 

More info at http://www.winterfestglasgow.com/christmas_eve_/

Bah Humbug!

In the 17th century, Oliver Cromwell’s parliament banned the celebration of Christmas. No presents, singing or carols were allowed.
Go along to Edinburgh Castle this Christmas Eve to find out what some of his soldiers think of this new law! Admission included in entrance free to the castle

https://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/places/events/event_detail.htm?eventid=25933

Eating out on Christmas day

 Christmas Lunch at The Bonham in Edinburgh £90 per person for seven courses

Served from 12 noon – 4pm and 6.30pm – 8.30pm. Check out the menu here: http://www.townhousecompany.com/thebonham/restaurant/christmas_day_menu.aspx

 Or try their Glasgow sister the Blythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow for £85.

http://www.townhousecompany.com/blythswoodsquare/dining/christmas_day_menu.aspx

December Newsletter

Website of the month:  Pushed to find parking? Here are two of our favourite sites

 http://www.parkatmyhouse.co.uk/  or    http://en.parkopedia.co.uk/

 GO…

To the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh for a Christmas show that isn’t the usual run of the mill pantomime. Look out for a mysterious masked swordsman and his distinctive signature carved into the snow http://www.traverse.co.uk/shows_zorro.htm  

To a German Christmas market without leaving the country.  The Cologne Christmas Market brings the real spirit of a German Christmas to London, as the area from the Southbank Centre to the London Eye is transformed by authentically decorated wooden chalets offering a wide range of unique hand crafted gifts and unusual Christmas presents. The Market is open seven days a week from 11am – 8pm Sunday – Thursday and 10am – 10pm Friday and Saturday, till Wednesday 23 December 2009. Entry is free.

 DO…

Get your Christmas cards for overseas there on time:

Airmail dates

http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm/content1?catId=400126&mediaId=17800253&campaignid=urlredirectchristmaspost  

Give your home a spruce up for Christmas and let Moirs take it on for you. In addition to their excellent cleaning service Moirs Residential based in Falkirk is launching an ironing service. They’re fully insured and will pick up and drop off at your convenience call them on 0845 434 6009 or visit www.moirsresidential.com

If you’re not in Scotland cushion the impact has access to fantastic companies who can do this for you wherever you happen to be in the country. Give us a call and all you need to do is put your feet up.   

 SEE…

The world’s top tennis players in action either at the AEGON Tennis Championships 2010 at Queen’s Club (formerly The Artois Championships) 7 June – 13 June. Package prices from £450 + VAT pp or the Wimbledon Tennis Championships 2010, 21 June – 4 July. Package prices from £549 + VAT pp & Debenture ticket only from £400 + VAT each

The Turner Prize at Tate Britain as it returns for 2009 with an exhibition of works from a selection of short listed artists. Art fans can see who’s nominated for one of the biggest prizes in the art world. Exhibition runs until Saturday 16 January 2010 and the winner will be announced Monday 7 December 2009 http://www.tate.org.uk/britain/ 

 BUY…

Why not consider a cushion the impact gift voucher?

They’re perfect for friends and family, for rewarding your work team or even thanking your key customers and work like a bonus and present all in one. Call or email us to find out more.

cushion the impact is pleased to offer a once in a lifetime chance to own the letter Harry Potter received inviting him to Hogwarts Academy. A friend of ours Wendy Kidd (who has previously trekked to the North Pole http://www.lisburn.com/archives/info/2008-news/wendy-kidd.html) is off again this time to the South Pole pulling 40 kilos of gear and braving a wind chill factor of minus 15 while sleeping under canvas. Leaving London on 10 December and hoping to reach the Pole by 3 January. We have decided she’s quite mad however, since all the proceeds are going to the MS Society Scotland and N Ireland, we felt the least we could do is give you the chance to participate in this unique auction. All bids or requests for further information should be made to wendykidd@blueyonder.co.uk      

 EAT…

Enjoy an après ski style atmosphere without ever having to move out of the city this Christmas at the Swiss Chalet London pop up event.

Courtesy of Swissotel The Howard, the Swiss Chalet London pop up venue is open to the public every Tuesday evening. Filled with traditional Swiss themed furniture and decorations, the chalet gives you the chance to enjoy après ski inspired festive atmosphere. The chalet is open until Wednesday 31 March 2010. Dinner is available to the public every Tuesday from 6pm – 10pm, and costs £23.00 per person. For more information, call 0872 148 4010.

Looking for a great place to eat in Edinburgh that won’t blow the Christmas Shopping budget? Then try cushion the impact’s new favourite place to eat The Atrium Restaurant and their Seasonal Offer menu. We can’t recommend it highly enough, the food is excellent and the service unobtrusive but first rate. http://www.atriumrestaurant.co.uk/set_dinner_menu.htm