One of the best things about Christmas, is that it managed to make really stupid sounding things seem like an excellent idea. Take ice skating for example. Skidding around a large block of ice on a pair of blade lined (ugly) boots is not an activity I'd gladly take up during summer. But come winter, and more specifically Christmas, and I'm desperate to pull on my favourite matching scarf and gloves set and hit the ice.
I also suffer under the illusion that I'm a naturally good skater. Until I spend an hour grasping onto the sides whilst small children whizz past me at speed.
For kids, ice skating is a great activity for keeping fit and having fun. It's also easy to get involved, when there are events happening up and down the country to take your kids to.
Here are some of the best.
For any London dwellers, this is a must-visit. The huge ice rink sits right in front of the huge museum, and you can also access the Christmas fair just outside the museum. Tickets start at around £8 for kids, and £13 for adults.
For those living in the South West, the Eden Project's ice rink is a real treat. Not only can you enjoy a bit of skating during the evening, but you can also try some mulled wine and roasted chestnuts from the Winter Wonderland inside. Tickets start at £5 for 40 minutes.
Those residing in Newcastle can enjoy some skating and education at the Life centre on Times Square. Tickets start from £7.50.
The ice rink in Manchester has a canopy of twinkling lights to skate beneath, and prices start at just £5 for a child.
There are plenty more outside ice rinks springing up across the country, and you can read more about them all on the Enjoy England site.