There is lots on to enjoy at this time of year including local markets and a calm oasis amid the rush says Liz Nicholls

Christmas can be stressful, but if anyone deserves to get a festive glow on, it’s our older readers.

Maybe you’re hosting the whole shebang; maybe you’ve escaped to the Malmaison for a day of feasting. But there is plenty to enjoy at a leisurely pace. Tastes vary, but if you’ve had more Christmasses than most of us have had hot dinners, you deserve to pick out the best things going on, like truffles in a forest of tat.

Even shopping can warm the cockles if you avoid the overheated muzak of the chain stores and follow the wafting fragrance of mulled wine to your local market.

In Oxford, Broad Street hosts its Germanic themed bazaar with many a stall full of gleaming gifts until Sunday – and you’re never more than a few steps from a glass of gluhwein or a hot sausage, if you need perking up. Keeping it local and nailing those very hard-to- buy-for relatives is a pleasure at the naughty-feeling Licious in South Parade, Summertown.

The vintage homewares shop is hosting Flash in the Pan until Monday which is the ideal spot for perfect eclectic jewellery, art, ceramics and handcrafted gifts celebrating local talent.

Waterperry Gardens, near Wheatley, is a great oasis to make the take of buying gifts, wreaths and plants all the more pleasant. Christmas opening (Dec 27-30) is 10am-4pm.

If you’ve got the grandchildren in tow, head to the ornamental gardens for a reindeer hunt too (£2 a child and adults paying garden entrance fee of £4.75 each). Waterperry OX33 1JZ. 01844 339254/ waterperrygardens.co.uk

And, although Blenheim Palace in Woodstock is just about to enter hibernation mode, you can take a stroll in the park gardens (every day except Christmas Day) while it’s light.

And, even if you’re definitely in the humbug club, what could be more classy than Christmas at Christ Church tomorrow (Dec 20) at 8pm when Stephen Darlington will direct the cathedral voices through carols ancient and modern. Services of Nine Lessons and Carols at Christ Church take place on December 23 and 24 – tickets have sold out early as usual, but do visit chchchoir.org/events/ in case of any cancellations.

Feeling flush? You can always stuff the turkey and head to Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Great Milton for Christmas lunch in La Belle Epoch restaurant. A glittering saloon of laughter and lavish dishes, these festive lunches are so popular at Raymond Blanc’s exquisite manor and hotel that you can book a private lunch until the end of February, at a special rate of £110 per person.

And, if New Year’s Eve down your local is not to your taste, the Gala Dinner and Dance is sure to tickle your fancy. The event is £370 per person while two-night luxury packages range from £2,400 to £4,380. So you’ll have to be very very good this year if you want Santa to buy you a ticket.

Call 01844 278 847 or email reservations@blanc.co.uk to book a table. Similarly classy is Waddesdon Manor where the east wing is open in all its decorative bling until New Year’s Day (special late-night openings every Friday, Sat and Sun until Dec 29) 01296 653226/waddesdon.org.uk

Gamblers are welcome at Eynsham Hall in North Leigh which hosts its Christmas Casino House Parties until Sunday. Eynsham Hall OX29 6PN. 01993 885200 or eynsham hall.com

If swing is your thing, head to Banbury’s Mill tomorrow night for King Pleasure & the Biscuit Boys. Dazzling musicianship, riveting stage performances, a stocking-load of television appearances mean this is a show to put a spring in your step. Tickets: £14 in advance/ £16 on the door. Visit www.kingpleasure.co.uk

The Phoenix Picturehouse in Jericho also has a tasty selection of films over Christmas to cheer up those with long memories. Call 01865 310594 And, on a slightly more serious note, Christmas is about being with the ones you love, which makes it an incredibly hard if you can’t, or feel alone. Age UK Oxfordshire has a wealth of activities you can join near you – from Tai Chi and Qi Gong for the elderly to its inspiring Life Begins programme. Visit the website at ageuk.org.uk/oxfordshire or call 0844 887 0005 and the friendly team will be there to support you.