Beat the blues

Beat the blues




When it comes to Winter, many of us get the blues. However, it is not all doom and gloom. Medianett has compiled a list of what to look forward to during the chillier months….

When it comes to Winter, many of us get the blues. However, it is not all doom and gloom. Medianett has compiled a list of what to look forward to during the chillier months.

Sure, there are a tonne of things about Winter we are dreading, but do they outweigh the great activities that come hand-in-hand with the season?

When asking Industry members what they were not looking forward to this winter, Stephen Burns of Adapt Finance said: “Traffic!”

James Bloom of Regentsmead replied: “Bad weather which affects our clients and causes delays.”

However, not all seem to have got the winter blues.

“There’s not much I am not looking forward to this winter,” said Richard Deacon of Masthaven. “It’s a bit of a pain when the weather turns so bad you can’t play/watch football, but other than that I’m ok with the season…only one step away from spring which is by far and away and without a shadow of doubt the best of the four seasons by a country mile!”

Medianett has created a list of the ten top things that we should be doing this winter – so forget the negatives and start getting excited about the season!

1. Winter Wonderland: Take a trip to Hyde Park this year and enjoy downing a few German pints to keep the chill off before visiting the magical Ice Kingdom. If you want to escape the queues, try visiting on a weekday morning. James Bloom said: “The annual trip to Winter Wonderland with friends is always great fun - even if it does leave a hole in the wallet!”

2. Ice skating rink at the National History Museum: The Museum has a fantastic ice rink outside the beautiful sights of the museum, where if you go early on a Sunday, you can beat the crowds.

3. Christmas markets: If you are not already in the winter spirit, visit one of the many Christmas markets to get some Christmas present inspiration. Belfast, Manchester, Edinburgh, London and Canterbury are some of the most highly-rated destinations for the spirited markets. Steven McColl of Soho Corporate told Medianett that he will be visiting the Edinburgh Christmas Markets after spending time at Christmas with his family.

4. Happy lights: Created for those who really are suffering from the winter blues, these lights are designed to combat the negative affects from the lack of sunlight in the winter. These lights can be used at any time and apparently lift your mood.

5. Winter sports: Ice skating, snowboarding, skiing, sledging – the list is endless. One for loving winter sports, Richard Deacon said he will be enjoying the PDC world darts championships at Alexandra Palace – apparently “the sporting event over the festive season,” along with the King George Chase horse race at Kempton Park and Chelsea v West Ham on Boxing day. Richard added: “What a feast of sporting action!”

6. Going abroad: The Medianett team will be going away to Slovakia before Christmas, however Melinda McMahon of Metropolis Surveyors will be going to America in the New Year. Also going to America, Steven McColl said he is going to New York, to “suck in the winter vibe in Central Park.” Stephen Burns told Medianett that he won’t be travelling anywhere this winter, adding: “Home is where the heart is.” James Bloom is also keeping it local, where he said: “[I am] just travelling to see friends and family”.

7. Christmas food: The only time of the year when it is the accepted norm to eat meat wrapped in more meat, cheese and crackers turn into one of your five a day, and if puddings weren’t sweet enough, you dowse them in liquored-butter.

8. Christmas coffees: You know it’s winter when the toffee nut lattes and eggnog arrives at Starbucks. Christmas tip: Pret offer Christmas crumbles! Can they do no wrong?

9. The John Lewis advert: Sometimes sadder than watching The Notebook, but we look forward to it with anticipation every year.

10. Christmas movies: Possibly the best films to watch of the year. Home Alone, Gremlins, The Grinch and Elf are all non-negotiable must-sees every year. If you want a little change in scenery however, the Christmas Film Club at Hackney Down Studios is hosting outdoor Christmas movies along with winter essentials; hot toddies, mince pies and candy canes – but it’s only available for two weeks in December – so book it quick!

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