5 small moments of joy to bask in this Christmas

For all the delights of a shared Christmas – crackers, carols, ferocious Scrabble contests – it can also be worth weaving in your own small moments of joy. That lull period between December 25 and New Year is an ideal time to unwind and reclaim time to yourself, with everyday past-times that are soup for the soul. 

As the festive season begins in earnest, here are five small activities to revel in as you recharge your batteries. For each idea, we’ve added in rewards and earning opportunities from Virgin Red, the new rewards club from Virgin, to help you on your way. 

Spend some time outdoors

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You can get your endorphins flowing using Virgin Red’s online membership reward with Virgin Active (13,500 points). But for the Christmas period itself, it’s also worth getting outdoors as much as possible. 

According to Virgin Red’s charity partner Mind, spending time in greenery comes with a whole host of wellbeing benefits. So, amid all that cheese-eating and film-watching, a walk is always a good idea. You could even discover some beautiful gardens and historic homes en-route, with a National Trust membership (earn points with Virgin Red). 

Focus on small acts of kindness

Everyday gratitude is a great way to create a small moment of joy – as our friends at Virgin Pulse know well. Read their blog on how to build this positive habit, which includes showing small acts of kindness. 

You can make the most of this benefit by donating Virgin Points to Virgin Red’s many charity partners, including Air Ambulances UK. With points converted into cash donation at a not-for-profit rate, you can directly support the work of this life-saving organisation – along many other great causes in Virgin Red’s Point for Good programme. 

Catch up on your reading wish list

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The benefits of books reach beyond the power of a good story, too. Research shows us reading can put us into a “pleasurable, trance-like state” of deep relaxation. Something you can access even more of via an online membership with Virgin Startup company Rebel Book Club, for 6,400 points. 

Treat yourself to a takeaway

We know that being kind to yourself in life is important. And nothing is kinder than skipping on the Christmas washing up and ordering a takeaway instead.

No more slaving over gravy. No more turkey tussles. No more ‘30 dirty plates and an overflowing dishwasher’ riddles to solve. In their place, over 30,000 restaurant menus to choose from via Just Eat, with a local restaurant just waiting to conjure up a tasty meal for yours. As a member of Virgin Red, you’ll earn points on every Just Eat takeaway you order. Nom nom nom. 

Hang out with your four-legged pals

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If you’re a pet owner, you don’t need us to tell you that our furry friends bring a whole ton of tail-wagging joy to our lives (YouTube stars Olive and Mabel are a case in point). So this Christmas can be all about walkies with Rolo, or kipping with your cat by the fire. 

If you’re thinking of getting your buddy a festive treat this season – a doggie stocking for example, or a catnip santa toy – don’t forget you can treat yourself, too. With Virgin Red, you can earn points for every purchase made at Pets at Home. Points you can spend on reward for you, so everyone’s a winner. 

Find out more about how you can earn points with Virgin Red, the new rewards club from Virgin, and sign up or login here.