If You’re Still Gifting Socks and Smellies This Christmas, You’re Getting It Wrong

by | Dec 19, 2025 | Beginner classes, courses, Evening classes, Language classes, Language for Holidays, Language school, Languages, Local Knowledge, Skype language classes, Spanish classes

A cream coloured handmade paper heart decoration hanging on a Christmas tree.

Connection, creativity, and shared moments are making their way up festive wish lists across the globe, as people are stepping back from the seasonal excess and materialism of the past decades.

So, what are the global traditions proving festive fun can be gratifying without a hefty price tag?

Hark the Wickets Falling Down in Australia 

Christmas Day Down Under often means a relaxed game of backyard or beach cricket, with all ages welcome, optional rules, and laughing taking precedence over keeping score.

Craft Around the Christmas Tree in Denmark 

Danes gather for klippe klistre, consisting of cutting out paper hearts, making garlands, and plenty of hygge.

Make a Toast to the Dearly Departed in Finland 

Finnish families visit cemeteries on Christmas Eve to light candles for loved ones, followed by food, reflection… and a sauna.

Unwrap a Good Read in Iceland

 Families exchange books, share a hearty Christmas Eve dinner, then curl up by candlelight with their new reads, for an idyllic moment of pandemonium-free hush and togetherness.

Give the Gift of a New Language in the UK

 But, what about closer to home?

Why not gift an experience if you’re keen to give something more memorable than the same old bits and pieces this Christmas?

A language course lays the building blocks for a transformative skill that lasts long after the decorations are packed away for another year.

.At, la Academia, our language learning gift vouchers can be used for group classes or 1:1 lessons, including our always sellout Spanish courses:

  • SPANISH – Conversation Group (Online)

Monday 19th January 2026 | 6.00 – 7.00pm
Six consecutive weeks online via Zoom | Tutor: Andrea | £75

  • SPANISH – Complete Beginners (Daytime class – smaller group)

Wednesday 21st January 2026 | 10.00 – 11.30am
Six consecutive weeks at la Academia, Cheadle | Tutor: Andrea | £120

  • SPANISH – Complete Beginners (Evening class)

Thursday 22nd January 2026 | 7.00 – 9.00pm
Six consecutive weeks at la Academia, Cheadle | Tutor: Liliana | £120

  • SPANISH – Complete Beginners (Evening class)

Thursday 17th February 2026 | 7.00 – 9.00pm
Six consecutive weeks at la Academia, Cheadle | Tutor: Gaby | £120

Get in touch for a Christmas tradition worth starting.