Washington Irving wrote: “Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.”
Irving, the traveller and writer, was a descendent of the Irvines of Drum Castle, near Banchory, which is now a National Trust for Scotland property.
It’s an appropriate link, because many of the trust properties provide that hospitality and, of course, charity which he celebrates.
They are the essence of Christmas past, yet are the perfect locations for the whole family to enjoy Christmas present, including at Drum itself.
Pick up some very special decorations, such as the traditional handcrafted holly wreaths being created at the Castle.
Made from holly gathered from the estate grounds, no two will be exactly the same – the very essence of Christmas.
Drum is just one of several trust properties holding Christmas fairs or craft events that will help solve those difficult present-buying puzzles. These take place on December 7, 8, 14 and 15 and are the ideal place to go for some festive fun.
There’s no need to travel to Lapland for a glimpse of Santa and his reindeer this December, as he’ll be swinging by Holmwood House in Glasgow before the big day.
He’ll be visiting this handsome Alexander “Greek” Thomson-designed house with his team of elves on December 7, 8, 14 and 15.
Those elves may well have trained at the Elf School based in the David Livingstone Centre at Blantyre.
There are always places there for trainees, who can earn themselves a certificate, make a gift and have a lot of fun.
Trainees can sign up for sessions on December 7, 8, 14 and 15, too.
Santa will be visiting several properties to gather Christmas present requests, so visitors should watch out for him.
Meanwhile, Mrs Claus is busy, too.
She is leading a team at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum at Alloway, Ayrshire, including the Christmas Tree Fairy and Gilbert the Reindeer Keeper, as they try to repair Santa’s sleigh in time for Christmas.
It’s a fun mini pantomime that visitors can join and enjoy, running on weekends from December 7-22.
She’s having a hectic time this year as she’s also in residence at the beautiful Pollok House in Glasgow until Christmas Eve, where she will meet and greet children by her cosy fire (but you do have to book online first: www.nts.org.uk/events).
Ian McGreevy, property manager, said: “You can visit Mrs Claus by her cosy fire in the morning room, then tour the rest of the house where the Pollok teddies are busy preparing for Christmas.”
The fabulous Edwardian kitchen will also be preparing some sumptuous seasonal food.
The buildings themselves offer such atmospheric venues for events, especially when music is added, such as at the enchanting Hill House at Helensburgh.
There, on Friday, December 13, the local Oratorio Choir will perform traditional carols in the drawing room – a rare opportunity to see Hill House after dark, and admire the talent of designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
The house will also be open for festive fun on December 7, 8, 14 and 15.
To capture the essence of Christmas, visit the National Trust for Scotland website for full details: www.nts.org.uk/christmas